Gadgets Blog

Sony Ericsson, the fourth largest handset maker revealed its new X10 mobile phone this morning, its first attempt to run on Google Inc’s android operating system . It has now formally enlisted in the ever increasing group of vendors that have come out with smart phones running on Google’s OS this past year. Well at least you will have more options if you are a part of the anti-iPhone movement!

The X10 will have a 4-inch-wide touch screen, music player, high-speed web access, Google Maps, a touch-screen interface and will use Qualcomm Inc’s Snapdragon processor. It also comes with an 8.1 megapixel camera that supports geo-tagging, face/smile detection, image stabilization, auto-focus and flash. The facial recognition software will be able to recognize up to five faces in a single picture, automatically connecting that photo with a user’s “social phone book” comprising of calls and messages sent to and from that person. Sony’s strategy takes a fresh turn from entertainment and mega pixel rich units to full scale social media. A new “user experience platform” enables people to organize their contact information, social networks and personal media through an “open, human and intuitive user experience”. It has a “social phone book” that threads conversations by person, and a one click access to all your interactions with contacts whether the medium of interface was by text or email, or on Facebook.

Sony says the interface will be overlaid on the existing Google Android foundations and will be the first mobile phone to “truly humanize the way people interact with their phones”. Where have we heard that before? Sony has added two unique applications of its own that it calls Timescape and Mediascape. Timescape is a messaging application that lets users access all of their communications in one place including Twitter posts ,Facebook updates, phone calls and SMS messages. Mediascape is a media management application that lets users arrange their music, video and web content like YouTube and Sony Ericsson’s PlayNow apps store. Of course one can download all the additional apps and software you want to from the Android Market. It will go on sale in selected markets at the start of 2010.

For more specifics, visit sonyericsson.com.

Vanns.com Clearance Outlet is a staple to stop at when you’re thinking about buying an electronic gadget at a bargain. With quality assured items and brand name prices, Vanns is a great place to begin or end your bargain hunting online. Today let’s test out the digital camera clearance section, just to prove how well oriented the website is for all your electronic gadget needs:

SONY DSCT900R Digital Camera in Red with 12.1 megapixels from Vanns.com: $247.33 with free shipping. Competitors have this Sony digital camera marked at $429 retail.

Samsung Tl220 in Garnet Red with 12.2megapixels from Vanns.com: $299.99 with free shipping. Actually very competitive with Sears.com, except Vanns.com also offers free shipping.

Find more affordable digital cameras at Smarter.com.

Sony Corp announced that it is coming out with an e-book reader à la Amazon’s Kindle DX in December just in time for the holiday season. It will have a 7-inch touch screen that would let you  download books and newspapers over AT&T Inc.’s cellular network.

While Kindle has managed to steal Sony’s thunder so far when it comes to e-readers, Sony might just have stumbled upon a winning strategy this time by choosing the EPUB open source format. Kindle displays material only from Amazon’s store, but Sony will embrace an open e-book standard, allowing users to read from stores of their choice, and what’s more the books can even be transferred to cell phones and other comparable gadgets. Wait there’s more! Sony takes it a step further by making provisions for reading local library e-books .

Readers won’t be charged a subscription fee for wireless access said Steve Haber, head of Sony’s U.S. reading division. The Daily Edition of the e-reader will initially have wireless access only to Sony’s e-book store until I guess Sony figures out the complications of connecting to multiple stores for free. The names of downloadable newspapers  will be announced later. In portrait mode, about 30 to 35 lines of text will be visible akin to a printed book.

The sleek, ultra polished appearance that seems to be so in vogue nowadays is almost Apple like in inspiration . Its aluminum encased body comes with a price tag of US$399.

“It’s all about access to content … it’s about expression, holding, touching and using the Sony Reader,” Haber added. “We want it to be a ubiquitous experience, not locked in — open, open, open.”

Think it will make a good Christmas present?

Sony DAVHDX576WF Home Theater System: $376.75

For a great basic home theater system that won’t break the bank, the Sony DAV-HDX576WF BRAVIA Theatre System is a great choice.  With S-AIR receiver/speaker system, multi-room listening is made easy.  This system includes an iPod Cradle (TDM-iP10) and an integrated 5 disc DVD/CD changer with the capability to upscale your DVDs to a full 1080p output using the HDMI connection when combined with a BRAVIA Theatre Sync-ready TV.

Adjustable standing floor speakers add stylish function and the included S-AIR wireless surround receiver/speaker system eliminates messy wires and provides simple sound capability for the rear surround speakers or multi-room music streaming.  One person can watch a movie in one room, while another listens to music via the additional wireless speaker in another room.  Sony’s auto calibration technology makes it easy to set up and start enjoying your home theater.

More specs: 1000W RMS, surround sound, built in Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder, progressive scan, S-master digital amplifier, equalizer has bass boost function (dynamic bass on RM) portable audio enhancer, universal remote control, optical digital input, coaxial digital input, headphone jack, digital tuner technology, AM/FM tuner with 10 AM presets 20 FM station presets.

Buy it at Crutchfield.com get Free Shipping on most orders over $249 (no code required), or take $20 off your order of $100 or more (use code 3A825 - Exp: 05/31/09).

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more cheap home theater systems.

Sources: Crutchfield, Vann’s, Amazon

My friends and I can go back and forth for a good while on the subject of plasma vs. LCD, with the majority of us siding with the LCD for gaming purposes and the lower amount of energy used to power them (typically), however, the prices are comparable and there are advantages to both. If you’ve done your research and decided, like I did, that an LCD with is what you want, here are a couple tips to help you along your way.

Budget
First, figure out how much you want to spend. It can be overwhelming when you walk in to a major retailer and are immersed in rows upon rows of liquid crystal heaven, but keep your wits about you. Especially in these times, if your budget is $1,000, you don’t want to kick yourself after blowing twice that and then having to squeeze your huge 50-inch into a 10×10 studio apartment.

Size
Speaking of size… *queue audience groan*… it does matter. Look at the space you have available, which room it’s going in, how far away the couch or viewing area is, etc. The recommended distances for proper viewing are 3-5 feet away for 20-27 inches, 6-8 feet for 32-37 inches, 10-14 feet for 42-46 inches, and 50-inchers should be about 12-16 away. Again, think about the space you have. If you’re still living in a small room at mom’s & dad’s, you might wanna stay with the 32-37 range.

Mounting/Installation
To save space and maximize the room’s distance, wall mounting is the way to go. There are different methods and this is often an “extra” service with an extra charge, about $200 depeding on who your installer is. Make sure to ask about installation charges and factor that charge into your budget. Also, don’t forget about those HDMI cables. You’ll need a couple to install the LCD and they run about $80 each, again, depending on where you go. I had done a little research beforehand and was fortunate enough to get a price match plus another discount when I said I would go to the competitor down the street and save money on them. What? I have no shame.

Compare
Compare the retailers and the specialty stores. Most of the specialty stores have in-depth knowledge and are really quite helpful, but their prices are usually a bit higher than the retailer as well. You can find deals online and typically save a few hundred bones, but don’t forget to factor in your delivery charges. Personally, I didn’t want to risk opening my brand new TV and seeing a shattered screen and then bursting into tears — not that that would happen, it’s just my own paranoia. Compare the names LG, Samsung, Sony, and such. As with everything else, you can save some money by going with a lesser known brand name that has the same capabilities and comparable quality. This is a personal choice, and everyone has a different opinion on it. For myself, I saved a few hundred on my 47-incher and bought a 32-inch for the bedroom (…that’s what she said? um, nevermind…).

Shop
Ask your friends and see how you like their set-ups. Look through newspaper ads, online, TV commmercials, holiday sales, whatever, and be patient. Nothing worse than a rushed purchase and seeing your TV for $300 less somewhere else. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy it. This should be a source of entertainment and relaxation, unless you’re playing Halo 3 in which case it’s a center for ritual butt-kicking… hehehehe. Happy hunting!

Photo Source.

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

• Sharing earphones is not a healthy choice - Gizmodo
• Wiimote turned into a deadly coil gun turret - Engadget
• Mattel’s Mind Flex Game - OhGizmo!
• Man accused of stealing Sony Ericcson prototypes - Ubergizmo
• Rock-Paper-Scissors: The Best Shirt Ever - Technabob

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

• Crutchfield Coupons: New Crutchfield January Deals
• Let the Force Be With You: Now You Too Can Become A Jedi
• Bose Headphone Deal: Save 10% on Bose QuietComfort 3
• Get Some Street Cred With These Hand USB Flash Drives
  

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

• CES G4 Best of the Best - Ubergizmo
  
• Verizon and Alltel merge - Gizmodo
• New iPhone speakers - Engadget
• Cell-Mate straps your cell phone to your head - OhGizmo!
• Tiny backlit wireless keyboard - Technabob
  

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

• Sony Coupons: Sony VAIO Coupon Deal
• Video Game Review: Call of Duty World at War Review
• Lenovo Deals: Expiring Lenovo Coupons
• Neckphone Headphones: S1 Audio’s NxSet Neckphones
  

Start off the new year with a great discount.

A buddy of mine just got a new laptop and he didn’t bother even looking for coupons or anything for the opportunity to save on it. He simply said he was too lazy. Well, if you’re like him, then let me help you exert some energy and find a discount online.

We have this Sony coupon that will allow you to save $200 on Sony VAIO Z, SR, CS, FW quick ship model notebooks.

Just enter in this Sony coupon code during checkout: VAIODEAL200

This coupon EXPIRES tomorrow, January 6th.

To check out more deals and coupons for Sony, click here.

To go to Sony, click here.

Let this be the last deal you take advantage of during 2008.

If you’re still one of those who is lugging around that bulky CD player case, then you should make getting an mp3 player one of your New Year’s resolutions.

Expiring December 31st, 2008, this Sony deal will allow you to save 50% off an 8 GB Walkman Video mp3 player from Sony Style.com. Store up to 1,850 songs or over 40 hours of video on this mp3 player.

Enter in this Sony Coupon Code for the deal during checkout: WLKMN50

To check out more Sony deals and coupons, click here.

To go to Sony Style, click here.

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

• Sony S-AIRPLAY plays the iPhone - Engadget
• Apple to crank out 45 million iPhone 3Gs in the next 12 months - Gizmodo
• Compose an instant score! - Machines that Go Bing!
• PSP Dock Cradle - GadgetMadness
• Nike feel free headset. Run with it! - GadgetHeat
• Mac Mini Mods - OhGizmo!
• USB Fan Hub - Ubergizmo

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

• PCRush.com Coupon: Save 6% off Any Ink Cartridges and Toner
  
• Look Stylish in a JABRA Wireless Headset for Hello Direct
• Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bags
• Buy Laptop: Save 20% on Dell XPS Laptops Over $1249
• Microsoft Hires Jerry Seinfeld and Gates to Challenge Apple Ads