Electronics

Nokia N97 & 5800 XpressMusic

   

Gunning for the iphone, Danish Style

With the release of the N97 yesterday and the announcement of the 5800 XpressMusic hitting US markets in early 2009, it seems the world’s leading mobile phone supplier is finally wading into the battle for global smart phone domination.

Take a quick look of each at both of their specs and you’ll see what we mean.

Nokia N97

Touted as “the most powerful, multi-sensory mobile computer in existence,” by Jonas Geust, vice president for Nokia Nseries, this stunner is sure to shake up the current order of things.

Smartphone Showdown: Which One Is Best?

   

3 Carriers, 3 Phones, 1 Winner

Grab yer partner do-si-do. It’s a Gear Patrol phone-down.

2008 has been an amazing year for cell phones. The masses have spoken and features once considered highly advanced such as: touch screen technology, internet connectivity, and email access, are now becoming standard in any smartphone worth its silicone weight.

In a similar trend, mobile software has also exploded as carriers loosened their grips to give 3rd party developers a piece of the mobile app action. The main beneficiaries of all of this is of course is us the consumer, but with so many phones out there now to choose from, making the right decision on your next phone isn’t easy.

BlackLine GPS Seeker

   

Peace of Mind for Man’s Other Best Friend

Back in the day if your car got jacked, you were SOL. Now though thanks to GPS technology included in today’s modern vehicles, it’s nearly impossible to “lose” your car. However if your car doesn’t have integrated Onstar service or equivalent features, you can still take advantage of this technology for very little dough upfront and a reasonable subscription fee.

Announced this week, BlackLine GPS will be offering the Seeker after market tracker early next year for a price of about $350, plus a $20 a month tracking service. Only slightly bigger than a car key remote, the device is easily installed with a minimal amount of car savvy.

Palm Treo Pro

   

It’s Available And Worth It. If You’re A Palm User.

Depending on how much time you waste trying to keep up with the latest gadgetry you may or may not know about the Palm Treo Pro.

Either way, it’s out and shipping as of this past week. You Palm faithfuls holding out for the next iPhone killer may be dissappointed, but this Treo is no slouch. The surprisingly good looking obsidian-black Palm Treo is powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 and equipped with GPS, Wi-Fi, 2 megapixel camera, microSDHC card slot, and Bluetooth 2.0.

Oh, and Palm has a tactile keyboard and it’s unlocked to run on any GSM network. Advantage Palm.

Voltaic Backpack

   

Charged Up, Eco-Style


You can’t exactly plug your iPod into the nearest tree.

Ahhh, the great outdoors. There’s nothing like the fresh air and open spaces that Mother Nature provides. The GP crew spend a lot of time outside, but as you can tell, we’re also gadget freaks and that poses a dilemma. Where do you charge your handheld devices? How about with your backpack? Voltaic Systems has designed a line of solar panel bags capable of charging your phone, MP3 player even a portable GPS unit.

I know, your skepticism is at full-clip now, but allow me to make my case.

T-Mobile G1

   

Knock Knock. Who’s There? G1, Yo.

The speculation has ceased, the first Google powered cell phone has finally arrived. Dubbed the T-Mobile G1, this new open source (think: not Apple) rebel will hit retail stores October 22 and cost a reasonable $179 with a two year voice and data agreement. This compared to Apple’s $199 entry fee.

Panasonic Link-to-Cell Bluetooth Phone

   

The Benefits Of A Home Phone On Your Cell Phone

Technology promises to solve many of the world’s major problems and plenty of its small ones. Take for example, the act of using your cell phone as a main phone line at home, which I know many guys do. Unfortunately, the sleek and compact traits that make your cell phone perfect on the go simply don’t translate to a good experience at home during longer conversations or when you just want to pick up the phone and dial.

iPhone 3G - First Impressions

   


[click on image to enlarge]

By Ben Bowers - As I groggily took my place in line at unspeakably early Saturday morning hours, I questioned if all the hype was justified. My previous smart phone was 3G compatible and served me well over the last year. So what if it didn’t have a glossy back, touch screen, or a brand that let people know you stood for everything hip (overly?) in the world.

Apple 3G iPhone

   


[click on image to enlarge]

Twice as fast. Half the price.

Blackberry Bold | 9000

   

Happy Mother’s Day Happy Blackberry Day.

Millions of Blackberry users will undoubtedly be clammoring over the news of the new 3G Blackberry Bold (aka: the Blackberry 9000), featuring quad-band EDGE and tri-band HSDPA, Wi-Fi capability and GPS.

Incase iPhone Slider Case

   

I’ve never been much of a case man and every phone I have owned has been rocked with no protection and have the battle scars to prove it. Last year I bought an iPhone and until last weekend, never sported a case for it, until I walked into an Apple store and sighted the Incase Slider. The case was sleek and looked like it belonged on the phone from day one. It even passed my little OCD test of slipping into my pocket and pulling it out with flying colors.

Better Energy Solio Magnesium Edition

   

We enjoy the outdoors like everyone else. It’s our little bit of freedom away from the office, whether it’s a weekend camping trip to the mountains, an excursion to the North Pole, or a safari through Tanzania, we can’t be without the essentials – our cellphones, pda’s, and ipods. Unfortunately, making sure they’re powered even in the remote parts of the world can be hard. That’s why there’s the Solio Magnesium Edition. This portable hybrid charger can store power on its internal lithium ion battery by charging it via sunlight (or through an AC adapter). Once it’s charged up, you can use it to power virtually any handheld device.

Full specs after the jump.

Nokia n810 WiMAX Edition Tablet

   

Not long ago Nokia announced the N810 Tablet, a personal tablet device with a 4″ screen, wi-fi, camera, GPS and 2GB of built-in storage with expansion up to 10GB through an SD-card. The Linux powered device was an interesting proposition because it basically allowed for infinite development through it’s open source operating system. Something the iPhone hasn’t been and probably won’t be able to do.

The n810 WiMax edition is Nokia’s newest iteration using WiMAX technology over Sprint’s Xohm service giving you 4g technology in an otherwise 2-3G US Market. Good times. Availability is slated for the end of June. [via]

Altec Lansing T612 Digital Speaker System | iPhone Dock

   

Altec Lansing has come a long way from the days when all they were known for were the shoddy speakers attached to your parent’s Packard Bell. Those were the days. 4 hours on Kings Quest and Leisure Suit Larry… anyway, I digress.

Harman Kardon GPS-810 Guide+Play Navigation System

   

Factory car navigation systems are one of the last bastions of sheer profit motive in the car industry. Well, outside of repairs. $2,500-$3,000 for a crippled navigation system that’s outdated within a year. Seriously?

Take our advice, forego the factory nav and get a portable GPS. You’ll get twice the features, newer technology and be able to take it with you between rides or places. Spend the extra cash on other options, upgraded wheels, a used Hyundai or even a year’s worth of gas.

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