Search results matching tag 'tech'

More gadget lust: StreetDeck in-car computer

JoeFuture — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 13:42:00 GMT

Got $2199 burning a hole in your pocket? If you have room for this bad boy in your dash, the StreetDeck in-car computer is a pretty fantastic little device. It features a 1GHz CPU running WindowsXP with customer software for watching movies, listening to your MP3s, voice-guided turn-by-turn GPS navigation, and more. You can customize it and skin it through community-developed add-ons too. It can also do voice recognition, WiFi sync to your media collection (sweet!), handsfree Bluetooth integration for your cellphone, and vehicle diagnostics with an optional OBD-II adapter.

Just pop this thing into your car and all you'll need is the K.I.T.T. hood mod and you're all set!

More: StreetDesk.com

Gadget lust - the Garmin nuvi 350

JoeFuture — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 03:07:09 GMT

I recently tangled briefly with a generic Sirf III compact flash GPS in my Dell Axim x50v Pocket PC. The results were, well, less than stellar. In addition to the fact that the screen wasn't bright enough to read unless it was mounted under my stereo and I couldn't ever figure out a good way to mount it, it also didn't do any routing, didn't have voice commands, and was frankly pretty useless.

A co-worker of mine showed me his Garmin 350, and I've gotta say, it's pretty sweet. Amazon has them for just $499 now (click the pic to view the product page) whereas most other stores are selling them for $699 (e.g. Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.).

The big brother of the nuvi 350, the nuvi 360, adds handsfree BlueTooth support for your mobile phone.

You can read an in-depth review of the nuvi 350 at GPSLodge.com.

There is a newer version out - the nuvi 660 widescreen edition. But it's $899 everywhere I look. Sorry, for that much, I'll read a map.

Sony UX280P for just $1299?

JoeFuture — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:19:00 GMT

If you're as excited about the Sony UX280P as I am but the fat $1890 price tag puts your giddyness on standby, you should know about Sony's laptop trade-in program. Trade in any working Sony laptop at TechDepot and get $600 off a new UX280P at TechDepot. Any other brand laptop will net you $400 towards that new micro-PC. The same deal applies for most other VAIO laptops too!

For details, go to the Tech Depot REBATES and SPECIAL OFFERS page at TechDepot.com, then choose "Sony Computer Peripherals" in the dropdown. On the page that comes up, search for the VAIO model of your choice.

Granted, $1290 is still a lot of cash for a PC with this firepower, but take the miniscule size into consideration. Small costs big. It's always been that way. This thing could double as a portable DVD player, VOIP phone, PDA, DV camera, mobile blogging/podcasting station, or just your all around best friend.

The next question is where can you come up with a cheap working laptop for < $400? For some reason, there are a bunch of Dell Latitude's for under $200 on eBay tonight. Or try your local PC recycle store.

I'm in love with the Sony Vaio UX280P

JoeFuture — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:54:00 GMT

Sony's entry into the UMPC market is spectacular, in my opinion. The UX280P features a bright 1024x600 4.5" touchscreen display, 1.2GHz Core Solo processor w/ Centrino chipset, WiFi 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, a slide-out keyboard, 1GB RAM, 40GB hard drive (although it's only spinning at 4200 RPM, which is fairly slow), and plenty of ports for extensibility.

As far as the price, $1899 seems a little high. That's why I'll be watching for some good sales and maybe waiting until they're $500 or less on eBay :)

Why I love Vonage

JoeFuture — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

You've seen their goofy ads and maybe you've also heard about 911 troubles with VOIP (that's Voice Over Internet Protocol) telephone companies. Well I've had Vonage for over a year and I love it. Aside from only costing $24.95 for the same (actually better) features that Time Warner charges almost $45 for, they offer a much better web interface.

For example, I can configure Vonage to ring my wife's cellphone at the same time it rings our house phone. I can also have it forward all voicemails to me in e-mail as .WAV attachments.

You can get 1 month of Vonage for free when you sign up online. Visit Vonage.com to learn more.

Zune for $225 at Dell through 11/29

JoeFuture — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:47:00 GMT

Dell Home is selling the black 30GB Zune for just $225 with free shipping. Their current promotion on all accessories (including Zune) is 10% off $200 or 15% off $400. They appear to have all 3 Zune colors in stock currently.

Wi Fi(ght about it?)

JoeFuture — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 04:04:15 GMT

Can't we all just get along? Looks like some company is claiming patent infringement by nearly everyone who implements WiFi protocols 802.11 a/g. That's nearly everyone mind you :)

Read the full article at PocketPC Thoughts: WiFi Trouble Up Ahead