Gadgets Blog

The projector market isn’t as terribly exciting as that of video cards, but once in a while comes along a piece of hardware that breaks away from the norm of everyday projectors that would make even the most disinterested passer-by sit up and take notice. Today is such a day with Sanyo releasing its latest portable widescreen WXGA PLC-WXU700 LCD projector which is touted to be the first in the world to feature high-speed 802.11n wireless LAN capability, video streaming, full (1280×800) WXGA resolution, 3800 lumens and compatibility with the Windows Vista Network Projector Function.

By virtue of it being the first projector to offer IEEE802.11n high-speed wireless LAN capabilities, this translates to superior transmission speeds which have traditionally been limited to the 802.11g standard at best. This makes room for seamless video playback, enabling the playback of video stored on a computer’s hard drive as it is being streamed or downloaded to the projector without any bottlenecks or lag. Without having to hook it up via Ethernet (you can do so if you want to thanks to the inclusion of an Ethernet port), this helps eliminate the risk of tripping over unsightly wires or cables in the vicinity.

The projector’s video streaming and playback is compatible with MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, and WMV file formats, while the incorporation of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 software allows the PLC-WXU700 to be used as a network projector on virtually any computer powered by Windows Vista. Having the option of projecting images or video from a LAN to the projector wirelessly also does away with the need for a complicated setup with special programs or drivers. Dummies can also set this up in a snap courtesy of its Auto Input Signal Search, Auto Vertical Keystone Correction, and a Guidance Function. Other features of the PLC-WXU700 include a resolution of 1,280 x 800, a brightness of 3,800 lumens, a high-output 275-watt lamp, and a variety of video inputs including HDMI, D-sub, S-video and composite. You can expect to pick up the Sanyo PLC-WXU700 this June for $2,995.

Press Release

Microsoft does not only offer a mixed bag of operating systems to the majority of computer users in the world, it also makes perfect sense to manufacture hardware that works in tandem with their software. Well, apart from keyboards and mice, Microsoft also has delved into the world of webcams. This industry isn’t exactly one that will light up the eyes of most people as plenty of us don’t really care the kind of webcam we use as long as it is able to send images and video to our family/friend on the other line, but it does pay to have a closer look at their offering this time round, which is exactly what we’ll do right after the jump.

The latest effort from Microsoft Hardware is the newest LifeCam model known as the LifeCam VX-2000 which is capable of offering quality video calls without breaking the bank. In fact, it will cost just $29.95 each when it arrives this June, boasting an integrated microphone (then again, which webcam doesn’t have that these days) and vivid VGA video. Setup is a breeze with the VX-2000, allowing you to get in visual touch with family and friends within minutes upon opening the box and connecting the VX-2000 to your computer.

Apart from VGA video, you are also able to use the LifeCam VX-2000 to snap 1.3-megapixel images for posterity, and the integration of an auto-adjusting lens helps you take decent photos even in low-light conditions. Sounds like just the cam to set up an adult website with shots of your escapades with various partners under romantic lighting, but that’s another can of worms altogether. Windows Live features supported by the LifeCam VX-2000 include :-

• Video Effects that let people personalize video calls with fun visual elements
• Video Messages so people can record and send videos when friends are not around for a live call
• Windows Live Call Button to easily initiate a video call

Product Page and Press Release

With as many gadgets as most of us cart around, finding ways to charge them in your car becomes an issue.  You could just attempt to spread them out so that you don’t have to have as many things plugged in within your car at once.  However, sometimes you really need your cellphone that happens to be dead and your GPS.  Well this In-Car Splitter would likely be plenty for even the most gadget addicted person out there.

It has 2 regular cigarette lighter sockets as well as two USB ports.  Giving you enough room to keep four gadgets powered up at all times.  The arm on the splitter can be angled in different directions, making it so that it’ll work in any vehicle you own now or in the future.  It also has a replaceable fuse as an extra safety feature.  You can read more on it on Santok’s website, but unfortunately they don’t give any pricing information on the splitter.

Source: GeekAlerts

Acer is no stranger when it comes to netbooks, and here they are with a spanking new model to tease our wallets further, testing the limits of just how many netbooks we’re willing to have under a single roof. The model in question would be the first 11.6″ Acer Aspire One netbook that comes with a full-sized keyboard - something many other netbook manufacturers cannot tout for their respective releases. Not only that, the 11.6″ display sure comes in handy as more viewing real estate is always welcome by any computer user. By the way, forgive us for not furnishing you with a model number after reading thus far - the 11.6″ Aspire One AO751h is its name, and it is accompanied by a smaller 10.1″ Aspire One AOD250.

First off, let us take a closer look at the new Aspire One AO751h which is thinner compared to its previous generation (which is only natural I would say), boasting an LED-backlit widescreen display with 16:9 aspect ratio that makes it infinitely more enjoyable to view movies over such a size compared to other 4:3 screens that many of us still “suffer” from. In addition, the 11.6″ screen is a boon for those who are too used to 9″ and 10″ netbook sizes, since the larger display translates to an easier experience on your eyes in viewing multiple windows while reducing the need to scroll to view Internet sites. Touch typists will also appreciate the full size keyboard, although they might want to hook it up to a 21″ monitor when they’re working at home.

As for the smaller Acer Aspire One AOD250, this model will target the needs and demands of mobile consumers who want a compact, light-weight netbook for Internet access and communications. It is also lighter and thinner than its predecessor, featuring a 10.1″ display that makes it the perfect candidate for those who are looking for their first netbook purchase.

You can remain connected to the Internet with either model via Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, and the lack of 802.11n support isn’t disappointing at all since these netbooks were not created to cater to the whims and fancies of power users. Depending on the model you choose, you can have Intel’s Atom N270 or Z520 processors, alongside the choice of a 6-cell battery for the AO751h that offers a whopping 8 hours of operating time compared to just four hours on the 3-cell version. The Acer Aspire One AO751h and D250 will retail for $349.99 and $298 upwards, respectively.