LG's Rhapsody in Music (LG-LB3300) slider: an ode by Mark Levinson

 

 

The slider features an LED-lit touch-wheel for gettin' disco, 1GB of built-in memory (expandable with another 4GB), 2-inch LCD, 2 megapixel camera, a terrestrial DMB television tuner for Korea, and Bluetooth A2DP stereo audio with the ability to stream to two listeners in parallel.

Of course, there's only so much tweaking an audio wizard can do with compressed MP3 files sent over a compressed Bluetooth audio stream.

Probably not unless you're an up-market, audio consumer or Lexus driver with optional Mark Levinson sound system installed.

Mark Levinson -- heard of him?

We hear it makes phone calls too.

Now he's teamed up with LG on this, "The Rhapsody in Music Phone.

Known less hyperbolically as the LG-LB3300.

As such, we'll have to give these a listen before jumping onto the hype-wagon.

 

 

our Comes with Music service is not Universal's Total Music

 

The fact that there are some similarities shows how the industry is thinking about the future of digital music - but its not a sign of any direct linkage between the offerings.

Nokia further distances themselves by stating that, "Universal was simply the first of these to publicly sign on.

Perhaps the lack of detail is Nokia's way of farming public opinion before the details are announced.

Regardless, anything can happen between now and the launch in "mid 2008" -- an eternity on a digital music evolution timeline.

According to Nokia, Comes with Music is, "completely independent from the Universal music store.

Remember Nokia's utopian / not-so-free and crippled "free" Comes with Music offering?

We've been in contact with Nokia who'd like to clarify the service.

So, now we know what it isn't, but we still don't know exactly what it is.

Wouldn't be a first.

 

 

b2 miJam WassUp Dancing Speaker

It's shaped kind of like an egg with a speaker and sound sensor, bunny ears, two legs and a plate at the bottom that the WassUp uses to spin on.

In Sensor Mode, the WassUp will begin dancing to any sound it hears.

When the WassUp is exposed to music or sound, it goes into a full dancing frenzy, twisting, doing splits, and flapping its ears!

You can put a stereo in front of it, clap, sing, yell or make any kind of noise near the WassUp and it will start doing a dance.

In fact, its dancing will keep almost anyone entertained for a while, but after it loses its charm, the WassUp serves as a somewhat good speaker.

The b2 miJam WassUp is a dancing, somewhat rabbit-like speaker that's compatible with your iPod or other MP3 player.

In Music Mode, you simply hook up your iPod or MP3 player to the WassUp using the audio cable.

The WassUp comes with an audio cable to connect your player to it and a b2 logo sticker.

At first, the WassUp is fun to watch, but after a while, it can get old.

The WassUp seems pretty sturdy, but you might damage the speaker if you drop it too many times.

Disney Mix Stick

 

When it's loaded with 25 or more "Mix It-ready" songs (you can make songs Mix-It ready with the included software), press and hold the Mix It button for 2 or 3 seconds and Mix It Scan will start: Scan mode plays the first 8 seconds of all songs, and you can create a playlist based on the current song at any time by pressing the Mix It button.

When you press and release the Mix It button right away, it will create a Mix It playlist based on the song that is currently playing.

If the song playing isn't Mix It-ready, the created playlist will be based on the next available Mix It track found on your Mix Stick.

and if you don't want the radio playing in the house, then you can always have your kids listen to their Mix Sticks.

You can also use the software to set up playlists to put on your Mix Stick.

The Mix Stick's directions are easy enough for parents to understand, to set up the software on the computer (PCs only) for younger kids.

The controls for the Mix Stick are also easy to use.

The package contains the player, a Windows Media software CD, stereo earbuds, and a lanyard so you can wear the Mix Stick around your neck.

Now they can with the Disney Mix Stick (available at Disney's online store and many retail stores, $39.95) MP3 player.

There are also two other buttons, the Repeat All button and the Mix It button.

 

 

Haiku Review: RCA S2501 Jet Stream

Wireless earbuds,
You do not bring me the joy
I hoped for. Oh well.

 

—Tim Gideon

What's Up with Cable Tuners on PCs?

Well, it turns out that this technology has gone through some major hiccups during the past 10 months, as everyone has discovered that the problem is related to Digital Rights Management and is tightly controlled by Microsoft and Cable Labs, who license only certain manufacturers to use the CableCARD.

I know that ATI has updated the firmware on the Digital Cable tuners several times over the past year.

There are several TV tuners on the market that allow reception of HDTV, but these are only for Over-The-Air broadcasting, not cable.

After trying 6 Motorola CableCARDS, it was finally decided that there must be a problem with the ATI tuner, so Dell shipped me another one.

After the new tuner arrived, the same two Comcast techs came out again, and we hooked up with the same Dell technician so he could watch the process.

In the meantime, both the Comcast and Dell techs were going to research the problem.

I got Dell Tech Support on the phone, and [the rep] connected to my computer to watch the process.

I had the benefit of having a Velocity Micro technician and Verizon FIOS techs on hand for my review, and even then it took the better part of two days for them to get it working right.

I've since popped my CableCARDs into a TiVo HD, since I knew from talking to the Verizon FIOS Techs that they've never had a problem with TiVo Series 3 HD DVRs, or HDTVs with integrated CableCARD readers.

Now I see that Dell has replaced the XPS 410 with the XPS 420, which does not even offer a HDTV Cable Tuner.

 

 

Otterbox Level II Case for BlackBerry 8800

 

Here's a good idea for a gift for someone--or to put on your own wish list, if you own a BlackBerry 8800 series smartphone.

Especially if your loved one (or you) tends to drop the BlackBerry a lot, or plans to take it into a war zone.

Otterbox also makes cases for many other BlackBerry models, including the Curve and Pearl;

and for iPods, including the newest models, as well as for many other devices.

They may not be glamorous or artsy, but they will protect your pricy devices very well.

They are made of "high-impact polycarbonate" and have a silicon skin as well as a clear film to guard your screen and keyboard.

These cases ($49.95 at the company's site) are tough, tough, tough.

 

 

Movies, Music, and Books on Your DS

 

Still, I understand the appeal of Dai Nippon Printing and AM3's latest innovation, which will give you the ability to buy music, books, comics, and movies via the Web and transfer them to your DS for some handheld consumption.

The pack will be available in Japan this January, for roughly $37, and the content delivery system will go live two months later.

Engadget has a big mockup of the DSvision device, which comes with a 512MB microSD card, a DS cartridge adapter, and a USB adapter.

Here's a cool little piece of hardware coming to a Nintendo DS near you.

I've always been a bit stone-age in my DS usage, preferring to stick to the good,old-fashioned offline Gameboy experience.

 

 

USB Penguin Flash Drives

 

Who doesn't love penguins? Store your important data and documents on your favorite aquatic birds this holiday, thanks to the USB Penguin Flash Drive.

Available in 1GB or 2GB capacities ($60.97 or $89.33, respectively), these cute drives work on both Windows and Mac machines. Choose from black or grey at GeekStuff4U.com.

 

World's First Platinum Apple iPod Nano

 

The very idea of customers demanding platinum studded gadgets clicked the company's senses and they end-up experimenting with this precious metal.

Lately, the company has made an effort and designed the first third-generation Apple iPod Nano coated with Platinum.

Platinum suits perfectly on the iPod nano.

Goldstriker has plans to release the much-in-demand Platinum iPod nano 8GB by early January 2008.

UK-based Goldstriker has unveiled their platinum-encrusted gadgets on the very request of their savvy audience.

What do you think about the creation?

It can be yours on a mere drop of mere $822.

And personally speaking, I find platinum far more appealing than gold.

 

Any plans to buy one?

 

 

Most Expensive Speakers

 

Edge of the Art award and the 2004 Ultra Audio Product of the Year, the X-2 is the most expensive speaker system in the world.

So how much do the most expensive speakers in the world cost?

Wilson Audio, makers of high end audio systems such as MAXX, the WATT/Puppy System and Sophia, have combined and perfected the technologies utilized during the development of these systems into their flagship speaker system, the Alexandria X-2.

The X-2 may look like the X-1, but the similarity ends there.

Winner of the 2005 Soundstage!

They run on a minimum of 20 watts with 8-Ohms of impedance.

With Aspherical Group Delay and tracks with over 30 indents for each driver module, these expensive loudspeakers can deliver optimal performance to any position in any room.

This expensive speaker system includes a 13" woofer, a 15" woofer, 2 midrange 7" speakers, a tweeter and a rear-firing super tweeter.

This price includes installation, a process which every Wilson dealer has been specially trained to perform.

They come in four colors, with eleven "upgrade" colors available to those willing to spend a little extra.

 

 

Siemens rolls out ultrasound-equipped MacBook Pro

 

Apparently designed specifically for cardiology and vascular applications, this one boasts an "array of transducers," along with an integrated stress echo function and a range of cardiology application packages which, Siemens says, "considerably simplifies and accelerates the workflow in echocardiography and vascular diagnosis.

We've seen MacBooks re-purposed for various uses in the past, but never quite like Siemens new "P50" laptop, which takes a standard issue (if slightly outdated) MacBook Pro and outfits it with some ultrasound equipment to accomodate doctors that just can't be tied down.

Mac fans may not want to boast too much about this one, however, as it seems that Siemens has opted to use Windows as a basis for the platform.

 

 

AT&T and Samsung quietly recalling Blackjacks?

 

 

We're still hunting down hard info on this one, but according to users on AT&T's official support forums, Samsung Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 are the subject of a quiet recall due to an antenna issue.

Like we said, it's all i607 Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 -- the date is printed on a label under the battery in YY MM format.

A service advisory has apparently gone out to warranty centers, so if your Blackjack is acting a little flaky, now's the time to get on the horn.

Update: Okay, we've gotten our hands on the service advisory.

Apparently certain internal components are wearing oddly over time and causing the antenna to loosen and disengage, causing dropped calls and poor signal strength.

 

 

Asus posts more Eee source code to comply with the GPL

 

 

While we're certain Linux fans will continue to pore over every aspect of the Eee's Xandros distro to make sure Asus remains in compliance with the GPL, it looks like the company is doing its best to make amends by posting the source to the Asus_ACPI module that kicked off the controversy in the first place.

The module's code was not originally included in the 1.8GB source .zip Asus had made available, but it's now chilling out on Asus' public FTP server -- we're certain three of you are absolutely thrilled.

 

 

AT&T and Samsung quietly recalling Blackjacks?

 

 

We're still hunting down hard info on this one, but according to users on AT&T's official support forums, Samsung Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 are the subject of a quiet recall due to an antenna issue.

Like we said, it's all i607 Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 -- the date is printed on a label under the battery in YY MM format.

A service advisory has apparently gone out to warranty centers, so if your Blackjack is acting a little flaky, now's the time to get on the horn.

Update: Okay, we've gotten our hands on the service advisory.

Apparently certain internal components are wearing oddly over time and causing the antenna to loosen and disengage, causing dropped calls and poor signal strength.

 

 

Displaytech FLCOS microdisplays to be used in embeddable pico-projectors

 

Displaytech, best known for its LCOS microdisplays, announced today that it is hooking 13 companies up with Ferroelectric-LCOS (FLCOS) displays that can be used in uber-small projectors within diminutive devices of all flavors.

Unfortunately, no word was given on exactly what companies are placing orders, but Displaytech did admit that it expects to see "a number of ultra small projectors containing its FLCOS panels to be demonstrated at CES.

We've heard our fair share of promises when it comes to embeddable micro-projectors, but it sounds like the gears may actually be turning in the race to crank out cellphones, PDAs and other handheld gizmos with integrated PJs.

 We'll be on the lookout.

 

 

Transcend intros T.sonic 650 DAP

 

Like all the company's other DAPs, this one's a flash-based player (packing 4GB, specifically), and it includes all the features you'd expect in a unit of this sort, including an FM tuner, an OLED screen, and support for MP3, WMA, and WMA-DRM10 file formats.

Transcend certainly seems intent on keeping its T.sonic line of digital audio players well fleshed out, with it recently adding yet another model in the form of the T.sonic 650.

No word on a price just yet, but we wouldn't expect it to put too much of a hurt on your bank account.

Slightly less common is a so-called "Voice Activation Detection" function, which we presume is exactly what it sounds like.

 

 

Guitar Hero III wireless guitars hitting early 2008

 

If the endless amount of platform combinations between Rock Band and Guitar Hero III have you stymied already, here's a little tidbit to make it just a little bit harder to choose: Guitar Hero III wireless controller are going to be available early next year for all platforms.

Rock Band has wireless controllers on the way in a similar time frame for both the 360 and PS3, but for some reason the 360 version costs an extra $20, so hopefully Guitar Hero guitars keep some better price parity.

 

 

Switched video on cable coming to TiVo in 2008

 

TiVo and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have announced a new external adapter that will allow cable operators to roll out switched video while still playing nice with third-party devices like the TiVo HD and Series3 DVRs.

The devices will begin shipping to TiVo customers -- and other compatible CableCARD devices -- in the second quarter of 2008.

The devices will hook up to a CableCARD host device via USB and use software to choose channels, eliminating yet another set-top box but giving cable providers a break on bandwidth requirements.

 

 

TiVo comes to Canada, but lacks HD

 

HDTV watchers will continue to wait patiently, though, as no plans for Canadian HD products were announced, and no Canadian cable companies use the CableCARD standard in the Series 3 high-definition boxes.

The Series2 will be available from Canadian retailers like Future Shop and Best Buy in early December for $199 CAD plus a TiVo subscription.

Canuck TV lovers have something to look forward to this holiday season, as TiVo is officially launching in Canada with the 80-hour Series2 DVR.

 

 

The Murider dancing media robot: so apropos

 

The new bot from Woori features a 4.3-inch display for watching DMB mobile television and support for audio playback when sourced from USB-connected devices or SD cards.

Check your servos Rolly and Miuro, there's a new media playing robot in town by the foreboding name of Murider.

Details are scant but it's said to stand (not roll) and a bust out a little dance with appropriately timed flashing lights.

Just don't be surprised to find little rolly muttering "Redirum, redirum" in response to this budget repetition of past events.

Oh, and it'll do so for a fraction of the price of its peers.

 

 

Meizu M8 MiniOne to debut at CES in January?

 

Compared to Meizu's native China, the US is a haven for intellectual property protection -- and as far as we're concerned, not a single tweak done to the M8's design since its intro has ventured far enough from the iPhone to keep Apple's sharks lawyers from circling.

Nevertheless, Chinese site CNMO reports that the M8 could make its first real, actual public appearance (as opposed to the countless renderings and dummies the company has produced so far) in Sin City itself as part of the CES festivities in early January with retail availability as early as February.

That would put us just shy of a full year since the M8 was announced, and probably just weeks (if not days) before Apple gets an injunction against sales here.

Just a guess.

Listen fellas, are you sure you want to venture onto US soil with this thing?

 

 

Does the Asus EeePC violate the Linux GPL?

 

A group of Linux users have spoken out against Asus and their apparent non-compliance with certain aspects of the General Public License attached to Xandros Linux distro that comes with the Eee PC.

This flustered controversy centers around Asus modifying a module of the Linux kernel without distributing the source code, something that breaks the rules of the license.

As for whether Asus will step up and do what it should have done from day one, that'll depend on how loud the developers involved make their case.

Your average Eee PC owner isn't going to give a damn about such a trivial point, so end users can safely ignore this debate.

Type harder guys!

 

 

Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and DDR get cheap rip-offs

 

The usual target audience for these kind of gadgets are unsuspecting parents looking for a present for the kids, so make sure you include a rigorous education program in the perils of game rip-offs when you hand in your holiday wish-list.

When you're out trawling for a copy of the rapidly selling out Rock Band, you may run into a cheap knock-off or two of the rhythm game genre.

All of them plug directly into a TV, but none are particularly cheap at around $40 each.

Our tipster spotted several units including a Guitar and DDR imitation in Macy's, and a Drum game in another store.

 

 

USB remote (doesn't really) store away in a PCMCIA slot

 

Unfortunately, that's exactly what the USB Media Remote from USB Geek does, and it also includes a USB dongle that sticks out too.

If you're gonna make a remote that stores away in your laptop's PCMCIA slot, you probably shouldn't make it so it sticks out.

Frankly, we'd rather go for any other option than deal with all the hassle that this $30 gadget promises to bring.

 

 

Teac's HD-R1 recorder stores audio on CompactFlash

 

Additionally, the unit touts a USB port, mic preamps, phantom power, RCA, XLR, Euroblock and S/PDIF inputs, and the blue-backlit display is a nice touch, too.

The outfit's HD-R1 Recorder relies on CompactFlash cards to store up to 24-bit / 48kHz PCM or MP3 files and can be controlled remotely via LAN or RS-232C.

If you just so happened to answer yes to the previous questions, Teac's got you covered.

Teac has apparently been busy showing its new toy off at Inter BEE 2007, but those tempted by the above specs can secure their own for around $1,100.

Scouting a 1U, rackmountable two-channel audio recorder?

What about a solid state version?

 

 

Nokia's N810 internet tablet gets unboxed

 

Well, at least one lucky gentleman has already had the pleasure of cracking open the sweet stuff -- AKA, Nokia's latest and greatest internet tablet -- and has put all sorts of nasty pictures on the internet (we suspect in an attempt to make us insane with jealousy).

The post also has some useful and interesting info in regards to the software and functionality of the device, so you can get informed while ogling the photos.

and don't forget -- the Engadget crew needs love too, so feel free to drop something silver in the mail for us come December.

Look, we're right there with you -- wishin', hopin', gettin' down on our knees and begging like crazy for someone to take pity on us and pop for the N810 this holiday season.

We recommend you hit the read link and check out all the graphic details.

 

 

Toshiba Tecra M8-S8011

 

Webcam, card reader, wow
Oh what a vivid display
And not too pricey

 

—Molly K. McLaughlin

Hands On with the Thrustmaster Wireless 3-in-1 Gamepad

 

In that time, I played everything from twitchy arcade shooters and rapid-fire adventure games to long RPGs using the gamepad, and found that how I fe;t about it depends heavily on the type of game that I was playing.

The Thrustmaster Run N' Drive 3-in-1 Wireless Gamepad may have a name that runs on for miles, but I was surprised to find that its range is almost as long as its name.

I was able to use the Thrustmaster Run N' Drive Wireless Gamepad for weeks;

Wireless gamepads are known to be flaky, especially when you begin to move further away from the console.

Some gamers believe that if you buy a gamepad or controller--especially a wireless one--from an off-brand instead of the one recommended by (and probably manufactured by) the console manufacturer, you're dooming yourself to a glitchy experience.

Plus, you can make peace between your PC- and console-gamer friends by using it with your PC as easily as with your PS2 or PS3.

it all but replaced my standard Playstation 2 controller, as well as the controller I use for arcade games on my PC.

My girlfriend was fanatical about it when she played Katamari Damacy, but I wasn't such a huge fan when I tried to play Onimusha on the PS2 or Gunbird on my PC.

 

 

All the buttons are programmable, which is especially useful if you plan to use the Run N' Drive with your PC, and the gamepad has internal memory so it can remember your custom configuration.

The Run N' Drive was designed for use with your Playstation or your PC.

Both the buttons and the analog sticks on the Run N' Drive were very sensitive.

At the same time, in games like Katamari Damacy, where the analog sticks are the only element of control and sensitivity matters, the Run N' Drive is a windfall and really improves gameplay.

The gamepad used 2.4-GHz wireless for extended range, and works equally well if you're lounging on the couch in front of the TV or standing a couple of dozen feet away.

The design is different enough from the standard PS2 controller that the handhold will take a little getting used to, but once you've used it for a few minutes you won't have a problem.

The controller resembles the original Playstation 3 controller, with long handles that made some people call the original PS 3 controller the In some games--third-person shooters, for example--in which you need some control over how quickly you turn to fire on a monster that's just leaped out of the shadows, oversensitivity can lead to turning too far, too fast, which was frustrating.

Even so, the Thrustmaster wireless gamepad was comfortable to hold and play with for extended periods.

Thrustmaster claims a range of up to 10 meters, and that's accurate as long as you don't have any serious obstructions.

 

The USB plug stays safely tucked into a port on the receiver when it's not in use, so if you move the gamepad from your Playstation to your PC frequently, you don't have to worry about carrying another cable or component around.

All in all, I found the Run 'N Drive fun to use, and a pleasure if you're playing the right game.

Similarly, the controller is great if you're playing PC or console games and want to be free of wires stretching across your living-room floor.

The controller is gorgeous, and the dual PC/Playstation receiver is pretty cool.

The PC version is $39.99, and comes with Windows drivers for the force-feedback motors.

I may be a little lukewarm to it, but my girlfriend swears by how much it improves her gameplay in Katamari Damacy, and that's enough to make it worth the $34.99 for the console version.

 

 

 

 

 

SanDisk Sansa View

 

In a world of dis-
posable technology...
why spend lots of dough?

 

--Tim Gideon

HP Photosmart C5280 All-In-One Printer

 

Great graphics, not text
Can print on optical discs
Scans and copies too

 

—Molly K. McLaughlin

Panasonic Toughbook CF-52

 

Tough as nails outside
Loaded with goodies inside
Media appeal

 

—Molly K. McLaughlin

Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Keyboard 8000

 

Couch surfing keyboard
Media-centric controls
A big chunk of change

 

—Molly K. McLaughlin

mAudio xSession Pro

 

It was a little easier for me to get used to since I'm a DJ, but even someone with no experience behind the turntables could plug this into a PC, import some music to a playlist, and get a party started with minimal effort.

It may not take a lot of skill to use, but I was pleased to see that it did take some skill to use well.

I found myself plugging it back in over the past couple of months just to play with it some more, hoping that I'd find something terribly wrong that would color my perspective, but I'm all out of snark.

My worries were soothed when I plugged it into my computer, installed the software, and wound up making some incredible mixes, all within minutes.

It looked cool, but when I picked it up I realized it was incredibly light.

I was skeptical when I unpacked the mAudio xSession Pro mixer and audio controller.

After I unplugged the mAudio xSession Pro for the last time, I resigned myself to buying one.

The xSession Pro is a fabulous mixer--you won't see professional DJs spinning major parties or club gigs with one of these anytime soon, but you might start seeing them show up next to the main turntable setup or devices like them next to a laptop near the main mixer.

Even so, by the time I was finished with the review unit, I was so pleased that I had already begun shopping around for one.

 

Torq, mAudio's mixing software that comes with the xSession Pro, is very easy to use, and all the features on the mixer are duplicated onscreen.

If you're like me and used to spinning vinyl, you can tell the software to respond to the mixer as if it were connected to turntables.

If you're used to mixing CDs, you can select that as well.

At the same time, the controls are so straightforward that anyone of any skill level can be up and running and playing with the effects and features within minutes.

Since I'm a DJ, getting acquainted with the xSession Pro was a bit easier for me than it would be for most.

 

The mixer itself has all the basic controls you'd expect on a two-channel mixer: a crossfader, volume controls for each channel, pitch controls (since you don't actually have turntables), and knobs to control the gain and the EQs.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the software and the mixer both support built-in effects such as flange and strobe.

After playing around with the effects, I found myself having so much fun that I decided to record what I was doing.

 

At the same time, because the Torq software integrates so well with your existing music collection, it's a must-have for iPod and laptop DJs looking for an easier way to mix without carrying a ton of records or CDs around.

 

The xSession Pro and the Torq software make it so easy to create mixes and line up tracks that I can easily see the most purist of DJs rejecting it outright.

Some DJs would laugh at a tool like the xSession Pro and how easy Torq makes putting a mix together.

You can beat-match and sync up two tracks in your playlist with a single click, even if the two songs are drastically different--a skill that DJs who are used to turntables and analog mixers spend years perfecting.

 

Torq is remarkably well-designed mixing software, and while you won't replace a studio-quality recording app with it, it's more than enough for someone who just wants to record a few mixes here and there for their friends to hear, or to get started as an amateur DJ.

The xSession Pro and Torq are winning hardware and software, respectively, but combining the two into the same package makes the bundle even more impressive.

I had some difficulty importing songs that were stored on my downstairs PC across my home network, but if you have your shared computers mapped as drives in Windows, you won't have a problem.

Torq snags your iTunes library as soon as you install it, and you can drag in any music from anywhere on your hard drive to your playlist.

Another pleasant surprise from mAudio was that Torq can play and mix your iTunes music.

 

They helped me understand the target market for the xSession Pro, and why it felt kind of flimsy at first: The device is aimed at amateur and at-home DJs, people like me who would use it to supplement their turntable setup, or someone who wants to be a laptop DJ in their spare time using an MP3 collection or music purchased at iTunes.

 

It's plastic and portable, though not meant to be dragged around to stadium venues or used by DJs whose names inspire thousands to line up for hours;

The xSession Pro gets its power over USB, so you don't need tons of cables--one USB cable and a free port on your computer is all that's required.

The mAudio xSession Pro is supported on Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Windows Vista, and retails for about $125.95, but I found it on a couple of sites for as low as $99.

mAudio has a world of professional products for that.

I had a chance to chat with some folks from mAudio at DigitalLife and grill them on the product.

 

 

 

 

 

Haier Ibiza Rhapsody

 

Rhapsody in hand
Is nothing to scoff at, man!
This year's sleeper hit!

 

—Tim Gideon

Gets More Fun with SENSA

 

Since we no longer have our Sansa Connect inhouse (yes, even analysts have to return the toys when they're finished), we'll have to rely on you, intrepid Connect owners, to tell us whether these features work well and increase the value of the device.

Just a quick note to all Sansa Connect owners who have not updated their firmware in a while: Your player does more than it used to.

Apparently, simply connecting to the Internet gives the player its upgrade automatically, so you may already have the firmware and not realize it--though it's hard to miss: Your "Photo" section is now called "Photo and Video.

The video specs look like this: 320 by 240 resolution at 30 fps, and it plays only MPEG-4.

You now have video playback!

" Let us know how it works!

Also, you can now do an artist search in the Get New Music tab when perusing Yahoo!

Music selections (the initial exclusion of this feature was something I may have whined about a few months back).

 

 

Comparison between Motorola Q or Treo 750

 

It's slimmer and lighter than the Treo 750, comes with Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard, and has both HSDPA 3.6 and integrated GPS--the Treo lacks GPS----plus superior Microsoft Office document handling due to its built-in DataViz Documents To Go Suite.

The 750's main advantage is that it runs Windows Mobile Professional, meaning that it has a touch screen, stylus, and better built-in document editing.

But it also has that nasty 240-by-240-pixel screen, a resolution that few third-party Windows Mobile apps support.

But if I was hell-bent on the touch screen idea, I'd probably scrounge up the extra $100 for the AT&T Tilt.

Unless I was married to the idea of a stylus and touch screen, I'd get the Q9h.

Ryan:
I can't decide between the Motorola Q and the Treo 750, on the AT&T network;

I use an original Motorola Q on Verizon, and the Q9h has a lot of nice updates compared with the original.

Amazingly, the Treo 750 is also still running version 5 of the OS.

it adds GPS to an already stellar phone, though the pricing plans are different.

then, mostly for calls, some text, and to check e-mail and weather online.

 

 

Velocity Micro ProMagix (8800 GTS SLI)

 

 

High-end gaming rig
Crazy in its excesses
Costs less than five grand

 

—Molly K. McLaughlin

Dell XPS One now Available

 

According to Crave, the thing wasn't actually supposed to go on sale until next Monday, but the folks in Round Rock just couldn't contain their own excitement.

Starting today, you can pick up the company's new all-in-one desktop via Dell's Web site (it should start shipping around 11/27).

News about Dell's Gateway-like XPS One leaked out late last month.

The XPS has four price points, running from $1,499 to $2,399.

The high-end models are stocked with a Core 2 Duo E6550 processor, a 256MB ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro graphics card, a Blu-Ray burner, and a 500GB hard drive.

All versions feature 2GB of RAM, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, Vista Home Premium, an analog/digital TV tuner, and Adobe Elements.

 

 

Oh poor little Bestlink Electronics BL 3280.

 

You can boast about your "dynamic GUI" all you want, or flaunt your FM radio and "gaming functionality" (though we're not sure how that works with your lack of buttons), but deep down you're just another, shoddy knock-off -- and we know it.

Sure, they say that you can play MPEG4, MP3, WMA, WMV, ASF and WAV files, and that you're no slouch at viewing e-books or JPEGs, but does that help you get to sleep at night?

Hey, at least you're not called the Pouch.

You look just like the HTC Touch, but you have no phone, no touchscreen, and your casing appear to be made from reconstituted Batman action figures.

Price and availability unknown -- we guess cheap and soon.

Oh poor little Bestlink Electronics BL 3280.

 

 

DualShock 3 said to be in short supply from importers

 

It looks like those hoping to get a jump on the DualShock 3 action by importing one of the controllers from Japan may be in for some disappointment, as importers are now reportedly warning that stock could be "extremely limited.

Some retailers are apparently even being advised by suppliers to only sell the controller with the purchase of a PS3 console, although it's not clear if anyone's actually going that far.

According to GamesIndustry.biz, Play Asia says that it's already filled all its pre-orders, and it's speculating that prices could "skyrocket" when the controller's released on November 11st.

National Console Support, however, says it expects prices to return to normal within two to three weeks of the Japanese launch, which would still give you plenty of time to taunt your friends with it before it's available 'round these parts.

 

 

 

Acme Research cranks up the silly with "LeDoc" iPod rig

 

There's certainly no shortage of solutions out there for hooking an iPod up to your TV, but Hong Kong's Acme Research nonetheless looks to have found a bit of room for some innovation, although you'll have to judge for yourself if it's an improvement or not.

On the upside, that roundabout system does at least make the dock cheaper than some other solutions, with it setting you back an even $100, although it seems you'll only be able to take advantage of it if you have a pre-2007 iPod.

As you can see above, the "LeDoc" (which does appear to be a legit device, despite appearances) employs a video camera to allow for some big screen iPod-viewing, and thankfully includes a remote so your hand doesn't get in the way of the menus.

 

 

Dell brings the 24-inch E248WFP Stateside

 

Dell's latest 24-incher, the E248WFP, got a little overshadowed when it was released in Japan next to the webcam-sporting SP2208WFP, but now that it's coming Stateside we're ready to love it just as much.

The lowest-priced Dell 24-inch display, the E248WFP features a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 5ms refresh rate for just $469.

You're not getting a lot of frills for that number, of course, with inputs limited to just DVI-D with HDCP and VGA, no speakers, and and no USB ports, but as a pure screen it's a pretty slammin' deal.

 

 

Tranquil rolls out Windows Home Server-based T2-WHS-A2

 

As before, you'll get fanless and near-silent operation, but with a larger casing that allows for more storage and expansion options.

You'll also get fairly low power consumption (24 watts), and a pair of PCI slots that you can load up with four-port eSATA cards for even further expansion.

Look for this one to start shipping next week, with it running £399 (or $830) for the base configuration.

Tranquil sure looks to be serious about its Windows Home Server devices, with it now following up its recently-released T7-HSA model with its new T2-WHS-A2 Harmony Home Server.

That includes two 3.5-inch hard drives for up to 2TB of storage (500MB by default), and six USB 2.0 ports to accommodate some additional devices.

 

 

Compact $99 PlayStation 2 rumored to land in 2008

 

We'll be straight with you: we're far from ready to etch this one in stone, but considering that Sony has already trimmed down the PlayStation 2 (twice), it's not unfathomable to think that an even smaller iteration could be in the pipeline.

" Of course, representatives for Sony "refused to comment" when questioned, so we hope you're ready for another fascinating round of wait-and-see.

According to MCV, Sony is aiming to launch a "compact" PS2 in early 2008 for just $99, and while we've no idea how different (or not) it would actually look, it will supposedly feature a "built-in power supply.

 

 

Apple posts fix for freezing iMacs

 

Available now for Leopard (iMac Software Update 1.3) and Tiger (iMac Software Update 1.2), the update reportedly "provides important bug fixes and is recommended for 20- and 24-inch iMac models with 2.0, 2.4, or 2.8GHz processors.

" Unfortunately, we're given absolutely no elaboration beyond that, so for any of you out there still limping by on a freeze-happy machine, why not get your download on and let us know if your troubles do indeed vanish?

Not a moment too soon, Apple has apparently delivered on its intentions to squash that annoying freezing bug that plagued some of its latest iMacs.

 

 

Wii not getting a hard drive

 

Although the Wii's Virtual Console channel has been a smashing success, there's always a price for fame: quite a few gamers are running up against the storage roadblocks of Nintendo's console and starting to wonder about expansion options beyond SD cards -- like, say, a hard drive.

Sadly, however, Ninty's not having any of it, with Nintendo of America PR manager Eric Walter saying that "we really don't want people storing every single game they buy on their drive.

This odd line of reasoning also led Walter to say that he likens the situation "to putting music on your iPod;

Either way, it looks like the mothership has spoken for now -- looks like it's up to the third parties to figure out a way to make it all better.

" Clearly Walter does not know how often we listen to the Clash on our iPods -- or how often we rock Super Mario Brothers 1 through 64.

you listen to it for a while, and then you get tired of it, and you pull it off, and you put some new stuff on.

" Sounds silly, but since VC titles are yours for keeps, Nintendo's position is that you can delete games and "go back and get them any time," or, presumably, build a small library of SD cards.

 

 

Toshiba's 22-inch monitor touts insane 3,840 x 2,400 resolution

 

Unfortunately, the specs fall off quickly (but not too quickly) from there: 235cd/m2 brightness, 300:1 contrast, and a weak-sauce 120-degree top/bottom and 100-degree left/right viewing angle.

Sorry, no picture, that's just a generic 22-incher to the right.

Right, a staggering $17,500 or about 50 of Dell's 22-inchers.

How 'bout if it was pumping 4 times as many pixels as just about every other monitor in its class?

Ready for yet another 22-inch LCD?

Shipping in Japan before summer for an anticipated ¥2,079,000.

We're talking 3,840 x 2,400 pixels for a WQUXGA display.

Of course you'll need a dedicated (dual-link, presumably) PCI graphics card to drive that resolution over the monitor's single DVI input.

 

 

Asus' Eee PC gets dissected

 

While there's not too many surprises on the inside, TweakTown's organized destruction of the budget-friendly laptop is nothing if not thorough, including eight pages of pictures and descriptions of virtually every component.

Like most others, they also seem to have been fairly impressed by the laptop as a whole, saying it is "perfectly positioned to prevail," although they admit it's "not for everyone.

First the Eee PC gets reviewed, then it gets ripped apart, in this case by the always curious folks at TweakTown.

" Check out a few more pics after the break, and hit up the read link below for the full blow-by-blow action.

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

 

 

Gateway One, accidentally reviews the iMac again

 

Add in the fact that the entry-level One is $100 more expensive than the cheapest iMac and offers a smaller screen, no built-in webcam, and a slower processor, and you've got Walt telling you that the iMac is still the best all-in-one out there.

Walt's got the Gateway One this week, and while he praises the machine's design and slick power brick / I/O breakout box, he's not particularly impressed with the machine's 19-inch screen, processing power, or, most damningly, stability -- he suffered two blue screens while testing.

Unkie Walt's been playing with a couple slick desktops lately, and surprisingly, none of them are the iMac -- although he can't seem to resist the comparison.

We've seen a couple reviews of the Gateway One already, but when it comes to reviewing sleek all-in-one PCs, we turn to the master: