Archives for August 2006
Logitech reinvents the wheel
Darius Chang | Aug 24, 2006
After two years of research, Logitech claims that its latest range of mice will revolutionize onscreen navigation. According to the peripheral manufacturer, "on average, people have six applications open on their computer at any one time, and the active window switches or new windows open every 50 seconds in an eight hour day. To navigate the vast content at their disposal, people spin their mouse’s scroll wheel approximately 26ft in an 8 hour day".
The Logitech MX revolution and its smaller notebook-friendly VX Revolution sibling are wireless mice which incorporate the new MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel. It has two modes: The free-spin option allows the wheel to spin freely for faster document navigation, and the normal click-to-click scrolling method offers greater precision. The proprietary SmartShift Technology works with the scroll wheel and sets the most appropriate mode automatically depending on the active application.
The Touch-to-Search button initiates an Internet search on the highlighted word or phrase. The Document Quick-Flip, which is available only on the MX Revolution, simplifies navigation between documents across several programs.
The VX Revolution is slightly smaller and uses a USB receiver that can be stored in the body. Both models are expected to hit retail stores in October, with a list price of S$179 (US$117.76) for the MX Revolution and S$129 (US$84.87) for the VX Revolution.
Canon photo printers on the horizon
Damian Koh | Aug 24, 2006
What goes there? What would you do if you had a spanking new digicam with some award-winning pictures and you wish to show it to your parents? Print them out, of course. Here come three new photo printers from Canon for you to do just that.
Among the three inkboxes, the SELPHY CP720 and ES1 are making their first appearance. Both printers are dye-sublimation models with the SELPHY CP720 developed as a sister unit to the CP730 announced earlier in June. The new SELPHY comes with an onboard 1.5-inch color LCD monitor for image preview and editing. It also supports a total of 13 types of memory cards (though some require adapters).
The other model, the SELPHY ES1, takes a rather different design approach compared with the rest of the series. Instead of having a broad base, the ES1 sports a smaller footprint and height of 113mm, a whole 50mm taller than the CP720. The ES1 has a 2.5-inch color LCD which you can switch between normal and full-screen mode. You can connect this unit via USB, Pictbridge, infrared, Bluetooth and wireless LAN. Do note that for latter two wireless connectivity features, you'll need to purchase the necessary adapters separately.
Microsoft and Razer join hands
Darius Chang | Aug 24, 2006
Razer, well-known for its gaming-centric peripherals, has tied up with Microsoft to produce gaming mice. Habu, a Japanese pit viper, is the name of the first-born from this collaboration.
If the new gaming mouse gives a distinct sense of deja vu, that's because it's basically a Razer Copperhead with a slightly modified body. Sporting the same 2,000dpi sensor, the Habu differentiates itself by adding an adjustable plate that allows the two thumb buttons to be customized.
It will be available in stores worldwide from October for an estimated list price of US$69.95 (S$110.05).
VAIO sends out smoke signals
Darius Chang | Aug 24, 2006
According to a report by the Kansas City media, a VAIO notebook went up in flames twice. Juli Kupperman said the first flames occurred when the laptop was switched off and the battery was charging. Though she put out the fire, the same system went for an encore. There was no major damage or injuries reported.
Sony Asia Pacific told CNET Asia that it is aware of this incident and investigations are underway. We will update the report when more information comes in.
The speaker wears Prada
Edvarcl Heng | Aug 24, 2006
Jet black and slick as a frozen oil spill in Antarctica, the YP-K5 is the latest MP3 player from Samsung. Based on the brief specs on Akihabara News, the YP-K5 won't be mooning videos from its rear end. Instead, it's a multi-codec crooner (MP3, WMA, OGG, ASF) with its own set of lungs. The built-in speakers are concealed within a slide-out compartment and from what we can see, the controls reminds us faintly of the LG Chocolate KG800.
According to sources on the Web, the YP-K5 will be launched at IFA 2006 and subsequently will be available in Asia from mid-September onwards.
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