The Panasonic Th-103PF9UK 103” Professional Series Plasma TV – Hold on to your remotes because this modern technological wonder retails for a whopping $69,999.95. No, it is not a typo, my friends; it is one penny shy of seventy thousand dollars. For all those Techs who like to have the biggest, this is it. This Panasonic TV has the world’s biggest plasma screen. It is loaded with superior features. To find it with the $69,999.95 price tag, go to: http://store.techcctv.com/th103pf9uk.html
Upon a more reachable but still lofty cloud, Panasonic, Sony, and others offer some nice, cool 42” models that range between $1000 and $2000. You can shop and compare at: http://shopping.yahoo.com
The Dell XPS M2010 Laptop – Affectionately known as The Showstopper, the Dell XPS M2010 is not your average notebook. It is a total multimedia and entertainment solution that sports a big 20.1 inch widescreen. Pricing for this portable entertainment center begins at $3,199. Notebooks may be customized to fit Techs in versions such as: Processor: Core 2 Duo; Processor Speed: 2 GHz; Installed Memory: 2 GB; Hard Drive Capacity: 240 GB for $3,748. This beautiful machine handles movies, music, games and more.
Bose Lifestyle 48 Series III DVD Home Theater System – Nostalgic memories of watching a movie at Grandma’s house will not surface with this Bose Baby in the room. This top of the line system features Bose's uMusic™ which keeps up to 340 hours of music organized and ready. It has a built-in DVD, Surround Sound consisting of the world renowned high-quality Bose Speakers, Dolby, and more. Bose little bit of heaven for the senses retails for $3,999.
The Cannon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR Camera Kit – Great for professional photographers or for those who just want to take pictures like one. This Canon camera is top of the line in every aspect: Performance, Reliability, Image Quality and Software. It is such a highly professional piece of equipment that you may want to add this warning: Don’t use with the kids by the pool. Canon’s retail price for this hot bundle of pix wizardry is $7,494.95.
Voodoo Elemental Omen PC – This ultimate gaming PC is golden, literally, for it is actually encased in gold. However, everyone knows it is not what is on the outside but what is on the inside that counts. So, just what is inside of this serious gaming PC? It features two 512-MB ATI Radeon X1900XTX graphics cards, 4 gigs of RAM, and 2 terabytes of hard-drive space spread across four 500-GB drives. This machine is definitely not fooling around. Every good gaming PC needs a good monitor. The Voodoo Elemental Omen’s monitor goes beyond good. Techs can really enjoy all the action on its 46” Samsung gaming LCD which is the size of a TV rather than a monitor. The Omen is so cool it drives the whole world to ask the universal question, “How much?” The answer: A mere $24,000, including FREE shipping.
Sony High-Def Camcorder – Give the gift that keeps on giving for it captures life’s precious memories in their original beauty. The Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Handycam has features like a giant 3.5-inch LCD screen, a 12X optical zoom lens, and 3-chip CCD imaging. Life flies by in fleeting instants. Babies become Moms and Dads. Rambunctious puppies become too heavy to pick up and curious little kittens become content to rest curled-up in a ball. Let this Sony High-Def Camcorder make this year the last year for precious memories to escape capture. Retail price: $3,700
Pioneer Digital Sound Projector – Not available in America (but what do you care you have the Internet), the Pioneer Digital Sound Projector puts an end to having surround sound speakers all over the room. It is one 500-watt panel consisting of 254 speaker drivers that delivers true 5.1 surround sound. The PDSP-1 Digital Sound Projector is only 5” thick, so it will fit perfectly under your $70,000 Pioneer 103” Plasma TV. 
How much will this listening pleasure cost? A cool $40,000, but you will have 50 times the number of speakers as the Joneses.
Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 5 Speakers – Without a doubt, these are the coolest-looking speakers on the planet. They are the perfect gift for those who love it sleek and stylish. The BeoLab 5 Speakers are, by no means, all looks. Each speaker boasts 2,500 watts of power for a total of 5,000 watts. Now, we are talking, or I should say listening, LOUD. However, all of that power does not distort their crisp, clear sound. Beauty and functionality rolled into one set the price of this pair of BeoLab 5’s at about $16,000.
For those interested in more down-to-earth gifts, please check out my Down-to-Earth Holiday Gift Guide.
Happy Holidays!
from: 123 Game Powerblog
While it's not surprising that a Korean electronics firm would let Korean natives get the first crack at their latest line of wares, it's not without some small jealousy that we tell you the Samsung HMX-S16 camcorder is shipping in South Korea today. After all, it's not every day we see a sexy black number like this sporting solid state storage and streaming video over WiFi. Still, we'll only have time to be envious for a couple more sunrises. Amazon is already taking preorders for the flagship 64GB model, which it says will ship May 28th for $1,200, and you can get the very same 10 megapixel CMOS chip, 1080/60i recording and 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD in a cheaper $1,000, 32GB package — the HMX-S15 — if you can manage to hold off until June 4th.
SAMSUNG LAUNCHES P-SERIES BUSINESS NOTEBOOK FOR PROFESSIONALS ON THE GO
P580 combines state-of-the-art technology and unrivalled performance
LONDON, UK – May 11, 2010 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a market leader in consumer electronics and world leader in IT technology, today announces the launch of the Samsung P580, a new addition to its highly successful P-Series of professional laptops and notebooks. The P580 has been designed to offer busy professionals the very latest, state-of-the-art connectivity, reliability and security to help them maintain productivity whilst on the move.
Samsung's new 15.6″ P580 notebook has been designed to be the perfect IT companion for workers on the go or those looking for a high performing notebook for the home office. The P580 features a classic Samsung cutting edge design, packaged in a highly durable, tactile, sleek and lightweight chassis that makes remote or mobile working easy and pleasurable.
Graham Long, Vice President of Samsung's IT Business Division, said: “Business users expect practicality coupled with performance at a price that won't break the bank. Whether you're at home, in the office or on the go, the new notebook is the perfect business tool for those who want a first class PC experience.”
Landmark new features include next generation processor performance from Intel's new Core i3 Processor (Calpella), NVIDIA's latest GeForce GT Graphics processor and a stunning, non-gloss LED backlit LCD display. The P580 is also protected by heightened industry-standard security, making it the obvious choice for business users looking to gain a competitive edge.
Samsung's new P580 notebook is one of the most technologically advanced, competitively priced, professional notebooks on the market today. Featuring the new, super-fast Intel Calpella Platform with integrated Intel Core i5 Processor, Samsung's new notebook offers the kind of speed, performance and reliability usually found only on a desktop PC.
Most notable is the ease with which users can multi-task, allowing them to work across multiple applications simultaneously with no 'screen-freeze' or lag.
The model features market-leading NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics cards and a dedicated 1GB gDDR3 memory which, combined with the stunning LED backlit display, offer improved clarity and speed whilst conserving battery power.
The device comes with Windows® 7 Professionalas standard, offering all the benefits of Microsoft's latest OS such as 20 percent faster booting time and greater efficiencies in power and memory consumption; key considerations for mobile workers. Nanocell sound reduction technology ensures near-silent running at all times.
The Samsung P580 exhibits a stunning 'comfort-grip' chassis, featuring a stylish and modern-looking rubber paint which makes the device extremely hard-wearing and scratch-resistant. The device's good look is also resistant to shock damage as the chassis is protected by a free-fall sensor which freezes applications to protect the notebook if dropped.
The non-gloss HD LED backlit LCD display is easy on the eye. The Isolate Keyboard features 17-key, full-sized numeric keypads which make typing and calculating really easy.
Samsung's P580 notebook has been designed to give users the reassurance and peace-of-mind that its data will be protected wherever it is. The model features a host of security features including Phoenix FailSafe, a theft-deterrent service that offers users the ability to protect, track and manage their notebook, should it be stolen or lost. If data is compromised, users can retrieve and erase any critical material remotely – ensuring that thieves cannot view sensitive documents. Users are also able to secure their data with both BIOS and HDD passwords*.
Samsung's new notebook claims a number of new features which makes it a pleasure to use. Connecting to the Internet could not be easier as the device offers Wi-Fi or LAN, high speed USB 2.0 or eSATA connection, allowing users to share files quickly and easily. eSATA connectivity is supported by an external HDD, allowing the reading and writing of data at a speed of up to 3Gb per second, while enhanced Bluetooth 2.1 featuring Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) transmission makes paring of devices swift and easy.
The USB 2.0 port can also be used to charge other external devices such as mobile phones or MP3 players – even if the notebook is switched off – perfect for business travelers who need to charge devices whilst they rest.
- Ends –
*Phoenix FailSafe is available as a free 30 day trial version.
Samsung P580 Product Specifications
Processor
Intel® Core™ i3 Processor 330M (2.13 GHz, 3 MB)
Intel® Core™ i3 Processor 350M (2.26 GHz, 3 MB)
Intel® Core™ i3 Processor 350M (2.26 GHz, 3 MB)
Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 430M (2.26 GHz, 3 MB)
Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 520M (2.40 GHz, 3 MB)
Chipset
HM55
Memory
2 GB (DDR3 / 2GB x 1)
3GB (DDR3 / 1GB x 1 + 2GB x 1 )
4GB (DDR3 / 2GB x 2)
LCD
15.6″ HD LED Backlit Display (Non Gloss)
Graphic Processor
nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M (Ext. Graphic) *Factory Option
Graphic Memory
1GB gDDR3 (Ext. Graphic) *Factory Option
Connectivity
4*USB2.0 / (eSATA + USB included)/ (Chargeable USB included), Serial Port / Docking Port
Wireless Lan
802.11bg/n* *Factory Option
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate*
Size/Weight
371 x 255.5 x 29.9~35.3mm / 2.5Kg
Security
Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
The Samsung R480 notebook was introduced at CES as part of the Samsung R series of notebooks. These notebooks all share an easy to use island style keyboard, invisible mousepad and Intel Core processors. The 14″ Samsung R480 notebook is available at Best Buy for $679.
Samsung R480 Quick Specs:
The Samsung R480 has a 2.13GHz Intel Core i3-330M, 4GB DDR3 RAM, a 14″ display with a 1366×768 resolution and a 500GB hard drive. The R480 also has a Blu-Ray drive and Intel® GMA 4500MHD GPU.
Who is this Notebook for?
The Samsung R480 is a consumer notebook that would be a good fit for use at home or in a college classroom. Thanks to the beautiful red Crystal Wave design, this notebook could also make the transition from home to the office without looking out of place. It is 5.1 pounds which is about average for a 14″ notebook which is heavy enough that you won’t want to take it everywhere, but it will fit in a backpack for a weekend trip or to and from class.
Samsung R480 Video Overview: Take a tour around the Samsung R480 with Invisible Touchpad.
Display:
The 14 inch display on the Samsung R480 makes it easy to get work and enjoyable to watch a movie when traveling. The 1366×768 resolution provides enough space to get your work done and the screen tilts back far enough to be used in most situations. It is a glossy display, but like many that I have recently used, it is not too glossy. You still won’t want to use outside on a sunny day, but overhead lights or occasional outdoor use are fine.
Keyboard and mouse:
The keyboard on the Samsung R480 is really nice. The island style and great key placement really make the keyboard standout. This keyboard is almost as good as those found on the Lenovo Edge 13 and Edge 14 which I have reviewed, which says a lot. The keys have great spacing, a good amount of feedback and provide an overall good typing experience. If you need to do a lot of typing, this is one of the best consumer notebook keyboards I have used.
The mousepad on the R480 is what Samsung calls an invisible touchpad. This means the touchpad blends in with the palmrest area; its borders denoted with 4 Blue LEDs in the corners. The mousing surface has a good feel to it that lets you know where it begins and the palmrest ends which isn’t prone to the sticking that some afflicts some trackpads. The mouse button is one long button with a center pivot which is OK, but two separate buttons would be better; especially if you like to use your thumbs to click while typing.
Battery:
The battery life of the Samsung R480 was disappointing in that it only achieved 2 hours under fairly normal use; Word, surfing the web, Tweetdeck and maybe a short YouTube video. I was able to get close to two and a half hours dimming the display a bit more but that’s still short by today’s standards. One thing I did like about the Samsung R480’s battery is that it has a built-in gauge to tell you how much battery life is left. This is very useful when you are grabbing a notebook and running out the door.
Video and Audio:
When it comes to enjoying yourself with the R480, the built in speakers and Blu-Ray drive will keep you entertained. The notebook handled both 720P and 1080P video files with ease though using the optical drive to watch a Blu-Ray disc does cut into the battery life.
The speakers on the Samsung R480 are better than expected and unlike many laptops don’t have a tinny sound. While you won’t be blown away by the bass and the middle is a bit muddy the speakers are still better than average and will get you through a movie or fill an office or hotel room with music.
Processing:
The R480 is powered by a 2010 Intel Core i3 processor and backed up by 4GB of DDR3 RAM which provides it enough power to meet the needs of even an above average user. During my month with the device I used it for everything from editing photos, typing posts, editing videos to upload to YouTube and calling on Skype; all of which the R480 handled without a problem. If this sounds like the way you use a notebook you won’t need to worry about the performance on the R480.
Unfortunately, if you are doing something that is processor intensive the Samsung R480 will warm up a bit. It isn’t too hot to hold or use, but warm enough to notice and warmer than I have seen on other Intel Core i3 notebooks.
Connectivity:
The Samsung R480 has plenty of ports to keep you connected.
Left (left to right): Power, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, USB, USB, Microphone, Headphone
Right (left to right): Blu-Ray, USB, Kensington
The front also has a 3-in-1 card reader.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the Samsung R480 is an average notebook that defines itself with a great keyboard and a Blu-Ray drive at an affordable price. You can find a cheaper Core i3 notebook with a Blu-Ray drive, but you’ll be hard pressed to find one with a Lenovo-like keyboard, style and extra touches like a battery meter. If you’re looking for a notebook that has these extras for a small price premium then the Samsung R480 should be on your list.
Pros:
- Great keyboard
- Style and extra touches like a battery meter
Cons:
- Runs warm
- Mediocre battery life
Samsung introduced its three high definition camcorders that use Solid State Drive (SSD) rather than hard drives. People like SSDs better than HDDs in a number of ways, e.g. they are lighter and since they have no moving parts they use less power. These qualities make the capturing of video easier. The three camcorders come with three different storage capacities, the HMX-H104 with 16GB, HMX-H105 with 32GB, and HMX-H106 with 64GB. Even though the SSD camcorders are suppose to be smaller than the traditional hard disk camcorders, all the three cameras are rather larger than card based camcorders.
Like the other Samsung camcorders, the HMX-H105 is an easy-to-use device. It has a responsive touch screen and an intuitive menu structure. Any person new to Samsung products will have no problem in finding the options and try out the manual controls. The biggest plus point is that if you do not want to inconvenient yourself with manual controls, you may opt for the EasyQ mode and let the automatic adjustments do the task for you. The H105 has an elegant and simple user interface.
The camcorder fits comfortably in your hand. The buttons are well laid out and labeled clearly. It has a swivel grip that adds to the comfort and ease of use. You can hold the camcorder in either a pistol grip or a flashlight grip. This makes it easy to shoot from difficult angles. The device offers better stability, especially due to the zoom toggle and record buttons sitting on the LCD panel, which facilitate easy two-handed recording. It is a portable device measuring at 59mm x 60.9mm x 128.6mm and weighing just 380g. When compared to the R10 it may not seem very robust but still is resistant to dust, scratches, and breakage. Its touch screen is a fingerprint magnet, but that is true for any touch screen model. Since it has 32GB of memory, you may not want to carry extra media or be bothered about transferring the footage. The battery sits in a cavity on the bottom of the camcorder, not giving you the option of upgrading to a larger size. Battery life on SSD camcorder tends to be much longer than on hard drive, tape, or DVD camcorders. It sports a standard 2.7-inch LCD that flips out at 90 degrees from the body and rotates up to 270 degrees.
The HMX-H105 has an auto mode, but no other special features come with it. You may want to shoot with or without manual image adjustments. It offers a few low light modes like Super C. Nite mode, off, normal, and super. It also has a Night option in iScene. Like others, the H105 also comes with an array of scene modes, called iScene; these include Auto, Night, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach and Snow, and Candlelight. The zoom toggle on the copy is an exact copy of last year’s SC-HMX20. A rather flimsy toggle does not allow for variable zoom speeds. There is a secondary zoom option located on the LCD panel that you may use with the thumb of your left hand.
There are three focus methods – the automatic focus, which is usually sufficient, you may do a manual focus by using the touch screen scale, or use Samsung’s TouchPoint system. This feature lets you touch the object that you want to focus on and the camcorder will automatically set focus on that object. The best is the manual focus where you can use a joystick or lens ring to achieve the perfect focus. The touch screen focus is not too good as it fills the screen with icons that block the image you want to focus.
Samsung camcorders are not the best choice for audio flexibility, and the H105 is no exception to this. It has a stereo microphone situated on the bottom of the camcorder. It does not have any headphone or microphone jacks. The only other thing that the H105 has to offer is the Wind Cut feature.
Even if the H105 does not have a whole lot of connections, it definitely has the ports that most users may want to use. A single connection takes care of both the Composite and Component video. USB, HDMI, and DC power all sit in the same compartments. It has a traditional system of thumbnail views that you select via the touch screen. Play/pause, forward, rewind, etc. have touch screen controls, too. For still photos, there is a separate playback screen.
When compared to HMX-R10, the H105 does not offer a large array of manual features and resolution options. It offers separate modes for video and still modes, which you control by a button on the back of the camcorder.
The options of manual image adjustments available for videographers exist for still photography. It has options like a 10-second self-timer and continuous shot, which are quite few as compared to once available on the R10.
Samsung offers an exclusive capability to do time lapse recording. If you connect your camcorder to a power outlet, you could capture footage of over a few hours. The camcorder offers Optical as well as digital image stabilization; the OIS is better than digital stabilization. There are a good number of digital effects accommodated, they include black and white, sepia, negative, and art. They will really help you give a nice touch to your videos. You may also apply Faders to your video clips. The ones available are black or white fade-ins and fade-outs.
The stand out point of the HMX-H105 is the SSD. Finally, a Samsung camcorder that includes optical image stabilization and this addition may prove to work in their favor. However, you cannot rely on this camcorder for still photography. It also fails in the department of manual controls and audio features. On the positive side, it is a sleek and easy-to-use device. Going by the standards set by the previous camcorders, it is sure to deliver an excellent video quality.
