Gadgets Blog

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Sanyo PLC XW55A LCD Projector: $399.95

The Sanyo PLC XW55A LCD Projector is easy to use and easy to set up, even for non-techie users.� Other models can easily cost upwards of $2,000, yet this affordable LCD projector is designed for classroom, home or office use with a short throw lens that can produce a crisp image from 11 feet away onto a white screen, blackboard, or other dark-colored wall.

That�s right, it doesn�t need a white surface to be seen.� The nifty Blackboard Mode works on a variety or surfaces by automatically adjusting the white balance and gamma for a clean image projection that helps bring your presentations to life.

The Automatic Search Input Mode offers a quick start by automatically detecting and selecting correct input signals and projection modes for image display from original sources.� And when you�re done, there�s no need to wait for cooldown, just power-off and go.

The Sanyo PLC XW55A is a three-panel LCD projector with 5/6X to 16X digital zoom, true XGA resolution and 2000 ANSI Lumens of brightness.� Having the audio and video controls centralized adds to its convenient design and the four-digit PIN will keep your equipment protected against unauthorized users.

Comes with:

• Projector Lamp (Already Installed in Projector)
• Wireless Remote Control
• 2 x AA Batteries for Remote
• VGA Cable (15-pin)
• AC Cable

Get it at B&H Photo-Video Pro Audio and receive free 3-day shipping on all orders. No code required.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more affordable LCD projectors.�

If there�s one thing I consistently love about technology, it�s that it�s always advancing and providing us with better, faster, smarter products.

LG W2353V-PF 23′ HD 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor: $229.99

The LG W2353V flat screen monitor definitely fits that category.� I�ve been using this for about a week now and the slim 23-inch screen has no dead pixels, excellent image quality and fast response times.

This monitor is part of LG�s W53 SMART Series, which incorporates the eyestrain-reducing SMART technologies like reading ambient lighting or viewed content and then adjusting for it. The package features other intuitive adjustments including Cinema Mode, which eliminates distractions by blacking out everything but the video clip, Eye-Fine Timer, which reminds users to take a break periodically, and Proximity Sensor, which detects when a user�s hand is near and lights up the touch-panel making them easy to find.

The auto bright feature intuitively adjusts for your room�s lighting so there�s no need to change the brightness during night use.� Awesome for gaming, the LG W2353V works well with PS3 and Xbox 360, when those fast response times are needed most.

Easy to set up, the LG W2353V is impressive right out of the box. � The stylish and lightweight design immediately upgraded my desktop.� Touch-sensitive buttons add to the sleek appearance and make for an easy switch to HDMI or DVI.� Unfortunately, it doesn�t come with the DVI cable, but that was easy enough to substitute with stuff I had here.

Even after a few hours of staring at the screen, when I usually want to walk away and look at anything but a computer, I find myself easily entranced.� The text looks sharp and the color is beautifully displayed on this non-glare screen, especially in 1080p.

Specs:

• Flat screen 23�
• 2ms
• Full HD 1080p Resolution
• 50,000:1 Digital Fine Contrast Ratio
• 300 cd/m2 Brightness
• 170�/160� Viewing Angle
• 16:9 Widescreen Format
• SMART Package

And I thought voice command was cool.

The BSI-TOYOTA Collaboration Center (RIKEN, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Central R&D Labs, and Genesis Research Institute) announced yesterday that it has developed a system that successfully uses brainwaves to control a wheelchair.�

Applications are aimed at rehabilitation, assisting the elderly and those using wheelchairs.� The company is improving on its electrodes and anticipates the possibility of expanding the system to analyze brainwaves from various mental states and emotions.

This goes way beyond changing the song on the car radio or dialing your cell phone with a few words.� It�s telekinesis in action.� Ooh , the power and the possibilities!

The brain machine interface technology is one of the fastest in the world, reacting in as little as 125 milliseconds, and analyzes brainwaves using �signal process technology� commanding smooth forward motion and left and right turns.

The data is displayed in real time so drivers feel no delay and operate the vehicle efficiently and have done so thus far with 95% accuracy.

Check out the video from BBC News below:

No info on when the technology would hit the market, but it�s obvious how that would benefit so many people, not to mention how the system could advance other daily activities.

I�m fascinated and cautious at the thought of the BMI system reading and reacting to emotions though.� There�s gotta be a safety filter or censor system in place when that arrives, for obvious reasons.

Sources: Toyota, Computerworld. BBC News

From $69

A great discount scanner deal for the money, the Epson Perfection V300 Flatbed Photo Scanner has 4800 x 9600 DPI optical resolution, one-touch scanning, 48-bit color, and one-touch photo restoration.

A scanner will help get that portfolio organized, and the added benefit of a flatbed scanner is the ability to keep your cherished originals intact.� Without having to rip them from their seams, you can scan the pertinent pages for display in your portfolio package and still maintain your almost-mint-condition source library.

Capable of handling photos, slides, documents and delicate negatives, this flatbed desktop�sized scanner will help you archive all your favorite memories and important paperwork.� The high-rise lid opens 180 degrees making it well-suited for use with thick magazines and large books as well.

The Epson Perfection V300 has a quick scan time and conveniently recognizes when multiple photos or negative strips are being scanned at once and smartly separates them for your approval.� The versatile photo editing software helps restore the old and enhance the color.� Creates enlargements up to 13 x 19 from film � small or large?� Gotta have the large.

Easy to set up and easy to use, the V300 is earth friendly with no mercury, low power use and no warm-up time.

Get it at Office World and receive free shipping on orders over $49.� No code required.

Find at Smarter.com:� Shop for more discount scanners.

When it comes to GPS accessories, there are plenty.� Most systems for automobile use will come with a dash or windshield mount and power cable, and handheld systems usually include the necessary cables and wrist strap or belt clip.� But you might find, just like the GPS systems themselves, that your GPS accessory needs differ from person to person and activity to activity.

For use inside vehicles, getting a system with weatherproof covering or a waterproof design probably isn�t as important as if you wanted to use the system while hiking. � Likewise, having a spare battery is probably more applicable with a handheld rather than an auto unit that can run off the car�s battery through an AC adapter.

Since most systems will include an instruction manual, video or software in-box, data cards are most likely what you�re going to want first.� These cards hold maps and information for a specific region that you choose, or they can be purchased blank for info uploading from map software.� Which one you�ll need depends on which GPS unit you have.

Helpful items to have on hand for backup power are the spare battery mentioned previously and a battery charger or maybe a car power adapter. � A cradle or docking station with charging capability would also fit the bill.� And to combat lost connections, antenna kits will help your GPS system better receive signal inside your vehicle.

While transporting your system, belt clips, holsters, neck lanyards, wrist straps and carrying cases can aid in keeping your handhelds easily accessible.� Dashboard and windshield mounting systems and mounting locks will keep your system secure inside your vehicle.

You also might find that you want a screen protector or front cover to keep the display from becoming scratched from wear and tear.� Other helpful items are remote controls (for vehicle use), stylus, external speakers and microphones.

Keep an eye out for GPS accessory combo packages.� A complete essentials kit could knock out a few of these extras all in one box.� Here’s one for Garmin Nuvi and TomTom One units for an affordable price:

GPS Combo - Car & Wall Charger + Travel Case: $34.99

Like anything else, look at what�s included with your GPS system; there should be an itemized list on the package.� Then based on what your intended uses are, decide on your GPS accessories.

Also, as an important side note, practice with your new system in a familiar place like around your hometown or another well-known area before taking it out on the cross-country road trip or adventuring through the trails and hills. � Be prepared. � Get used to it and know its functions before the critical moment arrives.

Shop for these GPS accessories and more at Smarter.com.

Finally, summer’s here and the weather is great for playing and staying outdoors.� Camping can be made even cooler if you’ve got the right gadgets to keep you cozy, clean and well-directed — unless you like roughing it, then all you’ll need is a backpack, a can of beans and a Swiss Army knife.� But if you’re like me, you want a few conveniences without feeling weighed down by all kinds of junk.

I like to keep it as uncomplicated and compact as possible.� But hey, maybe it’s your style to drag along the foldout cook top stove complete with waist-high counter and cutting board setup and bring extraneous items like tent decor and a welcome mat for outside the entrance.� Seems like a lot of baggage, but whatever works for you.

Besides your tent, sleeping bag and backpack, here are some interesting gadgets to get you going:

Brunton Camping Combo Kit
From $94.19

Features a stove, lantern, spork eating utensil and canister stabilizer with three extended legs with rubber grips keep stove/lantern steady all in an ultra-compact, lightweight design.� The 11,000-BTU burner boils 1 liter of water about 4 minutes and the lantern burns for 8.5 hours.

Swiss Army Victorinox 53203 Huntsman
From: $23.40

Because these classic gadgets come in handy more often than not, this model comes with large and small stainless steel blades, corkscrew, can opener, small and large screwdrivers, bottle opener, wire stripper, wood saw, reamer with sewing eye, multi-purpose hook, tweezers, toothpick, key ring and scissors.� It’s 3.5 inches long when closed.� It’s surprising how easily key items like corkscrews and can openers get forgotten.� Keep this with your camping gear and you don’t have to worry.

Guide Gear Pop-up Room and Solar Shower

Okay, okay, so it’s not hardcore, but how cool is this?� Easy to set up, made with 70 denier/190T polyester material, fiberglass pole frame and 5-gallon PVC Solar Shower.� Bring your own water and the sun will do the rest.� Feels great after a long hike, not to mention makes sharing a tent a bit easier on everyone’s noses.

Notebook Portable Flat-Folding BBQ: $24.99

We’ve seen the typical campsite grill *shudder* but lugging the full-size BBQ from home is just too bulky.� This non-networking “notebook”� looks like a ready solution.� The compact, sturdy metal design comes with a built-in grill rack and uses charcoal or wood.

Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx GPS Receiver
From: $283.99

Hiking’s fun but getting lost isn’t.� Something like this all-purpose upgradeable handheld locator can help with that.� It has auto routing, turn-by-turn guidance and gives your bearings while you stand still.� It lets you upload up your own digital maps for better reference, has a waterproof and a large, color TFT display for easy viewing, day or night.� Up to 20 hours of battery life.

Image Source: Campist.com

Find at Smarter.com:� Shop for more handheld GPS systems and portable BBQs.
Discounts on Swiss Army knives.

NEC�s CRV43 desktop monitor with 32:10 aspect ratio at a 2880 x�800 pixel resolution offers incomparable viewing experience and unprecedented screen immersion.� The curved screen increases productivity, while decreasing frustration that creeps up due to frantic eye movements when trying to follow rapidly fluid screen displays.� Its sizzling looks (gotta love the curves!) come with a price tag of $7999 but in this case you pay for both beauty and brains.� CRV43 has been designed as a perfect display for those applications requiring lightning-fast 0.02 millisecond response time, much wider field of view(42.8� monitor), greater dynamic range and wide color gamut.� Other enhanced features include:

• Eliminates bezel and screen gap issues
• No data or window interference
• Taskbar extended natively
• Easy setup with one input
• Single link DVI-D input
• HDMI 1.3 input
• USB 2.0 connectivity
• Front panel controls
• On screen display (OSD) and software-based GUI enabling advanced display control options

The NEC CRV43 curved display is backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty including the backlight and will be available for July 2009 shipment.

Find at Smarter.com:� Shop for more desktop monitors.

ViewSonic X Series VX2262WM 22-in. LCD Monitor
from $177.99

The slim design of this Energy Star qualified monitor will instantly upgrade your computer setup with modern design and energy efficiency.� Super-HD 1680 x 1050 resolution, video response as fast as 2ms and 20,000: 1 dynamic contrast ratio make for seemingly real-life image display with little to no blur on this 22-inch LCD screen.� SRS WOW HD sound emits powerfully from the integrated speakers to give booming voice to your games, movies and other multimedia applications.� Whether it�s gaming or home office, the Viewsonic 22-in. VX2262WM is as versatile as it is stylish, and suits the demands of designers, professionals and gamers alike.

Specs:

• 22″ Wide Color TFT Active matrix LCD with 1680×1050 resolution

• Display Area: 18.7″ horizontal x 11.6″ vertical, 22.0″ diagonal
• Fast ClearMotiv 2ms Video Response
• 20,000:1 Dynamic-Contrast Ratio
• OptiSync digital/analog inputs expand connectivity
• Multi-mode input technology supports both digital (DVI) and analog (VGA) signals
• Energy Star qualified
• Windows Vista certified
• High quality stereo speakers with SRS WOW HD sound
• 1000:1 static / 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• 170-degrees horizontal and 150-degrees vertical viewing angles

Get it at NewEgg.com and receive a free gift with select purchases and free shipping on select items. No code required.

Shop for more discount monitors at Smarter.com

It’s not a Prius.

Though that and the Honda Insight are still top of the list when it comes to hybrid sales.� It’s Toyota’s concept design for a hybrid sports car – for those of us who want to go green but maintain street cred with a sporty appearance.� The rumor is to reintroduce the much-loved Supra, which hasn’t been produced since 2002, at 400 hp with the 3.5-liter V6 in 2011. � Just long enough for gas prices to once again reach the insane levels of $4/gal.

Also, estimated to arrive in 2011 is the British-made Gordan Murray Design T25 City Car.� Said to be a third more compact than the Smart Car… we couldn’t snag any helpful photos for you but really, smaller than the already tiny Smart Car?� Where would I put my laptop?� On the roof rack?� Still, I really dig seeing what engineers can come up with and how the designs actually perform in real life.� As far as increasing gas mileage and saving money, I’m all for it.

If you want to see something sooner than 2011, check out the spy shots of BMW’s hybrid sedan.� You might notice the German writing on the side– that’s because the car’s not-so-secret test driving was done�on the streets of�Munich.� With a twin turbo 4.4-liter V8, this little puppy should throw down some serious horses at 407 hp plus another 20 hp from the electric motor.� We’ll�see for sure later this�year at the Frankfurt auto show in September when it debuts.

Image Source: CNET, BMWBlog

Want some great discount computer speakers that can expand your system into a digital music center as well?� The Logitech - X-240 2.1 speaker system with MP3 player dock can do just that.

From $32.35

The slim satellite design speaker set provides a rich full sound for all your multimedia playing.� Sync your iPod, Zune, or other MP3 to the stowaway cradle for more musical enjoyment.

Compatible with most computers, the Logitech - X-240 2.1 speaker system comes with 2 satellite speakers with 2″ high-excursion drivers for immersive sound and down-firing subwoofer with real-time bass equalization.� Total system power is 50 watts — 25 watts total RMS system power.� Frequency response: 40Hz-20kHz; signal-to-noise ratio: >96 dB; headphone jack enables private listening enjoyment.

Get it at Amazon and get FREE SHIPPING, or from Unbeatable Sale and get 5% off with no minimum purchase with code SALE4ME.

Shop for more affordable omputer speakers at Smarter.