Cool toys and Gadgets

Section: Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation, Lifestyle, Transportation, Reviews, Features

Gadgetell Quick Review: Navigon 2200T

Cool:

• Low Price(about 200 bucks)
• Good mounting hardware
• Reality view and Lane Assistant Pro feature is really helpful
• Speed warning
• Small size
• Lifetime traffic service

Uncool:

• Sometimes difficult to navigate the screens
• Traffic alerts not factored into initial route plans, but instead notifies you there is a problem and gives rerouting options
• Limited voice selections

The Crux:

Overall, if you can get past some quirks, the 2200T is a very good GPS and the lifetime traffic service makes it a stand out device for the low price.

This is a guest review by Robert Borgesi.  Rob co-hosts the website review program, “ChannelFlip Web” with Iyaz Akhtar on ChannelFlip.com.  Additionally, Rob is a tech enthusiast with years of computer building experience.

Overview

The Navigon 2200T features a 3.5-inch touch screen in a thin form factor and comes with free traffic updates for life.  Navigon products feature the “Reality View Pro” which displays highway signs as they appear in real life to make navigation simpler.  The Navigon 2200T comes with mounting hardware and a car charger. 

Out of the box

This GPS has a low price at about 200 bucks.  The 2200T is a very compact device.  While it has a large and easy to read 3.5-inch screen, the whole device can easily fit in your pocket. 

The mounting arm is quite good.  It is easily adjustable, sticks to the window well, and it stays where you put it. 

Using the 2200T

The Reality View and Lane Assistant Pro feature shows 3-D exits and close-ups of turns which allow you to see the road as it looks in real life and tells you which lane to be in.  The Navigon 2200T also gives you speed warnings which tell you when you are over the speed limit and can be set to warn you when you are over the speed limit by 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mph.  More importantly, the warnings can be disabled all together.

This model comes with lifetime traffic service which give you traffic alerts without having to pay fees. 

Long term testing

Over the course of using the Navigon 2200T there were a few things that stood out.  First of all, navigating the screens was not intuitive and took a lot of getting used to.  You have to enter location, then press “navigate” more than once before you finally get to the actual navigation.  Also, it was difficult to figure out how to cancel or change navigation once you have started and get back to the home page.

Define: “Local”

Another issue I had while using this device was with the Points of Interest.  I was only 20 miles from a major international airport and when I asked to navigate to an airport close to me; the airport was not listed until I was within 5 miles of it.  I guess I didn’t know “local” meant within walking distance.

Avoiding Traffic

One feature I found very helpful was the traffic alerts.  There was a huge accident on one of the major highways I was traveling on and the Navigon informed me of the problem and rerouted me around the accident saving me hours of sitting in traffic.

Wrap Up

So overall, for a low cost, you get a very functional GPS unit with a few quirks that may turn some people off.  However, the benefit of lifetime traffic service set it apart from comparable GPS units and makes it worth buying.

Product Page: [Navigon 2200T]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

These miniature gun rings won’t kill, but they may make your wedding vows a little more serious. Because when you and your spouse each have one of these, arguments end very quickly. While they would make interesting conversation pieces, I wouldn’t wear one to the airport. These rings come with tiny bullets that you can put in the chamber, which we hope is non-functional.

The gun is modeled after antique wild west revolvers and presumably would have been great for women on the frontier to protect themselves, as well as Mini-me. It’s a nicely crafted and tiny weapon.

[littlegun]

SlashGear is taking to the skies later on today, for Virgin America’s WiFi Launch Beta Flight.  The first demonstration of the in-flight internet service, we’ll be brushing aside the complementary rice crackers in favor of surfing the internet.  Then, we’ll be heading straight for the YouTube Live event, to bring you all the details.

The flight today is sponsored by HP - thanks for the invite, guys! - and using Aircell hardware to make sure we can check out email, Skype and generally avoid the in-flight movies.  It’s not just a jaunt, though; we’ll also be deciding whether the Virgin America WiFi service is something users should be spending their money on, or whether they should just wait until landing.

We’ll have photos and video as soon as we get into the airport later on today.  Our laptop of choice for the flight will be the new late-2008 MacBook Air, too, so expect some preliminary feedback on that in advance of our full review coming this week. Live streaming of video of the event will be available on QIK.

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Section: Apple, Communications, Cellphones, Mobile, Web

We all know the iPhone has become quite popular.  Just look around next time you’re in a place with a lot of people—whether it be a subway, train station, airport, city street or college campus, chances are you’ll see at least one person with an iPhone walking around.  They almost seem to mock those of us who are stuck with Verizon or other carriers that aren’t AT&T (well, until the Storm, that is).  There are actual numbers to prove that the iPhone is popular: mobile ad traffic.

According to AdMob, an ad network for mobile websites and apps, the iPhone is the leader in ad traffic for mobile devices.  It holds 4.1 percent of ad requests for October.  That doesn’t sound like much, but it comes out to 236 million requests in one month.  In July, it was only 28 million requests.  Of those 236 million requests, 62.8 percent were from the U.S.  That’s pretty impressive considering the iPhone is still the number 2 phone in the U.S., behind the Motorola RAZR.  5 percent of the requests came from the UK, with another 8 percent coming from all of Asia.

If nothing else, the numbers show us just how popular the iPhone is compared to other phones.  Apple trails in percentage of requests based on manufacturer, coming in fifth with 5.1 percent, but that’s still impressive.  Nokia with its large selection of phones leads the market with 36.3 percent worldwide.  In the U.S., Apple is second only to Motorola.  What strikes me as strange is that fact that RIM and HTC both fall short worldwide and domestically.  But, they do have a much smaller, if not diehard, niche market that can’t compete against the universal appeal of something like the iPhone, at least until the Storm and more Android phones are released.

Read [InformationWeek]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Even though this was expected, it’s still a bit of a bummer. It seems T-Mobile has decided to boost their wireless data prices for customers that have plans with the carrier on smartphones. Like during the whole credit crisis, people need their monthly bills increased.

The wireless data plans used to cost $19.99 for unlimited data, so long as it was in conjunction with a voice plan. But now you can expect to pay $24.99 a month. However, your usage is no longer allowed to be unlimited. In fact, it has a cap of 400 SMS or MMS messages. If you want an unlimited plan, you’re going to have to shell out $34.99 a month.

Now remember, folks, this is on top of a voice plan. If you got a T-Mobile G1, you were automatically signed up for the $24.99 a month plan.

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Section: Computers, Laptops

MSI has just introduced a new and colorful notebook.  This time they have strayed a little from the ever popular Wind, and released the VR220 YA Edition.  Of course, this new notebook is still on the smaller side and considered an ultra-portable thanks to the 12.1-inch display.  To begin with, the MSI VR220 YA will be available in a selection of four colors which include Denim Blue, Coral Pink, Wasabi Green and Empire Black.

So aside from the 12-inch display (which offers a 1280 x 800 resolution) and the fancy exterior colors, the VR220YA seems to be worthy of a purchase.  Beginning at $699.99 the ultra-portable features a dual-core Pentium CPU with Intel’s GMA 4500M on the graphics side.  Other features include up to 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, a Super-Multi DVD drive, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, a 3-in-1 card reader and a 1.3-megapixel webcam.  The VR220 YA also has three USB 2.0 ports, gigabit Ethernet, a VGA out, along with an optional TV tuner and up to an 8-cell battery.

Keep reading to check out the full release below…

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – November 19, 2008 – MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is pleased to announce the release of the new VR220 YA Edition Notebook.  Available in Denim Blue, Coral Pink, WASABI Green and Empire Black, the VR220 combines the latest in mobile technology with brilliant color and style.  Beautiful inside and out, these eye pleasing notebooks also feature Intel® Pentium® Dual-core processors and MSI’s exclusive ECO Engine Power Management System, which allows users to alternate between 5 different operating modes to conserve battery life.  By simply pressing the quick launch sensor, users can choose from Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office, or Turbo Battery modes to fit their power consumption needs. The VR220 also features an optional TV Tuner for recording and watching your favorite digital programming on the VR220’s Amazing Crystal Vision widescreen display.

“Notebooks have become as much a fashion accessory as they are a computer,” says Andy Tung Director of Sales, MSI US.  “The VR220 gives consumers the option to own a notebook that offers great performance without sacrificing aesthetics.”

MSI packed all those features to clean magnesium alloy case, which weighs less than 4 pounds.  Mobile users will also enjoy the VR220’s 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN, and should have no trouble surfing the web at high speeds at school, the airport or at their favorite café.  The notebook also features a built-in 3 in 1 Card Reader, 1.3 M webcam and a multimedia burner drive for quickly connecting a digital photo and video cameras.

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

An update has been released for the Apple TV media streamer, adding AirTunes streaming, more remote control flexibility and playlist compatibility.  Firmware version 2.3, detailed here, consists of four main improvements, key among which is the ability to stream music from the media device to either other Apple TV units or Airport Express speakers.

In addition, iTunes playlists that incorporate Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts and Music Videos can now be accessed and played on the Apple TV. This adds to the introduction of Genius auto-playlist and on-the-fly playlist creation added in software update v2.2.

Users are now not limited to Apple’s official remote control, as the Apple TV can now learn other remotes - such as multifunction universal remotes and home automation controls - and be controlled by them. Finally, volume control has been added to the Music section of the streamer.

The update is free to install, and can be triggered by selecting Settings > General > Software Update from the main Apple TV menu. Alternatively, you can wait and automatic updates facility will flag up the new software. Be warned, though; any unofficial hacks or tweaks made to the Apple TV will be wiped in installing the new firmware.

[via TUAW]

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Since Starbucks started offering 2 hours of free AT&T Wi-Fi to its customers a few months back, there hasn’t been much free Wi-Fi love for AT&T customers in the United States. But that’s about to change, because AT&T has just officially announced the availability of free Wi-Fi for iPhone users in all of its hotspots across the U.S.

FREE AT&T Wi-Fi access is also available at U.S. company-operated Starbucks locations equipped with a hotspot. That should make surfing the Web or using Web-connected iPhone apps a whole lot easier.

AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots are located in the following:

• Airports
• Hotels
• Universities
• Convention Centers
• Sports Centers
• Starbucks locations
• Restaurants
• Bookstores
• Supermarkets

That pretty much covers every place the typical iPhone user could be lurking in. But now, let’s make sure this offer is for good, shall we AT&T?

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With its stylish look, impressive combination of mobile office features, and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the HP Compaq 6720s is an excellent price-for-performance package. Featuring all the tools you need to carry out your business tasks quickly and efficiently, the HP 6720s offers powerful performance and great wireless capabilities in a lightweight form factor. With the optional DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL LightScribe drive you can not only watch and record DVDs, but also burn custom high-quality labels and artwork on to your disc. Plus, the optional brilliant 15.4” diagonal widescreen BrightView display will make your screen brighter and provide more contrast and clarity.

Operating System:

•Genuine Windows Vista® Business 32

•Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic 32

FreeDOS

Rich Performance:

•Equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo Processors and hard drives up to 250 GB, this notebook features all the tools you need to carry out your business tasks quickly and efficiently. With the optional DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL LightScribe drive you can not only watch and record DVDs, but also burn custom high-quality labels and artwork on to your disc. Plus, the optional brilliant 15.4-in diagonal widescreen BrightView display will make your screen brighter and provide more contrast and clarity.

Wireless:

•A choice of Wi-Fi Certified WLAN options are available to allow you to connect to the Internet and e-mail wherever you spend most of your time—whether you are at home, the office, or in public areas equipped with Wi-Fi access such as airports, hotels, and coffee shops.

Durability:

•With over 95,000 hours of rigorous and exhaustive testing, the HP Total Test Process helps ensure that your notebook will withstand a wide range of work environments. The HP DriveGuard helps protect your notebook from system failures and data loss caused by operational shock due to an accidental drop.

Review By pocket-lint

The screen is a 15.4-inch Super-TFT panel that looks simply stunning. HP has designed this notebook so the screen folds back over the rear of the casing, which moves it a little more away from the eye for a more ergonomic feel. Graphics are typical for the price, using the Intel chipset. So, while its fine for standard tasks and running DVDs, you won’t be able to do anything too demanding and expect it to run.

Read Full Review Here

Review By asia.cnet

The slate-grey lid section and the black base are not held together with a secure clasp. If you intend to carry this laptop, you’ll need to ensure that it’s stowed separately from pens and other items that could work their way between the two sections and damage the screen. Elsewhere, HP has managed to put a little effort into the design, despite the system’s entry-level status.

Read Full Review Here

Review By notebookreview

The Core 2 Duo T5470 is the slowest of the new 800MHz FSB CPU’s but it’s still really fast. The Intel Speedstep Technology changes the multiplier from 6x to 8x in order to maintain maximum performance and maximum battery time. The only thing this processor lacks compared to its faster brothers is a higher frequency, 2MB cache and Vanderpool Technology (hardware accelerated virtualisation). Windows Vista boot up time from the BIOS to the Windows logon screen is about 32 seconds. The hard disk is a Hitachi HTS541612J9SA00 which means it’s a 120GB SATA drive at 5400RPM with 8MB cache. Windows feels really snappy despite only 1GB of RAM but with one open slot I think I will upgrade to 2GB soon. I don’t play games on it but with integrated X3100 graphics you shouldn’t expect very much.

Read Full Review Here

HP Compaq 6720s Video Review

We're experimenting with a threesome this week as Rory, Nate and Rich discuss mind-reading airport scanners, the Google phone and the most significant moments in Web history