Weekly high-tech product releases: Nokia 2710 Navigation, Samsung X420
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Your support makes all the difference.High-tech product releases announced the week of December 9 include a notebook computer with lasting battery power, a new satellite navigation phone, a portable web browser tablet, a projector phone, a wireless internet sharing antenna, wireless media storage cards, USB power outlets, an autonomous WiFi router and an oversize Lego mouse.
Samsung X420 Notebook
Samsung is pushing its new notebook as the perfect mobile computer. It boasts a nine-hour battery life and a thin, light design that puts its thickness at the diameter of a euro coin and weight at 1.77 kg. The notebook is powered by a 1.3 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SU7300 , runs a Vista Home Premium operating system and has a 14" screen. The mobile marathoner comes with a €650 price tag.
Nokia 2710 Navigation edition
The new phone from Nokia set to release in the second quarter of 2010 uses integrated GPS, A-GPS receivers to help navigate its owner around whatever part of the world they find themselves in. The map features are the highlights on this phone, with route finding, a built-in digital compass and pre-installed Nokia maps for the area of purchase. It also sports a two-megapixel camera, Nokia music player and an FM/AM radio. The retail price is projected at €110.
Fusion Garage Joo Joo
The Joo Joo is the world's first portable device devoted solely to web browsing. It's an entirely touch screen device apart from the power button, and its 12.1" screen boasts the ability to handle HD pictures and video. By dedicating itself to web browsing, the Fusion Garage has ensured a quick, nine-second bootup directly to the browser screen. However, all that speed has a price. Specifically, $500 when it becomes available at midnight PST December 11.
LG eXpo projector phone
LG released its new eXpo on December 7 along with the separately sold projector for the phone. The touch-screen eXpo runs a Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system and has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The main draw of the phone is the projector accessory which can project a 10-foot image onto a wall. LG hasn't cut corners with the five-megapixel camera either. The eXpo is available for $299 with a mail-in rebate of $100, and the projector goes for an additional $179.
Point to Point WiFi Antenna
The Point to Point Antenna is available for anyone with a need to beam a WiFi signal up to 3 miles away. The 15dBi antennas can be positioned with a clear line of sight in order to share an internet connection between separate buildings, whether it be with a neighbor or a remote building. The antenna's beam width is narrow, only 16 degrees horizontal and 21 degrees vertical, and can beam a WiFi signal up to 3 miles away. Each antenna is available on C. Crane Company's website for $89.95.
Planex CQW-MRB Autonomous WiFi Router
Planex's new autonomous router was released in Japan this week. By connecting a 3G or WiMax USB dongle to the BGN router, the user can share his or her internet connection via WiFi for up to two hours when the battery runs out. Its retail price is 14,800 yen (€115) and there is no word on when it will be available elsewhere.
True Power Power Outlet with USB Ports
There are many devices that charge via a USB cord to the computer, not least of which is the iPhone, and now you don't even need the computer thanks to the True Power Power Outlet. The outlet sports two USB slots in addition to the standard double plug on an American outlet. Its creator, Fastmac.com, is awaiting approval from the Underwriter's Laboratory but hopes to start shipping early in 2010. Pre-orders are already going for $9.95.
Eye-Fi Wireless Memory Cards
The new Eye-Fi memory cards remove one more step from saving your digital photos by allowing you to upload your photos and videos to your computer and even onto online sites with some models. The five new cards come with either 2GB or 4GB of memory, and Eye-Fi says the cards will work with most existing cameras. The only thing that's required is a WiFi network. Prices range from $49.99 to $149.99
Lego Mouse
Just because you grow up doesn't mean you have to give up playing with Lego. This mouse available on Curiosite.com comes in the shape of a red oversized Lego brick. It has both mouse buttons and a scroll wheel and is compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. The brick is on sale at Curiosite.com for €21.45.
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