Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Fiio has just released the E5, and despite it offering a design very similar to that of the iPod Shuffle it is not a media player but instead a headphone amplifier.  The E5 comes as a replacement to the previous E3, and in turn offers 30-percent more power than the E3.  The E5 has a power output of 150mW at 16Ω or 12MW to 300Ω and less than a 0.009-percent distortion at 10mW.  Additionally, the E5 has onboard volume controls (an item that was lacking on the E3) and a built-in battery that should offer around 20 hours of use.  Otherwise the E5 measures 1.73 x 1.50 x 0.48-inches and weighs in at a lightweight 0.92-ounces.  The E5 is currently available and retailing for around $20.

Read [GenerationMP3]

Microsoft sure has been busy with their Zune lately.  First, they announce a new 3.1 software update which includes a few free games and now they are set to cut prices on the Zune. 

The price cuts aren’t jaw-dropping, but they are pretty nice, nonetheless.  Price cuts around the holiday season might just do the trick to persuade some potential PMP buyers to go with the cheaper Zune.  The 4GB version’s price goes down to $99.  Meanwhile, the 8GB model goes from $149 to $139.  The last model, the 16GB model, goes down by $20, from $199 to $179.  If you want to pick up some Zune accessories to go with your new Zune, then you will be happy to know that Microsoft has also cut prices on several Zune products. 

More after the break.

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Today, Microsoft has officially released the new 3.1 update for the Zune, which comes with a few major additions such as four new games as well as some general improvements. 

First, let’s begin with the new game updates.  Checkers, Sudoku, Space Battle, and a multiplayer version as well as a single player mode of Texas Hold’em have all been made available for free.  Apple has many more games available, but some of them cost money.  I’m sure Zune users will be happy to know that they can get some free high quality games.  The above picture of what the Texas Hold’em splash screen would look like on the Zune.  Continued after the break.

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Do you remember HDtracks?  Well, if you don’t, it’s an online store that sells music and albums in high definition format, meaning the audio clarity is a lot better than normal music.  Unfortunately, this music doesn’t come cheap, an album would cost $15.98 and a single song would cost $2.49.  However, HDtracks and Gibson (a company that manufacturers instruments and famous for their guitars) have partnered up to offer an exclusive album for free in high definition. 

The album is called Gibson Presents: Hot Tones and is available on the Gibson website, but is available on the HDtracks website for free in high def; the album on Gibson is only available in normal format.  Within this album, performers such as Johnny A, Michael Burks, Billy Burnette, Arlen Roth with Sonny Landreth, Chris Cain, Neal Schon, Nick Colionne, Eric Johnson,  Tinsley Ellis, Big Bill Morganfield, Peter Karp, Kenny Neal and Johnny Winter have all put forth their music.  In addition, this album features a never-before-heard instrumental track with performers Abraham Laboriel Sr. and his son with Slash. 

Unfortunately, this album will only be available for a limited time.  It is available right now, but on December 6, 2008, it will be taken down from both sites and they will not be made available after that.  Continued after the break.

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Usually, Canada has to pay more for the same technology we Americans enjoy for a cheaper price.  We can often be thankful that we can get the same item for cheaper here than Canada.  However, a Canadian retailer, Future Shop, has put up a listing for the Microsoft Zune Second Gen 8GB player - one that will make you pretty surprised. 

Future Shop is listing the 8GB player 149.99 CAD, but after a 50 CAD discount, it becomes 99.99 CAD.  That price, 99.99 CAD, is equivalent to about $82, which is more than $50 cheaper than any 8GB Zune you can find in the United States.  In case you live in Canada and want to take advantage of this offer, you better do it quick because in a few days, the price for this Zune will go back to 149.99 CAD. 

Read [Future Shop]

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Let’s say for whatever reason, you need some cash and have some iPods you are hoarding in case the economy crashes and they are used as currency.  As an economist (in my free time) I can tell you that day isn’t coming - at least the part about using iPods as currency - and it is time to get rid of them.  One easy way: NextWorth.

Find out how by clicking to follow the story.

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Samsung recently announced their successor to the P2 PMP, the P3.  The P3 is set to be formally introduced at CES 2009, but they have announced a few details to keep some of their fans excited for the new device.  It is similar to the P2, but does bear several differences.

First, the device measures out at 102mm x 52.7mm x 9.9mm and weighs 85g.  It also comes with a 3-inch WQVGA screen with 480 x 272 resolution.  A nice thing about the P3 is that you will most likely to find the model that fits your needs because it comes in models such as 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and all the way up to 32GB.  So, whether you just need a small storage device, you can get the 4GB model, or if you have a lot of media, you can get the 32GB.  Continued after the break.

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Crutchfield is currently offering the Sony Mylo COM-2 for just $199, which comes along with free shipping.  Although the Mylo COM-2 is typically available in either white or black, this deal applies only to the black model.

The Mylo COM-2 is branded as an “Internet Device” and offers a nice way to get online, that is assuming you have a Wi-Fi connection available.  Bottom line, $199 is not a bad price for a device that was introduced less than a year ago and originally sold for $299.  Of course, with Wi-Fi being included into more and more devices these days, the small form factor of the Mylo COM-2 is making it much less desirable than it was just a year ago.

The Mylo COM-2 features a 3.5-inch display with an 800 x 480 resolution, a back-lit slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 1.3-megapixel camera and 1GB of internal memory with support for additional storage via Memory Stick Duo media.  This now lowered price is coming after a $100 instant rebate, and at least at the time of this posting makes no mention of any expiration.

Read [Deal News]

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And with SanDisk, the hits just keep on coming.  They have the 1GB, the 2GB, the 4GB Sansa Clips, and now the 8GB flash-based player.  It may be teeny-tiny in size, but it certainly isn’t in the capacity of songs this baby can hold.  Try up to 4,000 on it’s rechargeable battery which will run for 15 hours.  Not bad, eh?

The player obviously gets its name from the clip it sports on the back.  It lets users attach it to their clothing, backbacks, etc., which is great for when you are on the go.  However, if you want to detach the clip, you have that option as well.  Another nice thing about the Sansa Clip is that is has an OLED color screen, which lets you pick which songs you want to listen to; you don’t have to listen at random.  More after the break.

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Popular science just awarded Pacemaker, a mp3 player that turns anyone into a DJ, as a “Best of what’s new” winner in the Gadgets category.  The device is part of a larger platform that encompasses a user community which provides legal uploading and mix sharing as well as a desktop application.

The Pacemaker at its gadget-y heart is a 120GB mp3 player with display and touchpad.  Various inputs allow some crazy stuff, all in a very mobile little unit.  The device features multifunction buttons that allow different inputs on the touchpad.  I am certain it is easier to use than the diagram which outlines all the functionality shows. 

Keep reading to find out some more about the Pacemaker.

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