Archives for August 2006
Ranger notebooks make a comeback
Darius Chang | Aug 16, 2006
We just love it when the underdogs get their second wind and return from the great beyond. Just when we thought that its notebook line had been penetrated and defeated, Ranger bounces back with a new wave of Core 2 Duo and Pentium M portables.
The Ranger iNote D800 (pictured on the left) leads the way with the latest Core 2 Duo platform. A 14-inch model, this unit strengthens the assault with a DVD writer and built-in 1.3-megapixel Webcam. Complete with a faster serial ATA harddisk and high-definition audio chip, we are rather disappointed that this soldier had decided an integrated graphics card is sufficient for its mission.
Shockingly, the Ranger iNote M600 is not a Centrino system, despite packing an older Pentium M chip, and goes with the rare SIS chipset. Based on a 14.1-inch screen, we feel this system needs a rock-bottom price tag to make an impact on the competitive mobile computing scene. These laptops are primed to debut at the upcoming COMEX 2006 in Singapore.
Hotaru
Juniper Foo | Aug 16, 2006
Sounds almost like a sushi dish. But Hotaru, which actually means firefly, is more pillow help from Japanese company Lofty, in aid of the sleep-deprived. This one emulates the luminescent flying insect, with one end of the pillow glowing intermittently--all with the intention of creating a soft calming rhythm that is intended to bring on "a good sleep". We'll take their word for it.
Price: 21,000 yen (US$183.12)
Availability: Japan, see e-store
Device: Sleep pillow
Basic specs: 70 x 49cm, outer part nylon 37 percent polyester 35 percent cotton 28 percent, cloth cotton 100 percent, polyester 100 percent luminous unit, polystyrene resin, high brightness LED (orange) x 2, 3 electric batteries not included
NEC's Skype-with-me
Darius Chang | Aug 15, 2006
Fancy making almost free overseas calls using VOIP but can't stand the hassle of launching your Skype account? The upcoming NEC Versa E6200 and E6210 have the answer with a dedicated one-touch button to Skype's Internet telephony service.
Departing from boring plastic facades, the Japanese manufacturer has followed the example of the leather-clad ASUS S6F and commissioned award-winning Japanese designer Jun Katsunuma to give a new face to its Core Duo line. With a latchless display and rounded chassis, the top cover is textured with a non-slip and scratch-resistant coating. These full-featured entertainment notebooks also come with strong security features like fingerprint sensor and TPM security chip.
For those who can't wait, the Versa E6200 starts at S$2,399 (US$1,578.29), while the Versa E6210, which incorporates an Nvidia GeForce dedicated graphics card, is priced from S$2,599 (US$1,709.87). Both will be available from mid August in the Asia-Pacific market.
The Core 2 Duo versions are slated to retail at the end of September.
Aeropod Aqua
Juniper Foo | Aug 15, 2006
Finding Nemo fans, ahoy! If you're too lazy to keep an aquarium or don't fancy those plastic fish-in-a-tank gizmos that are selling a dime a dozen along street corners, check out the Aeropod Aqua. From the toymakers of the Pack-Man Dust Box comes a fish-out-of-water that will float in the air and sway sideways with the breeze. Unfortunately, unlike those levitating pen gimmicks, this one requires you to plug in to mains to magnetize the upper part of the 16cm ring containing an electric coil and control unit. Omnicl has just four of Nemo's finny pals on offer at the moment. But like all Japanese toys, we're betting there'll soon be a whole cute collection to get customers into a collector's frenzy.
Peek at: Package | how it works | collection
Via Crisscross
Price: 3,150 yen (US$27.47)
Availability: Japan
Device: Toy
Basic specs: N.A.
Swing to that Sony beat
Edvarcl Heng | Aug 14, 2006
Pass the baton, somebody. That G-Sensor technology from Sony has finally made the jump. Previously used to protect hard drives in the NW series of hard drive MP3 players, the Japanese firm is now making use of it as a pedometer in the NW-S200 series. Able to detect the pace of your run, this cylindrical MP3 player will play preset playlists according to your speed. Shuffling like a crab? Sexy Kylie Minogue's Slow may perk you up. Dawdle further and don't be surprised when your MP3 player starts to hum The Recital's Song for the Slowest Clocks.
The NW-S203F (1GB) and the NW-S205F (2GB) will be available in Asia Pacific by September. Prices will differ from country to country.
Read more here
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