|
|
| A new computer plus accessories |
January 2, 2008 |
 |
Backlit. Motion sensing. Rechargeable
Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000
Microsoft calls this its ultimate piece of PC hardware, and it’s easy to see why. The keyboard and mouse are both wireless and rechargeable, which means in an office equipped with a large monitor you could grab the keyboard off your desk and go work from a couch. The keyboard is uber-stylish and comes with a cool backlit feature that adjusts to the room’s ambient light but also has a sensor which dims the light when you walk away and brings it back on your return. But there are a couple of drawbacks. For one, the keyboard layout is a little non-standard and may require some practice. Also, at a street price of approximately $300, this is not cheap. But then again, style never is.
www.microsoft.ca
|
|
|
Save on fossil fuel
Radio, no plug required
Freeplay Summit
Radio is as popular as ever, and this unit promises to keep you listening even without a wall plug. The Summit can be powered by AC, solar energy using on-board solar panels, or a little muscle power using its wind-up power system. A 30-second crank provides about 30 minutes of playtime.
The Summit will tune you into AM, FM, and short-, medium- and long-wave transmissions for $89.99.
www.freeplayenergy.com
|
 |
Touch access
HP TouchSmart PC
Home computers do more than ever: they store photos and recipes, supply driving directions, track family schedules, play music and home videos at parties, and a thousand other tasks. The problem is, they are usually stuck in a den or home office.
Enter the TouchSmart, a PC designed for your living areas: kitchen, family room, front hall. Its family-friendly functionality is built on two primary foundations: a sharp, upright design that looks good with your decor and a touchscreen interface that makes it easier for anyone to access information. It lists for $1,700.
www.hp.ca
|
 |
The Sidewinder is back
Microsoft Sidewinder Mouse
Microsoft made its hardware gaming name back in the ‘90s with the Sidewinder line of innovative game controllers. The name was retired a few years ago but it’s back in the form of a new, highly customizable gaming mouse.
While there are a raft of features here, the main selling point is customization. The user can determine the mouse’s sensor resolution, weight (using one five-gram and three 10-gram weights), glide feel (with three different feet) and extensive button configuration, plus the ability to store gaming macros in the unit. This is a mouse for serious gamers only. Approximately $100.
www.microsoft.ca
|
TekGadgets Archive
|
|
|
| Top 300 Issue |
 
|
| PICK20 Web 2.0 Awards |
 |
|
Presented by
|
 |
|
| Gadget of the Week (Canadian) |
|
Bring an e-book on vacation
Sony Reader
E-books have yet to take off in the mainstream; it seems people really like the old technology: paper. Enter Sony’s new Reader, which goes further towards duplicating the paper experience than has any other device.
more>>
|
| Gadget of the Week (Japanese) |
Sounds of Japan
Why record just the visual when you can capture the sounds as well.
more>> |
| Backblog RSS feed |
Click to subscribe  |
|
sponsored by 
