Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 with touchscreen – a touchy digital camera and a deal too!

Panasonic’s newest slim and stylish touch-screen digital camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 (the successor to DMC-FX500), features 12.1-megapixel resolution, 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens with F2.8 brightness, 5x optical zoom, large 3-inch touch sensitive LCD screen and newly developed Venus Engine V processor that includes twin CPUs to boast approximately 2.4x processing capability.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 may look like Just Another Ultra-Compact Camera, but it has two features that most cameras in its class do not.
The first is a 3-inch touchscreen LCD display.
While many camera manufacturers have touchscreen cameras, the FX580 is somewhat unique in that it doesn’t force you to use the touchscreen for everything — there are “regular” controls too.

Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FX580 features:

• 12.1 effective megapixel CCD

• 3-inch LCD screen display (230,000 pixels)
• 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens with F2.8 brightness and 5x optical zoom
• New touch-screen interface and conventional operation system with the cursor key for intuitive control
• Panasonic’s new advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode incorporates a system of technologies, including MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Face Recognition, AF Tracking, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Scene Selection
• Panasonic’s newly developed Venus Engine V processor
• High sensitivity up to ISO 6400
• Records High Definition (1280 x 720p) motion images at 30 fps
• New Panorama Assist scene mode allowing users to shoot a number of consistent photos, either vertically or horizontally, by aligning them according to a guide that overlaps the screen
• Bundled PanoramaMaker software

The DMC-FX580’s touch-screen is a hybrid operation system combining the new touch-screen interface and a conventional operation system with the cursor key for intuitive control, and it comes in an aluminum body in silver and black colors.

The Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FX580is available now with huge savings for $209.95 – that’s 40% less (you save $140.00)!

Extra screen pixels? Mimo Mini USB Monitor, budget-friendly and just one cable!

Looking for that extra bit of screen real estate to get you through the busy workday? Referring to notes while writing an e-mail, checking info in a spreadsheet while entering data into a web page, keeping an eye on your to-do list while browsing YouTube… it’s handy to have additional monitor space at the ready.
Problem is an entire secondary monitor comes with its own needs like requiring a separate power cord or perhaps an additional video card.

The MIMO USB Monitor changes this equation completely by offering a low-maintenance relationship between you and an extra display.
A single USB connection from your computer gets you an instant high-resolution secondary display. This awesome display is perfect for your IM client, widgets, PC gaming tools, your email, a spreadsheet, your PhotoShop tools, or even video! Not only do these displays enhance productivity, they look great!
The single USB connection, combined with a weight of only 1.3 pounds, means the Mimo monitor is ultra portable and cost-effective, as no expensive extra video cards are required.
It’s PC and Mac compatible, altough you’ll need to buy separate drivers to enable touchscreen features on Intel-based Macs (drivers are around $30).

There are three models you should be looking at:

MIMO UM-720S Touch Screen USB Powered 7 inch Swivel LCD Screen Mini Display: MIMO UM-720S features integrated stand and cover, 90 degree pivoting functionality, a 800×480 resolution LCD, and a resistive touch screen, that can be used in portrait or landscape mode.

MIMO UM-710S Slider Monitor
The original utility of the Mimo gets even more portable with the innovative slider model. Almost half the thickness of the iMo monitor, the slider features a folding stand that also serves to protect the screen. Available for US $ 149.99.

The MIMO UM730 features a USB Powered 7″ Swivel LCD Screen Mini Display With Built in Webcam, Microphone & Speaker Output and is available for US $ 169.99!

Any further questions?

Here are some FAQs.

What about Mimo connections?

It’s extremely easy to set up the Mimo. Install the drivers on the provided CD-ROM. Plug in the USB connector! Amazingly, there is only one connector, as the Mimo is completely USB powered.

Ok, one more display is good, but how many Mimo monitors can I connect to my PC?

Theoretically a PC can recognize up to 127 USB devices! However, with current PC systems, we recommend the following maximum number of Mimo displays:
1-2 Mimo displays: 1.2 GHz CPU / 512 MB RAM
3-5 Mimo displays: 1.8 GHz CPU / 1GB RAM
6 Mimo displays: 1.6 GHz Dual-Core CPU / 1GB RAM

Can I attach my Mimo monitor to a USB hub?

Yes, Mimo monitors can be connected to a powered USB 2.0 hub.

Take a look at MIMO USB Monitors!

Yamaha MCR-040: fits your budget, your iPod dock and your music requirements

Yamaha has introduced the Made for iPod Yamaha MCR-040 micro-component music system – and we love the orange 70s-looking version!

The stylish-and-cool Yamaha MCR-040 system features iPod playback as well as a CD player, front panel USB port, FM radio and mini jack inputs for portable audio devices and currently available in ten colors.

The Yamaha MCR-040 has iPod docks built into their top panels, allowing users to take out the ear buds and share their favorite music with friends and automatically recharge the portable devices.
Uncompressed audio is delivered for high fidelity playback through the systems speakers which can be placed anywhere in the room. The MCR-040 also automatically power on when a connected iPod starts playback.

The high sound quality of the Yamaha MCR-040 is delivered by a Yamaha digital amplifier with extremely low noise distortion. Two highly responsive 4 inch speakers provide dynamic bass response for powerful, clean sound from any music library. Both models also offer a card-type remote control for operating the system and connected devices.

The Yamaha MCR-040 puts your favorite music sources within easy reach. It’s got a CD player, an FM radio, USB and mini jack inputs for portable audio devices, and a dock on top for an iPod, which you can control with the handy card-sized remote control. The iPod and USB device charge both while in use and in standby mode. What’s more, it has both a clock timer and a sleep timer.

Perfectly Matched Amp and Speakers
Both the amp and speakers are designed for high efficiency and performance, so the sound is bigger and better than you expect from components of this size. They were also planned and carefully tested for best audio integration.

Advanced YST Technology Delivers Big Bass Sound
Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology (YST) is a major reason for the high performance of Yamaha speakers, and is especially suited for small speakers. The CD receiver and speakers work together, using negative impedance drive to produce small low-frequency signals, which are enhanced to large outputs by precisely designed speaker cabinet and port. The result is powerful, accurate bass that seems to be coming from a much larger speaker.

VCCS Technology
Vibration Control Cabinet Structure(VCCS) solves the problem of speaker cabinet vibration with strategically placed pieces of wood whose shapes, positions and angles were arrived at after a long process of experimentation. It also uses special foam rubber that provides excellent vibration isolation performance.

The Yamaha MCR-040 is available now priced at US $279.95.

Canon PowerShot S90IS: a digital compact camera that’s a gift on its own class

The Canon S90IS employs a newly developed, 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System by combining a powerful CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor. Thanks to this technological advancement, the S90 is dramatically more sensitive than cameras with identical megapixel counts, and delivers spectacular images with minimal noise. Increased sensitivity demands a higher ISO speed, and the PowerShot S90 delivers with a new maximum setting of ISO 3,200. Blur and camera shake are notably reduced for the ultimate in sharpness and clarity.

In addition, a new Low Light mode lets you capture images in an astonishing range of conditions.
The Canon S90IS automatically adjusts the ISO speed from ISO 320 to ISO 12,800 in relation to ambient brightness, subject movement and camera shake.

The Canon S90IS’s tag price is somehow more than most point-and-shoots cost in this day and age.
But the amount of picture power this literally slips into your pocket is almost unbelievable: Outstanding low-light performance for a camera this size; a speedy lens; full control rings, plural; and yep, RAW.
It’s the soul of what makes the $500 behemoth G11 great, packaged in a true point-and-shoot.
You lose some power and some pro tools, like the swivel screen, a (shitty) viewfinder, faster burst shooting, hot shoe, some zoom and a custom mode or two, but you’re also shedding a ton of bulk, meaning you’ll actually take it everywhere.
And the best camera’s always the one you have with you – for me, that’s this camera, which just happens to be an excellent one all by itself.

Canon S90IS is available now for US $ 399.00!

The bigger memory, the smaller the price! SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 32GB Card and save up to 60%!

HD Camcorders, HD-enabled DSLRs and a lot more, when speed really matters, serious photographers choose SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 32GB Card.
So fast, you’ll never miss a shot. So rugged, environmental conditions are never a problem.

This SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 32GB Card card is perfect for advanced photographers who require high-performance cards to quickly shoot many high-resolution images.
It is ideal for photos of moving cars or trains, sporting events, sprinting animals or any other event that requires fast snapshot and recovery time.
In advanced cameras, these cards have been developed to save large image files to the card as quickly as possible so the camera will be ready to take the next picture.
SanDisk Ultra CompactFlash cards are fully compatible and interchangeable with all CompactFlash digital cameras and they also work with all SanDisk ImageMates and PC Card Adapters.

Get the SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 32GB Card now for US $ 86.00 (and save up to 60%!)

Latte Café 32 GB Video MP3 4.3″ Touchscreen Player: huge screen, great gift!

Latte Café 32 GB Video MP3 Player offers wide audio and video format support, a voice recorder, and bonus features like a calendar and stopwatch. Add sleek design and an attractive metallic/gray finish, and you’ve got a perfect PMP package. Enjoy your favorite videos or pictures and navigate with ease on the Café’s 4.3-inch touchscreen display with 480 x 272 (WQVGA) pixel resolution.

The Latte Café 32 GB Video MP3 Player features amplified dual speakers so you can share music or videos with friends. Throw on headphones for private listening. While some devices limit you with their skimpy format support, the Café will play MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAC, and APE music formats for about 8-10 hours on a single charge. Standard play modes like repeat and shuffle are included, and of course the Café supports ID3 tages (versions 1 and 2) for displaying song info while you listen.

Take your favorite videos with you and enjoy them anywhere with the Café’s brilliant screen. You’ll get about four hours of video playback on a single charge.
The Latte Café 32 GB Video MP3 Player supports AVI, RM/RMVB, and FLV formats, so you can enjoy more video with less conversion.

Latte Café is now available with 27% saving at US $ 181.49!

Flip Camcorders: the smallest HD camcorders, perfect gifts and now with great savings for shopping season!

Great gift often come in small packages… and in HD too!

The Flip UltraHD Camcorder combines Flip Video’s signature shoot-and-share simplicity with the power of vivid, vibrant HD video. UltraHD could not be easier to use: just power on and press record, and you’ll be capturing high-quality HD video in seconds.

The Flip UltraHD features 120 minutes of record time and an included rechargeable battery pack, so you’ll never miss another minute of video again. And because it’s ultra-portable, UltraHD lets you capture spontaneous video anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon in the park; a family vacation; or simply an unplanned, everyday event, your UltraHD will be charged and ready to go. So you never have to say, “You should have been there.”

What we really love about the Flip UltraHD:

• Shoots 720p HD video;
• Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory;
• high-quality video for its class;
• Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AA batteries
• Large 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen to play back and delete videos
• HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it simple to watch video on your HDTV
• Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files
• snappy flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
• Pre-installed FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
• FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.

The bottom line?
The Flip UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini camcorder out there, but it offers a truly respectable feature set and some of the best video we’ve seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.

Priced at less than $150.00, the Flip UltraHD is available right now.

Price conscious? Looking for an even cheaper deal? Meet the Flip Mino!

The super-simple, super-portable Flip Mino makes it easy to capture and share high-quality video anywhere and everywhere. Mino weighs only 3.3 ounces and features a sleek, pocket-sized design, allowing you to take it with you everywhere you go. Flip Mino also boasts a rechargeable battery that powers up automatically while plugged into your computer. And while Mino is 40 percent smaller than its already-pocket-sized brother, the Flip Ultra, it’s got all the Flip Video features–simple user interface, one-touch recording, flip-out USB arm, built-in editing and sharing software, instant uploads to YouTube and MySpace–that folks have come to know and love.

While small in size, Flip Mino produces video that is unbelievably high in quality. Its 2 GB of on-board flash memory records up to 60 minutes of full-VGA-quality video that looks sharp when played back on your laptop or television (TV cable included). The built-in microphone captures crisp, detailed audio, whether you’re paddling down the Amazon or rockin’ out at your favorite club. When it’s time to edit or share videos from your latest excursion, flip out the USB arm and connect to any Mac or PC to launch the built-in FlipShare software.

Check the lastest price for the Flip Mino!

Logitech Harmony 890 Universal Remote (and save 50%): a gift that will put you in control!

Tired of all the remote controls cluttering up your coffee table? Logitech wants to control your entire entertainment center with its Logitech Harmony 890
.

Lets face it, there’s a downside to the consumer electronics revolution. A proliferation of black or silver boxes that live under the omnipresent TVs bring with them a multitude of separate remote controls; one to change the volume of the stereo, one to turn on the TV, one to control the DVD player, another for the TiVo; the list goes on.

The Logitech Harmony 890 puts you in control of your entire audio-video system with just one button. It’s home entertainment the way it should be–simple.

Optimized for complicated HDTV and PVR systems, the Logitech Harmony 890 helps you tame tough configurations like switching your television between video aspect ratios depending on the program source. The interactive color display lets you quickly choose a 16:9 ratio for movies and HDTV, or a standard 4:3 ratio for basic television programming.

The new remote control models from Logitech’s Harmony line. Their newest consumer remote, the Logitech Harmony 890, departs from the norm and adds a 128×160 pixel full color LCD display and docking cradle to recharge the included Lithium-ion battery. The entire remote has been completely remodeled by Logitech’s design team. This model is the culmination of the company’s influence and experience being put to the test in an effort to improve upon the past Harmony designs and ergonomics.

The remote’s LCD screen goes to sleep automatically, but is awakened “automagically” when the remote is picked up or when the GLOW button is pressed. The contrast is a bit high on the display, and it cannot be adjusted, but all text appeared to be reasonably easy to read. The Volume, Channel and Navigational buttons are quite easy to reach with the thumb and are very well laid out. Selecting from the eight activities or user controls via the LCD screen’s side buttons is also very easy to do,

The baseline?

Simply press an Activity button, such as “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music,” and your Harmony Remote automatically sets up each of the devices required for that activity. Sleek docking station that remote fully charged Programmable with Windows PC or Macintosh computer / USB Cable included 53 top-mounted hard buttons and 8 on-screen activity buttons 2 MB non-volatile flash memory.

Yes, that’s right, the Logitech Harmony 890 comes with programming software for both Windows and Mac OS X!

Now the Logitech Harmony 890 comes with 50% saving at US$ 199.99!

Shopping season special: Amazon Kindle 6″ still a bestseller. Why? It really rocks!

It’s been around for a while and it’s well known but, you know, the newest Kindle really rocks!

The biggest and latest e-book gear from Amazon now relies on international wireless support, so you’re never out of touch when it comes to getting new content and e-books (even outside the USA).

Amazon recently started exporting the Kindle to other countries, so you can buy one and use it wherever you are!
Amazon struggled to negotiate deals with European carriers, which was one reason why the Kindle was not already available to the European market, so instead, the Kindle roams from the AT&T network.

The features are fairly similar to those available to American customers. One can subscribe to and download newspapers, magazines and buy and and download books.

Several features set it apart from the others:

1. Amazon’s 130,000+ Kindle-format books are priced around $9.99 (some higher or lower).
2. Built-in wireless (called Whispernet) downloading is also free with purchase of the Kindle.
3. Form factor: the unit is shaped something like a book and is tapered on one side to make it easy to hold. The machine does make it very easy to read for long periods of time without the fatigue you get in your hand from holding a book open and up while reading.

The two major upsides to eBooks are presently: generally lower cost and ease of transportation.
Book addicts like us can literally carry hundreds of books in a unit the size of a typical small paperback.
Another benefit that may not be obvious at first is privacy.
How many times have you found yourself in a waiting room, an airplane, or other public places and wished those around you could not see what you were reading?

The 9.7” e-ink screen (no backlit or LCD) provides a pleasant reading experience. At first, we were afraid that some documents wouldn’t be as readable due to the fixed format of PDF.
But thus far, the Kindle DX seems to solve this very elegantly.
Getting a PDF documents on the device is as easy as you’ve come to expect. Just hook it up on your PC using USB, copy the files and you’re good to go.

The amount of storage is amazing. you can practically put your entire library on there without running out of space.
It also has a very long battery life. We’ve been using it for about two weeks now and so far did not have to recharge the battery.

If you want a 2001 H.A.L. relationship with your Kindle, check the Read-To-Me Feature!

With the experimental Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read English newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable. You can switch back and forth between reading and listening, and your spot is automatically saved. Pages automatically turn while the content is being read, so you can listen hands-free. You can choose from both male and female voices which can be sped up or slowed down to suit your preference. In the middle of a great book or article but have to jump in the car? Simply turn on Text-to-Speech and listen on the go.

The Amazon Kindle goes for US $ 259.00 right now, happy reading!

Shopping season special – No-wires music? Looking for wheaterproof speakers? Audio Unlimited Wireless Speakers – with Remote

Audio Unlimited Wireless Speakers solutions offer unlimited installation options for today’s consumer seeking high quality sound virtually anywhere. The beauty of this amazing technology is all of the 900MHZ wireless speaker options/products run on the same transmitter and frequency allowing you to add as many speakers as required for you unique installation. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard offering endless installation options.

Listen to music just about anywhere without the hassle of running unsightly speaker wire! These high-quality, weather-resistant speakers can even be used in wet areas. Powered by 900MHz Phase Loop Lock circuitry which automatically locks in and keeps the audio signal clear and strong within a range of up to 150 feet with no line of sight limitations. The signal works just like high powered wireless 900MHz phones delivering a crystal clear signal through walls or any other obstacles in your yard truly offering endless installation options.

Expansion is Easy

The system transmitter supports all types audio inputs including RCA inputs for home theatre receivers, MP3 players, computers and iPods. Audio Unlimited’s wireless speaker system is the perfect solution for adding music around the pool/spa, on the patio, near the BBQ, in your office, garage, in the garden, or out on the deck during those hot summer nights. With the optional add-on units (sold separately SPK-VELO2) you can spread the sound even further around your garden and they can all work off of the same original transmitter. These stylish portable speakers come with a remote, so you can fine tune without having to play with the unit itself. Have time for fun with your guests, not a bunch of buttons.

Get Audio Unlimited Wireless Speakers now $99.88 (You Save $70.11 , that’s 41% off regular price!)