Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

This is where we call out the tech moves that seem odd, out of touch or just plain straight up smokin’ crack.  This week sees posturing, positioning and flat out insanity. 

Here’s what caught my eye this week:

• Zune Phone inbound?
• Kindle 2 sucking life out of holiday sales?
• 7-11’s new video section
• HDTVs for pennies?

Follow me into the madness.

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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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In case you were in the market for a new PMP, Cowon just made the decision for you a little bit easier.  On PMPs such as the F2, D2, Q5W, I7, U5 and the A3 the prices have been significantly reduced.  Unfortunately, the pricing on the O2 will remain the same. 

Read all the details after the break.

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As many companies generally lower their prices on their goods in time for the holiday season, iriver has already got a head start on this as they have reduced prices on three of their hottest players.  Thanks to a tip, we know that the three players are the iriver SPINN, the Lplayer, and the E100.  All of these deals will start on November 1st and end on December 31st, more than enough time to complete all of your holiday shopping.

Let’s first begin with iriver’s SPINN.  In case you don’t remember the exact specs here is a recap.  First off, it comes with a 3.3-inch AMOLED touch screen, FM tuner, audio and video playback, picture display, and Bluetooth connectivity.  One of the unique featuers about the SPINN is the way you navigate through the device - using the spindle tool on the side of the device.  Previously, the 4GB version sold for $250 and the 8GB for $290.  However, under iriver’s new deal, you can get the 4GB for $189.99 and the 8GB player for $229.99. 

More info after the break.

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Kodak has two new All-in-One (AiO) printers, the EasyShare 7 (“ESP7”) and the EasyShare 9 (“ESP9”).  The ESP7 and ESP9 showcase Kodak’s promise of the lowest ink replacement cost in the industry.  MSRP on black ink is $9.99 and color ink is $14.99.  Those prices are pretty reasonable.  Other goals for these printers are lab-quality prints and easy to use.

Keep reading for specs on each printer and a SALE!

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A lower priced Blu-ray player is coming this November from Sherwood America for under $300.  Expect the usual BD features like 1080p video, upscales DVDs, and supports BD Profile 1.1.  With the holidays coming, expect more news like this.

I have never heard of this particular company, so I did some digging.  Don’t expect any exotic styling here.  Their other devices feature pretty conservative design.  Where can you expect to find this player?  We don’t know yet, but when we do, we’ll let you know.  More after the break.

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