Canon is mostly known for its line of cameras running the gamut from entry-level point-and-shoots to high-end DSLR with tons of features. Canon also makes a full range of other gear including projectors. Canon has added six new projectors to its line aimed at business users and education.

The new models include the LV-8310, LV-8215, LV-7385, LV-7380, LV-7285, and LV-7280 projectors. All share many of the same features including a new lamp lighting system that reduces power consumptions and extends lamp life. The projectors also have a carbon reduction meter and an auto energy save function. A special standby mode also allows the projectors to use under 1W of power in stand-by mode.

The major difference between the models is the brightness they offer. The 7385 has 3500 lumens, the 8310 and 7380 each have 3000 lumens, the 8215 and 7285 have 2600 lumens, and the 7280 has 2200 lumens. The line all feature DVI interfaces supporting HDCP and have RS-232 and Ethernet jacks. The 8310 will sell for $1199, the 8215 will sell for $1099, the 7385 will sell for $1699, 7380 is $999, 7285 is $899, and the 7280 is $799. All of the models will ship in April.

Via : Slash Gear

It seems that Acer likes to sneak some of their netbooks under the radar. Of course, we don’t necessarily think they should try and hide these. After all, an 11.6-inch capacitive touchscreen netbook seems pretty great to us. And sure, these models seem to be upgrades to two Acer model netbooks that still haven’t been released, we’re still plenty excited.

The two previous version of the PT line-up, the 1820PT and 1820PTZ were announced at the end of last year, but as was aforementioned, they have yet to make it to the market. Nevertheless, that doesn’t seem to be stopping Acer from trucking on ahead, and manufacturing netbooks that might make you not want to necessarily buy the previous versions. Specs wise, the 1825PT is packed with a 1.3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 processor, has 4GB of RAM, and a 250GB hard drive. The 1825PTZ features a 1.3GHz Intel Pentium SU4100 processor, 250GB hard drive, and 3GB of RAM. That should obviously make it a bit cheaper than the PT as well.

The details tell us that both netbooks will come with Windows 7 Home Premium Edition, which means more customization than the Windows 7 Starter Edition that makes an appearance on most netbooks. Pricing about the netbooks is currently debatable, but apparently it’s shown up in Italy for €693.15, which is about $942. Hopefully, if this device does indeed make it to the States, the pricing will drop significantly. Of course, it’s a capacitive touchscreen, so we might be hoping a bit too hard for the impossible.

Via : Slash Gear

The new Dell S300W can produce a 90-inch, 720p image from a three-foot distance. Other specs include 2200 ANSI lumens of brightness,  a 2400:1 contrast ratio, and 3-D capability! The device also features wireless connectivity, as well as a USB input for plug-and-play video playback. This thing seems perfect for presentations, movies, or any other media you throw at it.

Here is a long list of specs and benefits from the horses mouth:

• Projects brilliant 60” and 90” diagonal images from close distances
• Up to 2200 ANSI lumens (max) and 720p high-definition (HD) resolution
• Provides for shadow-free presentations
• Don’t be grounded. Go wireless: Enjoy advanced wireless features and experience mobility and flexibility by driving and hosting live presentations wirelessly from virtually anywhere in the room.
• Plug-and-Show via USB: Direct and hassle-free projection via USB flash drive plugged into PC using the Application Token wizard.
• Shadow-Free Capability: Unlike some projectors, the S300w doesn’t cast shadows on the presentation screen when the presenter is between the projector and the screen. This makes for clear, understandable presentations.
• No More Squinting: Up-close projection capabilities allow presenters to face their audiences without being “blinded” by bright projector light.
• Ideal Short-Throw Distances: Even in tight spaces, you won’t miss a thing with the S300w. From approximately two feet away, it projects a crisp 60” diagonal image, and from approximately three feet away, it produces an astonishing 90” diagonal image.



• 3-D-Capable: The S300w is capable of adapting to 3-D¹, ensuring that you’re ready for the next generation of powerful presentations.
• Closed Captioning: Built-in closed-captioning capability allows users with hearing disabilities to read the audio portion of select video and TV programs as on-screen text.
• Exceptional Brightness & Contrast: 2200 ANSI lumens (max) brightness and high 2400:1 typical (full on/full off) contrast ratio help to ensure that your presentations retain their impact in a wide variety of rooms and environments.
• Riveting Resolution: WXGA (1280×800) native resolution with native 16:10 aspect ratio offers superb image quality with up to 30% more pixels than XGA (1024×768)³ and high-definition viewing at 720p.
• DLP^® & BrilliantColor^TM : Equipped with DLP^® and BrilliantColor^TM technology, the S300w offers impressive picture reliability.
• Superb Monitoring Capabilities: Crestron RoomView^TM Express comes free with the S300w. This software allows administrators and support staff to perform remote system diagnostics, monitor lamp life, log network activity, and automate tasks through event scheduling. Tasks that once required days are completed in a few mouse clicks, helping save time and money.
• Wireless 4-to-1: With standard 4-to-1 split-screen projection, the S300w simultaneously projects up to four different user screens, conveniently allowing real-time side-by-side comparisons that can increase productivity in meetings and classrooms.
• Multi-PC Sessions: The S300w can wirelessly² connect up to 20 PCs simultaneously, bringing people from various locations together and creating outstanding efficiencies.
• Conference Control: Using the conference-control function, a moderator can control and streamline presentations via a Web-based control page.
• Flexible Connectivity: The S300w offers multiple connectivity options to enhance multimedia presentations, including a HDMI connector, a microphone port and dual VGA connections that enable seamless transitions between presenters.
• Wired Networking: RJ-45 allows for network manageability, including power management, updating firmware, checking status, receiving email alerts and more.

The Dell S300W short-throw projector is now available for $999.

(www.dell.com)

Published on March 19, 2010

Will Microsoft actually remove their 120GB hard drive, such as the one found in the Pro system?  Actually, it looks like you can only share up to 16GB of stored Xbox 360 date on an external drive.  The drive must also be at least 1GB in capacity, since the Xbox formatting/partitioning uses 512mb of space.  Also what is not clear, is if copying games to the hard drive will be supported, though a quote from the source (below) seems to indicate so.

“USB storage devices may, however, have far greater memory capacity than MUs (at the date of writing, the largest MU is 512 MB), and may therefore support previously infeasible operations-such as installation of a full disc-based title.”

The update will only support up to two external storage devices.  (www.xbox.com)

Published on March 19, 2010

“As the market leader in rotary tools, the Dremel brand wants to deliver the high level of performance our users have come to rely on in a corded tool, but in a cordless package that gives them the freedom and range needed to complete any do-it-yourself, woodworking or hobby project,” said Brian Benes, Dremel product manager. “Thanks to continued innovations in technology and insightful feedback from Dremel enthusiasts, we believe the Dremel 8200 is unlike any other cordless rotary available – it’s better.”

The Dremel 8200 features a variable speed range of 5,000 to 30,000 rotations per minute and is the only cordless Dremel rotary tool compatible with all Dremel accessories and attachments, including the high-performance MultiSaw and Planer attachments. In addition, an enhanced design with 360-degree grip zone with soft grip enables added comfort and stability. A separate on/off switch, which retains speed settings for ease of use, and sliding speed-switch were strategically placed so as not to interfere with the grip. The sliding speed-switch features easy-to-read speed markings for accurate settings. An innovative shaft lock mechanism lets users lock the output shaft quickly when changing accessories.

The Dremel 8200 is the highest performance cordless rotary tool available, featuring a new, high-performance motor that facilitates maximum performance at all speeds. By combining this motor with the 12VMAX Lithium-Ion™ battery, the 8200 has a speed-of-cut that is two times faster than the leading cordless rotary tool. A new, one-hour charger is the fastest charger ever offered by Dremel and provides less downtime between projects and more time using the tool to complete them.

The Dremel 8200 will be available beginning in April 2010 at most hardware stores and home improvement centers nationwide. The Dremel 8200 comes with a two-year warranty and will retail for a suggested retail price range from $99 to $139 USD. In Canada, the Dremel 8200 kits will retail for a suggested retail range from $129 to $169 CAD. (www.dremel.com, or call Dremel at 1-800-437-3635)

Published on March 19, 2010

The four new configurations all feature the finest components available, including the newest ATI Radeon and NVIDIA GeForce high-definition video cards, which all support DirectX 11 graphics.  The Paladin F950, F970 and XLC V3 all pack 12GB of DDR3 Memory, provide at least a 1 TB of storage space and a Blu-ray drive.  The fully loaded F970 and XLC V3 also come standard with an 80GB solid state drive and have been upgraded to Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate.  Additionally, like all iBUYPOWER desktop systems, the newest Paladin model all feature free liquid CPU cooling.

Gamers looking to get the most out of their new six core systems can take advantage of the iBUYPOWER Labs’ Power Drive Overclocking Service, which overclocks the CPU by as much as 30% and comes standard on the Paladin XLC V3.  Other innovative iBUYPOWER exclusive products and services include the Harmony Sound Reduction System, the Internal USB Expansion System, and iBUYPOWER’s Specialized Advanced Packaging System with expanding foam inserts to prevent damage during shipping.

The new Paladin systems start at $2,159 and are available now at www.iBUYPOWER.com.

Customers with more specific gaming needs can configure a fully customizable system at www.iBUYPOWER.com. All iBUYPOWER systems also come standard with 1 year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.

Published on March 19, 2010

Orange now announces the launch of the new stereo Micro Crush practice amp (product Code CR6S). This highly portable compact practice amp, has two speakers for full stereo sound plus line-out/auxiliary-in sockets.

It includes a 2.5mm stereo jack socket to plug in your Ipod/MP3 player, a gain control, built-in tuner and comes with 18 volt power supply included.

With a width of 23cm, Height15.5cm and depth of 10cm the amp once plugged in sounds like an Orange amp through and through, pumping out a mighty 3 watts per channel.  ($ 75.00, www.orangeamps.com)

Published on March 19, 2010

The Valhalla redesign is one of those rumors that won’t go away, and it doesn’t help when an image like this surfaces. So, what is Valhalla? It’s a new design that allows for the GPU and CPU to be on one chip, and therefore take less power and energy to cool and function. It will also reduce the cost of manufacturing, along with make the box a lot quieter while it’s running. The image is from China, where apparently the mainboard is being tested.

But, that’s not all. The rumor goes that this isn’t just a redesign of the motherboard. And the story isn’t about the combination of the GPU and CPU, either. The Valhalla redesign is apparently prompting Microsoft to redesign the console itself. From what we can tell, this means that the Xbox 360 might be getting . . . Slimmer. Similar to the PlayStation 3, perhaps. That means buying a new Xbox 360, if it comes down to it. And while revamping the console in time with releasing Project Natal makes sense to some, we can only hope that Microsoft does a pretty nice bundle, if that is indeed the case. Anyone going to start saving up?

Via : Slash Gear

The New York Times has been talking to people familiar with the matter, so that’s about all the official word we have on the project for now. Google is bringing Android, Intel is bringing the chips, and Sony is hoping beyond hope that if they tag along, people will want their TVs again. What is the goal? They want you to be able to make it from Twitter, to Picasa, and back again, just by “changing the channel.” At least, they want the experience to be that easy. Yes, this is sounding dangerously like WebTV, but we won’t hold that against the companies. In fact, we’re interested in seeing just what Google’s Android would be capable of in a set-top box, or running behind the scenes on our TVs.

And we can’t forget Logitech in all of this. They’ve got the peripherals thing down, so, sure enough, they’re sticking with what they know best. Apparently the project has been going for several months now, but spokespeople from each refused to comment. So, what does all this mean? Just about nothing, right now. Until one of these companies actually comes out and drops a hint themselves, take this one with a grain of salt.

Via : Slash Gear

There’s a new computerized system that is designed to take the guesswork out of growing houseplants. The Click & Grow system takes care of all a plant’s needs such as watering and fertilizing by way of sensors, a processor and special software contained in the pot.

The Click & Grow system doesn’t use soil as a growing medium. Instead it relies on aeroponics – a growing system that grows the plants in an air or mist environment. All you need to do is place a plant cartridge containing some seeds into the pot, fill the water tank and upload the proper growth program to the pot and the Click & Grow system will take care of the rest.

Although basic models include notification lights to let growers when the water tank needs refilling, more expensive models will even free growers of this task by collecting water from the air. Aside from the seeds, the plant cartridge also contains some basic fertilizer and information about the seed type. After the cartridge has been placed into the pot, users then need to connect the pot to a PC via a USB cable to download the appropriate growth program to suit the plant’s needs. The pot then constantly measures all of the parameters affecting plant growth to ensure the plant receives the best of tailored care.

The Click & Grow system enables users to grow any houseplant – a cactus, rose, or some other exotic plant that people often find difficult to grow because it takes too much effort.

The Click & Grow pots will start at around $24, with seed cartridges selling for between $4-6 at nurseries or on the Internet. (www.clickandgrow.com)

Published on March 18, 2010