Nokia N81 8GB

Features:

• 3G ready (2100 MHz UMTS), 8 GB of flash memory storage for loads of music and video


• Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming, FM radio, integrated stereo speakers


• Up to 4 hours of talk time, up to 17 days of standby time

Editorial Review

With dedicated music and gaming keys, compatibility with a wide variety of music formats (including Windows Media DRM), and 3G (UMTS 2100) and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Nokia N81 mobile phone is a true mobile entertainment powerhouse. With a sleek, polished surface and keys that light up when you activate them, accessing content on the 3D multimedia menu is fast and intuitive. This cocoa brown version of the N81 comes with 8 GB of flash memory storage. It's based on S60 software operating on the Symbian OS, enabling you to personalize the N81 by choosing from a wide choice of compatible applications that can be downloaded--including games, navigation, entertainment, and productivity titles. Other features include wireless Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming, a standard 3.5 mm headphone connector, 2-megapixel camera with video capture, FM radio, and integrated stereo speakers.

The N81 features a crisply colorful 2.4-inch QVGA LCD screen (240 x 320 pixels) with support for up to 16 million colors. Designed with a sleek, polished exterior and buttons that illuminates when activated, the N81 offers dedicated music/gaming keys and a smooth slider design.

The 2-megapixel camera can also capture video at up to VGA quality (640 x 480 pixels) at up to 15 frames per second (fps). The still camera features a digital zoom up to 20x and integrated flash, and both still images and video can be editing directly within the N81. The digital audio player is compatible with a wide variety of formats (MP3, AAC, eAAC+, AAC+, WMA/M4A, Windows Media DRM). You can synchronize music with Windows Media Player 11 on your PC, and it's compatible with Nokia's Ovi Internet portal, where you can download songs from the Nokia Music Store and games from the N-Gage service. Other music features include a 5-band equalizer and playlist management. An FM radio with Visual Radio client complements the Nokia N81's complete music package.

This smartphone has an integrated Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g), enabling seamless connectivity with wireless networks at work, at home, and on the roam via Wi-Fi hotspots at airports and coffee shops. Because the N81 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless communication headsets can be configured with the phone for total hands-free operation. It also offers Bluetooth stereo audio support (A2DP), enabling you to enjoy your music without any wires. If your laptop is Bluetooth enabled, you can connect wirelessly and enjoy dial-up networking (DUN)--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.

The N81 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. It also enables you to check your email on the go (supporting POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols). T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile text messaging users.

This slim slider phone offers Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth music streaming, and a 2-megapixel camera with video capture.Lifeblog

Designed with mobile photographers and bloggers in mind, the Nokia N95's Lifeblog feature lets you view, search, edit, and share your personal digital content with ease. Lifeblog's synchronizing software automatically pulls your media together into an easy-to-browse, searchable multimedia diary: SMS, MMS, images, videos, sounds, and text notes stay organized between the N95 and your PC.

Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map

View web pages as they were originally intended with the integrated Nokia Web Browser, which enables you to zoom out to a full screen view of the entire page using the Mini Map feature. Find the section you want and then zoom in to the content you need. The text instantly adjusts to the size of your screen. The browser also keeps a history of your browsing so you can quickly get back to where you started.

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology means that the Nokia N95 will discover, interact with, and control other compatible home electronic devices. This includes PCs, media centers, home entertainment systems, new smart appliances, home automation systems, networked peripherals, and Web-based services. With compatible equipment, you can stream video from your Nokia device directly to your TV, or hear music tracks stored on your PC through your living room's sound system.

RealPlayer Multimedia Playback

Take your media with you when you're out on the go. With the built-in RealPlayer software, you can stream and download your favorite content onto the N95, giving you access to the latest news, sports, and entertainment updates. Or sync up with your PC and play the music and movies stored on your hard drive.

Vital Statistics

The Nokia N81 weighs 4.94 ounces and measures 4.02 x 1.97 x 0.70 inches. Its 1050 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours (240 minutes) of GSM talk time, and up to 17 days of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as the 2100 UMTS (WCDMA) 3G frequency.

Area-51 ALX

If you want to waste around $6,000 for a PC, get this attractive Area-51 ALX. By that time, you’ll be paying more for its looks for there’s nothing else behind it.

In spite of its setbacks which we will reveal later, it also has its laudable features. It is in fact, the *World's First Physics Processing Unit*. The Area-51 ALX integrates a third element into its gameplay which is the innovative AGEIA PhysX™. This innovation is a first as it adds more dynamic interaction between the gamer and the game. It works by accelerating its quality of real-time physics resulting to visual effects are portrayed more realistically. All of these enhance gameplay.

Apart from that, it also has its *Silent Liquid Cooling Technology* which is able to support performance-enhanced hardware and even the NVIDIA SLI in a single system. More than the standard air-cooled designs, the Area-51 ALX uses specially formulated liquid in coolers to protect the internal hardware by absorbing heat. Alienware’s Silent Liquid Cooling technology added for more safety and reliability a dual-pump design for enhanced long-term reliability. It also has a built-in, three-speed and quiet fan control and a CPU retention clip which puts even pressure on the CPU for protection. The system also reduces entrance of dust on internal components which gives off a cleaner overall system. Most of all, the Alienware’s Silent Liquid Cooling technology has a power control board which constantly monitors liquid temperature. This monitor works automatically with its emergency alarm and automatic shut down features

Area-51 ALX systems’ other revolutionary features include its Dual-GPU Technology which maximize graphics and system performance. Alienware’s approach is the combining of dual graphics cards in a single system for performance increases. It also has a Scalable Link Interface which uses dual graphics cards that all work together for a single image and provides a 100% increase in graphics performance. In addition, Area-51 ALX also has a its Ultra-Threaded Processing Power which provides faster response when running multiple applications simultaneously. This Hyper-Threading technology delivers ultra-threaded system performance that is the best in the field so far.

The basic specifications of Alienware Area-51 ALX SLI are the following:

Price: $6,079.00

CPU: Intel Xeon Processor @ 3.4GHz

Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition

Memory: 1GB DDR PC-3200 Registered ECC

Hard drive: 148GB Western Digital 10,000 RPM RAID 0

Graphics processor: Dual NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra 256MB DDR3

Sound card: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS High Definition

However, despite the beauty we see on this machine, on paper or for real, it ain’t good enough until its tested. We found out that unfortunately, this PC has been quite a surprise because in spite of all the hype, some things just work together. Although its kinda hard to explain why the Area-51 ALX's 3D is a disappointment, the fact is that it is. Area-51 ALX’s overall performance is amazingly slow although on paper it might appear to be the fastest computer ever created by human hands. Despite of the fact, we console ourselves that maybe this new technology is a little too new for usage. Perhaps, this PC is simply overflowing with so much new technology that it chokes its own system with a bottleneck of modern hi-tech equipment. In this, the entire system backfired and has its loud adverse effects.

But then again, that’s just how I see it and maybe there’s a more coherent explanation. As a consolation though, the Area-51 ALX still delivers top-notch 3D performance and when it comes to the gaming word, it is the champ. The Area-51 ALX will let you play virtually any game even with very high details and a smooth frame rate. However, do think a lot before purchasing this gadget. Especially since for a PC that you’ll be buying for $2,000 more than something of its kind, it may be a little too stupid.

Nokia N98 ( THE IPHONE KILLER )

Here is a great photoshop effort from the French: the Nokia N98 with amazing features including an integrated GPS receiver just like the N95 (Nokia N98 high resolution).

Here are the made up specs for this made up phone:

• 7.2 mega pixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens


• 5x optical zoom (20x with digital)


• 3.5″ inch touch screen


• integrated GPS receiver


• integrated TNT receiver (Télévision Numérique Terrestre - this is what French call digitally broadcast TV channels)


• Symbian S70 3rd edition


• 3D graphics accelerator


• bluetooth


• Wi-Fi (b,g,n)


• HSDPA


• video recording at 720×576 and 30fps


• Multimedia support

5x optical zoom made us laugh the hardest. It is not mentioned in this list but I’m sure the N98 will be able to handle microSD cards and have a battery that lasts 12 hours on a single charge.

Digital Photo Keychain

Technology is great when it delivers things like the brand new digital photo key chain from TAO. Gone are the days when we had to showcase tacky looking key chains to others. You know the plastic ugly kind. With the new TAO digital photo key chain we have now the ability to carry our loved ones around with us in our pockets.

This would be a great conversation starter at parties as we tend to throw our keys onto the table when we sit down. The neat part about this invention is the fact that we can show not only one photo, but a total of 31 of our most favorite pictures. This might however create one problem - which photos should we store on our new toy.

The digital photo keychain looks just like a normal keychain but is much more sophisticated than that. It features a 1.5 Inch Digital Screen and 8 MB of storage. To download the pictures to it you simply hook the TAO keychain up to your computer via its handy mini-USN port and start downloading.

The accompanying software is user friendly and works for PC’s as well as for Mac users. Because it is a digital gadget, the TAO key chain will have to be re-charged after about 1.5 hours of show time, which roughly translates to a week or two of standard show-and-tell. To do this you can choose to either connect it to an outlet, via an included AC adapter or else connect it with any computer for about 30 minutes and then you are set to go again.

The TAO photo chain measures 5" x 1.8" x 1.8" (HxWxD) and weighs only 1.9 oz.

The images on the key chain can be displayed individually or as a slide show. The gadget also comes with a 90 day warranty.

This little gadget is great not only for personal usage, but also for travel and even presents. If you want to surprise your loved ones with a present guaranteed to get noticed, then this little gadget might be just the answer for you.

Sun Jar

Jam jars store jam, the Sun jar stores sunshine so that you can use it at night.

Made with a traditional Mason jar and high tech energy efficient lighting, when the jar is placed in sunlight it stores up energy, which is then used at night to power the three LED lamps inside the jar. The glow it gives off at night is most relaxing and will help you unwind after a hard days work.

Leave the Sun Jar outside or in a sunny window in DIRECT sunlight for several hours to charge it (electric light indoors is not bright enough).

Main Features:

• An auto light-sensitive on/off switch.


• Suitable for ages 5+.


• Requires sunshine and a solar cell battery (included).


• Size: 16 x 10 x 10cm.


• Comes gift boxed

The Spy Specs look like an ordinary pair of sunglasses. Yet they have a unique feature... you can see behind you!

The lenses on these sunglass-style specs have a special reflective coating that allows you to look straight ahead, yet see behind you as if you had a rear view mirror.

When you put them on, look out of the corners of your eyes and you'll see what's going on - and no one will ever know you're watching them.

Have you ever thought you were being followed? You won't need to turn your head to see what's coming up behind you.

One of the first rules for wannabe spies is to never sit in a room with your back to the entrance. With the Spy Specs, you can kiss that rule goodbye!

These Spy Specs make a great novelty gift and are great for parties as a conversation piece - ask someone to make a gesture behind you and tell them what they did with your "psychic" powers!
Supplied with a protective spectacles case.

Note: Spy Specs are not intended for use to offer UV protection, and should not be used when driving.

Nokia N95 8GB

With all the key features of its predecessor, including a 5.0-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, built-in A-GPS, WLAN, HSDPA and an innovative 2-way slide, the Nokia N95 8GB now offers up to eight gigabytes of built-in memory. The N95 8GB also boasts a new luminous 2.8-inch QVGA display - one of the largest ever for a handheld - so that watching videos, browsing the Internet or viewing maps is easy. With its expanded memory, the N95 8GB offers up to 20 hours of video or up to 6000 songs.

Nokia N95 8GB Features

Integrated 5.1-megapixel (2592 x 1944 px) CMOS camera, Carl Zeiss optics, Tessar lens, MPEG-4 VGA video capture of up to 30 fps

Direct connection to compatible TV via Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, included in box) or wireless LAN/UPnP

Digital music player supports MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+/WMA/M4A with playlists and equalizerBuilt-in FM radio lets users listen to music and interact with favorite radio stations through Visual Radio

wireless LAN (802.11 b/g) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)WCDMA 2100 (HSDPA) with simultaneous voice and packet data (PS max speed UL/DL= 384/3.6MB, CS max speed 64kbps)

Up to 8GB internal flash memory for multimedia content such as music, pictures, ringtones and map data

Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology v.2.0 EDR with A2DP (Bluetooth stereo audio), USB 2.0 via Mini USB interface and mass storage class support to support drag and drop functionality

Flyclear Card

All of us who have been on a plane know about how long you have to wait before you can board because of the annoyingly thorough check-ups you have to pass before you can go on your trip. But from now on you can leave all those controls behind thanks to the new Flyclear card. And it only costs $99.95 a year and the fee for TSA of $28.

To get one, you have to go to a Clear center and present two official identification cards. Then you have to take a photo and give them your biometric information. They suggest that you should have a US passport, but foreign people are welcomed to.

So now you can eliminate the stress from your plane trips, not worry about those hidden pierces and miss a lot less planes. The Flyclear has already been put into function but for very few airports like Orlando, San Jose and JFK and the service is not available all day long. But there are plans to expand this technology.

Keyboard with Covert Keylogger Device is made to spy on your family or employees.

The Microsoft Natural Keyboard hides a 2MB hardware keylogger device.The 2MB memory can store up to 2 million keystrokes.

This spy device captures anything typed on the keyboard, which includes usernames and passwords. Since the keylogger is built into the keyboard hardware, it is undetectable by any Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware software.

The price for the keylogger gadget is £215.00 at SpyWarehouse.co.uk

Increase your cell phone signal with the zBoost Cellphone Signal Extender

zBoost Cellphone Signal Extender will boost your phone signal. zBoost extends

a Cell Zone (up to 2500 sq ft) AND protects the carrier network using patent-pending technology.

It works with Cingular, Verizon and Alltel cellular wireless phones in the frequency

range of 824 - 894 MHz.

zBoost Cellphone Signal Extender Technical Specs:

Frequency: 824 - 894 MHz (Cellular)

Networks: CDMA, GSM, and TDMA AMPS, GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, EVDO

Total Signal Gain: 57dB (adaptive)

Output Power: <0.5>

Unit weight: 1 lb.

Unit size: 5" x 7" x 2"

Power input: 100-120 VAC 60 Hz

Power output: 5VDC, 1.5A

Signal antenna cable: Outdoor rated 75 ohm DBS satellite coaxial cable, Type-F maleBase unit antenna: 50 ohm, TNC male

zBoost price is around $130 on Wi-exstore.com

T-Qualizer T-shirt

The T-Qualizer is a t-shirt with a built in sound sensitive graphic equalizer panel. As the music beats, the shirts equalizer lights up to the beat of the music. Great for concerts, raves, parties etc.

The T-Qualizer is made from 100% cotton. It has a fully functional EL (Electro Luminenscence) panel with a battery pack that snuggles discretely into a pocket inside the shirt. The end result is an awesome sound sensitive music T-Shirt that commands attention.

Each frequency of music will activate a different equalizer bar, just like the equalizer on your home stereo!

Features:
Black cotton t-shirt with a sound activated illuminating panel.
The lights flash in green, yellow and red in time to sound and music.
The illuminating panel is powered by a detachable battery pack, located inside the t-shirt.
The battery pack has an on/off switch so you can choose when you do and don’t want to flash
The battery pack can be unplugged for washing the t-shirt.
The t-shirt is hand wash only.

Digital Flying Alarm Clock

It's 6:00 AM, the hour you dread every morning, the hour you wake up to the obnoxious buzzing of your alarm clock. And what do you do? Hit the snooze button 3 more times before finally, unwillingly peeling your eyes open and rolling out of bed. And of course, like every other morning, you scold yourself for not getting up sooner and getting ready for your daily routine.

What you need is the Digital Flying Alarm Clock. The Flying Alarm Clock will force you to get out of bed as soon as it goes off, because if you don't, it won't stop buzzing. This airborne alarm clock is a digital clock that features a rotor which soars into the air and flies around the room as the alarm is sounding. And the only way to make the alarm stop is to get up out of bed and return the rotor to its base. Although the clock does have a snooze function that will ring every seven minutes for an entire hour, once you're up to get the rotor, why not stay up.

The Digital Flying Alarm Clock features an easy to read LCD, a six button control panel and a rotor that flies up to 9 feet in the air. You'll either love it because you'll never oversleep again or hate it because you HAVE to get up to shut it off.

HTC

HTC has launched the innovative Touch, a half-inch-thick touchscreen phone that responds to the swipe of a finger. The device, powered by Windows Mobile 6, isn't scheduled to be released stateside until the fourth quarter of this year, but since you can order it now from sites like MobilePlanet (for a sky-high $594), we decided to test a European model to find out if HTC's TouchFLO technology lives up to the hype.

With a look that better resembles a super-skinny PDA than a traditional mobile phone, the 3.9 x 2.2 x 0.5-inch HTC Touch, which is slightly smaller than the 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.5-inch iPhone, weighs just four ounces and can be tucked into a shirt or jacket pocket without adding unneeded bulk. The soft, black rubberized body (also available in Wasabi Green), partnered with the device's contoured edges, made for a solid, comfortable grip. The phone doesn't have many buttons--just a five-way navigator and a Send and End button for calls--so the large, bright, 2.8-inch LCD takes up most of the surface area. The left side houses a sliding volume control and the right side has a small camera button and a narrow piece of silver plastic you can peel back to insert a SIM card and microSD card.

While the forthcoming iPhone relies strictly on finger input, HTC presents users with the option of using a digit or one of the two included styli. While both input methods offer excellent navigation, it's not until you ditch the stylus for a finger that you'll get the full Touch experience. Swiping a thumb upward from the HTC logo to the top of the display reveals a screen that grants you access to music, photo, and video content. Here you can listen to songs, view slideshows, or watch video clips saved to the handset or to the included 1GB microSD Card. You can't zoom in on maps and pictures, as you can with Apple's Multi-touch technology, but otherwise we like HTC's implementation.

A swipe from the left or right (which rotates the screen using a cool 3D effect) lets you quickly jump into your contacts and applications. The screen flip is silky smooth, but the swiping motion may require a small mental adjustment: the Touch requires its users to apply a firm amount of pressure when executing the motion, which may feel odd to those accustomed to treating their screens delicately. Navigating with your finger feels much more natural than using a stylus, and depending on how fast you swipe, you can whiz through contacts and messages or methodically scroll through them.

The new HTC-designed homescreen sits on top of Windows Mobile 6 and provides one-touch access to weather forecasts, appointments, and other essential data. When you need to respond to an e-mail or enter a Web address, you can pull up a virtual keyboard by tapping an icon. This is most definitely not a messaging device, as you'll need the stylus to peck out e-mails, but the Touch gets the job done.

A triband (900/1800/1900-MHz) unlocked phone, the Touch uses a GPRS/EDGE connection for surfing the Web when you're out of hotspot range, which made visiting image-heavy sites like CNN.com a patience test. It took just over three minutes to load the page completely, although we could start reading text within the first 30 seconds. Fortunately, an 802.11b/g Wi-Fi radio is built into the handset, which cut CNN.com's load time to 58 seconds.

The Touch also supports stereo Bluetooth for jamming to your favorite MP3, AAC, and WMA files, but it took several pairing attempts with a variety of headsets before we were able to listen to Aerosmith and RUN-DMC's "Walk This Way" through the iLuv i202. The two-megapixel camera delivered adequate still-image and video quality, and we easily navigated the camera's various settings, which include white balance, resolution, and up to 10X zoom, depending on the photo size. Our only gripe is the lack of flash.

Since the Touch is powered by the Professional Edition of Windows Mobile 6, it supports not only Direct Push e-mail but also the full version of Office Mobile. That means you can view and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. The 201-MHz OMAP 850 proved to be a bit sluggish; opening a program or navigating drop-down menus sometimes caused the Touch to hang. On the plus side, we experienced good call quality with our Cingular SIM card, despite a few dropped calls (yes, using Cingular). Voices were clear and loud, and people on the other end of our calls didn't have any complaints. The Touch is rated to deliver up to 5 hours of talk time and up to 8.3 days of standby.

While we would've liked to see a snappier processor under the hood, the HTC Touch delivers on its promise of an innovative interface. The TouchFLO navigation is far from a gimmick; it's an extremely useful technology that's smooth and effortless to use. Although it's difficult to say how well the Touch will stack up against the iPhone--given that we haven't tested the latter and that we don't yet know what the subsidized price of the Touch will be--it has the makings of being a formidable low-cost iPhone competitor. Power users and messaging addicts should look elsewhere, but the Touch is the perfect little phone for people who want on-the-go Outlook and multimedia access with a little flash.

SONY Portable Reader System

The Portable Reader offers a new and convenient digital reading experience. It boasts an amazing screen with technology that rivals text on paper. Weighing less than 9 ounces and at only 1/2" thin, it's more compact than many paperbacks. Plus, it comes with a soft, black cover and software that seamlessly allows you to search and browse thousands of electronic book titles from the Connect™ eBookstore and then easily transfer from your PC to your Sony Reader with built-in memory and multi-format support, you can take many of your favorite titles and documents with you. So compact and convenient, you'll want to take it everywhere.

Impressive, paper-like display
The Sony® Reader provides a new way to experience reading. It boasts an impressive 6 inch display1, utilizing breakthrough E Ink® technology that’s almost paper-like. In addition, the text can be magnified for sight-impaired readers. Daylight readable, high contrast, high resolution, near 180º viewing angle

Ultra portable
The Sony® Reader offers a unique, on-the-go reading experience. With a very compact and lightweight design, you can take it almost anywhere. More compact than many paperbacks, it weighs 9 ounces6 (without cover) and is ½” thin8. You can easily hold it in one hand while sipping coffee with the other. And with its rechargeable battery, you can turn up to 7,500 continuous pages on a single charge. 2 Reduce multiple, large hardcover books into a compact package for people on-the-go.

Content Storage Capability
The Sony® Reader offers a unique, on-the-go reading experience. With a very compact and light design you can take it almost anywhere. And with 64MB of internal memory9, and a slot for optional removable memory cards you can take many titles, user-selected Web content, or other supported documents for reading on the go. Will hold up to 80 electronic books in internal memory and hundreds more with Memory Stick® media or SD memory card4 (sold separately).

Multiple eBook titles available
The Sony® Reader will allow you to search, browse and discover thousands of popular electronic book titles from the CONNECT™ eBook online store. You can then purchase and download these titles to your PC and easily transfer to your Sony® Reader3.

More Than eBooks
The Sony Reader isn’t just about reading electronic books. Using the included CONNECT™ Reader PC Software, you can easily transfer Adobe® PDF documents, BBeB Book, and other text file formats to the Reader5. Also, search, browse and download user-selected RSS Web content from the CONNECT™ Store to the PC and easily transfer to the Sony® Reader3. Take along Web newsfeeds, blogs and more to read5.

Exceptional Battery life
The Sony® Reader is extremely energy efficient. Its rechargeable internal battery can power you through up to 7,500 continues page turns2, so you are ready for the long haul. The battery can be recharged in as little as 4 hours with the included AC adapter and even can recharge from your PCs USB port if you choose.

Model Number: PRS-500

HP Pavilion dv9500t series

Offering the latest in multitasking and multimedia, the dv9500t is a desktop-replacement-level entertainment powerhouse. It's also packed with innovative optional features, including a fingerprint reader, and it sports our cool new "Radiance" finish.

Windows Vista for smooth operations

Get things done, stay connected, and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a secure environment with Windows Vista. This series comes with Vista Home Premium, which includes Windows Aero, Windows Media Center, and instant search functionality.

The power of two

The dv9500t features the powerful Intel Core Duo and 64-bit New Core 2 Duo processors. With two execution cores on a single chip, it can run multiple multimedia applications in parallel without slowing the system. This model also supports dual hard drives with up to 240GB of storage (120GB x 2) for accommodating all your digital treasures.

Elegant and functional

The dv9500t features our new notebook finish: a high-gloss, black resin with an inlaid "Radiance" pattern. It has a full-sized keyboard with separate numeric keypad; you control the volume and launch buttons by tapping or swiping your finger across a strip on the keyboard.

Fingerprint security (optional)

Goodbye multiple passwords. Simply swipe your finger across the integrated reader (optional) on the side of the panel to log on to your dv9500t and to password-protected Web sites and documents.

Equipped for video chats

Stay in touch with friends and family using the optional integrated low-light VGA webcam and two omni-directional microphones, which also support VOIP applications.

Luxurious digital entertainment

An Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS graphics card with 256MB of dedicated video memory will bring you first-rate games and multimedia. The 17" WXGA high-definition widescreen with BrightView is standard; for higher resolution choose WSXGA+, or go for home theater viewing with the Ultra BrightView. You'll get high-quality sound from integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers, and you get two stereo headphone jacks (one of which is S/PDIF capable).

Ideal for music, photos, and videos

The dv9500t features our latest version of QuickPlay, 3.2, which launches DVDs, music, and photos at the touch of a button. An included remote tucks away in the ExpressCard slot and lets you control QuickPlay from up to 10 feet away. Transfer photos from your digital camera to the dv9500t via the 5-in-1 digital media card reader, then use the Photosmart Premier software for photo editing, printing, organizing, sharing, and storing. You can turn pictures into movies, edit video, and create CDs and DVDs. Added bonus: burn your own, silkscreen-quality labels on your discs when you can choose the LightScribe option on the SuperMulti DVD+/RW/R drive.

Plentiful connections

The HP xb3000 Notebook Expansion Base (sold separately) connects your dv9500t to peripherals, including a monitor if you want a desktop experience. You get an integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), four USB 2.0 (without fingerprint reader), a 5-in-1 digital media card reader, an ExpressCard/54, an RJ-11, an IEEE 1394 FireWire, an S-Video, and a Consumer IR. Intel Pro/Wireless 4965AGN WLAN with Bluetooth is optional.

THE APPLE IPHONE

Capping literally years of speculation on perhaps the most intensely followed unconfirmed product in Apple's history -- and that's saying a lot -- the iPhone has been announced today. Yeah, we said it: "iPhone," the name the entire free world had all but unanimously christened it from the time it'd been nothing more than a twinkle in Stevie J's eye (comments, Cisco?). Sweet, glorious specs of the 11.6 millimeter device (that's frickin' thin, by the way) include a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen display with multi-touch support and a proximity sensor to turn off the screen when it's close to your face, 2 megapixel cam, 4GB or 8 GB of storage, Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and A2DP, WiFi that automatically engages when in range, and quad-band GSM radio with EDGE. Perhaps most amazingly, though, it somehow runs OS X with support for Widgets, Google Maps, and Safari, and iTunes (of course) with CoverFlow out of the gate. A partnership with Yahoo will allow all iPhone customers to hook up with free push IMAP email. Apple quotes 5 hours of battery life for talk or video, with a full 16 hours in music mode -- no word on standby time yet. In a twisted way, this is one rumor mill we're almost sad to see grind to a halt; after all, when is the next time we're going to have an opportunity to run this picture? The 4GB iPhone will go out the door in the US as a Cingular exclusive for $499 on a two-year contract, 8GB for $599. Ships Stateside in June, Europe in fourth quarter, Asia in 2008.

GAGETS

Pod

iPod
Manufacturer	Apple Inc.
Type	Portable media player
First available	First iPod available in 2001.
Online service	iTunes Store
Units sold	Over 100 million units worldwide, as of April 2007[1]

iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple and launched in October 2001. Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players, designed around a central click wheel — with the exception of the iPod shuffle, which uses buttons because of its size. As of October 2005, the line-up consists of the video-capable fifth generation iPod, the smaller iPod nano, and the display-less iPod shuffle. The iPod line used to contain the iPod mini, until being discontinued for the introduction of the iPod nano. The full-sized model stores media on an internal hard drive, while the iPod nano and iPod shuffle use flash memory due to their smaller size. Like many digital music players, iPods can also serve as external data storage devices.

Apple's iTunes software is used to transfer music to the devices. As a free jukebox application, iTunes stores an entire music library on the user's computer and can play, burn, and rip music from a CD. It can also transfer photos, videos, games, and calendars to the models that support them. Apple focused its development on the iPod's unique user interface and its ease of use, rather than on technical capability. As of April 2007, the iPod had sold over 100 million units worldwide,^[1] making it the best-selling