Intel processor double whammy

In a keynote speech today by CEO Paul Otellini at CES in Las Vegas, Intel officially unveiled its new Centrino Duo Mobile Technology. The centerpiece of the Duo Mobile chipset, previously code-named Napa, is Intel's Core Duo chip, which places two mobile processing cores on one chip. Two other components, Intel's Mobile 945 chipset and Pro/Wireless 3945a/b/g chip, are also part of the new chipset. A single-core version of the new technology is called Core Solo. In addition to powering the next generation of laptops, Duo will be at the center of Intel's new Viiv platform, which will seek to firmly place PCs at the center of home entertainment.

According to an Intel executive who briefed CNET in December 2005, the Core Duo chip is expected to deliver a 68 percent performance gain over Intel's current Sonoma single-core processors and reduce battery consumption by 28 percent. Such a gain would help to bridge the considerable performance gap between mobile and desktop PCs. Read more

Charge of the Bluetooth-ready headsets

Motorola has unveiled the H5 Miniblue Bluetooth Headset, the teensiest Bluetooth headset the CNET team has ever seen. At only 33 x 41 millimeters, the H5 has a flanged ear tip to ensure a comfortable fit. The built-in mic apparently picks up your voice through your ear canal, which is a good thing, since the H5 doesn't have a boom mic, like a lot of other headsets. It also comes with a silver, stylish portable charging base and will be available the first half of this year.

In addition to its Miniblue, Motorola also showed off other tiny headsets at CES. The design of the new Motorola H700 is similar to the Motorola HS850's but is 30 percent smaller, and you can turn the device on and off simply by flipping the boom mic. The H3 Bluetooth headset, designed specifically to complement the Motorola Razr V3, features a sleek design that mimics the Razr's slim form factor. It has a removable ear hook and is compatible with Bluetooth 1.1- and 1.2-enabled cell phones.

Not to be outdone, Nokia also revealed three new Bluetooth headsets at the recent CES 2006: The BH-200, the BH-800, and the BH-900. While the BH-800 isn't as small as the Motorola H5 Miniblue, it still looks nice and compact atonly 1.6 x 0.7 x 0.35 inches and 0.3 ounces. There's a headset strap that lets it dangle around your neck, making it seem even more like a fashion statement. It comes in both black and silvery white. Rated talk time is 6 hours, while standby time is 160 hours. The BH-800 should be available in Q1 this year.

The other two may not be as pretty, but they're definitely functional. The BH-200 is a basic Bluetooth headset made to be easy to use, with uncomplicated controls. Rated talktime for the BH-200 is 5 hours 30 minutes, while the standby time is 150 hours. The BH-900, on the other hand, caters to business audiences, with noise-reduction and echo-cancellation technology, which means the person you're speaking to will be able to hear you even if you're in a noisy environment. The BH-900 has an extendable boom, plus it supports push-to-talk technology, depending on the phone and the network. Rated talk time for the BH-900 is 8 hours, while standby time is 180 hours. Both the BH-200 and the BH-900 will be available in Q2 this year.

"Fusion" Solar Messenger Bag w/ optional PowerPac

Environmentally inclined consumers are getting more spoilt for choice when it comes to recyclable power. Here's another carryall that comes with solar panels. If you're not one for rugged-looking backpack models, Eclipse has just the thing in a classic over-the-shoulder Messenger Bag design. Too bad it comes in only blue or black, and holds but doesn’t charge your laptop.

Check out the full gear here

Price: US$129.95
Availability: See Web site
Device: Solar-powered bag
Basic specs: Denier Nylon fabric, 17 x 12 x 7-inch, 4lbs, 1,420 cubic inches, limited lifetime warranty, solar module providing up to 2.5 watts of power, single 12V charging outlet, water bottle pockets, mesh ventilated, padded backpanel, adjustable padded shoulder strap, top grab handle, reflective material for nighttime visibility, padded laptop computer cavity

The remote control bagel

A.k.a. one darn cool-looking remote, the space-agey Loop from Hillcrest Labs is really a free-space controller. Great for impressing guests when you start waving and pointing the Loop in the air a la David Copperfield, and voila, things happen. Well, mostly on the TV screen that is. There are just two buttons and a scroll wheel, and according to the CNET team at CES 2006, Hillcrest Labs has designed an onscreen user interface that's both simple and intuitive, with an interface that zooms in and out as you move between categories and directories.

See the Loop upclose

Price: N.A.
Availability: Work in progress
Device: Pointer-based remote controller
Basic specs: Spontaneous navigation software

New NEC LT and VT series projectors

The new VT48/480/580 offers a rich feature set combined with outstanding value. Designed for busy executives, the projectors are capable of screening images in less than 8 seconds while onboard wall color correction enables impromptu presentation on-the-go.

For users who demand advanced connectivity, check out the LT280/LT380 with built-in networking and optional high-speed wireless capability. Both models are also High Definition-ready supporting up to 1080i via a set of component-video sockets. Perfect for some light moments with the latest Hollywood blockbusters.
More info here

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (575)

» Digital Cameras (356)

» Notebooks (367)

» PC & Peripherals (372)

» Handhelds (213)

» Printers (37)

» Home AV (394)

» Music & Play (358)

» Gadgets (844)

» Future Tech (124)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads