Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Universal remotes, remotes that can integrate the commands of all your home entertainment gear into one magic wand, are extraordinary tools, but often more expensive that the components themselves. The most advanced systems from companies like AMX and Crestron require professional programming and cost a few thousand dollars. The web-programming based remotes from Harmony and the similar ones coming out soon from Monster and Harmon Kardon run about $300-$500. The R7 from Universal Remote Control can tie up all your loose gear for a penny under $50.

The R7 can be set up with both the pre-installed codes or it can be taught commands from your products’ original remotes. The beef most people have with programmable remotes, particularly the ones that come with your TV, is that they can be a complete bear to program. The R7 tries to solve that issue by making the programming so simple you almost never need to open up the user manual, instead it comes with an instructional DVD. Slide the DVD into your player, and watch the woman on screen walk you easily though the steps. You’ll need to open the book a few times to look up the codes for your products, but most of the instruction comes from the DVD. If the supplied codes don’t work, the DVD tells you how to teach the R7 commands, a very simple process. Teaching commands is also useful if you want to change the function of certain buttons. You can program macros (commands that do multiple functions with the press of one button) and make the volume control global for all the modes.

I was impressed with how well the programming went when I set my system consisting of a TV, satellite/DVR, HDTV receiver, DVD player and surround sound receiver. A few of the DVR functions needed to be taught, which was a painless process. However, the remote disappoints in a few areas. First, its infra red signal is not nearly as strong as other remotes I’ve used. I needed to aim the remote directly at the component to get it to work, which is a problem for viewers sitting at angles from their components. Second, the remote doesn’t have a good main button for TiVo users. If you’re a Tivo owner, then you know the importance of the TiVo, pause, play and select buttons. I opted to use the menu button as the TiVo button, but then if I want to change any settings in the TV I must also change modes. Also, there’s no good button for aspect ratio control—an important feature for HDTV owners.

Those issues aside, it’s a very handy remote and a step above the remotes that come with most of today’s TVs. Setup is easy, the buttons are nicely spaced and the backlight lets you see it in the dark. Not bad for $49.

[Written by Grant Clauser, Editorial Director for Dealerscope, E-Gear, Custom Retailer, and Picture Business]

Back at CES Dell spoke of their plans to introduce a powerful beast-of-a-machine that’s somewhere between a desktop and a laptop.  Michael Dell even showed a prototype to the press.  Today at Dell’s press event in LA, they finally announced the XPS M2010.  Specs include a Intel Core Duo Processor T2600 (2.16GHz/667MHz FSB/2MB Cache), upgrades to 4GB of dual-channel DDR2 memory, a 20.1 inch LCD screen, 256MB RADEO X1800 graphics card, up to 240GB of RAID 0/1, WiFi, a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, 1.3 megapixel camera (for VoIP), 8 built-in speakers with a subwoofer and integrated HD audio.  All of that and it weighs it at around 20 lbs.  Not something you want to be carrying around, but still a sweet computer.  The XPS M2010 will set you back $4000 base and about $8000 fully loaded.

[Thanks, Jeremy]

Via [Engadget]

Well after a very very long wait the Q is finally available for purchase. As reported the Motorola Q has launched on Verizon Wireless for $299 less a $100 rebate and an activation fee waiver, bringing the total cost to $199 (if you purchase a $79.99 plan or higher).

So now stop checking us out and get a sweet, skinny, new Q...

Via [Engadget]

A few weeks ago, Kevin Rose posted on the Digg Blog about their new visualization tool (shown above) that allows them (and soon us) to analyze trends on the popular social news site digg.com.  After mistyping a URL, I arrived at diggtrends.com, which oddly enough took me to the diggtheblog.blogspot.com (AKA the Digg Blog).  Could this be the location that Digg’s new visualization tool will reside?

Check out the videos of Digg’s new tool:
6-09AM 04/01/06
6-12PM 03/01/06 (Note the hard white line - potential bot activity)

Looks like Dell has a nice new announcement tomorrow. Could it be their XPS Mobile Concept they showed off at CES or some other crazy laptop design? We’ll be sure to let you know.

[Thanks Jeremy]

Another week, another summary.  This past week was slow on the rumor front, but heavy on the news.  Nintendo confirmed that the Wii will sell for less than $250 (most likely $249.99), Microsoft is releasing a major Xbox 360 update, assures the world Vista will stay on schedule, and released a public beta of Microsoft Office 2007.  In addition, more Sidekick III pictures were released (hi-res this time) and the Motorola Q got a price and a release date.  For these stories and more, check out the list below.  Oh, and don’t forget to listen to Podcast 9.

Reviews

• Gadgetell Review: Sirius S50 portable satellite radio


• Gadgetell Review: Dell W2306C 23? Wide Screen High Definition LCD TV


• Gadgetell Review: Jabra BT500 Bluetooth headset

• Gadgetell Podcast 9: This vs. That 5/23/2006

• The Water Cooler: New, bold, exciting

• New Targus notebook backpacks


• New Apple Store opening


• MS says Vista will still be on schedule


• Pioneer 6.1 WMA Pro amplifier


• Microsoft’s Apple-like 2007 Office Suite


• Adobe InDesign CS3 features revealed


• Divx goes Mac happy


• Sanyo’s four new LCD projectors


• Store your Bluetooth headset in your rearview mirror


• iTunes gets NHL Playoffs


• Pioneer AVIC-Z1 in dash GPS


• Microsoft announce major Xbox 360 update


• Looking for a JPEG format replacement, yeah us neither


• Nintendo Wii, confirmed price of less than $250


• Dell projectors light up rooms at breakthrough prices


• Sidekick III in high-res


• Toshiba bumps miniSD to 2GB


• Belkin XM boombox goes to the beach


• Motorola cuts 2007 with a SCPL


• TiVo Guru helps you choose shows


• Creative’s 5 MP omnidirectional webcam


• Online video content


• Nike + Apple = Tune your run


• Vonage IPO slips


• Windows Vista Beta 2


• Opera 9 Beta 2 available


• Toshiba W44T music phone


• Zoom Shops go into Macy’s


• Moto and Comcast keep the phone ringing even when the power goes out


• Forget finger scans, irises/facial scanning is the new security


• History of PS3 pricing


• Skype Phone/Personal Media Player


• $9 MP3 Player


• Sing like an Idol in the shower


• Nokia E50 business phone


• Sprint beats big bad Verizon to the 700punch


• Moto Q’s push email


• Sony Ericsson charges without wires


• LG launches two new plasmas


• NeoDigits HD Network Media Players


• Toshiba’s TV lineup


• The Moto Q gets a price, date

• Rumor: Griffin docks your PSP for the long ride

Since we’ve gotten a little behind, we’re ready to catch up with the iZ contest by giving away 7 iZs to the top 7 people in our random drawing.  And sorry, that DOES mean that you can only win ONE.  Like always, fill out a comment below and you could be the lucky winner!

Everyday in the month of May, Gadgetell is giving away a Zizzle’s iZ, one of the top eight tech toys of 2005. Yes that’s right, we are giving away 9 more of these crazy creatures. Congratulations to previous winner, Cathy

iZ is a fusion of music and toy with a personality that you’ve never seen before. Users can scratch a beat, mix a rhythm, and change a lead, along with mixing up tempo and cranking up the volume. Paired with an iPod or any music source, iZ not only acts as a speaker, but plays your music in a whole new “light”.

The contest has completed we will notify the winners shortly. Look out for our next contest.

Quick Rules

1. You can only enter once per day per valid email address. If you enter more than once you’ll be automatically disqualified.


2. You can only win once per email address over the length of the contest.


3. We’ll be shipping all the prizes at the completion of the contest.

Click here for the full rules and eligibility. Click the link above or comment link below, to enter.

The weather here is gorgeous and typing outside just won’t work, you know sweat dripping into the keyboard...so we are going to enjoy the long weekend, pretend we have a real job like everyone else and get weekends and Memorial Day off, and we’ll be back in full effect on Tuesday.

Look for podcast #10, us finishing up/catching up the iZ a Day contest, 3 new product reviews, a brand new contest, and the launch of a new Dabbledoo site.

Enjoy the sun!

Targus Inc., maker of the world’s best-selling notebook cases and accessories, introduces four new notebook backpacks designed to meet the needs of different lifestyles, personalities and needs. Each style features a padded notebook section that accommodates screen sizes up to 15.4 inches, mesh lined shoulder straps and padded back panel for added comfort, and a convenient carry handle.

Repel Backpack (Model #TSB034US) - The Repel Backpack is loaded with comforts for those who travel long distances. Featuring a trolley pass-through for easy attachment to a rolling piece of luggage, the Repel offers a tuck-away sternum strap, ergonomic shoulder straps, and an integrated carry handle. The front pocket workstation includes storage for pens, a cell phone or PDA, a mesh compartment for additional notebook accessories, as well as a retractable travel document holder and a nyflex-lined CD/MP3 pocket with a line-out headphone port. Available in black with red and gray accents, the Repel is constructed of nylon, measures 15” x 18” x 7.4” and weighs 3.52 lbs. MSRP is $69.99.

Ricket Backpack (Model #TSB033US) - Offering multiple interior and exterior storage solutions, the Ricket Backpack is ideal for the student or frequent traveler. The interior workstation features pen/pencil loops, a business card/ID holder, pockets for additional notebook accessories, a CD pocket and line-out headphone port. Ricket sports a mesh water bottle holder on each side, and the front pocket features compression straps designed to carry a jacket, sweater or additional file folders. A cell phone pocket is attached to the backpack strap for easy access. Constructed of gray ripstop nylon with black accents, the Ricket measures 13” x 17.7” x 8.2” and weighs 3.3 lbs. MSRP is $49.99.

Drifter Backpack (Model #TSB030US) - The Drifter Backpack is stylish enough for the student and functional enough for the working professional. Black with red and gray accents, the Drifter’s front pocket workstation features a compartment for a cell phone or PDA, pen/pencil loops, and a zippered section to store files and extra supplies. Velcro pockets on each side provide additional storage, and the bungee cord in front is ideal for carrying a jacket, sweatshirt or sweater. Constructed of nylon, the Drifter measures 13.5” x 7.6” x 17.3” and weighs 2.42 lbs. MSRP is $49.99.

Rogue Backpack (Model #TSB029US) - The Rogue Backpack features a seven-pocket design, offering plenty of storage for all essential mobile devices and personal accessories. The front zippered pocket is suitable for personal items, and the middle zippered pocket features pen loops, a business card/ID holder, and a mesh pocket for notebook accessories. The notebook section offers a mesh pocket as well as a zippered nylon pocket that is accessible from the outside of the backpack, and zippered pockets on each side of the Rogue offer additional storage. Other features include a nyflex-lined pocket for an iPod or CD player with line-out headphone port, and a removable cell phone holder on the backpack strap. Constructed of polyester and available in black with charcoal accents, the Rogue measures 14.5” x 18.5” x 7.6” and weighs 2.2 lbs. MSRP is $39.99. 

Not like I haven’t been to an Apple Store before (I have actually been to quite a bunch) but it is nice when they open up around the corner. Finally, I will have this cool white luxury 15 minutes away. Apple has opened a new store in the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, NJ for me to come in and snap some pics, play with the products etc. Once I get back I promise a hands on review on the MacBook that many of you have been asking for.

Until then cross your fingers that I got in line early enough so I have a t-shirt to giveaway.