Archives for March 2006
This year's Oscar goodie bag
Juniper Foo | Mar 07, 2006
We're still angling to get a free invite to the Academy Awards, not so much for the boringly endless "thank you" speeches that no one really wants to hear. But, oh mama, get a load of the sheer decadence that's in this year's goodie bag, the sum value of which makes a ticket to LA worth coughing up. Check out some of the freebies being gifted to this year's celebs and attendees.
That's just the tech stuff. And the real winners are...
(Goodness, is that an Oscar in your pocket?)
Price: Priceless
Availability: Only in Hollywood
Device: Take your pick
Basic specs: Nothing basic there, lots of goodies
ASUS' ultimate entertainment notebook
Darius Chang | Mar 06, 2006
For those of us in Singapore, notebooks with Windows XP Media Center Edition operating systems have been distinctly missing in the market. Due to the relatively steep hardware requirement, which includes TV tuner and remote control, only top-of-the-line models have the ability to handle this particular flavor of Windows XP. Add this to the lack of public awareness of Media Center features, and it's not surprising that vendors shy away from bringing Media Center products into the relatively small Singapore market.
Fortunately, the ASUS A7J, with dual-core processor and Media Center Edition OS, is leading the way for the the mobile entertainment market segment. The 17-inch display of the A7J will be well-used by the integrated TV tuner, Webcam and high-end ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics card. As befits a flagship model, a full suite of connectivity options, from five USB 2.0 ports to Bluetooth V2.0, can be found on this notebook. The only problem is that, with such a comprehensive list of audio-visual and network features, invariably battery life is the first item to be sacrificed. Stay tuned for the full review.
Volkswagen GX3
Juniper Foo | Mar 06, 2006
Step aside, Piaggio. Tricycles are hip again, and grownups are its target market no less. With marques like Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot, these tri-wheel hybrids are certainly no toys. On the radar is Volkswagen's GX3, recently showcased at the Los Angeles Auto show in January, looking ultra cool and surprisingly minus the sticker shock at just US$17,000. This two-passenger roadster will deliver up to 46 miles per gallon, and is said to be a lot safer than your conventional motorbike, thanks to a steel construction frame and paneling made of high-density fiberglass. A decision is expected soon on whether to mass produce the GX3. The Beetle on three wheels next?
Price: Expected at US$17,000
Availability: See press literature
Device: Tricycle
Basic specs: 5.7 secs to go from 0-100kmh, fuel consumption in city 5.2 l/100 km, 1.6l engine, 570g
iCool MP3 player
Juniper Foo | Mar 03, 2006
This one's no huge surprise, coming from Solid Alliance which has a history of churning out the oddest gear, from sushi thumbdrives to a USB ghost detector. It's still worth a spot in Gadget Buzz because of its rather strange and unrelated bonus--a scratch-and-sniff feature. Indeed, why tease your ears alone when you can work up two other senses by providing various "good" smells from the player and a 3D hologram. There are six fragrances to pick from, namely chocolate, rose, strawberry, lemon, cherry and blueberry. Verdict? Strangely scent-sational.See all flavors
Via AkibaLive
Price: ¥6,980 (US$60.29)
Availability: See Web site
Device: MP3 player
Basic specs: 256MB flash, plays back MP3/WMA/WAV files, SD card slot, USB 2.0, displays in English and Chinese, compatible with Windows and Mac
Sony does the copper-cabana
Juniper Foo | Mar 02, 2006
In what it claims to be the first for Singapore, Sony Singapore is rolling out its VAIO TX ultraportables in a color that should appeal to the fashion jetset. The new metallic copper hue will grace the lid of the VAIO VGN-TX27GP/T, alongside more common shades like Sapphire Black (VGN-TX27GP/B) and Platinum White (VGN-TX26GP/W).
Fashion sense aside, the series of notebooks is all business. It's targeting mobile warriors, delivering battery life of up to 8.5 hours with an Intel Pentium M Processor Ultra Low Voltage 753 (1.20GHz) powering the system the TX27GP and an Ultra Low Voltage 733 (1.10GHz) for the TX26GP.
Users familiar with the TX series will find the LCD has been trimmed down further, thanks to a newly developed White LED technology. Carbon-fiber materials continue to encase the notebook in a durable housing.
Street prices are S$3,999 and S$3,299 for the VGN-TX27GP and VGN-TX26GP, respectively.
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