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GATEWAY
Model FPD2275W
22" Widescreen
High-Definition
LCD Display
I have been using this monitor for
several months and love what it does
best, provide an excellent picture.
It show its prowess in the DVI
environment. 720P Component RGB
HD is a big plus in a 22 computer
monitor. The newer model has
switched from Component RGB
to HDMI which might cause
problems in a mixed input
environment. More on that point
and the rest of the review coming
soon!
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LOGITECH
Cordless Desktop
S 530 Laser for Mac
Logitech is probably best known for
making excellent sounding and
affordable home + PC speaker
systems. They also have a large
assortment of Cordless Mice and
Keyboards.
I have been using this specifically for
Mac Keyboard + Mice Combo for
quite a while and enjoy the sleek and
sturdy design. I especially like the
mute button which comes in handy
to mute commercials while listening
to streaming media. I also control
the volume and start and stop
iTunes from the keyboard. I also
like the scroll wheel features like
zoom and tilt left and right to move
sideways in my browser and when
using Photoshop, wow what a time-
saver, not to mention my wrist!
Logitech also makes the Cordless
Desktop S 510 using the same
keyboard and is designed for
Windows. It uses the Logitech LX5
Cordless mouse which doesn't have
as many features as the Logitech MX
600 cordless laser mouse that comes
with the Mac Combo. I guess us Mac
owners are just lucky.
Whether you're a Mac or Windows
user, once you own a Logitech
product you can count on excellent
customer service from a
knowledgeable staff who don't ask
for your date of purchase and don't
want your credit card number
because they stand behind their
products in a way that I wish the rest
of the consumer electronics industry
would take notice and try to emulate.
Slim Devices, a Logitech company,
also makes some very interesting
products such as the Squeezebox
digital music player that I have
known about for quite a while even
before they became a part of the
Logitech family.
I also had one of the first Harmony
Universal Remotes that has also
become part of the Logitech family.
Logitech has a keen eye for
interesting products that add a lot
of luster to a already impressive
line of Logitech products.
I will be adding more details to this
review in the next few weeks. For
now I will use details from Logitech's
website.
(The following text is from the
Logitech website)
Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for
Mac Superior comfort and precision
with one-touch controls designed
specifically for your Mac.
One-Touch Mac Controls: Instantly
access iTunes, iPhoto, Safari, Mail
and more.
USB Mini-receiver: Get reliable
wireless in an instant, and remove
the clutter of wires.
Power Management: Go longer with
a low-battery light and auto-off.
Flatter Keyboard Design: Be slim,
sleek and comfortable.
Silver and White Styling: Designed
specifically for your Mac
(consumer and Pro).
ZERO-DEGREE TILT: Reduce fatigue
with a remarkably natural typing
feel.
SCULPTED LASER MOUSE: Rest your
hand on gently contoured sides and
soft rubber grips.
LASER ENGINE: Get exceptional
mouse control in all applications
on virtually any surface.
TILT WHEEL PLUS ZOOM:
Go side to side or in and out on
photos and spreadsheets alike.
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CANON
VIXIA HF100
High Definition Camcorder
I Just got this Camcorder yesterday
(May 14th '08) and it does feel right
at home in my right hand. An elegant
piece of fine art just crying out to
be taken out and and shown a good
time. That's exactly what I plan to do
later this month in Kyoto, Japan.
Until I put this camcorder through
it paces I won't be able to give
more than a first impression. I will
be testing it both hand-held and
with the TrekPod Go! Walking Staff,
Monopod (see the review. top right).
UPDATE:
I'm back from Kyoto and all I can
say after using the Canon and
viewing some of the video on my
Sony XBR is WOW !!!
(The following text if from
Canon's website.)
From Canon's long history of optical
excellence, advanced image
processing, superb performance
and technological innovation in
photographic and broadcast
television cameras comes the
latest in high definition camcorders.
Now, with the light, compact Canon
VIXIA HF100, you can have stunning
AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec
High Definition) format recording
with the ease and numerous
benefits of Flash Memory. It's used
in some of the world's most innovative
electronic products such as laptop
computers, MP3 players, PDAs and
cell phones. Add to that the VIXIA
HF100's Canon Exclusive features
such as our own 3.3 Megapixel
Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced
DIGIC DV II Image Processor,
SuperRange Optical Image
Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus,
our 2.7" Widescreen Multi-Angle
Vivid LCD and the Genuine Canon
12x HD video zoom lens and you
have a Flash Memory camcorder
that's hard to beat and unmistakably
Canon.
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SONY
Model KDL- 40XBR4 40"
LCD Flat Panel HDTV
This is my first look.
I have been testing this HDTV
with a rooftop antenna, a HDTV
cable box and input from my
standard definition Tivo. While
the black level has been touted
elsewhere for its abundance,
I take issue. Its ability to upscale
a standard definition picture is
one of its best features as is the
quality of the sound which is
nothing short of outstanding,
providing you use all of the audio
controls available.
Much more coming soon.
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INFOCUS IN72
DLP Projector
This is a Home Theater type of
projector. Make sure that you buy
a home theater projector and not
a Multimedia projector for home
use. Multimedia is for use in
presentation environments.
I have been using this projector
for more than a few months. So
far I have used it for 230 hours.
I'm using a 100 inch screen and
getting about 96 inches from
about 10 feet. This is now an
older projector, having been
replaced by the IN76 and IN78
which have both been
discontinued, along with the
IN72. While the IN72 was
selling well below a thousand
dollars, InFocus has
concentrated on higher end
projectors all of which are
1080p rather then making
available 720p which would
be more bang for the buck.
It's too bad because now
you will have to pay over
two thousand dollars to get
a InFocus projector. The IN72
while having a 16:9 aspect
ratio it only produces a
native resolution of 480i. It
will show content of up to
1080p and does a pretty
good job. I will be
investigating the new crop
of InFocus projectors to see
if my list of 'Pros and Cons"
for this projector will make
my list of the newer projectors.
I do know that one of the most
noticeable defects is still present
in all of the InFocus projectors
and could be fixed if InFocus
wanted to fix it, but they don't
want to. It is a most aggravating
omission that plagues me still.
For the price it's wasn't a bad
deal. However it it uses only a
single DLP chip to produce its
color picture instead of a three
chip DLP which is the best type
of DLP configuration. I will be
detailing the flaws in using only
one chip in my expanded review
which I will be posting soon.
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NEUROS OSD
Media Center
My first look review will post
as soon as I have had a
chance to test it.
(The following text is from the
Neuros website.)
The Neuros OSD connects to your
TV or home theater system and
allows you to archive all of your
DVD and video content.
Plug the Neuros OSD into your TV,
connect your DVD Player or VCR,
and hit play. Your movie will be
safely and legally transferred into
a digital library! It works with
home movies too. Just plug your
video camera into the OSD,
push play, and your memories
are digitized.
With the Neuros OSD, you can
store hundreds of hours of video
in one location (like an external
hard drive), get rid of those bulky
cases, put an end to DVD
damage, and instantly access
any of your videos with the
push of a button on a remote.
You can even transfer your video
content to a portable device
(video iPod, PSP, mobile phone,
etc.) to watch on the go, or
email your home movies to
friends and family.
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DICE ELECTRONICS
HD Radio Integration
Kit with iPod Control
Is this product the remedy to the
frustration you experience when you
try to listen to an iPod, iPhone or any
MP3 player using an FM transmitter to
listen to music through your car
stereo? I will have the answer with my
'First Look' review in the next few
weeks. The installation will be
handled thru the call-center of
Installernet's network of professional
installers. I get to chose from several
installers in my area.
Todays MP3 players offer high quality
sound, as do most car stereos. The
weak link has, up until now, been FM
transmitters.
If your car stereo doesn't have an input
to plug in an external music source,
such as an MP3 player and you don't
have a cassette player (which can use
a cassette audio adapter) then your
only method to deliver your music has
been an FM transmitter. Most FM
transmitters are useless in big cities
like NYC and often lose the signal
when going over bridges. You will
probably need to change frequencies
frequently and you will find that FM
transmitters were your last chance to
hear your music in your car unless
you brought along CDs. I have tried
and returned a Radio Shack, a Griffin
and 5 off brand FM transmitter
because they just don't work well.
The 5 off brand units were returned to
Costco because they all broke.
What I plan to find out is how well the
Dice HD Radio works with it's iPod
Control and how much better the
HD Radio works compared to my plain
old FM radio. This unit not only adds
an iPod and/or iPhone cradle but also
includes an input for other MP3
players. Dice does make a iPod
Integration Kit that does not include
the HD Radio module, but you will
only save about $50 so why not just
get the HD Radio Integration Kit with
iPod Control and get both HD radio
and iPod functionality with one
installation thereby having the best
of both worlds.
Can the Dice finally remove the last
obstacle to obtaining efficient audio
through-put? I hope to have a review
in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
(FM radio transmitters are all so lame,
it's nice to finally have another choice!)
Once my review is ready for my
first look, it will include the optional
iPod/iPhone mount and a Leather
covered upholstery matching base
from Kuda for mounting the
iPod/iPhone mount to my BMW
interior. Kuda makes a lot of
high quality mounts for many
car interiors for mounting
iPods, cell phones or whatever
you need.
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TrekPod
Walking Staff, Monopod
& Tripod with MagMount
The first test of the TrekPod Go!
was as walking staff. At first I felt
it was a little awkward and
inconstant, but that was my fault
because I ignored the strap. It
has a high quality ski pole type
strap. Once I used the strap like
a ski pole it felt like a natural
extension of my arm and wrist.
I have only tested this tripod in
the field with a point and shoot
camera using the 'Mag Adapter
- Light Force' to attach the
camera to the MagMount
System and it worked very well.
The next test will be with the same
camera and include the new Canon
VIXIA HF100 High Definition
Camcorder using the 'Mag Adapter
- Heavy Force' to attach the
camcorder. I will be touring Japan
and this will be the perfect time
to test all aspects of the TrekPod
Go! version of the TrekPod family.
Testing the tripod (at home) with the
added support of the Safety Clip, and
the 'Mag Adapter - Heavy Force' which
held the camera to the MagMount
System and It was able to hold my
Nikon D70 which weighs a lot more
than a point and shoot, especially
with a large zoom lens hanging off
the camera and still it held the Nikon
well enough that I could let go of the
camera and it stayed where it was
put. In order to have it hold heavy
cameras and heavy camcorders you
MUST use the Safety Clip, which is
part of the MagMount system.
This is a superior monopod with the
added capabilities of a great walking
staff and some limited but effective
uses as a tripod. The fact that it
comes with a ball head means that
although you can't adjust the legs to
level the tripod function, you can use
the ball head to level the camera.
So as long as the tripod and camera
are not leaning over too far you can
either use the tripod to support and
steady the camera as you shoot or
if it isn't leaning too much you can
use it as a tripod.
What I think we really have here is
a excellent monopod with benifits!
I will have many more details
soon, including some new
products and updates.
I will also be testing the Carbon
Fiber TrekPod XL which weighs
17.5 oz. which is over 10 oz.
lighter then the already light-weight
TrekPod Go.
(The following text if from
TrekPod's website.)
A revolutionary multi-purpose tripod
system that is the most exciting and
innovative new outdoor recreation
product to come along in years!"
TrekPod provides a unique
multi-function solution that is portable,
stable and quickly interchangeable.
The TrekPod light-weight
tripod/monopod/hiking & wading staff
converts from hiking mode to tripod in
seconds, and attaches your camera or
observation optics via the fully
integrated quick-release MagMount
system instantly.
TrekPod with MagMount allows you to
take your outdoor experience to a new
level. Enjoy more comfortable hiking,
fatigue-free photography and
observation and get the shots never
before possible!
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NAVMAN iCN 510 Vs.
iCN 520 Portable GPS
Navigation System
My original purchase was a iCN 510,
After about a year I bought the
software upgrade that now ships in
the newer model, the iCN 520. with
the new software installed, my older
iCN 510 now has the same specs as
the iCN 520. Only the color is
different.
Both on my bike and in my car, I can
give a more robust review, after
having used this unit for several
months in addition to testing it with its
original software. My updated review
is in the works now. Below you will
find my first review.
Both units should display every road
you come across using clear and
robust graphics.
It's easy to use as a "where am I
now" indicator. However, trying to set
it to take you to a destination using
the iCN 510 seemed to often be
impossible to program. Very difficult.
It can be done, perhaps, if you study
the manual. I don't have the
patience. The iCN 520, however
seems to have addressed this
problem using updated software.
The new software makes it MUCH
easer to input the address of your
destination.
It color codes roads so you know if a
road is a main road or a secondary
road as you approach it.
It talks when you use it to lead you
to a destination. This feature does
work well.
For use in your car you can just use
the supplied suction cup. While I was
testing it on my motorcycle I first
tried using it unit under the clear map
area of my tank bag so I could just
glance down at it (when was safe to
do so) to choose a new road or to
stay on my present road. With the 3D
angle I can tell if a road approaching
goes a distance or just loops back
onto the road I'm already on. More
recently I used several nylon
restraints (the type used by the police
for instant handcuffs) to secure the
suction cup shaft to a flat surface just
in front of my instrument cluster. Now
I can see it at a glance without having
to look down too far. I strongly suggest
that you get a good mounting platform
from a third party and mount the
device securely under your fairing or
to your handlebars if you intend to use
this unit on a motorcycle.
Since this unit is intended for use in
a car or truck it has not been
optimized for use on a motorcycle.
Therefor the button placement does
not work well while wearing gloves.
This unit is much less expensive
than the made for motorcycle GPS
units. I use it as a cross platform
device (car & motorcycle) to save
money and because at the time I
bought it GPS units for motorcycles
were selling for $1000 and were not
cross platform.
As with most, if not all GPS units,
you will need a windows PC to install
the software and maps.
These GPS units come with software
CDs with maps for Canada and the
USA and regional maps for the East,
Central and West of the USA and you
store the maps on a SD card.
The new model (iCN 520) has a new
color scheme, comes with a SD Card
and most importantly, comes with
new improved software.
Also good news, if you already have
a iCN 510 you can buy the new
software and just upgrade the unit to
the improved software, essentially
having a iCN 520 for the cost of the
new software.
The iCN 510 may be available at
discounted prices now! Also SD
Cards are getting cheaper all the
time. A 512mb SD card is supported
by Navman and is big enough to get
the job done.
Street price is about $325 to $500.
I will be posting a updated review in
the next few weeks.
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ESCORT PASSPORT 8500
X50 Radar Detector
This unit does not get many
of the false alerts that my previous
automobile detectors did. It also
seems to pickup radar signals about
two car lengths ahead of my last
detector (Cobra). The main problem
with the Escort is that it takes me
about three car lengths to realize
that the Escort is making an alert
sound (in my helmet speaker
plugged into the audio output) and
it's not the music I'm playing but
instead it's the Escort. When used
in a car it's alerts sounds are not
loud enough to hear it over my
music. This is an excellent unit if
you don't play music. On a
motorcycle you will need to use
an earphone or plug it into your
speaker system or helmet earphone
system. If you use it in a car,
especially a convertible, you will
need to purchase the speaker that
Escort sells. I don't know if the
speaker will be loud enough to
hear on a motorcycle. If you are
going to listen to music while your
on a motorcycle, you can probably
forget about this unit. There is one
exception available using the
H.A.R.D. System, which is a Helmet
Assisted Radar Detection system
consisting of a receiver and a light
that go off when your Escort has an
alert, costing you an additional
$164.95 over the price of the Escort.
My Escort was stolen from my car.
Instead of replacing it I chose the
Whistler Cruisader because I think
it is probably the best unit for use
on a motorcycle.
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IOGEAR
DVI 4 Port KVM
Switch Model GCS1764
(My review will post soon, once
I work out the kinks).
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