Lexmark unveils five new consumer-oriented inkjet printers

Lexmark has announced five new additions to its inkjet printer lineup, three of which include wireless networking. The new printers range from basic, single-function offerings to All-in-One printers suitable for multi-user environments.

Editors' note: 27 June--The prices have been updated in SGD. According to a PR spokesperson for Lexmark, the Z1420, the X3550, the X4550 and the Z1320 will be available in South Asia in the May/June period. However, the X2550 will only be on sale in July/August.

Z1320
The Z1320 is a S$69 basic printer that offers 22ppm black and 16ppm color. It uses a two-tank ink system (black and CMY), with an optional three-color photo tank for six-color photo prints.

X2550
The X2550 is a color 3-in-1 AIO printer (print, scan, copy). The US$60 unit offers 22ppm black and 16ppm color printing (in draft mode). It will be available in Asia between July and August. Asia pricing not available.

Z1420
The S$129 Z1420 is a single-function printer that offers both USB and built-in wireless networking. It prints black at 24ppm and color at 18ppm.

X3550
The X3550 is an inexpensive AIO printer at S$179. It comes with built-in memory card slots, a PictBridge port, and print rates of 24ppm black and 17ppm color. Wireless connectivity is optional on this model and the wireless adapter unit is simple to install.

X4550
The S$249 X4550 is the high end of this new round of printers. It offers wireless connectivity, multifunction printing (photo, print, scan, copy), built-in memory card slots, and a PictBridge port, and it prints black at 26ppm and color at 18ppm.

X9350
The S$439 X9350 is a real workhorse. It serves up simple wireless printing, built-in duplexing, a document feeder for fax and good print quality.

The new multifunctions come with an improved software suite that allows you to easily edit and print photos.

Via CNET Crave

Keys U See

We know what we'll be getting our baby-boomer parents this Christmas. Finally, something for visually impaired computer users who won't have to squint their hardest or have to whip out their heavy-duty reading glasses to make out those keys. Now why didn't someone think of this sooner? Ugly cute, but hey, nobody's looking up close.

Get more images here and here

Via popgadget.net

Price: US$49.95
Availability: At First Street
Device: Keyboard
Specs: 1.5 x 19.75 x 8.25 inches, USB or PS2 port, in black with white lettering on the keys or black with yellow lettering, or ivory with black lettering

Ready for SMS2.0?

Affle, a UK-based mobile media company, is looking to redefine the "service" in SMS to "search". Its new application for Nokia's Series S60 phones will enable a new search function within the familiar text messaging interface.

According to the press release, SMS2.0 is currently compatible with the Nokia N70, N72, 6680, 6681 and 6630 models. However, Nokia has said the application will work with the Series S60 2nd edition (or higher) handsets.

When installed, SMS2.0 will become the phone's default text messaging program. The beauty of it is that everything remains the same except there's now an additional search menu within the options. The company is in talks with various online search engines but there are no firm plans on which engine will power the new search function.

Affle is also working with local telco MobileOne (M1) to bring targeted advertising to the SMS2.0 platform. Ticker-roll advertisements will appear on the bottom portion of the screen as the user types a text message and turns full screen when the message is sent, or when he clicks on it.

According to Neil Montefiore, CEO of M1, these content are updated via a backend system to maintain relevancy. Users will not be charged for the data traffic for SMS2.0 content due to a tie-up with Affle. They will, however, be prompted if a fee is to be levied.

Optoma sets new price record with HD80

Looks like 1080p projectors are fast becoming mainstream earlier than expected. Optoma has just recently announced its US$2,999 HD80 and now there's already firm indication of its impending arrival in Asia. This sets a new yardstick for being one of the lowest-priced single-chip DLP models, coming almost neck-to-neck with its Epson EMP-TW1000 LCD rival. But unlike the latter, this is supposedly shipping with two HDMI 1.3 and DVI jacks.

Besides the above-mentioned impressive connectivity and DLP's renowned inky blacks, other vital specifications include a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast and bright 1,300 ANSI lumens. So far so good, but you will need a deep room to accommodate this light cannon. With a humble 1.2x zoom, it requires a substantial 4.2m throw distance to project a 104-inch image. Motorized functions are also out of the question but are understandable tradeoffs for such steep affordability.

Singapore distributor AR Visual has indicated that the Optoma HD80 will be priced between S$5,200 (US$3,700.28) and S$5,500 (US$3,913.76), and will probably reach our shores by end July. Launch details for the rest of Asia were not available at press time. The Asian model's specifications are pending confirmation.
More info here

The Quartz Tele

This looks like something right out of Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Designer Tao Ma turns ye old telephone into a quartzy affair, with the dial pad now represented by large quartz crystals with built-in LED. The effect of this is soon obvious when each crystal shard illuminates in different colors once pressed. The base sports an LED screen which displays key info like incoming calls, dates, and contacts. Sheer eye candy, but hey where's the handpiece? Ouch! Found it.

Bigger image here

Via Yanko Design

Price: N.A.
Availability: Concept
Device: Telephone
Specs: N.A.

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