Friday, March 04, 2005

The Mini Mi Stackable Speaker

The Mini Mi Stackable Speaker

photo_a.jpgIn today’s world of high frequency product launches and developers trying to convice customers their product has something to do with whatever new hipness Apple’s rolling with, it was only so long before we came to this name. The Mini Mi is a stackable speaker unit—several stackable speaker units, actually, using powerful magnets to form solid towers, pyramids, or expensive Jenga games. I like the idea of getting a bunch of them and building an unstoppable wall of sound, but I’m not to crazy about powerful magnets being near the rest of my electronic babies. How do they sound? How much do they cost? No idea. I’ll find out in May, same as you.

HP DJammer

HP DJammer

Wired News has more the HP DJammer we talked about before, including early reaction from the DJ community and new developments on teaching it to beat match and its Wi-Fi capabilities. And yes, you’ll still look like you’re five minutes into a seizure while using the DJammer, but that’s how you indie kids dance these days, what with your hip hopping.

hp_djammer.jpgCreate Digital Music has somewhat shocking information that HP might actually be doing something cool, as the electronics giants shows off the “DJammer.” The device is more than just a digital music player, as it can also hold and scratch tracks via motion sensors, and can stream to other devices for collaboration. HP has been showing the DJammer off at the Playlist club in London, and we should apparently expect more news to come. One thing’s for certain—I like faux wood inlays.

Honda Numo Hybrid Scooter

Honda Numo Hybrid Scooter

joyd1.jpgDear Competition Pro engineers: Life is full of tough choices. I’m sure with your education and experience there were many career paths open to you, many places you could have landed in the scientific, engineering, or medical development fields. You took the road less travelled, adding a USB connection to a twenty some-odd year old joystick that’s only has four buttons. The world may not understand you, your families may reject you and baffled children may chase you through the streets with hurled copies of Wizard of Wor, but we salute you.

The Competition Pro, Now With More Buttons

The Competition Pro, Now With More Buttons

joyd1.jpgDear Competition Pro engineers: Life is full of tough choices. I’m sure with your education and experience there were many career paths open to you, many places you could have landed in the scientific, engineering, or medical development fields. You took the road less travelled, adding a USB connection to a twenty some-odd year old joystick that’s only has four buttons. The world may not understand you, your families may reject you and baffled children may chase you through the streets with hurled copies of Wizard of Wor, but we salute you.

Pininfarina and Motorola Concepts

Pininfarina and Motorola Concepts

pinanfarina06.jpgThe Pininfarina design team has already worked with Motorola to create a series of ugly, race-inspired clamshell phones that you can purchase if you have no real concept of good design. There might be hope for the collaboration yet, as Pininfarina shows off a prototype design [pictured] to go along with the Birdcage Maserati concept car [not pictured]. It doesn’t look very practical in any ways that matter, but it does exhibit the typical Italian over-styling we’ve all come to love

pinanfarina07.jpgHere are some more interesting “Motorola Seamless Mobility” concepts from Pininfarina like the concept phone we just talked about. Will we ever see any of these as actual products? Probably not, but they’re fun to look at, and it’s very possible design cues will be taken from these concepts to be seen in future Motorola products.


More pictures after the jump.


pinanfarina08.jpg

pinanfarina09.jpg

Intel Mini PC

Intel Mini PC

SAN FRANCISCO–Intel on Wednesday showed off its living room PC of the future–and it looks a lot like the Mac Mini.

As part of a speech at the Intel Developer Forum here, Vice President Don MacDonald demonstrated several concept PCs, including the Sleek Concept Entertainment PC–a square, metallic-colored device that was immediately reminiscent of the desktop computer Apple Computer introduced earlier this year.

Adobe Release Open Source Interface Software

Adobe Release Open Source Interface Software

Graphics software giant Adobe Systems has released some components of its commercial products as open-source software, a move intended to help others ease a tedious but important part of programming.

The San Jose, Calif.-based company released two packages, Adam and Eve, that it uses for the creation of the interface people use to control software. The packages were posted last week on the company’s Web site.

Adobe said it released Adam and Eve “to give back to the wonderful open-source community which gives us so much” and to enlist the help of others in improving the packages.

Ultimate iPod Accessories

Ultimate iPod Accessories

Click here for the best prices

Speck iSport

Fanny packs aren't exactly our idea of cool, but they're handy when you're jogging with your music, a wallet and a set of keys. The sturdy black iSport ($20) gives you a pair of zippered compartments for your valuables, plus a pouch in the center for your iPod. The pouch has a molded circle on the front that sits atop your iPod's Click Wheel; you can't scroll, but at least you can pause the music or skip tracks. There's even a flashing blue hazard light for night jogging.




Click here for the best prices

AudioOutfitters EarPod

If you use your iPod's earbuds along with the wired remote control, there's probably a ritual you go through every time you take the player out of your bag: unraveling that way-too-long cord. For you, the EarPod has arrived. Wrap your excess cord around the EarPod to shorten it, or slide open the EarPod's lid to store some of the cord inside. This accessory also has an optional belt clip, which is especially useful if you have an iPod case on which to fasten it.




Click here for the best prices

BTI iPod Battery

This big, ice-white brick of a battery may tip the scales at nearly 10 ounces, but it will run your iPod (via its dock connector only) or iPod Mini for as long as 40 hours on a single charge. The iPod Battery ($80) won't charge the iPod itself, and it's not exactly suitable for jogs around the park, but this jumbo, backpack-style accessory will keep the tunes playing during lengthy flights and road trips.




Click here for the best prices

Ten Technology NaviPod

Turn your iPod into a home-stereo component with Ten Technology's NaviPod, a wireless remote for the iPod that can control basic playback functions from across the room. Use the iPod as part of your existing sound system in this manner, or combine it with the NaviPod and a powered speaker system such as JBL's Creature line to form a standalone home stereo. Mimicking Apple's in-line remote, the saucer-shaped NaviPod has five buttons for volume, forward, reverse, play, and pause. Plug your iPod into your hi-fi stereo, relax in the La-Z-Boy, close your eyes, and enjoy complete control over your tunes.




Click here for the best prices

Altec inMotion iM3 speakers

If you're looking for a no-fuss, no-frills way to pump up the volume on your iPod, give Altec's inMotion iM3 speakers a try. About the same size as a small hardcover book, the ice-white, 15-ounce iM3 speaker set ($180) snaps into an L shape, with a small speaker on each side and an iPod dock in the middle. Plus, it comes with a wireless remote control.



Thursday, March 03, 2005

PCS Phone palmOne PDA Phone

PCS Phone palmOne PDA Phone

Features:
The Treo 650 gives you just what you need to stay productive and in-touch.
A vibrant 320-x-320 touchscreen display that's easy to read, even in sunlight
Integrated Bluetooth® technology for communicating with wireless headsets, car kits, and other Bluetooth devices
An improved digital camera that also captures video and an improved backlit QWERTY keyboard for even easier typing
Support for corporate email access to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 using VersaMail™ email software

Editorial Review:
The PalmOne Treo 650 boasts all the legendary features of the venerable Treo 600, plus a whole lot more. Now with Bluetooth, a higher resolution screen, a removable battery, and an improved keyboard, the Treo 650 is once again on the cutting edge of Smartphone technology. It offers all the functionality of a high-end Palm OS-powered PDA, a cell phone and a VGA camera. Simply put, it's the ultimate mobile office companion.

Design

Click the image to get a closer look at the Treo 650's features.
Under the hood, the Treo 650 features Palm OS 5.4, 32MB of RAM (23MB available for end user storage), and an Intel PXA270 312 MHz processor. The design retains the same popular form factor as the Treo 600 with a few subtle, yet significant, changes. The unit's screen has been dramatically enhanced to support 320 x 320 resolution and the full QWERTY keypad has been redesigned for greater ease of use. The top of the unit features an expansion card slot for SD and MMC-based memory and expansion cards. There's also an infrared port here for line of sight data transfers, as well as a handy switch for turning off the phone's ringer. A five-way navigator controls most of the phone's menus and operating system functions, while quick application buttons on either side of the navigator get you to your favorite applications in a snap. The left side of the unit features a volume up/down toggle plus a handy user-customizable button that can be assigned to any phone or PDA function. The rear of the Treo 650 houses a loudspeaker, as well as the VGA (640x480) camera unit. A touchscreen stylus can be tucked away on the right side of the phone. Meanwhile, a combined charging, data, and accessory attachment port is housed on the bottom of the unit, as is a standard 2.5 mm stereo headset jack.

Calling and PDA Features
All the of the Treo 650's phone and PDA functions are designed to provide an integrated, seamless experience. For instance, you can type in the name or initials of a contact on the keypad to dial them. Or, use the touchscreen and stylus to copy information from an email and quickly paste it into another email or text message. All of the latest phone features folks expect are built-in, too, like a handsfree speakerphone, polyphonic ringtones, a vibrate mode and picture caller ID. The capacity of the unit's address book is only limited by the amount of internal and expansion memory available. Use the Treo 650's Bluetooth capability to wirelessly sync your contacts with your PC or Mac (yes, Mac!). Headsets, car kits and other wireless peripherals can also be paired with the unit via Bluetooth.

The Treo 650 is also a fully functional Palm OS device. That means that a huge library of applications, from spreadsheets to word processors to games, can be added to the Treo 650. It's easy to perform multiple tasks like checking your calendar while talking on the phone or dialing calls directly from your contacts list. Familiar Palm OS software ships with the handset including calendar, calculator, clock, contacts, memo, and task management applications. Real Player for video and MP3 playback, VersaMail email client, and DataViz Documents to Go for mobile access to spreadsheets and text documents, are also included.

The unit's memory expansion slot allows you to transfer music, photos, and video from your desktop. Or, use it to load additional games and applications.

Messaging and Internet
The device fully supports SMS and MMS messaging for rapid exchange of pictures, text and video via Sprint's instant messaging system. Other Sprint PCS Vision services are also supported, such as mobile email, web browsing and instant messaging. Sprint's PCS Business Connection service, which is fully compatible with the Treo 650, gives you secure, remote, real-time access to Microsoft Outlook Exchange-- including email messages and attachments, calendar, business directory and personal contacts. You can also respond to meeting requests, access documents stored on your desktop PC, and view email from POP3 and IMAP4-based email accounts, including Sprint PCS Mail, Yahoo!, Earthlink and more.

Imaging and Entertainment
The Treo 650's built-in camera features a 2x zoom, a flash and a self portrait mirror. While the camera is great for taking stills, it can also function as a camcorder, allowing you to capture MPEG4 video to the unit's memory. The device ships with two games, Zap! 2016 and Handmark Solitaire, and many more Palm-based games are available. As mentioned, the device ships with Real Player, so you can use your Treo 650 as a portable MP3 and video player. Keep your tunes loaded on a memory card and you're ready to go with stereo sound wherever you roam.

Vital Statistics
The PalmOne Treo 650 weighs 6.30 ounces and measures 4.40 x 2.30 x .90 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of digital talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Treo 650 handset, lithium-ion battery, USB HotSync cable, headset, AC charger, user manual, software CD-ROM.

SV i700 Waterproof MP3 Player

SV i700 Waterproof MP3 Player



:: Waterproof MP3 Player Housing

:: Waterproof Headset (included)

:: Fits any of the iRiver iFP-700 Series flash-memory player

:: Allows easy access to control the MP3 Player functions

:: Submersible up to 10ft/3m

:: Secure latching system

:: Neoprene Armbands & SwimBelts Accessories available

Ambient Orb: Wireless Information System

Ambient Orb: Wireless Information System

Product Detail:

"The Ambient Orb may look like a crystal ball on acid, but it's really more of a giant mood ring -- plugged straight into the fluctuations of the stock market or anything else you care to track."
Time Magazine

Watch the orb gracefully change color to reveal important updates – from the direction of the stock market to the state of your local traffic. This beautiful glass sphere receives information via radio signal and communicates it to you through a color-coded system. If you're watching the stock market – green means the market is up and red means it's down.

Receive the following broadcast information for free:

  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average
  • NASDAQ
  • S&P reports
  • Weather reports for NY, SF, Atlanta and Chicago
  • The Homeland Security Report
Then, for a small subscription fee:
  • Pollen reports
  • Traffic reports
  • Public opinion polls
  • Your individual stock portfolio
  • Local weather
  • E-Mail and voice-mail alerts
  • And much more
Register your orb and manage your reports online or by calling a toll-free number. There is no configuration needed and no PC or Internet connection required. Just plug it in and sit back while the Orb's continual updates tell you the vital information you need to know.

Creative Updates Zen Micro to 4GB, 5GB, and 6GB

Creative Updates Zen Micro to 4GB, 5GB, and 6GB

zen_micro_reviews.jpgCreative responds to the Apple Ipod Mini Update with a bump in the Zen Micro line, which now offers not only $200 4GB and $250 6GB models, but a new 5GB model in between for just $230. I don’t know that people really need that much granularity in their Zen choices, but whatever works, I guess. Even better, Creative has a $20 mail-in rebate on the 4GB models, knocking them down to just $180. As long as you’re not majorly into iTunes Music Store, you probably can’t go wrong with that.

Mac mini Lexus

Mac mini Lexus

mini_lex.jpgIn the glove box of this new Lexus sits a Mac Mini, USB 2.0 hub, and an easy bundle of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. On the dash is a Pioneer in-dash receiver with touch screen displaying the mini’s OSX output. Gin and juice, money on your mind optional.

Hopefully within a couple of months this will be so common it’s not notable.

Hitachi 32HDT20 32-inch Plasma HD Television Review

Hitachi 32HDT20 32-inch Plasma HD Television Review

MSRP: $5,999

Quick Take:

A small plasma television, at just 32-inches, the Hitachi 32HDT20 packs an impressive 1024x852 HD resolution in it's 16:9 widescreen format. The unit is ready to go right out of the box, with a built-in tuner and speakers. It sports an attractive design, but is considered expensive for it's screen size.

Pros:

- Hight definition resolution at 1024x852 pixels
- Wide assortment of connections makes it a flexible addition to a home theater system
- Built-in speakers and tuner
- Natural colors, especially with DVD sources

Cons:

- May require some color adjustment our of the box to reduce red levels
- "Wide" viewing mode creates too much picture distortion
- Small screen for larger rooms
- Considered expensive compared to other plasma televisions, even including 42-inch models

Beovison 7 Home Entertainment System

Beovison 7 Home Entertainment System

BO_widescreen_tv.jpgBang & Olufsen’s is theis the prettiest demand to hand over my wallet I’ve seen in a while. This home entertainment center is built around 32-inch widescreen LCD screen that automatically adjusts picture quality upon powering up. The screen also includes an intergrated DVD player and top box controller module for pulling in satellite channels. It’s only $12,000, or three stolen babies.

ClockBall Desk Clock

ClockBall Desk Clock

clockball-movement.jpgI suck at math, but even without the long series of equations I can tell that ClockBall’s neat factor is pretty much equal to its complete and utter uselessness. ClockBall is a desk clock that rolls forward a centimeter ever hour until it reaches the black border of its pad. Then it rolls backward. Time is told in both direction by a yellow bar across the black number line in the middle. Pretty cool, but call me back when they make a Phantasm version.

Also, this picture is awful, but has to be respected for making something that rolls forward and backwards look the least bit dynamic. I think I had this on a Trapper Keeper once.

Adidas 1 on March 18th

Adidas 1 on March 18th

Almost a year after they were first announced, the Adidas 1 self-adapting shoe will be hitting theadiaidias_1.jpg streets, with limited supplies shipping out March 18th and an official worldwide launch April 1st. Adidas is putting plenty of money on the line, with a $20 million ad rollout and all the necessary promotion needed to convince people that they need a pair of $250 kicks. I have a feeling they won’t have much trouble making that money back if the Adidas 1 does everything it promises to. (Thanks, Carlos!)

Plasma Screen Televisions are COol!

Plasma Screen Televisions are COol!

Plasma screen televisions are the coolest. They might not run the coolest, but man, plasmas sure look the coolest. I’ve wanted a plasma screen television since the very first time I saw one. I’m not positive what it was that first attracted me, but I’d reckon that it had to be the flatness of it all. I’ve dreamed of a television that I could hang on the wall ever since I was a little kid…

Of course it was mere science fiction, back then. I remember watching Star Trek for the very first time - amazed at the huge television screen at the front of the the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Now if that huge screen wasn't a premonition of a plasma TV, I don't know what was.

And I remember walking into a Gateway store and seeing an (almost) affordable flat screen plasma television for the very first time. It was at that moment when I realized it was only a matter of time until plasma TVs would be truly affordable to the masses...

Gateway put the pressure on to lower plasma television prices. And I'm heartened to see that the prices continue to drop dramatically. I've seen entry-level 42" screens for a good bit less than US$2500. Of course, the high-end HDTV models can easily cost twice that amount, it's great to see the prices move downward, overall.

Walking into a Best Buy (or other big box electronic store) these days is a bit like walking through Times Square - or through a gargantuan Las Vegas casino hotel sports book. The lure of the giant screen televisions is inescapable.

But I'm not ready to buy a plasma television just yet. Quite honestly, there are still thousands of reasons why not... and just about every one of those reasons has George Washington's picture on it.

LCD televisions are turning up the heat on the plasma screens in smaller sizes. And really nice conventional flat screen monitors have become incredibly inexpensive when compared to the LCDs and plasmas. Prices on conventional widescreen projection TVs have plummeted and the Digital Light Projection (DLP) TVs look to be a sweet alternative to the bigger plasmas.

But it's not just about the money.

There's a buzz that the picture quality of some early plasma TVs isn't holding up over time. It's one thing to spend the cash. But it's quite another to have a piece of technology that won't just be outdated in short time, but shabby.

"Gee, remember that Superbowl when your plasma TV was brand new and the picture was crisp? How many years ago was that?"

The electronics industry has gotten really really good at producing conventional televisions. The oldest TV here at Ranchero Indebto is over twenty years old... it's never been in the shop and it still works just fine. When the new plasma and LCD technology can boast that reliability, I'll get right in line to flash the plastic.

Until then, I'll just be browsing (and slobbering)...

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Nintendo DS New Colors in Japan

Nintendo DS New Colors in Japan

color_dsjapan.jpgNintendo is releasing four new colors (maybe five, if that silver is different than the original) in Japan, including ‘Candy Pink.’ I’d say it’s likely we’ll get our colored DS soon, although knowing Big N, it’ll be a few months after the March and April launch in Japan (and probably not as many colors).

Handsets Move Forward

Handsets Move Forward

The most advanced range of 3G handsets yet for NTT DoCoMo's Foma service will be on sale in Japan in the first quarter of 2004. Highlights include a 2-megapixel camera on models from Mitsubishi Electric, Sharp, and NEC, compatibility with miniSD or Memory Stick Pro Duo memory cards, and, on Fujitsu's handset, a fingerprint scanner.

Sharp has also built in a new software system that allows users to display and read Microsoft Word and Excel documents on their phones. Better yet for users is longer battery life and reduced weight. Standby time has been extended to 300 hours, and continuous talk time is 140 minutes on four of the five handsets. The weight is between 4.1 ounces and 4.6 ounces.

The handsets support WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) but are only compatible with NTT DoCoMo's Japanese network and offer no overseas roaming.

Chewbacca I-Pod Pouch

Chewbacca I-Pod Pouch

chewbacca_pod.jpgI’m actually looking for another iPod case for my 3G (which is harder than it should be), so I want this lawsuits-be-damned Chewbacca Pod Pouch to be the one. But the thing is, if I’m going to stuff my iPod inside a $16.50 merkin, I at least want to be able to control it from the outside. Sadly, you’ll have to leave a little bit of this fur muff sticking out of your jeans for frequent flicks of the button.

Hitachi Super Battery

Hitachi Super Battery

Portable Power

Are you always recharging or replacing the batteries in your handheld devices? Have we got news for you: Hitachi says it has developed a full cell battary that uses methanol, air, and water to provide a cheap, long-lasting power source for portable devices.

The prototype is about 0.4 inches in diameter and 2.0 inches to 2.4 inches long, or similar to an AA battery. Hitachi says it plans to continue development of the device and put it on the market in 2005 along with a compatible PDA. At least two other Japanese companies, NEC and Toshiba, are developing similar devices.

Handheld PDA Comparisons

Handheld PDA Comparisons

Chances are you don't carry a digital camera with you on a daily basis, but your PDA? Yes. What if you happen to find the perfect site for your new business or see your favorite celebrity walking down the street but have no way to document it? We have a solution: handhelds with built-in cameras. While these devices will never replace your standalone digicam or camcorder, they're great for quick snapshots to e-mail to friends and family or to use as a digital photo album. Here are five handhelds that will have you happily clicking away.

Handheld PDA palmOne Zire 72


As the popular Zire 71 goes into retirement, the Zire 72 is here to take its place. Boasting more memory and a faster processor, the PalmOne Zire 72 also lets you take photos and videos, connect to devices via Bluetooth, listen to music, and watch videos. Its eye-catching blue design and its multimedia capabilities will appeal to young professionals who want a device that can get the work done but still leaves room for fun. However, if you're looking for a product with a more business-oriented agenda, the $300 Zire faces tough competition from the Sony CLIE PEG-TJ37, which offers similar features (integrated camera, video and audio playback) and includes Wi-Fi.

Handheld PDA palmOne Zire 72

PalmOne revamped the look and feel of the Zire, giving it a bit of flash with its electric blue color. And forgoing the plastic casing of models past, the Zire 72 comes sheathed in a soft, rubbery material that feels like it could endure some rough treatment. However, if you don't want the color to scratch off, store the device in its case. The Zire 72 has a different look than the TJ37, which is enclosed in a more traditional and businesslike silver-metallic shell. Still, the Zire feels sturdy in your hands, and it's compact and light (4.6 by 2.9 by 0.7 inches, 4.8 ounces), especially for a PDA with a built-in camera.

The Zire sports a beautiful, 320x320-pixel, transflective 65,000-color display. Just beneath the screen lies the five-way directional keypad with a center select button and four shortcut keys to the Calendar and Contacts apps, as well as the camera and the RealOne audio player; you can, however, customize these shortcut controls to launch different apps. Though the design isn't anything revolutionary, we felt comfortable using the device one-handed.


The compact Zire gets flashy with its electric blue casing.

The Zire's camera is built into the back of the device, where it (along with the expansion slot) adds a bit of bulk to the top of the handheld. Unlike the TJ37 and the Zire 71, the 72 doesn't include a protective cover for the camera lens. Even though the lens is recessed into the device, we're concerned it will get scratched or damaged over time if the cover isn't in place. Also on the back of the Zire is the unit's speaker, which actually surrounds the lens, and a small Reset hole.

The rest of the design is fairly standard. The bottom of the device houses the USB cable and power adapter ports, while a lone voice-record button occupies the left side. Rounding out the Zire's layout are the expansion slot for SDIO/MMC media, the power button, and a stereo jack that accepts Walkman-style headphones, all located on the top. We have one complaint about the expansion slot, however. Like the zira, the Zire 72 has a slot that is deeply recessed into the top of the unit; we found it difficult to insert and remove the memory card.



Take cover. Protect your Zire with the included carrying case.

The Zire 72 comes with a protective carrying case, but we were disappointed that PalmOne excluded the desktop cradle that came bundled with the 71. At posting time, the company had not made a decision on whether it would offer a desktop cradle for separate purchase. Also, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery is not user replaceable.

Handheld PDA palmOne Zire 72 Features


Compared to the Zire 71, the Zire 72 runs on a faster 312MHz Intel PXA270 processor, and it has twice the memory, for a total of 32MB (24MB of which are user-accessible). But perhaps the most noteworthy addition to the 72 is the integration of Bluetooth. With this technology, you can engage in short-range communication (around 30 feet) with Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as computers, phones, and printers; surf the Web (requires ISP account); share files; and more. PalmOne even includes some useful Bluetooth utilities. For example, if you have a supported Bluetooth phone with GSM/GPRS service, you can use the dialer function to access numbers straight from your Contacts page, and the PalmOne Messages app allows you to view and send text and multimedia messages. Note: Check the included documentation for compatible phones or download more phone drivers from PalmOne's Web site.

The Zire 72's 1.2-megapixel camera with 2X zoom takes pictures in four different resolutions, from 160x120 up to 1,280x960; in comparison, the TJ37 has only a 310,000-pixel camera with 2X zoom. The Zire 72 holds up to 83 highest-resolution photos, though you can always transfer the shots to a memory card. You'll also find settings for lighting, and you can add special effects such as sepia, black and white, and blue tones. You won't get the same image quality as found on a dedicated digital camera, but the Zire is good for quick snapshots to view on the handheld or to e-mail. You can also switch the camera to video mode and record short clips with audio. Again, it's by no means a replacement for a camcorder, but if you're in a pinch and want to record a scene on the spot, the Zire provides that option. And you'll definitely want to invest in a memory card, as video takes up roughly 2MB of storage per minute of video.

The Zire 72 runs the latest Palm OS 5.2.8 with all the usual PIM apps. We're glad to see that PalmOne updated the Address Book and Schedule apps to the newer Contacts and Calendar, which contain enhanced features and sync better with Microsoft Outlook. The company also throws in a number of other software programs--way more than the TJ37's basic package. You get DataViz's Documents To Go for creating and editing native Microsoft Word and Excel files; VersaMail 2.7 for sending and receiving e-mail; and Adobe Acrobat Reader. But you can't have all work and no play; the Zire comes with Palm Reader so that you can listen to audiobooks (requires separate subscription), as well as RealOne Player and Solitaire.

Handheld PDA palmOne Zire 72 Performance


Armed with the 312MHz Intel PXA270 processor, the Zire 72 enjoys slick operation. In contrast, we encountered delays and "please wait" messages when switching between apps on the TJ37. The new Intel processor also features technology for enhanced multimedia performance; thus, videos ran smoothly, and MP3 playback was impressive, with clear sound and volume, even in noisy environments.

In CNET Labs' tests, we looped a clip using Kinoma Video player and set the screen at 50 percent brightness. The battery ran out of steam after 3 hours, which is slightly better than the TJ37's numbers. PalmOne says the Zire 72 should last about 5 hours with continuous MP3 playback, and our tests found this to be true, with the battery expiring after 4 hours, 40 minutes. With normal use, the Zire should last about a week before needing a recharge, according to the company.

Using Bluetooth, we were able to connect to a Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PC and seamlessly beam data. You'll also find the convenient Bluetooth Manager utility, which lets you turn Bluetooth on or off, set up devices, and connect to network service, all on one screen.

The Zire 72 took decent photos. Indoor shots came out sharp and fairly well lit, but outdoor pictures looked washed out at times. The picture quality deteriorated with video clips; images appeared pixelated, especially when there was lots of movement in the scene, but again, this PDA isn't meant to be a replacement for a video camera. For viewing photos and other apps, the Zire's screen was a standout. It produced bright and sharp images, and it performed well in sunlight. There's no debate that the 72 takes the prize in this category compared to the TJ37, which also displayed sharp images but suffered from a particularly dim screen.

Editors' rating: handhelds
We rate handhelds on a scale of 0.0 through 10.0 (see "What the numbers mean" below). The editors calculate the overall rating from a series of subratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, that gauge key aspects of the product. Each subrating is weighted based on its relative importance. For example, a handheld's performance score counts less than its design score.

The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:

Design
(45 percent of the total rating)
This criterion covers the look and feel of the handheld as well as ease of operation. We consider the size, weight, and shape of the device. We look for intuitive layout of buttons and examine the ease of use of any keyboard or cradle that is included. We also take into account ergonomics, how cool it looks, and how well the implementation achieves its implicit design goals. An uninspiring but functional design will rate a 5. An especially small or lightweight handheld will earn a higher rating.
Features
(35 percent of the total rating)
We rate a handheld's feature set relative to its competitors, looking for that perfect combination of capabilities that matches its users needs. We consider factors such as processor, RAM, and expansion slots. A product that provides just a basic electronic organizer functions will rate a 5. Products with wireless connectivity, abundant software packages, or other, more advanced features will earn a higher rating.
Performance
(20 percent of the total rating)
We evaluate the performance of a handheld in comparison to similar handhelds. We also evaluate battery performance and the quality of the display under varied lighting conditions. A handheld that can perform basic organizing tasks seamlessly will rate a 5. Devices that can perform more sophisticated operations seamlessly will earn higher scores.
What the numbers mean
10.0 (Perfect):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be. A product that receives this rating could not be reasonably improved upon in any meaningful way. We unequivocally recommend products that score a 10.

9.0 to 9.9 (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. It would be difficult, though not impossible, to improve upon a product that scores in this range.

8.0 to 8.9 (Very good):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 (Good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 (Fair):
This range represents a product that is dead average for its market. Its strengths and weaknesses balance each other out, making it adequate for most uses but not a standout. If you can find it at an extremely low price, it may well be worth purchasing, but be on the lookout for a better product.

5.0 to 5.9 (Mediocre):
A product that scores in this range is merely average in the negative sense--in other words, mediocre. These products tend to have enough weaknesses to dampen their strengths. A much better product probably exists in its category, so you should consider others first.

4.0 to 4.9 (Poor):
Products that just don't work well tend to fall into this range. While they may have some positive qualities, the overall package simply lacks the cohesive quality that makes other products successful.

3.0 to 3.9 (Very poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. It has few positive qualities, if any, and its weaknesses outweigh them.

2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths. It would be difficult, though not impossible, to find a worse product in its category.

1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal):
A product in this range would have virtually no effective or fully functional features. The rare product that falls into this bottom-of-the-barrel range has no redeeming qualities at all.

Hitachi Plasma Flatscreen 50VS810

Hitachi Plasma Flatscreen 50VS810

For the last couple of years, manufacturers have been striving to make their TVs look wider, flatter, and slimmer--in short, more like plasmas. The all-picture style is alive and well with the Hitachi 50VS810, which looks, from the front at least, almost exactly the same as the company's plasma sets (such as the 42HDT51). Go around to the side, however, and you'll see it's not exactly ready for wall mounting. While we loved its classy look and boatloads of features, its image quality, while very good, doesn't quite match that of competing microdisplays. That said, its excellent out-of-the-box settings will definitely appeal to people who don't want to spring for professional calibration, especially those who see rainbows with DLP sets.

Hitachi Plasma Flatscreen 50VS810 Design


Finished in minimal black, with angular cutouts for the speakers on the sides, when viewed straight on the Hitachi 50VS810 looks almost like a frame of wide film--which, judging from Hitachi's TV commercials, is the effect the designers were going for. A single pane of acrylic fronts the entire cabinet, with the exception of the speakers, which get nice black-metal grilles. The acrylic looks good and protects the screen, but we wish it were removable, since it collects a lot of ambient room light.

A newly designed light engine allows the part of the cabinet below the screen to be remarkably thin--just 2.5 inches, compared to the typical microdisplay's 8 inches or so--a move that considerably reduces the height of the TV. This television measures about 29 inches tall, 55 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, and it weighs 110 pounds. It doesn't include a stand, so most buyers will probably opt to buy the matching stand from Hitachi, model SPF50 ($399 list), or stick the set into a custom entertainment center.

Hitachi stashed a few controls and auxiliary inputs on the side of the set, leaving the front clean but for a couple of logos and indicator lights. One of these glows during the approximately 40 seconds it takes for the set to warm up. As with all bulb-driven microdisplays, the 50VS810's user-replaceable lamp ($199) will eventually expire; Hitachi estimates this will take 6,000 to 10,000 hours, depending on usage.

The company redesigned its high-end remote controls this year, and they now include scrollwheels for volume and channel. We're big fans of this innovation--the wheel works great for quickly reducing the volume of commercials. The blue-backlit universal wand is otherwise well laid out, although we would like to see more differentiation between the six important buttons surrounding the big cursor control. The onscreen menus are simple enough and include thoughtful numeric indicators for picture parameters.

Hitachi Plasma Flatscreen 50VS810 Features


Like Sony's homelier KDF-50WE655 and Hitachi's own 50V500 from last year, the Hitachi 50VS810 uses LCD projection technology as opposed to the DLP and LCoS chips found in competing microdisplays. Unlike the Sony, this Hitachi has a trio of LCD chips with a native resolution of 1,280x720, which exactly matches that of 720p HDTV sources. Of course, in addition to standard-def resolutions, the set can accept and display 1080i HDTV. You can't easily connect a computer, however.

Equipped with a CableCard slot, the Digital Cable Ready 50VS810 can tune digital and HDTV cable channels without an external box. It also has a built-in HDTV tuner to grab over-the-air digital channels.

A few other unique features distinguish the VS810 from the competition. Videophiles will enjoy the adjustable color decoder, which lets you precisely balance the color, and they'll also love the black-and-white color-temperature preset--one of four. Also onboard is our custom-picture favorite: separate day and night independent memories for each input. This year, Hitachi even added a timer that automatically switches from one to the other depending on the time of day.

Conveniences abound on the 50VS810, including a comparatively flexible PIP/POP feature that in most situations allows you to watch two 1080i or 480i sources simultaneously. The main restriction is that you can't watch 480p, 720p, or digital channels in the second window in POP mode (which places three windows next to the main one) or when the main window is 1080i. The selection of aspect-ratio controls is similarly comprehensive. You can choose from six modes for standard-def sources, while high-def and HDMI sources allow three modes, and the Zoom modes allow you to adjust the image up or down.

This is one of the few HDTVs we've seen that includes not one but two HDMI inputs. The back panel also includes two broadband component-video inputs, but unfortunately you can't use them at the same time as the HDMI inputs. In short, you have to choose between component and HDMI (we recommend HDMI if available; see Performance for more). The rest of the input bay includes two A/V inputs with S-Video and composite video, two RF inputs, and a CableCard slot. A monitor A/V output with S-Video is also onboard along with an optical digital output for HDTV's surround-sound audio.

On the side panel, the set has A/V inputs with S-Video plus a USB port that's strictly for displaying digital photos onscreen. We tried it with a camera and a USB keychain drive, and the TV found and displayed the JPEG images without problem.

Hitachi Plasma Flatscreen 50VS810 Performance


The Hitachi 50VS810 offers similar performance to that of the 50V500 from last year, although the new reflective screen does hamper image fidelity when the lights are on. The VS810's main strengths are excellent out-of the-box settings (its precalibration picture is much more accurate than that of the Sony KDF-50WE655, for example) and plenty of control over the picture. Its weaknesses, especially compared to competing DLP-based sets such as the Samsung HL-P5085W, are lighter blacks and the screen-door effect. DLP technology, in particular, has improved since last year, so we gave the VS810 a lower performance mark than we did its predecessor.

Before we calibrated the set for color temperature, the Medium preset was extremely close to the standard of 6,500K. The Standard and Black And White color-temperature presets were quite red; in fact, for black-and-white movies, you should use the Standard preset, since it comes closest to the black-and-white standard of 5,400K. After calibration, the grayscale improved somewhat (see the geek box for more). The set's color decoding was extremely accurate out of the box, with just a bit of red push. Still, we couldn't resist using the excellent color-decoder controls to make it as close to dead-on as we could. The result was deep, rich colors and natural-looking skin tones.

When we watched the opening sequence of Alien, a torturous combination of very dark images, a couple of things immediately became clear. First, the black of space appeared deeper on Samsung's HL-P5085W DLP (which we viewed side by side with the Hitachi). But space also appeared slightly noisier on the DLP, with faint-green "snow" visible in the black from our seating distance of about eight feet. We also saw the rainbow effect on the Samsung. It showed up, for example, as flashes of red, green, and blue that followed the letters of the credits when we swept our eyes across the screen. We saw nothing of the sort on the Hitachi.

When sitting closer than about eight feet to the 50VS810, we noticed signs of a screen-door effect--the result of being able to discern the spaces between pixels. For example, when the crew was exploring the planet's surface, what looked like a very faint grid appeared over the flashlight-lit background behind Captain Dallas. We didn't notice the grid from further back, and neither the JVC HD-52Z525 nor the Samsung evinced this effect.

A couple of other differences emerged when we compared the Hitachi to the JVC and the Samsung. The 50VS810 displayed less color uniformity across the screen. For example, we saw very faint discolorations in shots of cloudy skies. And while the Hitachi's geometry and convergence were excellent, with straighter lines than the other sets' and none of the fringing that marred the JVC's picture--we noticed that the entire image shrank and expanded as the picture content changed from light to dark and back. Bright areas left curious afterimages; for example, the cloudy ball from the THX intro left a reddish spot against the black background after it exploded.

HDTV looked excellent overall, with great detail and color saturation. When we watched the montage of images from the Digital Video Essentials DVD via 720p, we enjoyed superb color in the garish clothes of some frolicking kids and could see every link in a chain on a ferry across New York Harbor. With both HDMI and component video, our Accupel signal generator indicated that the set resolved more detail than the Samsung at 720p and 1080i and about as much as the JVC. We did most of our tests via component video, but when we checked out the HDMI input, we definitely saw an improvement. With Sony's DVP-NS975V DVD player displaying Alien at 720p resolution, the blackness of space appeared even cleaner, with very little visible noise.

Editors' rating: televisions
CNET Electronics editors rate televisions on a scale of 1 through 10. Any product achieving an overall score of 8 or better can be considered for an Editors' Choice award. To calculate the rating, different criteria are scored on our 10-point scale. These scores are then weighted as detailed below, added, and converted to conform to our rating system.

Here are the rating criteria, with the weightings by class:
Design
(25 percent of the total rating)
We look at not only the overall aesthetics of the product but also its interface and included remote. An uninspiring but functional design will rate a 6. Higher scores will be given for a well-designed remote with backlit buttons, a clear onscreen navigation system, and particularly sleek cosmetics. Since we rate TVs relative to the whole spectrum of products, flat-panel plasma and LCD sets generally score higher in the design category.

Hitachi Plasma Flatscreen 50VS810 Features


(30 percent of the total rating)
The range of features is considered in determining this portion of the rating. From picture-in-picture (PIP) and 3:2 pull-down to the appropriate number of A/V inputs, we consider everything this product delivers to the consumer. A set that comes armed with a suitable number of inputs and basic features will earn a 6. Products with high resolution, DVI inputs, individual input memories, or other extras will earn a better rating.

Performance
(45 percent of the total rating)
We consider picture quality to be the most-important criteria for displays, so we give it the most weight. A score of 6 represents a television that can produce a serviceable picture with only a reasonable amount of adjustment. Sets with a particularly sharp picture; rich, accurate color; and good video processing will earn a higher score.

What the numbers mean
10.0 (Perfect):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be. A product that receives this rating could not be reasonably improved upon in any meaningful way. We unequivocally recommend products that score a 10.

9.0 to 9.9 (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. It would be difficult, though not impossible, to improve upon a product that scores in this range.

8.0 to 8.9 (Very good):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 (Good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 (Fair):
This range represents a product that is dead average for its market. Its strengths and weaknesses balance each other out, making it adequate for most uses but not a standout. If you can find it at an extremely low price, it may well be worth purchasing, but be on the lookout for a better product.

5.0 to 5.9 (Mediocre):
A product that scores in this range is merely average in the negative sense--in other words, mediocre. These products tend to have enough weaknesses to dampen their strengths. A much better product probably exists in its category, so you should consider others first.

4.0 to 4.9 (Poor):
Products that just don't work well tend to fall into this range. While they may have some positive qualities, the overall package simply lacks the cohesive quality that makes other products successful.

3.0 to 3.9 (Very poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. It has few positive qualities, if any, and its weaknesses outweigh them.

2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths. It would be difficult, though not impossible, to find a worse product in its category.

1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal):
A product in this range would have virtually no effective or fully functional features. The rare product that falls into this bottom-of-the-barrel range has no redeeming qualities at all.

Mitsubishi WD-52525 Flatscreen TV

Mitsubishi WD-52525 Flatscreen TV

Mitsubishi's 52-inch WD-52525 is one of a growing crop of DLP-based big-screen HDTVs from an increasingly wide variety of TV manufacturers. DLP and LCD represent the two principal microdisplay technologies that are rapidly replacing older tube technology for big-screen rear-projection HDTV. To date, we believe DLP to be slightly superior in picture quality to LCD--but the implementation of the technology in each model influences the image just as much as the technology itself. This Mitsubishi is a case of good implementation of DLP. Although not without its weaknesses, we were quite happy with the WD-52525's overall performance; in fact, it ranks as one of the top DLP sets currently on the market.

Flatscreen TV Design


The design of the WD-52525 is very similar to that of the wildly popular Samsung models that came to market two years ago. A black bezel surrounds the entire screen area, and below that the rest of the chassis is finished in a dark gray. There is a flip-up door below the center of the screen that reveals a full set of A/V inputs with S-Video, a FireWire port, and four flash memory card slots for quick display of digital photos: Memory Stick, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, and MMC (MultiMediaCard)/SD (Secure Digital).

Compared to other microdisplay sets, the Mitsubishi is rather heavy at 134 pounds, and its 17-inch depth is typical of the category. You'll need to set it atop some sort of stand to get it to eye level; naturally, the company offers a matching stand with space for components, model MB-52525, for another $299. The TV is equipped with a protective acrylic shield, which we found reflected a tremendous amount of glare from the room. Happily, we were able to remove it quite easily; the manual provides complete instructions.

The remote control is identical to those of Mitsubishi's other big-screen remotes. It's on the large side, but well laid out with a minimum of buttons, and we found it intuitive to operate. We were also pleased to find that the most commonly used buttons can be backlit by pressing a button on the right side of the remote. The graphical menu system is fairly straightforward and easy to navigate.

Flatscreen TV Features


The feature package on this set is simply too lengthy to list completely. It starts off with Texas Instruments' HD2+ DLP engine, which has a native resolution of 1,280x720, an exact match for 720p HDTV. All other sources, including 1080i HDTV, DVD, and standard television, are scaled to fit the available pixels.

Dual-tuner PIP and POP head the list of conveniences, although digital and HDTV channels can be viewed only as the main picture, not as the sub picture. Mitsubishi's NetCommand system is also onboard, which allows you to use the TV--via a series of IR blasters and an onscreen interface--to control other components in your system. This digital-cable-ready set also incorporates the new CableCard feature that allows you to view scrambled cable channels without a cable box, as long as your cable provider offers the service (by now, most do).

Picture-enhancing features include three selectable color temperature settings (Low, Middle, and High), 2:3 pull-down in the video processing, and a Perfect Color menu for adjusting the color decoder. We counted six aspect-ratio modes for standard-def sources, and only two for HD.

Connectivity is also extremely comprehensive. The WD-52525 has a built-in HDTV tuner, and in fact both RF inputs will receive and display HDTV as well as NTSC signals from an antenna or cable--the latter can work in conjunction with the CableCard slot. There are three component-video inputs, one of which can also accept RGBHV signals. An HDMI port and two FireWire (DTVLink) I/Os are also on tap here for direct digital-to-digital connections. Two A/V inputs with both S-Video and composite video and stereo audio are provided for analog sources, along with a 15-pin VGA input for use with a PC and an RS-232 port for use with AMX or Crestron touch-panel remotes. Finally, there is an A/V output with composite video only and a coaxial digital output for routing audio to an A/V receiver.

Like all microdisplay TVs, the WD-52525 has a lamp that will eventually burn out. Mitsubishi unofficially rates lamp life at around 6,000 hours, although at 4,000 hours a message appears telling you to consider buying a replacement assembly ($299).

The WD-52525 is also available in a 62-inch version, model WD-62525.

Flatscreen TV Performance


Performance
Overall, we found the WD-52525's picture quality to be among the best we've seen yet from a rear-projection DLP, although in our initial setup we did run into some problems. During calibration, for example, a lack of grayscale adjustments at the low end resulted in less than ideal grayscale tracking--disappointing, given the potential of DLP in this performance area (see the geek box for details).

We were also disappointed to find that the WD-52525 did not fully resolve every line of a 720p test pattern, although, to be fair, we've seen this kind roll-off in some other "native 720p" sets. Edge enhancement was still clearly visible after turning off the DefinEdge feature and turning the Sharpness control to zero. On the upside, the video processing with film mode turned on does have 2:3 pull-down, as evidenced by the clean rendition of the opening sequence of the Star Trek: Insurrection DVD.

Mitsubishi's color decoder is not particularly accurate from the factory, but the Perfect Color feature is designed to help you fix that. We were able to eliminate red push but unable to completely remove the errors in green, because adjustments to green adversely affected red. The end results were good, however, and we applaud Mitsubishi for making this adjustment available.

After calibrating the WD-52525, we watched some scenes from the Seabiscuit (for color evaluation) and Alien (for black-level performance) DVDs. Chapter 12 of Seabiscuit looked good, with excellent color saturation, accurate skin tone rendition, and plenty of detail. Chapters 2 and 3 of Alien, mostly dark scenes, looked pretty good, although we could see some low-level noise in the darkest scenes. We also noticed trails of color following the white credits against the black of space (rainbow effects). Both of these are typical of DLP TVs, though, and were not any worse than we've seen on other such sets with similar technical specs.

HD looked quite good on the WD-52525, particularly with bright material. HDNet from our DirecTV HD satellite feed had excellent color saturation and good detail.

Editors' rating: televisions
CNET Electronics editors rate televisions on a scale of 1 through 10. Any product achieving an overall score of 8 or better can be considered for an Editors' Choice award. To calculate the rating, different criteria are scored on our 10-point scale. These scores are then weighted as detailed below, added, and converted to conform to our rating system.

Here are the rating criteria, with the weightings by class:
Design
(25 percent of the total rating)
We look at not only the overall aesthetics of the product but also its interface and included remote. An uninspiring but functional design will rate a 6. Higher scores will be given for a well-designed remote with backlit buttons, a clear onscreen navigation system, and particularly sleek cosmetics. Since we rate TVs relative to the whole spectrum of products, flat-panel plasma and LCD sets generally score higher in the design category.

Features
(30 percent of the total rating)
The range of features is considered in determining this portion of the rating. From picture-in-picture (PIP) and 3:2 pull-down to the appropriate number of A/V inputs, we consider everything this product delivers to the consumer. A set that comes armed with a suitable number of inputs and basic features will earn a 6. Products with high resolution, DVI inputs, individual input memories, or other extras will earn a better rating.

Performance
(45 percent of the total rating)
We consider picture quality to be the most-important criteria for displays, so we give it the most weight. A score of 6 represents a television that can produce a serviceable picture with only a reasonable amount of adjustment. Sets with a particularly sharp picture; rich, accurate color; and good video processing will earn a higher score.

What the numbers mean
10.0 (Perfect):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be. A product that receives this rating could not be reasonably improved upon in any meaningful way. We unequivocally recommend products that score a 10.

9.0 to 9.9 (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. It would be difficult, though not impossible, to improve upon a product that scores in this range.

8.0 to 8.9 (Very good):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 (Good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 (Fair):
This range represents a product that is dead average for its market. Its strengths and weaknesses balance each other out, making it adequate for most uses but not a standout. If you can find it at an extremely low price, it may well be worth purchasing, but be on the lookout for a better product.

5.0 to 5.9 (Mediocre):
A product that scores in this range is merely average in the negative sense--in other words, mediocre. These products tend to have enough weaknesses to dampen their strengths. A much better product probably exists in its category, so you should consider others first.

4.0 to 4.9 (Poor):
Products that just don't work well tend to fall into this range. While they may have some positive qualities, the overall package simply lacks the cohesive quality that makes other products successful.

3.0 to 3.9 (Very poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. It has few positive qualities, if any, and its weaknesses outweigh them.

2.0 to 2.9 (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths. It would be difficult, though not impossible, to find a worse product in its category.

1.0 to 1.9 (Abysmal):
A product in this range would have virtually no effective or fully functional features. The rare product that falls into this bottom-of-the-barrel range has no redeeming qualities at all

Mitsubishi Flatscreen LCD DISPLAY

Mitsubishi Flatscreen LCD DISPLAY

The good:
Excellent cable-feed system; integrated USB hub; handy joystick button for navigating the controls; highly adjustable for a 17-inch LCD; extendable warranty.

The bad:
Mediocre image quality; expensive.

What's it for:
Basic home and office computing.

Who's it for:
Anyone for whom great image quality is not a priority.

Business use:
Basic office computing, such as e-mailing, Web surfing, and word processing.

The bottom line:
All the little details are in place, but the so-so image quality and the high price detract from its appeal.

The NEC-Mitsubishi MultiSync LCD1770NX has a number of great features and it's well designed, and if that were all that mattered, it would be a great display for office and home users alike. Unfortunately, what's plain as the nose on our Labs technician's face is the 1770NX's disappointing image quality. For about the same price, you can get a better LCD, such as the Samsung SyncMaster 711t, or at the very least, you can get away with paying less for an LCD of similar quality, such as the ViewSonic VX710.

The LCD1770NX makes a great first impression. It's framed by an unobtrusively skinny bezel. Along the bezel's bottom edge are four rectangular adjustment buttons that launch and exit the onscreen menu and switch between analog and digital inputs. A tiny joysticklike wand handles intramenu navigation and makes adjusting the image easy and fun. There are five USB ports located on the back of the panel--one upstream and four downstream--and one USB cable is included, along with an analog signal cable.

The LCD1770NX inhabits a sparsely populated middle ground between highly adjustable LCDs and those with nary an articulation point to be found. Its base has a lazy Susan that allows for nearly 360 degrees of side-to-side swivel--an excellent range of motion that makes it easy for workers in open-plan office environments to share their creations. The neck can be raised four inches to accommodate users of varying heights, and the panel tilts about 30 degrees back and forth. The panel can be attached to a VESA wall mount, but it'll require some unscrewing. The only adjustment option not included is a Portrait/Landscape pivot. This feature is usually found in larger LCDs, though some 17-inchers, such as the Samsung SyncMaster 711t, can make the switch to Portrait mode. Where most LCDs have a straight up-and-down neck, the LCD1770NX's curves forward. This doesn't seem to serve any particular purpose, except make it hard to raise and lower the panel. The telescoping action is stiff, the angle is a bit awkward, and the base wobbles and kicks up a lot when you try to adjust the height.

NEC-Mitsubishi has put quite a bit of thought into the cable-feed system, something neat freaks are sure to appreciate. There are three plastic loops on the back of the display where the neck meets the panel and two more loops alongside the neck. The loops vary in size, so some of them can accommodate more or thicker cables. Once you have the cables all tucked in, you can snap the plastic cover over the back of the neck to cover everything up.

Through the onscreen menu (OSM), you can adjust basics such as horizontal and vertical positioning, menu timeout, brightness, and contrast. But the LCD1770NX also has what's called an AccuColor control system, which amounts to a few extra color temperature settings, including sRGB, which uses a standard red, green, and blue setting so that you can easily communicate color settings for consistency across different displays, and native, which is the original color presented by the LCD. Another touch we like is that through the OSM, you can set it so that the joystick button automatically takes you to brightness and contrast adjustments. If you don't like using the OSM, you can download NEC-Mistubishi’s NaViSet software and perform all of your adjustments with your mouse and keyboard through a tabbed Windows interface.

We were considerably less excited about the NEC-Mitsubishi LCD1770NX’s image quality. We tested it using CNET's DisplayMate suite at the monitor's native resolution of 1,280x1,024 with a 60Hz refresh rate. Text was somewhat faint and lacking in contrast, which made it less sharp than we like. The dark end of the grayscale took on a greenish tint instead of staying pure gray, which indicates color-tracking errors, and extreme black could have been a good deal darker. We also noticed that the screen was not uniformly lit: the bottom half was a lot lighter than the top half, and there was a bright edge along the top and sides of the screen. DVD playback was tolerably smooth but background colors and skin tones showed some digital noise.

The NEC-Mitsubishi MultiSync LCD1770NX comes with a standard three-year warranty on parts, labor, and the backlight. You can extend the warranty one year for $50 or two years for $80. Toll-free phone support is available 24/7, and live chat with a tech-support representative is available via NEC-Mitsubishi’s Web site Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT.


Motorola Cell Phone V710 Review

Motorola Cell Phone V710 Review

Being the first CDMA phone with Bluetooth functionality, the Motorola V710 gained quick acclaim when details of its features leaked. Being more prevalent in GSM, the CDMA market had never quite embraced Bluetooth. And users have waited anxiously in hopes that a device may soon come.

Users may have to wait a bit longer for full Bluetooth functionality though. Angry consumers have filed a class action lawsuit over Verizon's sly firmware change; crippling Bluetooth by disabling file transfers. However, crafty consumers have managed to re-enable their Bluetooth transfer capabilities by re-flashing their firmware to other versions.

Regardless, the Motorola V710 is still a capable device, featuring a built-in 1.2-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, MP3 player, speech recognition, memory card slot, vibrant 262K color screen, and Bluetooth that can pair with accessories and be used as a modem.

Design


The Motorola V710's clamshell design has many similarities to its predecessors. The two-toned stylish and refined appearance measures 94 x 49 x 23 mm and weighs approximately 4 ounces; large enough to text message conveniently while small enough to comfortably fit in pockets.

Allowing users to quickly glance at information, the closed exterior contains a 4K color 12-bit display giving users access to date, time, battery life, signal strength, and caller ID. The upper portion encloses a raised rim containing the lens to a 1.2-megapixel camera, capable of capturing images up to 1280 x 960 px in resolution, while a built-in flash rests in the lower left.

Turned around, the back includes a capped external antenna port on the upper left, for those rare times when the extendable antenna may not be enough, and a speakerphone on the bottom allowing clear and loud handsfree access.

Opened, the Motorola V710's vivid 176 x 220 px internal screen is revealed, displaying an impressive 262K colors. Navigation is performed by a 5-way directional keypad situated below, surrounded by Send, Camera, Menu, Clear, Power / End, and Left and Right soft keys. A slightly unorthodox keypad embeds the center row keys within the left and right row of numbers. While somewhat unique, the numeric keypad, used with iTAP predictive text input, provides for trouble-free messaging.

Against the left side are volume keys and a speakerphone button, while the right features dedicated camera and voice dial buttons. A covered TransFlash memory card slot and 2.5mm stereo headset jack is built into the top, while outlets for attaching the charger and accessories are located along the bottom.

Out of the box, the Motorola V710 comes with a standard 700 mAh Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, holster, and manual.

Samsung A890 Review

Samsung A890 Review

Featuring an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera, video recorder, 262K color screen, and 64 chord polyphonic ringtones, the Samsung A890 is the latest multimedia phone to be released on the Verizon Wireless network.

However unlike previous devices, the A890 takes advantage of Verizon's new high-speed EV-DO network. As one of the first handsets compatible, it's able to access a variety of VCAST applications including Video-on-Demand (VoD); designed to stream television content such as news, weather, sports, and movie trailers.

Design


Resembling the Samsung MM-A700, Sprint's first video phone, the A890 is similar in shape and size. Built with rounded curves in a clamshell form factor, the front panel contains an external color screen, capable of displaying 65K colors at 128 x 96 px. Positioned above, a lens and flash to the 1.3-megapixel camera allow photos and video to be captured, while a front speaker on the bottom left loudly plays ringers.

Turned around, the back includes a second speaker grill in the upper right for multimedia content, and a capped antenna port on the upper left to attach an external antenna for extra reception.

Flipped open, an internal screen is revealed, able to display 262K colors with a resolution of 176 x 220 px. And navigation and text messaging is performed with the standard 5-way directional and numeric keypads.

Against the left, up and down side keys adjust the ringer volume in standby and earpiece volume during a call, while a 2.5 mm headset jack allows for handsfree access. To snap unexpected moments, a dedicated Camera Key is positioned on the right side. Meanwhile, outlets for attaching the charger and accessories are located on the bottom.

Out of the box, the Samsung A890 comes with a standard 1100 mAh Li-Ion battery, desktop charger, stereo headset, Welcome CD, quick reference guide, and user manual.

Camera


A rotating 1.3-megapixel camera is attached to Samsung A890's hinge, able to take pictures at up to 1280 x 960 px in resolution. Other resolutions include 640 x 480 px, 320 x 240 px, and 160 x 120 px. Also functioning as the viewfinder, the internal screen shows camera information such as control options, resolution, and available memory. The versatile design of the rotating lens allows users to snap pictures from different angles, such as shooting over a crowd, or taking self-portraits while looking at the screen.

Additionally, an abundant array of camera filters and controls are incorporated including Brightness (EV -4 to +4), Rotate / Flip, Color Effects (Normal, Backlight, Solarize, Negative, Sepia, Black and White), File Quality (Low, Medium, High), Flash (On, Off, Auto), Zoom (5X), and Self-Timer.

Video clips recorded on the A890 are encoded in 3GPP2 codec (MPEG-4 and H.263 Video, AAC and AMR Audio) format. Limited to 15 seconds in length, the A890 takes advantage of MPEG-4 for delivery of video and audio.

Sony Ericsson S710a Review

Sony Ericsson S710a Review

With clamshell phone designs, manufacturers can fit larger screens on more surface area in a compact size. Last year, Sony Ericsson added a "twist" to convention by releasing the S700; a device designed with a distinctive swivel form operating more as a digital camera than a phone.

Unfortunately, the S700 was never introduced to North American consumers. Planned to be carried in Cingular's portfolio line, the Sony Ericsson S710a succeeds the S700 by including many improved features such as EDGE high-speed Internet access.

Design


Similar to the S700, the S710a features a rotating form focusing on digital imaging. The front panel contains a TFT color screen, capable of displaying 262K colors at an impressive 240 x 320 px resolution. Positioned below, a 5-way navigation key is flanked by two Selection keys above and Back and Clear keys below.

Turned around, the lens to the advanced 1.3-megapixel camera is sheltered by a sliding cover lock. A Photo Light placed above the lens provides illumination in low light conditions, while a mirror situated under allows users to see where to aim during self-portraits. Additionally the grill adjacent to the camera allows handsfree speakerphone access.

Quick keys provide shortcuts to frequently used functions. A charging light, Lock / Light switch, and infrared port are placed along the left, while a Memory Stick Duo slot, Shutter Release key, and side volume buttons align the right. Ports for the charger and 2.5 mm headset are located on the bottom of the S710a.

By working closely with Sony's digital camera experts, Sony Ericsson incorporated a sleek exterior and unique with overall styling, resulting in a design resembling a cell phone with true camera style. Featuring a revolutionary 3-way design, the S710a allows multiple operating styles depending on what the situation demands.

In Browsing Style, with the S710a closed, users can glance, talk, and view messaging without having to open the phone. Access to a variety of applications is even possible such as Media Player, 3D games, MusicDJ, and Internet access.

In the traditional clamshell open position, the Communication Style provides familiar cell phone usability allowing speedy messaging with T9 predictive text and call functionality.

And Imaging Style is accessed by swiveling the screen closed, positioning the display opposite the camera lens to become the viewfinder; providing a more traditional digital camera look and feel by allowing 2-hands operations for more stable picture taking.

Siemens S66 Review

Siemens S66 Review

Long awaited by consumers, the Siemens S66 is the top-of-the-line model of the x65 series, featuring the same platform as the CX65 and M65, the S66 is targeted towards business consumers.

With an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera, extra large color screen, and 10 MB of memory, the Siemens S66 features a comprehensive set of applications and tools packaged in a sharp design.

Design


Featuring bold edges and lines, the stylish S66 measures 109 x 48 x 18 mm and weighs 98 g; perfect for busy professionals looking for a compact device with a clean professional look. Having a black and chrome minimalist appearance, the front features a large 132 x 176 px screen capable of displaying 65K colors, a 5-way navigation joystick situated between two soft keys, and angular numeric keypad.

Turned around, a port for an external antenna accessory is included on the upper left; for those times when the internal antenna may not be enough. Additionally, the lens to the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera is situated on the back, able to capture high-resolution photos up to 1280 x 960 px in size.

Along the left side, an infrared port provides wireless transfers and synchronicity between PCs, while up and down keys along the right provide shortcuts to initiates sound recording, activates camera mode, and functions as scroll and volume adjustment buttons. Connection ports and a RS-MMC slot are located on the bottom, while a spot for a car holder kit lies on top.

Out of the box, the Siemens S66 comes with a standard 750 mAh Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, 32 MB RS-MMC, RS-MMC to MMC adapter, mini CD, and user manual.

Camera

The 1.3-megapixel camera, built with a maximum resolution of 1280 x 960 px, includes other photo sizes such as High - VGA (640 x 480 px), Medium - QVGA (320 x 240), Low - QQVGA (160 x 120 px), and Wallpaper (180 x 240 px).

In Camera Mode, the S66's screen becomes the viewfinder, displaying useful information such as zoom and brightness levels, resolution, as well as available memory.

Should shutterbugs need to get closer to the action, a 5X digital zoom is included; controlled by moving the navigational joystick up and down. However to truly zoom in, consumers will have to walk. Rather than optical zoom, digital merely enlarges the photo much like cropping, as opposed to getting closer. Due to limitations in hardware and moving parts, optical zoom is not yet feasible in camera phones.

Additional camera functions allow users to control Color Modes (Normal, Sepia, and Grey Tones), White Balance (Automatic, Indoor, Outdoor), Brightness (Joystick Left / Right), and Self-Timer. Unfortunately, there is no mirror for self-portraits, so users will have to either use the Self-Timer or randomly point and shoot. When the optional flash accessory is attached, additional menu options (Automatic, Off, Red-Eye) are enabled.

Encoded in MPEG-4, video clips can also be captured at either QCIF (176 x 144 px) or Sub-QCIF (128 x 96 px) resolutions at 15 fps limited to a maximum length of 30 seconds. Photos and video taken with the S66 can be either stored on the internal memory or a memory card.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Sony Ericsson P800 Review

Sony Ericsson P800 Review

Introduction


Sony Ericsson's new P800 might very well be the most advanced triband smartphone in the industry. It's the first attempt of Sony Ericsson to break into the phone/PDA combo, and the first Symbian OS v7.0 handset available. It's aimed at the high end $1000+ mobile phone market, carrying with it a slew of features, options, and gadgets.


The feature rich P800 delivers with a vibrant 4,096 color display which puts it up there with the likes of the popular Nokia 9200 Communicator series and the Handspring Treo.

Design


The P800 has the sleek look one would expect from Sony coupled with the practicality of Ericsson. Notables in the P800's design include the built-in digital camera (which is a convenient, popular thing nowadays), VGA touch screen, and a removable flip (you can actually operate the thing as a phone even without the flip. It simply goes into "virtual flip" mode).

The camera takes pretty sharp pictures, especially given the fact that the camera is not the phone's primary function. However, like most, if not all of the other phones that include digital cameras, the P800 is more suited to outdoor photos because of the natural light provided. Indoor pictures tend to be on the dark side because of the lack of a flash.

As a phone, the P800 actually isn't much larger than the Sony Ericsson T68i. Although it includes PDA features, the phone still retains many of the qualities that make it a mobile phone.

Shortcut buttons conveniently located provide quick and easy access to commonly used functions like the contacts list, call history, and messages. As a PDA, the P800 is typical for phone/PDA combos in terms of size. Navigation is accomplished with the included stylus.

Screen


With a vibrant 12-bit, 4,096 color VGA touch screen, PDA display is at least on par with the pure PDA's out there. In flip closed mode (operating as a standard phone), the phone can show up to the standard 5 lines of text. Nothing groundbreaking but it works, and it works very well.

Controls


The buttons are small which is typical of any cell phone out on the market today following the trend to conserve space. However, those that either have big hands or just don't like small buttons, the phone does operate in flip open mode (or with the flip completely removed as it really isn't all that necessary). As mentioned above, the phone goes into virtual flip mode when the flip is detached. You would dial simply by using your stylus.

The stylus itself is pretty normal. It's a little thicker than normal - built like a mechanical pencil with a sharp, accurate tip. Nothing particular or special although it is worth noting that unlike most PDA's the P800 doesn't have a built-in slot for holding the stylus. It just kind of sticks to the side which means it might get lost a lot if you're anything like me. You might want to consider carrying extra styluses/styli around with you just in case.

The responsiveness of the phone/PDA to the touch of the stylus is what one would expect. Not overly sensitive but sensitive enough so you don't crack the screen from pressing so hard.

The P800 is also equipped with a 5-way jog dial. I know. 5-way? Sounds confusing. But it's actually quite intuitive and cool. Scroll up, scroll down, push inward, push away, pull toward. Once you start using it, it makes sense. And it's pretty cooperative and gets what you want done. One of the best things Sony ever came up with. Navigating through complex menus become a breeze.

Hitachi 32" Plasma PD5000TA Review

Hitachi 32" Plasma PD5000TA Review

Hitachi 32" Plasma PD5000TA Review

by theVooner

With the way in which Plasma prices have fallen since I first got one nearly 3 years ago, I knew it was only a matter of time before I bought another one. I've had my eye on the Hitachi Plasma's for quite some time now and I was so ready to pull the trigger last summer. The PD32A3000 32" Plasma was the perfect model for my bedroom - it had great picture quality and looked extremely good. But I held off.

For one reason after another, I just waited. And then, just when I finally decided that it was time to get it, Hitachi announced an upgrade, the PD5000. With a higher luminance (i.e. brighter screen) and built-in tuner, to name but a few improvements - I was sold. I couldn't take it anymore and finally threw down my credit card. My bedroom finally has a Plasma TV. Yeah!

Form

The PD5000 has excellent aesthetics. It comes in an extremely attractive metallic color which is much more of a darker gray than the brighter silver that many other Plasmas come in. Initially, I didn't like it as it seemed too dark. But the color is actually very good. It's not overly sharp so that it's distracting and it is very easy to match with any existing furniture or room.

The PD5000 comes with both a stand and a wall mount. I especially like the stand because it swivels. Thus, you can move the Plasma into different angles. This is a really outstanding design given that Plasma TV's are still pretty heavy and not so easy to turn or move.

Access to the input panels at the back is easy to reach and with the swivel, it's a breeze to connect and disconnect any peripheral devices. There are AV inputs for most everything and even serial inputs for RGB inputs like PCs. Although Plasma designs today seem relatively standard, there are not many complaints on the PD5000. It lacks the luster of the beautiful new Sony Plasmas with their "glass" frame. But, the PD5000 is no slouch and deserves some credit. I like it much better than many of the other Plasma's available out there.

Function

Bear in mind again that this is the 32" model. I had my mind purely set on getting a 32" model for the bedroom because there is just not enough room to put in a 42" model. In truth, the price differential between the 32" and the 42" isn't very much so a 42" seems like a better buy. But I wanted something that would fit my room and a 32" model is a perfect fit so I still opted for that.

As far as 32" Plasmas go, the PD5000 is one of the best if not the best one out there. Ok, first, before I get into the image, I must back track a little. I did consider looking at 32"+ LCD options as well. I compared side-by-side, from different angles, looking at TV images - then DVD, sound, etc. At the end of the day, I just felt that Plasma, and more importantly, this Hitachi PD5000 Plasma was the best. I liked the Sony 30" KLV-30MR1 LCD TV as well but while the images are slightly brighter, some of the image quality was poor, particularly when watching TV. Strangely, because the LCD screen is brighter, it seemed to exaggerate the blurriness of standard TV, especially here in Asia when satellite signals still look pretty hazy. I didn't like that. As for the talk that a Plasma will end up having a shorter life. That life is still like 25,000 hours or something. If you do the math and presume you watch 5 hours a day all year long, that's still 13+ years. I don't think that's going to bother me much. I'll be surprised if I don't buy a new TV in the next 5 years! (There are other reasons as well why I chose this model and I'll get into that a bit later.)

The main strength of the PD5000 must be the quality of its image. Although it might be argued that Plasmas are relatively similar, when you compare the PD5000 against other Plasma TVs, it is sharper, brighter, has less 'snow', and has more vibrant colors than any others. You do have the option of calibrating individual colors but this is probably not necessary as the default settings are already very good. This is a very subjective matter but if you want to see it for yourself, just go to the store and do a side-by-side comparison and make up your own mind. For me, the quality was just there.

Part of this quality is the actual image itself. One thing that I really like about the Hitachi Plasmas are their different viewing angles. Of course, in order to fit the widescreen format, Plasmas tend to stretch or zoom some pictures (like regular TV for example) in order to fill-in the whole screen. My older Fujitsu Plasma tends to stretch out the images so that people look FAT! Not so with the Hitachi, you got quite a number of different picture modes and the Panoramic mode is the best and does a very good job with regular TV pictures. This is a big plus.

One of the big swing factors in my decision to get the Hitachi PD5000 was the built-in tuner. It just makes things hassle free. Most other Plasmas, including past Hitachi models came with a separate box that was a tuner/AV center. The PD5000 has everything built-in. At first, I was closely thinking about the Sony, but apparently, the Sony tuner that comes with the LCD and Plasma is a PAL only tuner. That means I can't receive certain NTSC channels (NTSC countries probably come with only a NTSC tuner). In Hong Kong, we have both signals, and this was a great annoyance. I like that Hitachi made everything so easy by building everything into the unit.

The PD5000 has two built-in speakers (that are detachable and that have interchangeable faceplates). These speakers are more than adequate for day-to-day TV viewing. Even for movies, they more than serve the purpose. There are additional sound enhancement features like built-in SRS Bass and surround sound modes that help enhance the quality. But if you want anything close to a theatre experience, you'll want to purchase something extra and separate. The different sound modes do help make it somewhat better but is still probably not enough for a true movie experience.

The remote control, while adequate enough, is nothing special to write home about. It is a standard remote without any special features. I don't know why, but I just always expect more in terms of the remote, especially when I buying a pretty big piece of equipment like a Plasma. Having said that, the remote that came with my Fujitsu Plasma was the absolute worst one I have ever gotten. So in comparison, I suppose the Hitachi isn't that bad.

Factor

That being said, what is there to complain about having a Plasma TV? It's pretty cool. Given what I wrote above, if you are in the market for a smaller Plasma (32" in this case), the Hitachi PD5000 should be your right pick as of now. It's picture clarity, images, input, built-in tuner, etc. all makes this the best choice and your ESSENTIAL multimedia screen. Sure LCD and other plasmas will eclipse it one day, but not now. I'd definitely recommend this one to others.

Nokia 7600 Review

Nokia 7600 Review

Nokia 7600 Review

by theVooner

Every now and then, a new mobile phone comes along that tries to break the norms. The norm in this case is the traditional design of a handset. Touting a "futuristic" design, the Nokia 7600 is just such a phone.

The 7600 represents Nokia's first entry into 3G. It has a dual-mode W-CDMA (3G) chip as well as a GSM (900/1800) chip built-in. Technically, this should be able to give you access to 3G networks (currently we have NTT Docomo's FOMA in Japan and Hutchison's 3 network in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong with more on the way).

In addition to the dual-mode, the design of the 7600 is what makes this phone unique. The 7600 has a very unusual "square" shape. This shape gives it both its allure and yet is probably is most challenging hurdle. I was given the opportunity to own this handset as part of my providers marketing ploy. Needless to say I took them up on this opportunity to try it out.

Form

The biggest hurdle to the 7600 is definitely its shape. Most people either love it or hate it. Having used it, I have grown from disliking it to getting more comfortable with it. From a user's perspective, it does have its charms. The square like shape is definitely a novelty although it does seem more feminine. The awkward shape also means that you have to tilt the phone sideways to use it with the ear receiver in one corner and the microphone in the other corner.

The biggest hurdle is of course the keypad layout. Scattered along the sides, the 7600 abandons any traditional number layout and instead relies on you adjusting to it. Try typing SMS on this phone - you almost have to relearn it again from the beginning as it just doesn't flow as well typing in this layout.

Hence, the layout is slightly awkward but it's clearly just something that takes getting used to. The question is do you need to do that? I mean it's a mobile phone and many users have enough difficulty navigating the menus. Getting comfortable with a strange keypad layout may just be too much for some users.

Function

The 7600 is a dual-mode W-CDMA/GSM handset. Unfortunately, in its initial launch, it didn't work in the 3G mode as the operators had not yet launched 3G. As a result it was just a simple 2G phone (although Hutchison is now selling it for use in its 3G services in Europe and Australia as I understand).

As a 2G phone, it seems perfectly fine. Reception is typical Nokia quality - very good. I was though disappointed that it was only a GSM900/1800 model which means its not yet capable of use in the US (I think tri-band GSM is an absolute must these days). As a 3G phone though, the main lure of 3G (in my opinion, video calls) is lost as the 7600 does not do live video calls. Hence, to me this is still a standard 2G phone.

It does though take and playback video clips which you could technically send as well. In that respect, the 7600 actually does really well. The camera lens picks up a lot of light and when you set it to the night mode, you can actually get some relatively good video clips. The same can be said of the camera with picture quality pretty good considering these are not high-resolution images (though for a mobile phone, 640x480 is already very good these days).

The 65k color screen is decent and for Nokia, this was certainly an upgrade. The details didn't 'wow' me as other handsets have. Still the screen for all practical reasons is fine. I only had a chance to moderately try the music playback function, but it's definitely not something I would use - my P900 plays back MP3 much better. There is nearly 30MB of space for storage of multimedia files though I doubt this is enough for real MP3 use. The phone also comes with the usual host of Nokia functions including Bluetooth, PIM, GPRS, handsfree, games, etc.

Factor

At the end of the day, the quirky shape/layout and the lack of tri-band capability means I would more than likely give this phone a pass. I kept it for less than 2 months, and most of that time, it was used by my better half who thought it was pretty cute. I barely used it for a week before I gave it to her. With more handsets on the way and lots of really nice choices out there, I would definitely think the 7600 today is a WASTE OF TIME.