Pioneer’s three Blu-ray players deliver

Pioneer’s three brand new Blu-ray players are in stores at last. The sleek black units initially featured at CES 2009, are making a splash as only Pioneer products can.

The units include the Elite BDP-23FD, which has a Precision Quartz Lock System and capacitors to please audiophiles. Some other features include BD Live Support, 7.1-channel audio, RS-232 support and 48-bit color.

Next is the BDP-320, which also has PQLS, BD Live support, 48-bit color and high quality, but lacks the design of the Elite. The BDP-120 has 36-bit color, USB storage and a 1GB external hard drive. It does not have PQLS.

For my money it’s Elite BDP-23FD, it’s the truest way to enjoy what Blue-ray offers.

All three are available for $599, $399 and $299, respectively.

Monster Cable Goes ‘Green’ W/Powerstrip

Looked at your electric bill lately? If you have you wonder even after you turn off the lights, TV, and other electronic devices why did you bill not go down far enough.

Here’s why, even if you turn your computer and electronics off, they still suck power from your outlets. This is known as “vampire energy” and effects all of us these days that own a lot of gadgets.

For $100-130, this GreenPower Digital Life™ MDP 900 is a revolutionary surge protector power strip from Monster lets you tap a button to switch it into sleep mode. Cool ugh!

It protects your computer and the valuable data stored on it from common power surges and spikes. It also provides a high level of protection for high definition home theater components. Monster Dual Mode Plus™ surge protection automatically disconnects and sounds an alarm to protect your equipment. Monster GreenPower™ automatically shuts down outlets to stop energy waste.

In really did work, After using it during one bill cycle, I estimate I saved $25 bucks, since I did not change anything elese we did at home to save energy. The GreenPower Center might be on the expensive side for a power strip, but it will essentially paying for itself.

Other versions:

The MDP 900, along with Monster’s new MDP 800 ($99) and MDP 650 ($69.95), all geared toward PC users, are among the first in a family of energy-saving products that Monster will be rolling out in the near future to help people fight the high cost of energy and help preserve the environment.

FEATURES
Don’t Risk Leaving Your Photos, Music, Videos, and Documents Unprotected
Common power surges and spikes can occur several times a day and can easily damage or destroy your delicate digital circuitry in computers and AV components. Even worse, electrical noise and interference can corrupt important data: your digital photos, videos, and critical documents.

Exclusive PC Clean Power Filtering with Advanced Surge Protection
Electrical noise and interference is generated by virtually every electronic device and appliance. Unfortunately, this problem can affect computer performance, causing faulty data transfer, data corruption, and even system lockups in more severe conditions.

The MDP 900 features PC Clean Power Stage 2 that removes electromagnetic and radio frequency noise to ensure reliable data transfer and reduce wear on delicate digital circuitry.

For advanced protection against powerful surges, Monster® Dual Mode Plus™ sounds an alarm and automatically disconnects, isolating your equipment from dangerous power conditions. Cable modem, DSL, and Ethernet connections can also carry damaging power surges and spikes. To ensure complete protection of your computer and home theater equipment, the MDP 900 also has surge protected coax, network, and phone connections.

We’re Monsterously confident about the MDP 900 surge protection, which is why we’ll replace up to $300,000 worth of your equipment if it’s damaged by power conditions.

Save Energy, Save Money
Monster GreenPower™ is a revolutionary new way to automatically reduce energy waste and save you money. Simply plug your computer or AV receiver into the GreenPower Control outlet. When it’s turned off or goes to sleep, the other GreenPower outlets switch off, automatically eliminating energy wasted by connected equipment – like your printer, scanner, HDTV or subwoofer – when you’re not using them. When your computer or AV receiver is turned back on, the GreenPower outlets automatically power up again.

Convenient USB Charging
The MDP 900 features two high-current surge protected USB ports for safe, fast charging of MP3 players, digital cameras, cell phones, and other electronics. This frees up USB connections on your computer, and outlets on the PowerCenter™ for your printer, external hard drive, and other peripherals.

PLC Network Compatible
Powerline Communication, also known as HomePlug®, is a revolutionary home network system that works on your home’s existing electrical wiring. You can easily create a home network access point anywhere there’s a power outlet. Ordinary surge protectors can block PLC, but the Monster MDP 900 is engineered to allow full-speed PLC network communications.

CES 2009: M&M’s for your ears, almost!

LAS VEGAS – Maxell famous for iPod accessories, blank DVDs and other gadgets, now has a product that melts in your mouth.

No just kidding, the M&M’s candy-looking ear buds, was one of the fun portable electronics I saw at CES 2009.

The company teamed with candy company Mars to unveil M&M’S Stereo Ear Buds in the Maxell booth.

The clever eye catching packaging, might confuse young kids. It has an inscription saying ‘Sweet Sounds’, which in an attempt to classify the product as music and not the mmmmmm melt in our mouths candies.

Then there is another warning ‘Not candy’, which won’t help you if you grab one at the check put aisle. You’ll probably end up scratching your head, wondering what in the world is this doing in an electronic store!

Just like the real candy, these buds come in multiple colors: Red, pink, blue, orange, and white.

Makes a cute Valentine’s gift, but you probably need to put a warning on it, saying “Do not eat me”!

At $10, they’re super cheap, it does say “Not candy!” but could be choking hazard for the home with a curious toddler. Parents need to watch what their very young kids put into there mouths and ears.

A definite collector’s item for people who love to collect M&M branded products. And it will not be surprising if a large part of that demand are from kids and teens.

Available “soon,” every where, hopefully “NOT” in the candy aisle.

(Note: Product previews & reviews on the GadgetsAndGifts4U blog do not certify any endorsement of the product, but rather provide informative details on new products which might be of interest to consumers of all ages.)

(Photo Credit: Maxell, Roy Bassave)

OtterBox protects BlackBerry Curve 8350i

OtterBox 1937 Yellow for BlackBerry Bold Defender Series™

OK you bought an expensive smart-phone, and oops you dropped it. Unless you pay a replacement fee to your cell phone company, your out of luck. Replacing it can come on your dime.

At Showstoppers, Las Vegas 2009, I visited OtterBox and loved the new products that will protect many smart-phone gadgets.

Here is an alternative, which combines the need for sleek style and protection from the elements, OtterBox launches an innovative case to safeguard the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8350i smart-phone from Research In Motion (RIM).

The new OtterBox 1937 Yellow or Black, $ 49.95, case for the BlackBerry Curve 8350i provides users with interactive protection in the popular Defender Series design to shield against drop, dirt and scratches.

Three layers of protection provide added security*:

Layer 1:
- Thermal formed protective clear PVC membrane covers the keypad from dust and dirt (layer optional)
- Built-in PC windows protect the screen and camera from scratches and dust intrusion
Layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell
Layer 3: Silicone skin absorbs bump and shock

OtterBox products @ ShowStoppers, Las Vegas 2009

“The new BlackBerry Curve 8350i will allow customers to work virtually anywhere with email, web access, data services and Push-to-Talk features; but those working in harsh environments need protection from the elements and that’s where the OtterBox case comes in,” said Curt Richardson, CEO of OtterBox. “This Defender Series case safeguards from jobsite mishaps like drops and scratches adding longevity to the smartphone.”

The OtterBox for BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone allows use of all functions such as the trackball, camera and flash. Sync/charge jack is accessible through a silicone plug. Sound clearly transmits through acoustic vents so users can use headset and speaker. Push-to-Talk features usable through a silicone button. An included holster style swivel belt clip offers hands-free carrying.

Otter Box @ ShowStoppers, Las Veags 2009

Environmental Protection:

Drop and Shock: Protection against drop, bump & shock
Water Protection: Not tested or recommended for water protection
Dust Intrusion: Dust does not enter in a sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of equipment

Colors:

OtterBox RBB2-CVPTT-20 for BlackBerry Curve 8350i Push-to-Talk Defender Series™

Layer 2: yellow or black
Layer 3: black
Belt clip: black

*Case NOT protected against water. Will provide some added protection against drop, bump and dust.

OtterBox for iPhone 3G Defender Series™ Cases

Visit www.otterbox.com to see the complete OtterBox case line for BlackBerry smartphones.

iCandy Gadgets

Boring colors that cover your gadgets are old news. Why not get them a cool face lift from the gang at ColorWare.

Even President Obama, got to keep his boring black factory “BarakBerry,” maybe he will want his upgraded in custom presentational seal colors, like the one below.

One of their latest themes found the websiteis for the popular BlackBerry Curve, joining the BlackBerry Storm, DS, PC, Mac, iPhone 3G.

Your idea your doesn’t have to be out of this world. Just be certain it’s what you want before you order. A solid color will run you $129, but if you want a different top, bottom, frame or sides, it will be higher. Though you can stay with what you have since it’s the cheapest option, but it will just look like everyone else’s and have no identity whatsoever.

ColorWare which was founded in 2000 in Winona, MN, sells custom colored and engraved versions of computers and portable electronics. Or you can ship ColorWare a device you already own and get a custom paint job.

FOR GAMERS

ColorWare now does its color magic to video game consoles. Just mail in a PS3, Wii, or an Xbox 360 for clean, professional, and highly detailed colored coats.

If you send in your own game system, you’ll pay $99 for the coloring service and $25 per controller. Those prices may seem high, but are actually a bargain: ColorWare charges $399 and up for its laptop PC coloring services.

CoolWare offers color upgrades for many gadgets.

See links, FAQ’s and some more products shots below.

Digital Music Players, Computers, Gaming Consoles, Smart Phones, HDTVs

Image Galleries from CoolWare

The main website is @ http://www.colorwarepc.com/default.aspx

FACTS FROM COLORWARE WEBSITE:

What products does ColorWare customize at this time?

All products that are currently customized by ColorWare are viewable on our website under the Products tab. If you have a product that is not listed on the site please see the Prototyping section. Additional fees and production time apply for a prototyped product and some products are not eligible for prototyping.

If I want a new color in a year, can I have the color changed?

No. The ColorWare coloring is a one-time permanent process.

Does ColorWare offer any upgrade options after I have purchased and received my product?

ColorWare does not provide any after-purchase upgrade offers at this time. All available upgrades are offered when the unit is originally ordered. Any software upgrades that later become available for a computer can be handled through the software manufacturer.

Does the X2 coating go over the product screen?

Only the video model of the iPod brand mp3 player can have an X2 coating over its screen.

Can I get only the X2 coating on my product? If I have the front of an iPod colored can I get the X2 coating on the chrome back?

The X2 coating is the final stage of the coloring process and is not available on its own. In order to have the X2 coating on any part of your product it does need to be colored.

Can you just send me a colored case for my computer/mp3 player/phone?

We do not sell colored cases for any product. Our coloring process applies the new color directly to the existing case of your product. There are no replacement parts used in this process so we have no extra case components available.

What explains the price difference between buying a new product and sending in mine?

The biggest factor in the price differences are the warranties offered with each option. All new purchases from our site carry a one year parts and labor warranty that stands in place of the original manufacturer warranty. For colonizations, where you send your product to us, we include thirty days of parts coverage and one year of free labor. Please take note that the colorization process will likely void the original manufacturer warranty.

Do I have to send in my product or do you send me the pieces/skin to put on my product?

If you choose the Send In Mine service you do need to send your product to our facility. We apply the new color directly to the existing case of that product. No replacement pieces are used in this process.

Does the coloring process affect any existing warranty I may have on my product?

As far as we understand other companies’ policies our color customization typically voids the original manufacturer’s warranty. If you purchase a new product from ColorWare we do include a 1 year parts and labor warranty that covers the coloring and hardware of the product. With a new product you also have the choice to upgrade to a two year warranty. If you choose to send in a product under the Send In Mine service ColorWare includes a 30 day parts and 1 year labor warranty covering the coloring and hardware of that product. There are no warranty upgrades available with the Send in Mine service.

Can I buy the SideKick through ColorWare? What service plans does ColorWare offer?

We do not sell the SideKick. We also do not offer any service plans for the SideKick. The colorization service available through our site is for the customization of a SideKick that you already own.

Google finds the GSpot with their GDrive

Oh God, just when you thought your computer files were safe, comes Mega Giant Google to cloud the issue.

The GDrive, unconfirmed by Google, might launch later this year, making it the most anticipated software product this year aside from Mircosoft’s Windows 7.

The Google drive would move away from Microsoft Window’s operating system, in favor of “cloud computing,” where storage and processing is done in data centers. Users would no longer have to rely on their computers’ powerful hard drives.

From the video page on YouTube: Confused about the term “Cloud Computing”? Want to be “with the times” when you talk about new technology buzzwords? This video boils down a section of Cloud Computing, that of Cloud Infrastructure and Cloud Hosting in a way that everyone can understand!

It’s very common for people all over the world to use web-based services, such as email — including popular services, Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail — and photo storage, such as Flickr and Picasa.

In most cases a user would no longer have to deal with hard drives crashes, since their data would be saved on the Web, and can be accessed from any machine.

Ok true these web-based services are popular, but the user still has the original files on he or hers hard drive. I don’t know about you, but I like to have local control of what I want accessed over the internet.

There are many other similar types of services, Jungle Disk from Amazon’s web services, XDrive from AOL being one of them. They don’t work for everyone, and sometimes run rather slow and causes conflicts on your PC.

I have used GoToMyPc and hardly ever had a problem accessing any of my files from my own PC.

But wait a minute, this all sounds like a cool idea, but aren’t we forgetting one thing. Who at the other end of the data center has access to your files. Uncle Sam maybe, anyone seen the classic movie George Orwell’s 1984.

Need I say more!

We’ll keep you posted, and see if and when this GDrive happens.

Screen shots of Windows 7.

GadgetsAndGifts4U

Cool gadgets for any gift idea!