CordGo Wraps It Up! No More Tangles!

Here's another gadget that I wished I had inverted -- it's simply called Cordgo, and in a way that is what is does (or enables you to do).

A one hand-operated cord adjustment and storage accessory, Cordgo's durable, lightweight design fits in the palm of your hand to deliver cord control.

No more dangling iPod cords, cell phone cords, MP3 player cords; in fact, any cord up to 3mm in diameter.

Cordgo was designed to perform as an integral component between cord and digital device so it adjusts the cord automatically to "the perfect length."

It eliminates the tangling and physical interference of a cord and can be clipped to your belt, arm band, key chain, car visor, bag or slipped it in your pocket.

MSRP: $9.95 (and now with a "buy one, get one free" offer, plus free decals that can be affixed to the face of the cover)

www.cordgo.com

 

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: CordGo Wraps It Up! No More Tangles!

Tags: cell phone, cord storage, cordgo, ipod, mp3 player
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on August 28th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on MP3 Players & Digital Audio and iPod and cell phone and mp3 player.

Speakers That (Are) Rock

What would summer be without listening to your favorite music al fresco?

Now that doesn't have to mean a festival or town music series and it certainly means more than going personally mobile with an MP3 player or other digital music device (remember when that meant "CD player"?).

What I'm talking about is an outdoor speaker system that sounds good and blends into the great outdoors.

And what I'm listening to now is Sonance's CRK20 Rock Speaker, part of its C-Series of outdoor speakers, which delivers high-quality audio to outdoor spaces (like my backyard) while effortlessly blending-into the environment. (Or at least coming close.)

The CRK20's rock-like appearance lets them become a part of the outdoor landscape, and their weather-resistant speaker elements are intended to provide years of outdoor listening pleasure in any listening location -- pool, garden or lawn (your choice).

Features include:

• Rock-like appearance and finish blends-in with outdoor environments
• Higher performance than typical outdoor speakers
• Weather-resistant polypropylene woofer cones with rubber surrounds deliver strong bass
• Internal wire connections prevent moisture from damaging connections
• Tweeter: 1.0" (25mm) polyurethane dome
• Woofer: 8.0" (203mm) black polypropylene cone with a rubber surround
• Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20kHz + 3dB
• Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
• Power Handling: 5 - 150 Watts
• SPL: 90 dB
• Dimensions (WxHxD):15-1/2" (394mm) x 13-1/2" (343mm) x 11-1/2" (292mm)
• Available in granite and brown

www.sonance.com

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: Speakers That (Are) Rock

Tags: cd player, crk20, mp3 player, outdoor speakers, sonance
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on August 4th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on MP3 Players & Digital Audio and mp3 player and cd player and crk20 and outdoor speakers and sonance.

Train Spotting

Maybe it's the intense heat (hot as blazes!), but seems to be a drop in gadget use on the train this morning.

(I thought everyone was goin' mobile!)

Last time, seems that just about half the commuters had some sort of gadget that they were using to pass the time (mobile phone, iPod or other MP3 player, notebook computer, Blackberry), but today that percent dropped to less than 1 in 10 (that 10% -- but let's not rush back to school quite yet).

Today, we had a couple of Dell notebooks (one IBM ThinkPad -- or was it Lenovo?), an iPod, Blackberry and Treo -- and that's about it.

Let's see if gadget usage increases in the fall, when it should be cooler ...

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: Train Spotting

Tags: blackberry, dell, ibm, ipod, lenovo, mp3 player, thinkpad, treo
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on August 1st, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Gadgets and iPod and BlackBerry and dell and treo and ibm and mp3 player and lenovo and thinkpad.

Intel Adding Power (Wtih Micron) & Going Green

As the demand for energy conservation continues to grow, corporations are tailoring their products to better meet consumers' needs.

Intel underscored this trend when it unveiled 10 new Intel Core 2 Duo and Core Extreme processors earlier this week. The new processors are designed to conserve energy by more than 40 percent while simultaneously running numerous applications at faster speeds.

(Faster, better, cheaper anyone?)

Intel officials say these new processors enhance high-definition video playback, protect a PC and its assets during e-commerce transactions and offer a longer battery life.

In related news, Intel and Micron Technology jointly announced that they are working together to develop a new, more powerful flash memory chip designed to offer greater capacity for mobile devices and other consumer electronics. (This according to Newsfactor.)

The new chip technology offers 4Gb of memory, whereas the current generation of flash memory, like that which used in MP3 players, typically reaches only 1Gb.

Engineered through IM Flash Technology, a joint venture of both companies, the smaller-sized flash chips could provide more memory for storing more songs on portable music devices or more pictures in a camera phone.

To get the full picture, visit www.newsfactor.com

 

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: Intel Adding Power (Wtih Micron) & Going Green

Tags: camera phone, core 2 duo, core extreme, flash memory, im flash technology, intel, micron, mp3 player
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on July 28th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Computer Hardware and intel and mp3 player and camera phone and core 2 duo and core extreme and flash memory and im flash technology and micron.

Microsoft Zune takes on iPod

As several news sites have reported, Microsoft plans to release a new music and entertainment player and accompanying software under the "Zune" brand this year to challenge the Apple iPod media player. The latest Apple iPod plays both music and videos with the ability to download TV shows and now even full-fledged movies via iTunes. Microsoft hopes to take some of the 70& marketshare from Apple which has dominated the portable media player market.

The sad thing is, Microsoft could have dominated this market had they minituarized the bulky PocketPC years ago. The PocketPC enjoyed some success, but never really took off. Part of the reason was that PocketPCs were too bulky to use as an MP3 player while jogging on a treadmill or just walking down the street. Even when Dell launched the Axim series of PocketPCs, which were thinner and lighter, it was too late. Blackberries stole the show for remote email access and the iPod stole the show for portable music leaving PocketPCs out in the cold. Even though the PocketPC could do remote email, play mp3s, as well as GPS navigation and other functionality, it unfortunately suffered from doing too many things "ok" and did not do one thing really really well.

Dell discontinued the Axim PocketPC series, and Windows Mobile 5 finally put the final nail in the coffin for PocketPCs. Why have a dedicated PocketPC PDA when you can get a Windows Mobile 5 smartphone that is a PDA plus a phone, and all the other functionality - mp3 player, calendar, email, etc.

Personally, I'd rather Microsoft offer a smartphone that can store >20GB of music and video content rather than try and compete with Apple's "one trick pony" iPod, which doesn't have smartphone functionality. All of the cellphones or even smartphones I have used have a terrible built-in MP3 player or didn't have enough storage. Most smartphones use SD/miniSD cards instead of hard drives to conserve battery power. If Microsoft were to offer a Windows Mobile 5 smartphone with >20GB of multimedia storage, decent standby/talk time, and an intuitive user interface (iPod-like) then I'd buy it in a nano-second.

So Microsoft, take my advice and forget about competing with the iPod with a single purpose "Zune" media player and instead offer a compelling converged device that does everything the iPod can do and more all on an easy-to-use smartphone. As a gadget-lover, this would be my dream device and I'd auction off my current iPod on eBay faster than you can say "buh bye iPod."

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: Microsoft Zune takes on iPod

Tags: apple, dell, ipod, itunes, microsoft, mp3 player, video player, zune
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on July 24th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Microsoft and Apple and iPod and dell and itunes and mp3 player and zune and video player.

Gadget Protection at Its Best: Go Allsop!

Loved the Allsop Splash Pack DriPod so much that we've just added another one to keep some of my precious gadgets dry this summer!

(And no, that is not a giant tongue!)

The Splash Pack is an air-tight case for your iPod that features a triple seal, heat-sealed headphone jack, it's fully submersible to almost 10 feet (three meters to be exact).

The lanyard makes it easy to hang it around your neck, drape on your beach lounger or strap to your kayak.

Not just for iPods, it can be used with many small electronic gadgets, like another MP3 player, digital camera or cell phone.

Price: $19.99

www.allsop.com

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: Gadget Protection at Its Best: Go Allsop!

Tags: allsop splash pack dripod, cell phone, digital camera, ipod, mp3 player, www.allsop.com
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on July 7th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Uncategorized and MP3 Players & Digital Audio and iPod and digital camera and cell phone and mp3 player and www.allsop.com.

July 4th: Whatever Happened to Boomboxes at the Beach?

Thinking about July 4th and how the holiday (at least for me) brings of thoughts of fireworks, BBQs and the beach ...

Now, with all of the noise about MP3 players and iPods and personal music players, whatever happened to beaches filled with boomboxes on July 4th? 

Yes, they are loud, often play music we don't want to hear, but they do foster a sense of community when you're at the beach with friends.

Are there still "No Radio Playing" signs at your local beach?

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: July 4th: Whatever Happened to Boomboxes at the Beach?

Tags: boombox, ipod, july 4, mp3 player
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on July 3rd, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on MP3 Players & Digital Audio and iPod and mp3 player and boombox and july 4.

Shure Sound Isolating Earphones: How Sweet It Is …

What with MP3 players, iPods, CD players, cell phones and all kinds of other gadgets, it seems like just about everybody is wearing earphones these days!

It may seem like a weird analogy, but the same adage about treating your feet to the best goes the same (at least for me) with earphones (or headphones as they used to be called).

With that in mind, it's hard to beat Shure's i3c Integrated Sound Isolating Earphones + Mobile Headset (some name!).

What makes these earphones work so well is Shure's long heritage in audio, especially in the very demanding professional audio industry. Wideband Microdriver Technology provides an extended frequency soundstage, and the VoicePort microphone filters out background noise and minimizes wind, ensuring every call is loud and clear.

Designed for on-the-go audio purists, the i3c gives me the convenience of either listening to music or answering a call on my mobile phone (via the bug-like device below). Standard versions work with portable audio players and most cell phones. The dual connector versions allows me to plug into both a portable audio player and a mobile phone, while a single connector version is available for use with the Treo 650 and 700W.

Let's get into the technology a bit.

The i3c's in ear design works like an earplug to block background noise naturally. This enables me to listen comfortably at lower volumes, even in loud environments. Unlike bulky headphones that utilize active noise cancellation technology, no audio artifacts are introduced to affect my listening experience. Sound isolating earphones are also much smaller and don't require batteries.

Outside noise is reduced by 30-37 dB, so no matter how noisy it gets on the train or at the airport, I can always hear my music or your conversation.

The i3c's speakers are constructed with the same studio-grade components as Shure's award-winning E Series Earphones, delivering an extended frequency range that allows me to hear all of the music, while the VoicePort Inline Microphone is acoustically tuned to filter out background noise and minimize wind noise-ensuring so that callers hear me clearly even in the noisiest situations.

MSRP: $209.00

www.shure.com 

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: Shure Sound Isolating Earphones: How Sweet It Is ...

Tags: cd player, cell phone, earphones, ic3 sound isolating earphones + mobile headset, ipod, mp3 player, shure
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on June 30th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on MP3 Players & Digital Audio and iPod and cell phone and mp3 player and cd player and earphones and ic3 sound isolating earphones + mobile headset and shure.

Fun in the Sun (and Water?): Keeping That iPod Dry

Now here'a a really good idea for summer fun in the sun (and water) -- Allsop's Splash Pack DriPod!

(And the way it's been raining in the Northeast, this might work well ...)

I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.

Whether we’re talking cassette walkmans, CD players or iPods, portable music allows us to create a soundtrack for nearly every moment of our lives.

Until now the only concern has been our electronics surviving the elements: the sand at the beach, the water out in the bay or the splashing by the pool. Well, now those moments in nature can have their soundtrack, too.

The Splash Pack is an air-tight case for your iPod. Protect it from water, sand, Jell-o or anything else nature can throw at you. And unlike those hard cases, the Splash Pack lets you adjust the volume, jump to the next song or browse your music catalog while keeping your iPod sealed and protected.

Price: $19.99 (large); $14.99 (small)

www.allsop.com

TrackBack (0) | Comments (1) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: Fun in the Sun (and Water?): Keeping That iPod Dry

Tags: allsop, ipod, mp3 player, splash pack dripod
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on June 26th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Uncategorized and MP3 Players & Digital Audio and iPod and mp3 player and splash pack dripod.

Microsoft iPod/iTune Killer Under Development?

All kind of noise yesterday about Microsoft developing a MP3 player to compete with Apple's iPod as well as a music download service to rival iTunes ...

Hard to imagine this is any kind of "iPod/iTunes slayer" -- anybody think any differently?

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us

Tags: apple, ipod, itunes, microsoft, mp3 player
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on June 20th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Microsoft and Apple and MP3 Players & Digital Audio and iPod and itunes and mp3 player.

How Many NYC Marathons with Nike+?

With the New York City Marathon this weekend -- Sunday to be exact -- got to wondering how many runners will be equipped with MP3 players to pass the time (does add a bit of weight, though).

That thought then moved on to how many runners will be get up with Nike+ shoes, the Nike+iPod Sport Kit and an iPod Nano? This is the setup that puts the iPod in the shoe (could cause a bit of a balance problem, eh?).

Bet the top runners won't be passing the time this way, but would make mucho sense to go the mobile music route for the marathoners out for the fun of it.

Hey, and if not music, then how about mobile phone calls during the race? Get the Bluetooth set up, get the earpiece attached nicely and find a spot for the phone.

Will anyone still be running with headphones and a CD player or cassette player or AM/FM radio? Bet there will be some.

 

TrackBack (0) | Comments (0) | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadget Blog | Permalink: How Many NYC Marathons with Nike+?

Tags: am/fm radio, cassette player, cd player, ipod, mp3 player, nano, new york city marathon, nike+
Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
Read more articles on MP3 Players & Digital Audio and iPod and mp3 player and cd player.