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Back at it: TV your way | September 7, 2007
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TV-to-Web update Slingbox family Sling Media grabbed a lot of media and consumer attention when it released the original Slingbox. By hooking this little box into a TV signal and an Internet link, users could watch their own television channels from any ’net-connected computer. The idea has stayed the same but the company’s three new models improve the picture quality and target specific TV setups, starting with basic cable only and running up to those with full bells-and-whistles TV systems. Sling also offers software for Windows and Palm handhelds. Slingboxes start at $179.99. www.slingmedia.com |
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Pocket your favourite shows SanDisk V-Mate Anyone who commutes will appreciate this one: the V-Mate is like a VCR except that it records to memory cards rather than tapes. Record Heroes, pop the card into your PDA and watch the show on the train to work. $149.99, with a remote for home viewing. www.sandisk.com |
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All about sound Future Sonics Atrio earphones If you’re setting off for class with a new iPod, you may want to upgrade the headphones. Apparently, Atrios are popular with people who should know sound: U2, Fergie, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Carrie Underwood. At US$199 they are not cheap but the music that helps keep you studying at 2 a.m. may be worth it. www.futuresonics.com |
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Sexier BlackBerry RIM BlackBerry Curve Dudley Moore’s ad exec in the 1990 film Crazy People advised Volvo to go with the slogan “Boxy but safe” and that pretty much also described RIM BlackBerrys. Wildly successful, yes; drop-dead sexy, no. Until now. The new Curve looks stunning and packs in a 2-megapixel camera, CD ripping software and onboard MP3 support, BlackBerry maps and a slew of other features. Starting at $299.99 from Rogers. www.rim.com |
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Multimedia Web-enabled handheld Nokia N800 Internet Tablet Picking up Nokia’s Internet Tablet won’t prompt you to toss your PDA, laptop or smartphone, but it is a solid performer for those who crave mobile media and connectivity. The N800 offers a 4.1-inch screen, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a good Web browser and e-mail package, a Webcam and VoIP support, and it will even play videos and music. While some buyers will have trouble figuring out where this unit fits with other devices, it has proved popular with a good chunk of consumers. $430 http://store.nokia.ca |
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Stream your files MediaGate MG-350HD Computers are great at storing videos, songs and photos but they are almost useless when you want to access that media anywhere else. Enter the MediaGate. Connect this unit to your PC and out of the box it streams multimedia files over a wired or wireless network to a home theatre or another computer. If you add a hard drive to the unit, it also becomes a portable multimedia storage device. Available for approximately $280. www.mediagateusa.com |
Tek Gadgets Archive
