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Deals and bargains: computers, hi-tech, audio, HD video and much more!

Nokia N810 Portable Internet Tablet: still rocking, now half-priced!

We still love iPhones and all the stuff that has been rolled out in the past two years.

Still rocking & surfin’

Nokia N810 is still rocking, though, and now its price tag has been slashed 50% off so you’ll get one of the best Internet Tablet around!

With the Nokia N810, Nokia has added a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a built-in GPS receiver. Nokia also stuffed 2GB of built-in memory inside, with a miniSD card slot for expanded storage.
The Nokia N810 retains many of the hardware features of the N800, such as a built-in VGA resolution camera for video calling, hardware buttons for zooming in and out on the interface, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The N810 uses a micro-USB port for data transfer and also sports a built-in kickstand for convenience.”

The Real Web 2.0 in Your Pocket

Because the Nokia N810 supports both Flash 9 and Ajax, you can visit virtually any site on this device. YouTube videos were choppy, but at least they played. And Netvibes loaded without any problems via Wi-Fi. Yahoo Mail had issues loading, but Facebook was fine. We haven’t yet decided whether Flash and Ajax support trumps the iPhone’s speedier page loads and more elegant method of handling zooming.

The audio quality through the speaker was surprisingly good on our early tests when we streamed “From Yesterday” from 30 Seconds to Mars on the Alternative Hits channel. Fans of subscription music will love this service, and you can load the N810 with lots of tunes using an 8GB miniSD or microSD Card (which augments the robust 2GB of built-in memory).

Easy to Use Cell as Modem

Wi-Fi is not the only connection option; for example after pairing a Motorola Moto Q 9h Global with the tablet over Bluetooth, connection was a breeze.
A simple setup wizard walked us through the rest of the process.
If you’re willing to carry both a 3G phone and the N810 and pay for the monthly data connection, this feature is killer, especially for those without constant access to Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Nokia N810 it’s now US $ 239.99!

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Digital Storage problems? Three hard disk solutions from 0.5 to 1.5 TB!

Gigabytes biting you from your PCs or Macs?
Discovering the (not so-) unique ability to fill every hard disk drive around?
Let’s consider three different solutions to the problem, three hard disk drives suited for every environment.

The bad guy: Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive

Ideal for adding capacity to your system, the stylish Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB drive offers sturdy aluminum construction along with a convenient stand.
It’s the easiest way to save photos, music, videos, and more. Plus the Prestige Desktop Hard Drive is powered by an Energy Star qualified adapter for a cleaner environment.

Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB’s weaponry:

  • Style and durability with sturdy aluminum construction and stand
  • Easy-to-use USB 2.0 interface; just plug and play
  • Secure–EMC Retrospect Express (Mac/PC) software license for easy file backup (software via download)
  • Free MozyHome Online Backup (2GB online capacity)
  • Energy efficient design with an Energy Star qualified adapter

The Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB price is now $149.95 (you save 25% on regular price): that’s slightly less than one dollar per Gigabyte!

The stealth guy: WD Caviar Black 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA II

You feel really bored about your internal drive or need to feed your beloved desktop: chances are you’re in need for the WD!

WD Caviar Black 1 TB drives combine a high performance electronics architecture with a rock solid mechanical architecture to deliver the perfect storage solution for your fully-loaded PC or maxed out gaming machine. Cool drive operation, no-touch head technology, and leading-edge vibration protection ensure enhanced reliability and sustained data throughput.

Features list:

  • 1TB Capacity
  • 3 Gb/s SATA
  • 32MB Cache/Buffer Size
  • 7200 RPM Spindle Speed
  • 145 Mbytes/s Buffer to Disk Transfer Rate

Grab the WD Caviar Black 1 TB now for US $ 99.99 and save up to 60% off regular price.

The stylish- (& party-) guy: Iomega Prestige 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive

Fast, elegant, and ultra-portable, the Iomega Prestige 500 GB Portable is an ideal storage solution for mobile professionals, busy students, and anyone else who needs documents and media files to be available at a moment’s notice. For your peace of mind, this drive is designed to be both rugged and flexible so your files stay safe faced with the rough realities of travel.

Half-a-gigabyte you’ll carry around easily with you and that’s fast and smart to connect with its single-cable USB 2.0-powered operation.

The Iomega Prestige 500 GB Portable goes for a mere US $ 99.99 (saving 33% off list price).

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High quality Canon Lenses with great savings - Part 2

Off we go again for high-quality Canon lenses featuring the best specs along with the best price!
In Canon lenses roundup part #1 we featured a 100-400mm , 16-35mm and the gorgeus 50mm f/1.2.

In round #2, we feature three different lenses each one with distinctive winning points, high quality but with an eye on huge savings!

28-105 mm

A general purpose lens, the Canon EF 28-105mm spans wide-angle upto basic tele focal length in a very compact package - and a rugged one too.

The Canon EF 28-105mm standard zoom lens retains the optical capability of Canon’s previous EF 28-105mm USM lens but with a refined exterior design.
The lens is distinguished by a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) drive that provides silent, high-speed autofocusing, along with full-time manual focusing.
The 1.6-foot (about 48 cm) close-focusing distance, meanwhile, lets you take great close-up portraits and nature shots.

It’s a great lens for all-around use and does a great job without getting deep in your pocket.

THe Canon EF 28-105mm now retails for US $ 209.95 (a 46% saving over regular price)

60 mm Macro

The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is compact, well built and shoot images that you would only expect from Canon L-series glass.

The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is an excellent lens with 35mm comparable focal length of about 96 mm.

Who needs this lens after all?
Creative photographers willing to explore fixed-length lens and more prone to try out Macro photography, be it to discover nature’s secret or simply looking at the world from a different - yet enlarging, point of view.

Autofocus shows its technologically modern performance - it is fast, quiet and accurate.
The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens incorporates Canon’s excellent USM (Ultrasonic Motor) with FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing. An internal focusing design is used. The lens does not change length while focusing nor does the front element rotate - a big plus when using the compatible Canon MR-14ex and Canon MT-24EX Macro Flashes.

Optically, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens performs very well. It is very sharp wide open (even in the corners) and slightly sharper stopped down. It is at least as sharp as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens and the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM lens. It is at least as sharp as the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens at equivalent apertures.

Canon’s true macro lenses (the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is one) yield a magnification of up to 1x or 1:1 which means the subject can appear lifesize on the sensor.

Lifesize on the sensor means output size is significantly larger than the sensor unless you are viewing it as a thumbnail or as a smaller-than-wallet-sized print.

Canon includes a magnification ratio scale in the 60mm Macro’s ft/m distance window (if knowing the exact magnification is important to you). Something that is not as readily apparent is the loss of light at high magnification values. The Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens loses 1/2 stop at 1:5, 1 stop at 1:3, 1.5 stops at 1:1.5 and 2 stops at 1:1 (lifesize). You need a shutter speed twice as long for a 1 stop loss and four times longer with a 2 stop loss. The camera’s autoexposure (or E-TTL if using a flash) will automatically compensate for this light loss. This loss of light is a common trait of macro lenses - not something unique about the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens.

Now available with a 43% saving at US $ 362.59!

70-200 mm

Almost any photographer has had a 70-200 mm general-purpose lens in its weaponry.

This Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom is a true pleasure since it comes from the -L family of lenses therefore ensuring high image quality standards - and a rugged body too!

Combining a very popular and very useful focal length range with excellent image quality, professional build quality, superb autofocus performance, a fast aperture and one of users’ favorite features - Canon’s valuable 3-stop Image Stabilization - makes the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L one of Canon’s most desired lenses.

Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. This high-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens is distinguished by such features as an f/4 maximum aperture, an inner focusing system, and a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM). The last two features combine to deliver quick and quiet autofocusing–a priority for many amateur and professional photographers

Weighing 3.24 lbs (1470g) and measuring 3.4″ x 7.8″ (86.2mm x 197mm), the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L will not be mistaken for a light or small lens. However, I can carry this lens for long periods of time without feeling it is a burden. This is a weather sealed lens that is ready to take professional use.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens balances out great build quality with excellent image quality. Images are sharp wide open (f/2.8) - corner performance is remarkable even with a Full Frame body. Stopping down to f/4 delivers even sharper results with better contrast.

Bargain-priced at US $ 600.00 , the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L it’s now 38% off regular price!

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High quality Canon Lenses with great savings - Part 1

We love high-quality lenses so here we go with a two-part survey of hard-to-beat Canon lenses with hard-to-resist savings and discounts!

You may find it helpful since savings are in the 30-40% range and since these lenses are not exactly cheap, these offers make them a lot more affordable by pro-amateur photographers!

100-400 mm

Meet Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 USM L IS which is Canon´s long range zoom lens primarily meant for sports-, wildlife- and press photography. Due to its rather small max. aperture it isn´t quite suitable for portraits.
On an APS-C DSLR the field-of-view resembles a whopping 160-640mm lens on classic (full-frame) SLRs.

The lens has a very good build quality - no wobbling whatsoever inc. smooth focusing action. It has a push-pull zoom mechanism which has both pros and cons. You can zoom very fast if necessary but at cost of accuracy. The amount of zoom friction can be adjusted using a dedicated control ring. It´s also possible to lock the lens at a certain zoom position so zoom creeping is not an issue.

True inner focus 4x or 5x zooms in this range aren´t overly likely to emerge in this range due to the physical size requirements for the 400mm setting.

One of the primary and still strong selling argument is the IS (Image Stabilizer).

The lens features a ring-type USM drive resulting in a very fast and virtually silent AF operation. Full-time manual focusing is possible in one-shot AF mode. To avoid unnecessary hunting there’s a focus limiter where you can choose between 1.8m-infinity or 6.5m-infinity.

Price for the Canon EF 100-400mm is US $ 1.400.00 (and that’s 42% off its regular price!)

16-35 mm

On the other side, let’s look at a ultra wide-angle lens from Canon: the Canon EF 16-35mm ultra-wide-angle zoom lens.

Taking over the ultra-wide angle position of the available professional grade f/2.8 zoom lenses from the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM Lens, the 16-35 L II becomes the new standard for professional and serious amateur photographers alike.

Specifically designed for improved edge-to-edge image quality that meets the strict requirements of professional and high-end amateur photographers alike, the lens lets you bring more area into focus while providing greater depth of field. The lens features three high-precision aspherical lens elements–ground, replica, and GMo–that produce even better image quality than the original Canon EF 16-35mm USM lens. The circular aperture, meanwhile, produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other details include internal focusing, a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing.

The large 82mm filter size is a first for Canon EF Lenses. High quality filters of this size are expensive and at this point, not shareable on other Canon lenses without a stepping ring. The larger objective end of the barrel reduces the handling comfort of this lens only slightly, but the improved image quality is definitely worth the change. Focus and zoom rings are well-positioned, nicely sized, smooth and well-damped.

Price for the Canon EF 16-35mm is US $ 1.399.00 (a 39% cut-off from list price tag).

50 mm

Last but not least a super-classic lens we all started with: a 50 mm.

Actually, this is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM!

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens is a peerless standard lens for Canon digital SLR cameras.
The lens is suitable for any shooting situation, with a lens coating and construction type that are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM also offers an ultra-large aperture ( f/1.2 !!!) that produces a narrow depth of field and the type of soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere.

The high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series lens.

What we really love about it: picture quality - from f1.2 thru f2.8, the lens works superbly. AF is fast & faster compared to 50mm 1.4.

List price for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is now $1,499.00 (which is some 35% cut-off from its regular price).

More Canon lenses soon up & coming in part #2!

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The candy flash drive? Emtec M300 2 GB USB Flash Drive Red Lollipop!

Forget those flash drives with so dull not even your granma would take them around!

Check these EMTEC M300 2 GB Lollipops (and show’em to your granma too!).

EMTEC M300 2 GB Flash Drives feature a whimsical swirl design available in five fun colors. Each Lollipop drive comes with a cap holder, attachable to the drive with a small, beaded chain, so you will never lose the cap! Lollipop USB Drives are fun, functional, and make the perfect gift.

EMTEC M300 2 GB drives are available 2GB to 8GB capacities and the rubber lollipop caps are available in shades of red, orange, yellow, blue and green.

With a 54% off, the price is now US $ 12.99 for the 2GB version.

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E72: Nokia updates E71 smartphone

Nokia today announced a careful update for one of its most successful smartphones in the market today. The E72 will succeed the Nokia E71 with a handful of hardware and software upgrades, while keeping most of the design and overall characteristics of its predecessor.

There is no need to fix what isn’t broken. Nokia E71 is still considered one of the best smartphone choices for those who don’t want an iPhone or Blackberry, but amid the launches of countless new contenders, its features are beginning to look a bit dated. The new E72, expected to roll out late in the third quarter of this year in Europe (and apparently soon thereafter in the U.S.), does not mess with the E71’s key assets and simply focuses on feature upgrades and slight design improvements.

On the hardware side, Nokia added a 5 megapixel camera as well as a standard 3.5mm audio jack. On the software side, there is the desktop-like email integration from the higher-end E75 model as well as a new optical navigation key. Nokia said it also improved access to instant messaging, enabling users to set up IM accounts right from the home screen.
Navigation has also been enhanced with A-GPS and a compass, which can be used by users for walking navigation (free for the lifetime of the device) as well as turn-by-turn navigation, which is offered for free for 10 days during the first three months after activation of the device.

The office capabilities have been updated with a new version of Quickoffice, which delivers Microsoft Office 2007 compatibility, Nokia said.

The company said that the device will be offered for 350 Euros and we would expect the price of the U.S. device to be in line with the current E71, which sells for $359. AT&T currently offers a subsidized version, the E71x, for $100 with a 2-year service contract.

[Via TGDaily]

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Unbeatable! EasyCap USB 2.0 Video Capture Adapter with Video Editor Software for less than 10 bucks ($ 9.95 to be accurate)!

So small and easy to connect you’ll be running the EasyCap USB with almost any video source for a wide spectrum of applications ranging from VCR tapes conversion to digital, home security, video editing 101 and a lot more!

EasyCap USB USB 2.0 Video Capture Adapter provides a link between a PC and a video device with RCA connector or S-Video connector, such VHS, VCR, DVD, TV, DV, analog camcorder, camera. The adapter is ideal for laptop and desktop computer. By the professional video editing software, you can create many special effects on your video files, or edit your movies.
USB 2.0 interface, plug and play.
EasyCap USB supports brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation control and capture audio without the sound card.
Features support for all Video Formats: DVD+/-R/RW, DVD+/-VR, and DVD-Video. Applying to internet conference / net meeting. Support NTSC, PAL Video format. Include Professional and easy to learn & used video editor software: Ulead Video Studio 8.0 SE DVD.

EasyCap USB features list:

  • Video input: One RCA composite, One S-Video
  • Audio input : Stereo audio (RCA)
  • Dimension (L)88mm x (W)28mm x (H)18mm
  • USB bus power
  • Supports high quality video resolution: NTSC 720 x 480 @ 30fps, PAL 720 x 576 @ 25fps

Price is a stunning US $ 9.99!

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DLO TuneStick 2 with Remote Wireless FM Transmitter plus RF Remote for iPod: home and car iPod listening made easy

Yet another FM transmitter for iPod?
Not actually.

What sets TuneStick 2 apart from the pack of existing FM transmitters is the included remote control plus an integrated pass-through dock connector, which gives you the freedom to combine TuneStik with virtually any iPod accessory–adding an RF remote and an FM transmitter to nearly all your iPod gear.

The TuneStick 2 lets you play your music in the car transmitted wirelessly through your cars’ existing stereo or transmit to any nearby FM radio.
It includes RF remote control for wireless access and safe control of your iPod music in your car and a pass-through iPod dock connector works with any iPod car charger or Sync cable.
iPod driving? The TuneStick 2 includes steering-wheel cradle.


The TuneStick 2 includes a compact RF remote control and fully-adjustable steering-wheel cradle, so you can put safety first as you control your iPod. The remote control pops out of its cradle in a snap, allowing you to pass music control to your backseat drivers. And with TuneStik’s four programmable presets, you’re sure to have the best transmission at the push of a button.

Control at your fingertips
The TuneStick 2 isn’t just an FM transmitter for the car–it also adds a strong RF remote control to your iPod–anywhere! With your TuneStik attached, simply connect your iPod to your home stereo system. Now you can use the compact TuneStik remote to control your iPod audio playback from across the room.

Plays well with others
With the TuneStick 2’s pass-through dock connector, you can continue to use your existing Auto Charger, iPod dock, or any other 30-pin based accessory while still having the benefits of a powerful FM transmitter and remote control at your fingertips.

In a nutshell, TuneStick 2 combines a wireless FM transmitter with a powerful RF remote control for iPod playback and control in the car, at home–anywhere there’s an FM radio.

Now, the TuneStick 2 is available for US $ 44.00 (and that’s a 39% discount off its price!).

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A powerful HP Printer trio: all-in-one, capable, reliable and… now affordable too!

What we really hate are cluttered printed pages, messy printer setup and sluggish feature set from Home- and Office- all-in-one printers.
Here are three multipurpose printers - one B/W laser, one color InkJet, one color laser - that may fit everyone’s need about small business printing.

They scan, fax and, of course, print!

By the way, they’re all from HP, they’re all compatible with any PC or Mac you may have around on your desk and they all come with substantial savings so you’ll be printing more spending less!

HP Laserjet M1319F: fast start, B/W laser printer with high performance scanner

The HP Laserjet M1319F Multifunction Printer (MFP) will print, fax, copy, and scan, and it does it fast and efficiently. HP’s Instant-on Technology gets this MFP ready to go within seconds of turning it on, and its solid feature-set will help take your office productivity to the next level.

The HP Laserjet M1319F prints and copies black and white documents fast at speeds up to 19 pages per minute (ppm). Create professional-looking 1200 x 1200 dpi B&W documents with ease, and use the manual duplex printing feature to print on both sides of the paper. Scan documents into your computer in full-color using the M1319f at resolutions as high as 19,200 dpi for superior image quality – even when enlarging the image. Fax at lighting-fast speeds as fast as 3 seconds per page, and the 32 MB of on-board memory will store up to 120 numbers for added convenience.

The HP Laserjet M1319F can handle its fair share of paper with ease. This MFP comes equipped with a 250-sheet input paper tray, 10-sheet priority tray, and 30-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). This Energy Star qualified all-in-one can also handle a heavy workload of up to 8,000 pages per month.

Check the very latest price!

HP Photosmart C7280 All-in-One Printer: multipurpose, versatile InkJet with display and lots of features

If you’re looking for a single device that prints, faxes, copies, and scans, the HP Photosmart C7280 All-in-One Printer, Scanner, and Copier is your answer. The printer has a built-in 2.4-inch display you can use to easily print photos without a PC: Simply put your memory card into the memory card slot (compatible with Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, xD-Picture Card), preview it on the display, and print. Enhancing your photos and removing red eye is as simple as pushing the HP Red-eye Removal button.

The HP Photosmart C7280 produces lab-quality, fade-resistant photo prints by using a six-ink color system for accurate color reproduction. Photos will always print on the correct side of the paper with the right quality settings because of HP Auto Sense technology. And coupled with HP Advanced Photo Paper, the C6280 is sure to produce photos that are smudge and smear-resistant right from the printer. Print speed is outstanding as well, at up to 34 ppm black and 33 ppm color. For those looking to save paper, an included duplexer lets you print on both sides of the paper. Sharing the printer with everyone on your network is simple with both built-in wireless and Ethernet connectivity.

The fax functionality is performed by a 33.6 Kbps modem at speeds up to three seconds per page. The built-in memory can hold up to 90 pages and the fax is capable of color faxing, delayed sending, and auto-redialing with a maximum of 48 broadcasting locations. The scanner uses a Contact Image Scanner (CIS) for scans at up to 4800 dpi optical resolution with a scan size of up to 8.6 by 11.7 inches. The copier supports pages up to this size as well and you can make up to 50 copies in one pass. Color copies are supported and there are settings for enlarging and reducing from 50 to 400 percent. HP Photosmart C7280 supports Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP Home and Professional, and Windows Vista as well as Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.x.

Available for US $ 169.00 (that’s 54% off regular price!)

HP Officejet Pro L7680 Color All-in-One Printer:

Built on HP’s scalable printing technology, the HP Officejet Pro L7680 offers faster speeds, lower costs, and higher quality and reliability. Leveraging HP’s high-capacity, low cost-per-page print Vivera ink cartridges–which are uniquely optimized for plain paper office printing–the HP Officejet L7680 provides laser-quality text and consistent, brilliant images for brochures and marketing collateral. For even better results, and highly smear-resistant prints, use HP Everyday Papers with ColorLok Technology.

Print at breakthrough speeds
Produce professional-quality documents and bring color speeds and proven HP performance into your home or small office. Print at up to 35 pages per minute (ppm) black-and-white and up to 34 ppm color. Conveniently and efficiently create high-impact documents with laser quality speeds of up to 10 ppm color and up to 12 ppm black-and-white text.

Professional quality, low cost
With the HP Officejet Pro L7680 All-in-One you’ll spend less for a professional business color printer. Create color presentation materials, brochures, graphics, and color text for up to a 25 percent lower cost per page than laser all-in-ones–as low as 6 cents per color page and 1.5 cents per black-and-white page. You’ll also save ink and money since HP Vivera ink cartridges are designed for efficient ink usage. Print up to 2,450 black-and-white pages or up to 1,700 color pages before replacing your HP high-capacity ink cartridges.

Reliable innovations
Boost convenience for everyone in your office by sharing your HP Officejet All-in-One with up to 15 computers, thanks to built-in wired and wireless networking. Rely on enhanced faxing to keep you in touch. With memory for up to 125 pages, you will never miss a fax, even if you run out of paper or ink—or if the power is off.

You can also scan documents at up to 2400 dpi CCD optical resolution flatbed scanning into convenient digital files you can easily store, reprint, and share. With Direct Digital Filing, manage and route your documents quickly and easily without a PC. Innovative HP technologies let you scan, share, and archive your work without a PC or software using Direct Digital Filing. Scan your documents and photos directly to memory cards, USB storage devices, or a network folder from your All-in-One’s control panel. Your scanned documents can be saved as a JPG or a PDF for maximum flexibility in sharing.

Simply scan documents to a folder from your control panel–without the need of any special software or a PC. By converting your paper-based documents to a digital format and become more productive and less cluttered.

The built in wired networking allows user to share powerful all in one capabilities.

The HP Officejet Pro L7680 is now available for US $ 239.00 (check this out, it’s 51% off list price!)

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A waterproof- and flash memory-based Camcorder from Panasonic: the SDR-SW20, get ready for summer video shooting!

The Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom combines a rugged, compact body with waterproofing that allows use in water, including seawater, to a depth of five feet, shock-proofing that protects against drops from up to 4 feet, and a dust-proofing design that shuts out airborne dust particles that can lead to malfunction. With a design that protects it from water, dust, and impact, the SW20 is a versatile camcorder that can meet varying weather conditions and shooting environments.

For ease of shooting, the Panasonic SDR-SW20 Camcorder features 10x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen and a new design for easy and comfortable shooting. It also has a grip designed so the user can stabilize the unit by bracing the elbow against the body as with conventional camcorders. In addition, a Sub Rec button on the front of the camera, makes it possible to shoot with a pistol-grip style.

The Panasonic SDR-SW20 records to SD or SDHC memory cards, which further contributes to its compact design and also provides extended recording capability. A 16GB SDHC memory card allows up to approximately 13 hours, 20 minutes of recording.

This model offers the High-Picture-Quality Wide Mode, which produces images that make for beautiful, dramatic viewing on a wide-screen TV. The image is processed on 16:9 area of the CCD. Because the image decoded has the same proportions as your wide-screen TV, there is virtually no picture quality degradation. You get beautiful images and all the excitement and dynamism on either a wide 16:9 screen TV or a conventional 4:3 TV. This model also features a wide 2.7-inch LCD, making it easier to frame shots when you’re shooting in 16:9 mode. You can enjoy shooting wide, and viewing wide.

Built with ease of operation in mind, the Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof Camcorder features truly friendly video Editing and Networking.

Choices are multiple, if you have an MPEG2-compatible DIGA DVD recorder with an internal hard disk and SDHC/SD memory card slot, saving your images on the hard disk is as easy as inserting an SDHC/SD memory card into the slot. This saves space you’d otherwise need for storing the recording media, and makes playback easier. And once the data is on the hard disk, it’s easy to copy it to a DVD disc.

About easy DVD copying, simply connect the SW20 directly to a DVD burner via a USB cable. You can then copy recordings from the SDHC/SD Memory Card to a DVD disc with easy operation.
The disc you make can be played on DVD players, so playback is easy too.

The Panasonic SDR-SW20 includes Editing Software and USB 2.0.
USB 2.0 compatibility lets you upload a motion picture data to a PC at high speed over a single USB cable.

You never have to finalize an SDHC or SD Memory Card, so you can transfer data to a PC right after you shoot. Just slip the card into the slot on the PC, and you’re ready to upload and edit. The camera comes with MotionSD STUDIO software that lets you add music and words during editing or copy your recordings onto a DVD disc.

It’s now available for US $ 229.99 (and that’s a summer cool 42% off list price!)

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Canon Powershot SD990IS: small, ultra-compact, powerful (14 MP!) yet so easy to enjoy!

The ultra-compact PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH: get ready for a cool tech summer!

Loaded with a host of advanced features, such as Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, the SD990 IS is ideal for the trendsetting techie looking for functionality and style.

The Canon Powershot SD990IS showcases enhanced specifications such as 14.7-megapixel resolution, 3.7x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilization and Canon’s new Quick Shot Mode for even faster shutter speeds. Reminiscent of a sporty race car, this new model is available in black or silver.
In addition, to commemorate the 100 millionth compact digital camera manufactured, Canon created a limited-edition Canon Powershot SD990IS Digital ELPH camera in red.

The newly upgraded DIGIC 4 image processor, accounts for the Canon Powershot SD990IS camera’s higher performance levels, including significantly improved signal processing speed and higher image quality. One of the most important new features made possible by the DIGIC 4 image processor is Servo AF, which is a form of continuous focus tracking for moving subjects. By pressing the shutter button half-way, the camera can track subject movement up to the instant of exposure, resulting in sharper photographs. Additionally, the processor’s high ISO speed noise reduction processing has improved substantially to enable consumers to shoot high-quality images, even in extremely dark situations without the use of a flash. The new Intelligent Contrast Correction (aka i-Contrast) function automatically improves image quality in high contrast shooting situations.

Canon Powershot SD990IS features:

  • 14.7 Megapixel CCD sensor for up to 4416×3312 pixel images
  • 3.7x optical 36-133mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization (IS) technology
  • 2.5″ color LCD with 230,000 pixels
  • Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio for HDTV display
  • Ultra-compact body (3.81 x 2.45 x 1.10 in. / 96.7 x 62.2 x 27.9mm)
  • Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system with focus-assist lamp
  • Canon’s Face Detection AF/AE/FE technology with AF-Point Zoom feature
  • Canon’s i-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) technology to help brighten subjects and backgrounds
  • Auto, Program/Manual, Quick Shot, and 17 Scene modes
  • Continuous 1.3fps shooting until memory is full
  • Movie mode w/sound 30fps 640×480/320×240 up to 4GB max. clip size
  • Evaluative, Center weighted, or spot metering
  • Both Flash output and Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
  • White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
  • Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/1600 second
  • Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
  • Selectable ISO settings from 80 to 1600
  • Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
  • Intelligent Orientation Sensor
  • Built-in microphone and speaker
  • Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included
  • Direct print and PictBridge Compliant
  • High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac
  • SD/SDHC and MMC/MMC+/HC MMC+ card storage, 32MB SD card supplied

Right now, the price is US $ 309.99 (saving $ 90.00 or -23% less!)

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Spooky, catchy or piggy? Meet Speakal’s iBoo, iPanda or iPig iPod docking stations and speakers

You may think you’ve seen them all - iPod docking stations we mean.

Meet Speakal’s point of view: docking stations with a strong character and irresistable!

Three models are available: the shy iPanda, the pinky iPig and the spooky iBoo, the smaller one (and the cheapest) but for sure the nasty on in the family!

Speakal’s docking stations are compact in size but packs a real punch with 25 Watts of 2.1-channel sound (15 Watts for the iBoo).

They include patented Touch technology that lets you change the volume by touching the iPanda’s or iPig’s “ears” (again not for the iBoo - it’s got no ears, by the way).

These docking stations are the perfect music buddy for all occasions, with five (three for the iBoo) speakers positioned for maximum sound separation and distribution.
A 15-Watt Subwoofer and Bass Reflex Technology ensure solid bass tones, and a 3.5-mm auxiliary input jack is perfect for connecting iPod shuffles, TVs, gaming consoles, or other music sources.

They’re compatible with most Apple iPods (almost any iPod model with a dock connector!).

Plus, thanks to the auxiliary input and also work with MP3 and MP4 players, portable game consoles (PSP, Nintendo DS), gaming consoles (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox360), portable and non portable CD and DVD players, televisions, personal computers (desktop and laptops), and mobile phones with audio-playing capabilities; the included remote boasts audio controls as well as iPod menu functionality.

They’re environmentally Friendly too! As a green and RoHS product, these speakers efficiently utilize minimal energy and are designed using environmentally friendly components and non-hazardous materials.

The iPig and iPanda retail for US $ 129.99 but are available, for a limited time, with a 21% saving at US $ 103.05.
The iBoo retails for US $ 89.99 but some savings are available too for this model!

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Easy and affordable HD pocket camcorder? Creative Labs Vado is the answer!

If you’ve been looking for an inexpensive HD pocket camcorder, then take a look at the Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom.

It has one touch recording with a spacious 2 inch anti-glare display (which is larger than the 1.5″ of the competing Flip MinoHD.
The 8GB hard drive allows you to record up to 2 hours of 720p HD or 4 hours of VGA footage.

It comes with Vado Central software and a pop out USB tab for easy editing and transfer to YouTube or other online sharing sites.

Best of all, it’s pocket sized at 0.6 x 2.2 x 3.9 inches and weighing just 3.5 ounces. The best video camera is the one you actually have with you and not sitting in your closet at home.
The biggest advantage of the Creative Labs Vado HD is that you can have an HD camcorder with you at all times so you’ll never miss a moment.

The battery is removable, so you can pop in a spare if you need it, or charge up via USB. The camera is also the only pocket camcorder to include an HDMI cable for direct connection to your HDTV.

A great little travel and fun camcorder to have.

Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Camcorder is now in stock and shipping for just under $180! (22% off its regular price!)

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3-by-12 (megapixel) ultrazoom compact cameras: Pentax X70, Olympus SP-590UZ and Nikon Coolpix P90

Ultrazoom compact cameras have come a long way, really long if you consider that two out of three of these sport a 24x zoom lens.

This means, in 35mm jargon, an equivalent 26-624mm zoom. The Olympus SP-590UZ, goes even further, up to 26x (676mm equiv.)!

All three have image stabilization and vibration reduction features; they all reach the 12 megapixel peak and may give you something to think about when choosing your next camera: an ultrazoom compact with DSLR-level features.

Which is the best? Fair bet… each one has its own strong points, so check out for yourself!

The Olympus SP-590UZ: with a 26x optical zoom lens covering a remarkable 26-676mm focal length range, 10fps sequential shooting, and a 12 Megapixel CCD, nothing can escape the scrutiny of the SP-590UZ.
Photographers using the latest Olympus Ultra Zoom can further increase the power of its lens to 130x using the optional TCON-17N Teleconverter.
Luckily, Dual Image Stabilisation is on hand to protect photos from blur caused by camera shake, and Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to bring out details hidden in darker areas of the picture.
So when photographers view their results on the camera’s 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD, they know that they’ll be picture perfect.

The Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD is an all-purpose digital compact camera featuring a high-magnification optical 24x zoom and 6.25x digital zoom lens.
The camera has approximately 12 effective megapixels and utilizes a 1/2.33-inch CCD image sensor.
Its lens focusing distance is 4.6 - 110.4mm (approx. 26-624mm in 35mm format) with an aperture range of F2.8(W)-F5.0(T). The X70 is able to record up to 1280 resolution video and has an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400.
It has Motion Blur Reduction, Hi-sensitivity anti-shake mode (Digital SR), and Movie shake reduction mode (Movie SR).
The camera has a 33.6 MB built-in memory with support for SD/SDHC Memory Card expandibility.
The Pentax X70 has a 2.7-inch 230K AR coating LCD display and an electronic viewfinder (200K dots) and auto and manual focus, macro shots, exposure control, exposure compensation, scene mode, playback mode, shutter speed of 1/4000-1/4 seconds, built-in flash and “Red-eye” reduction. The Pentax X70 is powered by a rechargeable D-LI92 lithium-ion battery, measures 110.5×82.5×89.5mm and weighs 390g (without battery and SD memory card).

The Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3 inch Tilt LCD is among the first Nikon models to advertise the manufacturer’s “four-way” Vibration Reduction image stabilization concept. In addition to optical/mechanical image stabilization, the Nikon P90 utilizes motion detection (which detects subject motion and adjusts shutter speed and/or ISO accordingly), reduced-res high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 6400, and Nikon’s Best Shot Selector (which “automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image”).

Shooting Modes for All
Two new shooting modes on the P90 seek to expand the camera’s utility for different user groups. Aimed at soccer moms and serious shooters alike, the Nikon P90’s Sport Continuous mode captures up to 45 reduced-resolution shots at an outrageously fast 15 fps. Family photographers are also served by a new Smart Portrait System, grouping several auto exposure technologies (including blink detection, smile detection, face detection, and red-eye reduction) for easier access when taking shots of friends and family.
In the interest of enthusiast appeal, the P90 also packs in the typical P/A/S/M manual exposure modes, as well as an electronic viewfinder.

The Nikon P90 weighs in at just over a pound so it didn’t feel like we were shackled to a mid-level DSLR. The weight reduction can be attributed to the Nikon P90’s plastic body. It was obvious that Nikon sacrificed a little structural integrity in exchange for additional controls and features.

Articulating Screen: in this case, though, the big news is that the P90’s screen is articulating (Nikon calls it “Vari-Angle”), allowing the display to be tilted “as much as 90 degrees upward or 45 degrees downward,” according to the manufacturer.

The best three ultrazoom compact cameras around: now it’s up to you to choose!

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Sigma DP1 14MP a no-frills Compact Digital Camera

Why the Sigma DP1 is a new camera concept?

In some way the new Sigma DP1 is a great concept.

Use a small P&S like camera, insert a larger DSLR sensor (here the Foveon sensor of the Sigma SD14) and add a good lens.

Larger sensors can mean less noise and more image quality.

Sigma decided to use a fix focus 28mm f/4 lens which makes it a cool wide-angle compact camera.

Maybe to get a smaller lens the sensor could even be slightly smaller. Also the decision to have a good optical viewfinder (although optional with the Sigma DP1) is a good idea.

The main reason for the attracting so much interest is its sensor: the controversial Foveon X3 sensor capable of 14MP resolution, and the first APS-C sized sensor in a compact digicam.

The senso