~Tech Angel~

Pink PSP is on its way

Why can't these companies just release their products in a variety of colors from the very beginning? Anywhoo...it looks like our overseas gamers will be able to pick up a pink PSP come October 27.

Technorati Tags: gaming, PSP, Sony

Review - PodsPlus Aluminum V2 Case for iPod Video

My first iPod was the nano which I bought sometime last year. I quickly realised that I would a lot more storage for my 14GB of music and podcasts. So earlier this year, I upgraded to the 30GB ipod with video and you know what that means......a new case was needed. So without further delay, here's a review of the PodsPlus Aluminum V2 for iPod Video:

The PodsPlus Aluminum V2 Case for iPod Video is the first aluminum case with screen and clickwheel protection. If you're at all familiar with iPod cases, you know that it is rare to find a case that features protection for both of those areas. The case that I have is black aluminum with a red silicone cover over the clickwheel. You have the option of getting the black case with either a black, blue, red, or white clickwheel cover. There's a silver case available with a black cover if you don't care for the black case. The case also comes with a swivel belt clip and a neckstrap as well.

My first concern about anything aluminum is that it will be heavy. The aluminum that PodsPlus uses manages to be light while still being sturdy. It does add weight to the iPod, but that's to be expected with any case that will do a good job of protecting it from damage. Fortunately, the added weight is not significant. The inside of the case is lined with neoprene providing a soft layer of protection for your iPod. The neoprene also provides a snug fit once you place the iPod in the case.

The case opens from the top down with a latch "locks" into place. The latch is a tight fit and provides enough resistance to make one feel confident that it won't come "unlocked". The requisite cutouts for the hold switch and the headphone jack are at the top. The cutout at the bottom covers everything but the opening for the dock connector. There are no problems with plugging in your headphones or dock connector while the iPod is in the case. You can also use the hold switch as well.

The screen is protected by plastic that provides a clear view. The back of the case completely covers the iPod with the exception of a small section at the bottom that you use to push out the player from the V2 Case. The case does feature tiny feet that I assume prevents the case from sliding in case it's on a slippery surface. Of course, you can attach the belt clip on the back.
Last not but not least is the silicone clickwheel cover. When I first saw this, my first thought was that it was going to cause problems with using the clickwheel. I thought that some of my presses wouldn't register or that I would have to press harder. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did I not have any problems with the clickwheel, but that the soft silicone feels better than the hard clickwheel. I haven't noticed any difference in navigating with the clickwheel cover. Not to mention I no longer have to constantly clean the clickwheel of fingerprints.

One of the features that I love about this case is that it doesn't get smeared easily with fingerprints. I also like that even though the case is aluminum it is still light, but also sturdy enough to take abuse. The clickwheel cover is probably one of the best features of the case as well. Having protection for the clickwheel without giving up any tactile feeling is a huge plus. I also like that the belt clip is removeable. A lot of the time I keep my iPod in my car and the belt clip makes it quite unstable when it's on the dashboard.

The only negative is that if you plan to use this with anything other than the standard dock cables, you'll have to remove the iPod from its case. I have a Bose Sounddock and of course I have to remove the player from the PodsPlus case. That's pretty much the case with most hard cases if you use external speakers systems. One other gripe that people may have is the small section on the back of the case that is exposed to allow you to push the player out. It's not a big deal to me but may be a concern to those afraid that the exposed area will become scratched over time.

You can purchase this case on the PodsPlus site for $29.99. Considering the protection that it provides the body, screen, and clickwheel of the iPod, this is an excellent price. I also own a Contour case and feel the PodsPlus is hands down the better case. If you're in need of case that provides complete protection without being overly heavy, the PodsPlus Aluminum V2 for iPod Video is an excellent buy.

Technorati Tags: iPod, iPod cases, ipod with video, PodsPlus, review

Nintendo DS Lite in pink

Check out the Nintendo DS Lite in pink (for some odd reason it reminds me immediately of the pink Razr). This is sure to be a big seller with the female gamers when it's released on July 20th...unfortunately that's the release for Japan.

Technorati Tags: gaming, Nintendo DS Lite

MusicGremlin - WiFi enabled mp3 player

Looking for a new unique mp3 player? You may want to check out the MusicGremlin. This mp3 player features wifi and its own subscription-based music service (monthly fee of $14.99). Compatible with Microsoft's PlaysForSure technology, you can download music wirelessly to the device's 8GB hard drive. If you don't want to subscribe to the service, you can always purchase individual songs for $.99.

Now I've been hoping that Apple would eventually come out with a wifi iPod along with many others, but I'm not sure MusicGremlin is going to steal away too many customers. The device is quite expensive ($299) and the cost of the subscription service is approximately $15 a month or $180 for the year. Not to mention, it has the word Gremlin in its name. I do wish the company luck because competition only makes things better for us consumers.

Read.

Technorati Tags: mp3 player, MusicGremlin, music, WiFi

MobiBlu B153 - 146 hours of music on one charge

When I saw the battery life on the MobiBlu B153, I was amazed. 146 hours on a single charge is astounding when compared to other mp3 players. The B153 comes in three models, 512MB ($89), 1GB($99.99), and 2GB($129.99). The two larger models come in black, while the smallest is in white.

Billed as having the longest battery life in the world, the MobiBlu plays MP3, WMA, and WMA (DRM). You also get a FM tuner with recording abilities, voice recording, SRS WOW High Definition Sound, and line-in encoding. All in all, it sounds like you get a lot for your money. So if you've haven't fallen under the spell of an iPod, this definitely looks like a mp3 player worth checking out.

via| UberGizmo and Shiny Shiny

Technorati Tags: MobiBlu B153, mp3 player, gadgets

Nintendo DS Lite released early?

It looks like some customers (as reported by Cheap Ass Gamer) have had luck in scoring Nintendo DS Lites a little early. The official release date is June 11, but some lucky people have been able to pick up units at Walmart and Target. No word on why these particular stores have offered them before the street date, but if you feel like testing your luck, you may want to head over to your local stores and check it out.

Technorati Tags: gaming, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, Gaming

$5,000 for laptop with 2 hour battery life

When you look at the appearance of the Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook Q2010, most people probably think it's a very attractive laptop.  With its black lacquer finish over the magnesium case, 1GB RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, HSDPA, and a weight of 2.5 lbs, you would think that it's quite capable as well.  Until you take a look at the specs when it comes to battery life.  The Q2010 has a battery life of 2 hours with its included battery (eight hours if you buy the larger battery which only adds on to that fantastic 2.5 lb weight).  And how much do they want you to pay for the privilege of a laptop with two hour battery life?  $5,000!

And they say Apple computers are overpriced.

via|Engadget

Technorati Tags: computers, laptops, Lifebook, Fujitsu

Alcatel OT E260 - simple yet sexy phone

This simple yet sexy phone is the newest release from Alcatel.  The Alcatel One Touch E260 is a slider phone that has the most basic of features, but a rather stylish design.  The phone does not have a camera or a music player, but it does offer up a decent color display (102x80 pixels) and has talk time of 600 minutes.  Expect to see this phone later on this year. 

via| MobileWhack

Technorati Tags: Alcatel OT E260, cell phones, Alcatel

Get your Macbook Pro in pink

You can get a number of your electronic devices customized by Colorware and the Macbook Pro is one of the latest.  The result is pretty and it will cost you a pretty penny too.  For the 15.4 inch Macbook Pro with 2.0 GHz, 512MB, 80GB hard drive, you will pay a total of $2,649.00 for the laptop along with the new color (the regular price of the MBP is $1999).  $650 seems a little steep, but if you must be different, you have to pay extra.  You also have the choice of sending in your Macbook Pro and having them customize it.

The color in the pic is Cotton Candy.

Technorati Tags: laptops, Macbook Pro

Europe to get black Nintendo DS Lite

You would think that Japan would be getting the black Nintendo DS first, but it looks like Europe will have the honors come this June 23rd.  Nintendo has announced that Europe will get a black DS Lite along with a Polar White unit this June.  Other colors include a navy and a light blue (offered in Japan).

via|Playfeed

Technorati Tags: DS, Nintendo, gaming, puppy

Motorola Q announced for Verizon

Earlier today, the Treo 700p was announced on Verizon's network and now we've learned that Verizon will be offering the Motorola Q for sale online on May 31.  You can purchase the "world's slimmest smartphone" for $199 (that's after a $100 rebate).  The Q is only .45 inches thin, has a full QWERTY keyboard, 1.3 megapixel camera, and will run on Verizon's high-speed wireless broadband network.  It will run on the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform.

I would love to see what average consumers think of these once they're out in the wild.  I need something with a full sized keyboard to replace my Treo 650.

Technorati Tags: Moto Q, Motorola, Motorola Q, Verizon

EDGE enabled iPod on the way?

Earlier this month it was revealed that Apple filed for a U.S. Trademark for "Mobile Me" and now recent rumors are swirling around the Internet about the possibility of an EDGE enabled iPod.  Apparently, Apple is hiring quite a few RF engineers with EDGE experience.

Check out the full article from MobileMag.

Technorati Tags: EDGE, iPod, Mobile Me, rumors

PS3 launch price at $500?

This isn't set in stone....just a few guesses from a couple of analysts and developers who seem to think the PS3 will debut with a price of 500 big ones.  I'm fully expecting $500 price point, especially with the included Blu-Ray drive.  With the recent unveilings of a couple of Blu-Ray players that cost as much as $1800, $500 for a player plus a video game system seems like a steal.  What do you think?

Humax PMP with DirecTV support

Humax's PMP was designed to use content offered by pay TV providers and first up is DirecTV with their new DirecTV 2Go service.  The Humax PMP features a 4-inch widescreen LCD, high capacity hard drive (to be specified according to content partner), supports MPEG 1/2/4, DivX, WMV9 with WMDRM10 support, and is USB 2.0 compatible.

The new DirecTV service allows for a direct connection to the DirecTV DVR and users can transfer recorded content to the PMP.  The device will also feature a DirecTV approved playlist interface that's similar to the one offered on their own receivers. 

Expect to see a release later on this year along with the DirecTV 2Go service at different retail and Internet stores.

Technorati Tags: DirecTV, DirecTV 2Go, Humax, Humax, mobile TV, PMP, DVR, satellite

iRiver G10, new handheld gaming device

I saw the iRiver G10 on Akihabara News.  My first thought was the Gizmondo, but I guess I should be a little fair and actually give them a chance to release this device.  The iRiver G10 will run on Windows Mobile 5 and will have a WVGA screen (800x480), along with 4 to 8 GB of storage.

It looks like people are comparing this to the PSP and the Nintendo DS, but I seriously doubt that it's on the same level.  First, we would need to see what games would be released for it.  It's a pretty safe bet that we would see the same caliber games that we see for the DS or the PSP (please, no jokes on the PSP's library of games).  The enormous amount of storage is a promising sign, however.....but better suited for viewing movies or television shows.