Gadgets Blog

Archos has released Archos 5 , a well stacked media player and internet tablet that has all the looks of a worthy opponent to the iPod touch . I know most of you are probably yawning by now. Yet another inane imitation that is sure to bite the dust, you say… Let’s play fair and see what’s on the table shall we?

Archos 5 comes with a powerful wi-fi for super fast web browsing allowing for full width, PC like viewing without shrinking or need for zooming . It runs on the open source android platform which is awesome for apps developers .Moreover, the Flash 9 supporting device not only enables you to watch videos on sites like YouTube but also is the only Android device that supports video formats in High Definition. So expect things to get really creative and very apps rich a la ipod pretty soon.

The Archos 5 will come already preloaded with several Android apps, like the eBuddy instant-messaging app, Twidroid for sending and receiving tweets, Craigsphone for posting or accessing classified ads, Thinksfree for viewing Microsoft Office files, Quickpedia, and many more. You can always download more apps from the Android Market or from Archos’s own AppsLib store.

The full email application lets you read, write, download, send attachments, and manage your contacts. You can also access content seamlessly from a variety of on-the-go , on demand services such as CinemaNow, Hulu , integrated Internet radio, music from sites like Pandora and Web TV widgets. You can schedule TV recordings from any channel on your cable or set-top box and watch it at a time and place of your choice. Then if you so choose, play back the digital content from ARCHOS 5 to your TV, all in HD quality, at 720p.

It comes with a Bluetooth, through which you can access the 3G connection of your mobile phone.

There are also some interesting accessories that you will be able to purchase on the side such as DVR station to record video or  integrated GPS with TeleAtlas application. The TeleAtlas software provides all the usual GPS features plus an additional 3D Photo Realistic mode which is pretty neat. In the 3D mode the maps use multiple angles and zoom levels to portray the landmarks and streets as realistically as possible.

The slim, light weight model that ships with a DVR station adapter and a standard USB cable is available at 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities (with a MicroSD card slot) and a hard drive version with a choice of 160GB or 500GB.

Pricing is about $249.99 at the entry point. You can order from Amazon or the Archos website. Make sure though that you are ordering the latest model as quite confusingly the earlier model still on sale in different outlets is also called Archos5.

Zii LABS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd. announced the launch of Zii Egg, a handheld stem cell computer that runs on a platform called Plaszma. Of course the fact that Plaszma is open source lets the ever growing community of developers worldwide to get their creative juices churning providing them a new medium to build applications on.
Positioned to take on Apple’s iPod touch, this portable audio video handheld device, can also run on Android and comes with a price tag of $199. Its hardware has no doubt been built to impress with front and rear facing cameras, HD playback, 1080p video output, OpenGL ES support, X-Fi audio processing, 32GB of built-in memory and a full SD slot.

Full features and specifications include:

•  Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display
• 3.5” 320 x 480 true-color display
• X-Fi audio processing
• Up to 32GB Internal Flash Storage
• 32MB NOR Flash (Linux kernel Boot ROM)
• 256MB Mobile DDR RAM
• Supports 720p and 1080p HDTVs via HD cable
• Composite video-out
• Dual cameras for High Definition photos and movie capture
• Forward facing VGA camera
• Rear facing HD camera
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Hardware GPS receiver
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light sensor
• SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card)
• USB 2.0 Mini-B (MTP and Charging)
• Universal Docking connector (USB, Audio)
• Headphone socket, built-in speaker and microphone
• Supports Plaszma OS and Zii Optimized Android
• Light weight: 108g

Just about everyone knows someone who recently got the dreaded “pink slip” or is that unfortunate person himself.

Hopefully, these items can aid in a speedy recovery.

1. Laptop – For your remote job searching and resume storage, something like the HP Business Notebook 2133 is small but mighty. With a 120GB 5400-rpm hard drive, 8.9″ widescreen display, and Wi-Fi capability, this notebook can help you find your next job and then at 2.6 lbs. it slips easily back into your bag for mobility. Save $30 on your first purchase at Buy.com (until April 30 no code required) off the $479.99 price, and you can save $40 with a manufacturer’s rebate.

2. All-In-One Printer/Scanner/Fax/Copy – If you haven’t already, there’s no better time to set up that home office. Gone are the days of exploiting the office printers for your CD covers and Borders coupons. You’re going to be printing and faxing applications and resumes so you need a machine that does it all. Like the LexMark X3470 All-In-One or HP Officejet J4580 All-in-One Printer Fax Scanner Copier at about $70, it’s a good investment in yourself. Think of all the money you’re saving by not having to go to Kinko’s every time.

3. Nova Development Winway Resume Deluxe – Affordable at $34.99 and because you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s time to revise and renew the old resume. Features enhanced Resume Auditor to catch mistakes before employers do and a Merriam-Webster English Language Resource disc with a 70,000+ word dictionary, a 157,000+ word thesaurus and other reference tools.

4. Nova Development Berlitz Spanish Premier- Learn a new and valuable skill while waiting for employers to call you in. Imagine the opportunities adding “bilingual” to your list of abilities can bring. Italian, French and German are also available. Starts at $35 and up.

5. Total Training Educational Software – For Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, any of these educational training softwares can aid you in becoming adept in these popular programs and can build your resume skill set, helping you gain an extra edge over the competition. From $32-$190.

6. Stamina InMotion E-1000 Elliptical Trainer - At $70, or about 2 month’s gym membership, bring the gym to your house. Stay fit and motivated, hey, you’ve got the time now so no more excuses! Replicates the elliptical machine, but without the bulky arms and front console resulting in lightweight and easy closet storage.

7. Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Affordable musical entertainment. At $60, it can store up to 500 songs and be worn on your arm, sleeve, belt, bag, etc. Upload some motivational tunes to keep you going through those workouts and prep before interviews. Maybe something like Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best”, ala Karate Kid soundtrack. Classic.

8. Solo Business Cases Leather BiFold Padfolio-At $28, appearances count, whether for the interview you’re going to score or even at the coffee shop, you gotta look professional. Great for keeping resumes and calling cards on hand — you never know who you might run into, and how embarrassing to be unprepared. Also available with a zip around feature, to keep those important docs from falling out, for about $35.

I love coupons with very little restrictions.

And that’s exactly what this 6ave.com coupon is. A coupon with practically no rules. You can use this coupon site wide on any of their products and save 5%.

The only restriction is that you can’t apply this coupon to items from Apple, Samsung, Bose, Velodyne and Control 4 Products. So who cares that you can’t get a discount on an iPod. At least you can save 5% off everything else on the site.

Just enter in this 6ave.com Coupon Code during check out for the savings:  AFL5

To check out more deals and discounts for 6ave.com on Smarter.com, click here.

To go to 6ave.com, click here.

This week in gadget blogs and news from around the Net:

• Apple adds HD movies to iTunes - Engadget
• Silent farter chair - Gizmodo
• Chalk guns are the middle ground between paintball and Nerf guns - OhGizmo!
• iPod Shuffle 3G and all it’s new colors - Technabob
  

And this week in the Smarter Gadgets Blog we talked about:

• Digital Tigers’ Exceptional Quality, Affordable Prices
• HP Deal: Save $10 off Purchase of $50 or More
• New Release: The New Dell Adamo Laptop
• 6ave.com Deal: Magellan RoadMate GPS for $148
• Bat Video: Space Bat Tribute Video
  

This week in gadget blogs and news from around the Net:

• All Circuit City stores closing permanently March 8th - Engadget
• Crazy tea bag lighting - Toxel
• Live in a shipping container - Gizmodo
• Elevation’s prediction that the end of the iPhone is near - Daring Fireball
• Fish on the brain - OhGizmo!
• Mood Walls in Amsterdam - Ubergizmo
  
• The latest Star Trek Trailer - Crunch Gear
  

YouTube - Watch 
And this week in the Smarter Gadgets Blog we talked about:

• Ongoing Office Depot: Take $30 off $150 Purchases
• NEO Asteroid to Just Miss Earth Today
• Rubik’s Cube is No Match for the Pentaminx Dodecahedral
• Be Like Bill, Ignore iPods and iPhones: Microsoft Zune Deals
• Smell Like a Trekkie: Star Trek Fragrances

This week in gadget blogs and news from around the Net:

• Obama’s new Presidential helicopter - Gizmodo
• Lockheed Martin closer to creating a jet-mounted laser - Engadget
• Ahh! Bloody bath accessories - Technabob
• BMW Intelligent Learning Navigation System - Ubergizmo
  
• Star Trek: The Experience, to return to Las Vegas - OhGizmo!

And this week in the Smarter Gadgets Blog we talked about:

• Tiger Direct TV Deal: Save $600 on a 72″ Samsung HDTV
• Golden! AT-AT Walker iPod Dock Painted Gold
• Palm Deal: Save $100 off Purchases of $299 at Palm
• Home Dome: Max Wallack Builds Shelter out of Trash

For those of you who have been looking for an unconventional iPod dock, or maybe you’re looking for that “different” dock that can also help satisfy that geeky, Star Wars side of you.

Well, look out cause someone has just made your dreams come true. And in gold!

So basically, the only thing special about it is that it’s spray painted gold, so don’t think that this is some commemorative issued iPod dock. The speaker dock is just slapped right there on the tush of the AT-AT. Basically you can make this thing yourself, then again, you’d probably end up painting yourself like a golden fairy, so leave it to the experts.

Source.

This week in gadget blogs and news from around the Net:

• Russian laptop sale causes huge brawl - Gizmodo
• Build your own papercraft Millenium Falcon - Technabob
• Ford announces self-parking cars - Engadget
• iPods turned into iPod speakers - Ubergizmo
• Mini Bluetooth retro handset - OhGizmo!

And this week in the Smarter Gadgets Blog we talked about:

• Fujifilm Deal: Get a Free 1 GB SD Card with Purchase
• Real Life Superheroes: Are there Real Batmans Out There?
• Last Dell Deal of 2008: Save 50% off XPS M2010
• Gut Buster! Nintendo Wii Makes Baby Laugh
• Happy New Year from the Smarter Gadgets Blog!!!
  

Everyone has an iPod dock, but can they say they have this type of dock.

Why limit yourself to just one speaker, when you can have an entire speaker system. The iLuv i9500 iPod/CD system is just the thing you need if you want to be different. Don’t worry about the price for a second (because we actually don’t know it) and check out what this sucker comes with.

The dock allows you to hook it up to Apple devices such as the iPod or iPhone and has the ability to play MP3 and WMA files that are burned onto up to four CDs in addition to playing regular CDs. Also when you plug in your devices into the dock, it’ll charge and other options include connecting SD cards or properly formatted USB external storage.

It also has two speakers that are rated up to 45W, subwoofer, is able to tune into AM/FM radio with it being able to preset up to 32 stations and even has an alarm clock function.

It’s expected to be released in May and will also be on display at CES in January. Keep an eye out for it.

Source.