New Gadget Envy

I've blogged before about MP3 players (or PMPs as the more technical term), but my 30GB Zune is having hard drive problems and barely runs for 5-10 minutes without crashing. I definitely think Apple makes better players, but I'm too cheap to pay top dollar for them. So I'm eyeballing the landscape to see what choices are out there.

Obviously, Apple dominates the player market, but I really like the Zune's software and integration with their players.

The game just got interesting - Microsoft just announced their new Zune HD player which is scheduled to go on sale sometime in the fall. The reviews for it are based of pre-production units, but even in beta, the Zune HD looks solid. Consider me impressed and seriously looking that way.

For any geeks who read this, this thing is smaller than the iPhone, has an OLED display (read: better than iPod Touch/iPhone, has built-in HD radio, finally has a web browser to go along with the wi-fi that Zunes have always had)

My only gripe is that this thing doesn't have GPS on it, and Microsoft has generally stayed out of the GPS market despite producing several excellent software packages on the web and for purchase. Only the iPhone has all the features I want, but you can only get the phone if you sign up for the data plans - and I'm not into that...

The photo above is from Gizmodo, but be sure to check out this link for more photos and videos.

What my inner geek is thinking about these days...

I consider myself a serious gadget guy, but have to confess that I don't own one of the most prolific gadgets available today: a GPS.

This may seem odd since I travel aplenty for my job, but I've managed to work around this by either planning ahead or using Google Maps on my Blackberry with large success. Rarely do I get lost or am unable to find where I need to go.

That doesn't mean things can't be better. Enter a new company called Dash. They just launched a new GPS that offers some significant features no other GPS available can provide. Allow me to elaborate.

By far then best feature is two way communication that gives you real-time TruTraffic updates. What this means is that the GPS unit has a basic cell-phone-like feature that always communicates with Dash and receives information from Dash as well. So if other cars are stuck in traffic due to an accident, the Dash knows about this almost instantly and can send you to your destination via another route. Once more of these units are sold, the data will only get more accurate and effective.

The service also automatically updates maps which is often a time-consuming and even costly proposition.

The Dash also has wi-fi so you can enter addresses and points of interest on your laptop and wirelessly send them to your car in the garage/driveway if you have a simple network set up in your home.

True, it's nowhere close to being the smallest or sexiest-looking GPS on the market, but right now I'd prefer functionality over form.

It's priced fairly resonably at $399. There is a monthly service fee of $12.99 though. I'll let you know if I bite on this one or not...

If you go to Dash's website, there's a short video that shows how this works.

[photos are from Dash's web site as well]

I so want to do this...

http://view.break.com/175421 - Watch more free videos

Many people seem to think that Europe's TV is more entertaining than what we Americans get to watch. I think there's a case in point from the BBC's show Top Gear.

If I had the time and unlimited resources, I would so do this on my own. Enjoy.

[credit: Gizmodo]

A Dubious Prank

Allow me to share just one item from CES. As regular readers know, I like to read the tech blog Gizmodo on a regular basis. Before covering the event, they were given a demo unit of a product called TV-B-Gone, which is essentially a universal remote that can turn off any TV set if one is annoyed by loud televisions in public spaces.

One of Gizmodo's writers decided to use it for more deviant endeavors. Watch the video on this link to see what hilarity ensued as they walked the show floor shutting of every TV in sight - even disrupting a press conference with Motorola.

In hind sight, it's not the nicest or most innocent prank - but I definitely would have done this if I had the technology and the resources to do it. Oh, and you can read the consequences here.

[Gizmodo]

MP3 Player Odyssey - Steps Backward, Forward, Dizziness Ensues

Ok, so I've posted my thoughts on MP3 players I'm looking at purchasing here. I ended up buying the Cowon D2 8GB flash memory player. After reading numerous reviews, message boards, and even watching a couple videos on youtube, it was pretty clear this was the right choice.

This particular brand isn't available via local retailers, so I had to buy it online. After shopping around, I found the best deal for the D2 at a site called zipzoomfly.com (referred by Cowon's own site) This is a good site with prompt, efficient service.

My player arrived when promised, and setup was a snap. The D2 doesn't come with much of a manual or documentation, but figuring out the touch screen navigation and the menus wasn't a problem. I didn't have any problems setting up Windows Media 11 to synchronize with the player either.

However, a few problems with this player popped up when I tried to use the player for the first time.

1. Not all of my video files (all in .wmv format) were able to play. Some files would play without problem. Others would play on the player at all. On other videos, the image was very jerky - a frame every other second or so.
2. The menus require to much digging to get to basic information. When using the D2, I found that it would take up to 10-12 taps (sometimes more) on the screen just to get to an album/artist/track I wanted to listen to.
3. The player would show the wrong album art for the track I was listening to. This happened regularly. Some tracks would show the wrong cover art with different wrong covers numerous times. I checked the firmware, and didn't find any fixes for this.
4. The D2 would read any of my SD cards. This was a big deal since I hoped to view pics from my digital camera on my player. While the prices of these keep going down, I'm not interested in spending another $50 or more to get something I already have and use.

So I'm returning my D2. It's a shame, since I had high hopes for it - and I'm losing 15% of my $219.99 due to a restock fee.

After trying out other players, my Odyssey had me staring at the iPod Touch 16GB - but spending $400 on that player just seems crazy for a player that will be obsolete in less than 12 months.

Last week, Microsoft released their new Zune2 series of players, but I was disappointed in these players overall. The Zune flash drive players didn't offer any compelling features or advantages I was listed in, and I want to avoid getting a hard-drive-based player due to moving parts that are susceptible to breaking.

But I came across a deal that's too good to pass up. Amazon.com has the original (read: 1 year old) Zune player for only $89. This has a 30GB HARD DRIVE (ugghh), BUT!!!!! the player was selling for $249 about 2 months ago. When I factor the $89 for the cost per GB, this is a no-brainer. Also, when I considered that Microsoft is giving free software updates to their new software for their older models - there really wasn't a reason't a reason not to do it. Actually - on reason is that the player is out of stock and won't be available for a month - but I can live that. Getting a player for this caliber for only $89 is good any way you look at it. It's almost disposable at that price.

Updates to come later...

An MP3 player I WON'T be purchasing...

I'm all about sharing my faith with others, and I'm definitely a geek to the core. So just as two great things like chocolate and peanut butter are best together, one would think this would be the ideal end to my new MP3 player odyssey. But mixing two good things sometimes creates very bad results: brownies with Ex-lax, electricity with water, and drinking with driving come immediately to mind.

This thing makes me ill just looking at it - for geeky and spiritual reasons...

(and yes, it's real. You can buy it in 1, 2, and 4GB sizes here. )

[Source: CNet via Engadget]

Airwolf: Donations for Memorabilia Needed

Normally I have a healthy dose of sarcasm in my posts, but I'm totally serious with every word I'm typing. My all-time favorite show growing up was Airwolf (far beyond Knight Rider).

• It started with the smokin' theme song
• that awesome helicopter pictured above (with retractable guns and rocket launchers, "sun burst" defense system, bullet-proof exterior, and in later episodes the lazers).
• The way "the lady" looked in the "lair": Airwolf's hidden hangar in a butte in some desert.
• The characters: Strinfellow Hawk (Jan Michael Vincent), Dom Santini, Archangel.
• The cool air battles at the climax of each episode showed off what this fine specimen this vehicle and it's writing truly was.

Right now, I have to find creative ways to purchase one of the 26 helmets on eBay that are available from the show. Bids start at $700 and Buy Now is $900. This is geek memorabilia in it's purest form.

Please help!

My MP3 Player Odyssey hits a bump

Ok, so I had posted before that I'm ruling out the new iPod Touch and Nano as replacements for my now officially "crappified"4G iPod 20GB. In that same post, I said I intended to purchase the Creative Zen since it offers more features at the same or lower prices to the iPods (FM tuner, expandabale SD memory card slot).

Well, that plan hit a bump when I stumbled across this review of the Zen on a site called anythingbutipod.com. This guy has reviewed most MP3 players made by any company other than Apple, and seems to know his stuff really well. On his review of the Creative Zen, he noted a major flaw - that the Zen's SD memory expansion slot has been crippled so that it provides minmal functionality/real world usage.

So instead, the writer suggest that one look at the Cowon D2 player (pictured above), which I'd never heard of. After reading the review, then checking CNET's thumb's up review, and finally checking out the features and price points, I'm impressed. It's quite compact, has a touch screen interface, SD expansion slot (that actually works), and good product support. Too bad it's not available in the at any mass retailers so I can try it out myself before buying - so I may have to buy it from an online etailer with a liberal return policy in case it doesn't meet my expectations.

I'm also now reconsidering it the iRiver Clix2 player (above). I had heard about this great player back in January when it was announced, and the 8GB just started shipping a couple weeks ago. However, I had ruled it out since it didn't have any memory expansion. But since the reviews on CNET and anythingbutipod rated it so highly, it's back in the running again.

Another, though less likely, option is the new Zune 2 from Microsoft. These players are bigger than I prefer, but I like the usability and feature improvements that Microsoft has made from the first generation that launched nearly a year ago. While I generally don't pull for Microsoft - they're doing quite well in case you haven't heard - they are one of the first MP3 player manufacturers to upgrade prior models with new features that will be on upcoming models. I'm not referring to firmware updates, but a major system upgrade that adds significant new features. In particular, the Zunes offer wireless synchronization, so you can recharge the Zune without wires. Sweet stuff, and I really wish Apple would take note of this instead of forcing existing customers to upgrade when new features come out on new models. Microsoft is also improving their Zune online portal to give iTunes a run for it's money. The new flash memory Zune 2 will ship in mid-November. It's a long-shot, but I'm keeping my eye on it.

So maybe I'll just wait a little longer...

uuugggghhhhh.

MP3 Player Choices: Interesting Developments

In my post on MP3 players a few weeks ago, I noted that I'm leaning toward the new Creative Zen instead of the new iPod Nano or Touch models. The good news is that Creative has started shipping the 8GB model that I was strongly considering, but they've lowered the pre-release price of the 16GB model to $249. This is highly intriguing - and if it were shipping, I would already own one.

My employer has provided a Blackberry 8703 for me to use for some time now. While the Blacberry serves as stellar and indispensible email device, it offers no multimedia features (no MP3 or video capabilities) to speak of. (and thus my desire to get the Creative Zen player) But there's a new wrinkle of reports from

But this week, the Blackberry got a VERY positive boost. Sling Media is developing their mobile player to run on the Blackberry OS. Those that aren't familiar with Sling Media or their Sling Box, here's the quick rundown: Sling Box is a small server that connects to your home network. This box is set up next to your TV, and accepts the output from your cable TV, satellite, or Tivo-type devices. The Sling Box is connected to the internet via your home network, so you can access your own TV content anywhere you have an internet connection. That means I can access any of the previously recorded content already on my Tivo, or even change the channel and watch live TV at my leisure whenever I please. The great thing about Sling Box is that there are no service fees to use the device, other than the $100-150 for most of their Boxes. As I see it, the only real issue is that the service wouldn't work well on an airplane since there's no signal up there...

I'll still probably get the Creative Zen player, but I'll definitely watch for the Sling Box once they release the Blackberry compatible version.

For Uber-Nerds Only

Do you have a fetish over the Star Wars series?

Do you fantasize over the latest gadgets and consumer technology?

If you answer in the affirmative to both questions, welcome to your nirvana...

Some super-dorks have built a home theater room designed to look like the bridge of the Death Star. Upon reviewing the list of A/V components, they've easily spent a couple hundred grand on on this.

I must admist that the execution is flawless, and I briefly considered scrapping my current plans for the basement remodel to include a similar design...but I prefer to sleep in the same room (or house) as my wife - so common sense prevailed.

Source: Gizmodo

Dilemma: Which MP3 player?

Since I travel a lot, an MP3 player is pretty indispensible. I've had a 20GB 4G iPod for 2.5+ years that has a crashed hard drive since April. I've been waiting for something new to come along, and knowing Apple was supposed to be making major announcements this past week (Sept. 5) had me excited.


Since my old iPod had a crashed hard drive, I definitely want to get a player with flash memory since there are no moving parts, and these are more compact in size as well. (The trade-off to not getting a hard-drive based player is smaller flash memory and higher price.) I also wanted to get a player that did videos (especially for watching episodes of the office, and maybe a couple movies and sports clips.


Apple only got it half right. Ideally, I wanted 16GB of flash memory, so the new iPod Touch is the ideal candidate. There's so much to like: built-in WiFi, a gorgeous 3.5" widescreen, and Apple's flawless integration and operating system. However, the $399 price tag is freaking me out.





The other Apple candidate is the new Nano. Unlike previous versions, this popular player now does videos and manages to do so in a dimunitive size that's about half the size of a credit card (and about as thick as 1-2 credit cards as well). I stopped by the Apple store to check these out, and they are a true wonder. The price is a more modest $199 for the 8GB model.

However, I can't bring myself to get the Nano. I love iTunes and getting podcasts, but I don't want to play Apple's game of limiting features and forcing to upgrade a year or two down the road. Here are some of the featuress that I wish the new iPods had

• a 16GB Nano would be passible
• built-in FM tuner to listen to radio (especially at the health club)
• expandable memory card slot
• larger screen on the iPod Nano

So I think I'm going to get the Creative Zen when it ships. While a 16GB version for $299 will be shipping soon, I'm planning to get the 8GB version for $199 (the same price as the Nano). But the Zen delivers an SD memory slot to increase memory capacity or to view and transfer pictures from my digital camera (a big plus). There's also a larger screen that considerably larger (2.5"). Lastly, the Zen uses a standard min-USB interface, so that means one less cable that I'll need to have for transfers and charging the battery.

While the Zen is larger than the Nano, it's still a tiny player that packs a potent punch and will serve my needs well. If only there were any places that had it in stock so I could pick one up...

Another Advancement in Technol...err - what?

I'll let you decide whether this is a step forward of back in terms of technology. (My personal view is the latter). Basically, this thing is a personal email device that looks and acts like a typewriter. I guess if this gets my grandparents to use email, it can't be a bad thing...but wouldn't they be better off with an inexpensive pc that can also use to play solitaire?

Here's a summary from the blog Gizmodo:

Apparently you need to use special paper in order to be able to send emails, but the way you can receive emails on thing is strangely missing.

Perhaps this is a last-ditch effort for the typewriter industry to sell ink ribbon and special papers. Here's to hoping they can also find a way to use typewriter correction tape...

Thoughts on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio Merger

I've already admitted I'm a recovering gadget freak, but I may find myself in a relapse soon.

I've used both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio services in the past, and really like the idea since I travel a lot and quality radio coverage is often pretty bad - and the idea of having every station available anywhere in the USA is appealing as well. I ended up cancelling Sirius (in my opinion, the far better of the two) since I found myself paying the $13 a month for the service, along with many other "small fees" for other gadget-related services. These were really digging into my monthly expenses, and had to go...

As part of the proposed merger of the two companies, (a business move that has local radio stations are trying to have the government block) they are talking of being able to pick your own a la carte' stations - up to 50 - and pay only $6.99/month. Seeing how either service goes for $13/month each, and since I only listen to 5-6 channels regularly, that's a great deal.

Here's to hoping this deal goes through...

source: Gizmodo

Pure Genius...

Due to allergies, we will probably never have a family pet (save for the free goldfish that will inevitably arrive one day). Too bad, because it would deprive us of this brilliant, earth-friendly design.

You can have your hamster shred those sensitive financial documents when he excercises on the hamster wheel. The shredded documents then become the base of the cage where the spunky critter will poop/pee on them to ensure no identity thief dare go near them. The net effect consumes ZERO electricity. Genius. (just be sure to remove those pesky staples...)

Unfortunately, it appears this isn't an actual product. It's only some artist's concept that will be put on display in Italy. One can hope this hits the market one day. Save the planet AND your identity!

For my source and more info about this click HERE:

BEST....GADGET....EVER!!!!

Those of you who know me, know I'm a a pretty good gadget freak. It takes a lot to get me REALLY excited about a new piece of technology, but what I am about to tell you is truly earth shattering.

I don't have any phobias, but the closest thing to a phobia I have is touching the handle on the bathroom door. I mean, have you seen how many guys take care of their "bizzness" and just walk straight out the door??? It's just outright gross.

So how is one to get around this dilemma? After all, I wash my hands, but now my clean hands must touch that nasty door handle to exit. Some of my solutions include grabbing the door with a paper towel in my hand and then tossing the towel as I walk out of the bathroom. However, this doesn't work in bathrooms that only have blow dryers. In those cases, I usually have to use my pinky the grab the handle. Gross to be sure, but at least my pinky doesn't touch my food. Another solution is to frequent restaurants where the bathroom door opens OUT so I can just lean on it with my shoulder or butt and not have to use my hands at all. (Our local TGI Fridays, my favorite national chain, has doors that open this way. TGI has some of the BEST burgers, BTW)

So anyway, I'm having a lunch meeting at Charleston's in Omaha today with a client, and excuse myself to go use the bathroom. I take care of my "bizzness," wash my hands, and notice a little panel on the wall where a light switch would be. It says "Sanidoor" and has instructions to wave your hand to open the door to exit.

This is the BEST solution EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why did it take so long for someone to come up with this idea? If you want to see a demo and some bad pictures, you can go to Sanidoor's website HERE.

Seriously, I would eat exclusively at restaurants who used Sanidoor since I like this product so much. Maybe I will buy stock too. :-)

The ironic thing is - I was so excited about this masterpiece - that I grabbed the door with my pinky out of glee as I left.