Sandisk offers Skype on a USB stick

Just last week Vonage launched their "VoIP-on-a-stick" V-Phone (see review) and now it appears that Sandisk is going to all offer "VoIP-on-a-stick" by bundling the Skype application pre-loaded on the SanDisk Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium lines of Skype-certified U3 smart drives. The nice thing about this USB-based VoIP sticks is that you can make and receive VoIP calls from almost any PC without leaving any information behind on the host computer, but it's still a very "niche" feature.

The SanDisk Cruzer Micro with Skype preloaded is available at retail outlets in U.S. and Europe, including Skype’s online store, for suggested retail prices ranging from $39.99 to $199.99.  Capacities are 512 megabytes (MB), 1 gigabyte (GB), 2GB and 4GB.  SanDisk Cruzer Titanium with Skype comes in 1GB and 2GB, at suggested prices of $74.99 and $119.99 respectively, and is now shipping in most major markets.

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Tags: cruzer, sandisk, skype, usb, voip, vonage
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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on July 10th, 2006 with no comments.
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Vonage V-Phone ho-hum

Vonage announced their oft-rumored USB "VoIP-on-a-stick" product today. Nothing new here, Mplat has a similar product called Mplat FlashPhone F2K that I wrote about. Unlike the Vonage V-Phone which is limited to Vonage, the Mplat device not only comes standard with Skype software but it's also compatible with MSN, Google Talk, and other VoIP services. Prices for the Mplat device start at about $40 for the 128MB unit and $80 for the 512MB model. VoiceStick also has their USB "VoIP-on-a-stick" product that has been out for awhile. It's unclear how much memory is on the USB-based V-Phone and if Vonage allows you to install third-party applications, like say Skype?

As Russell Shaw points out, who is going to pay $40 just to make a VoIP call when you can just pick up the phone? Sure the $40 gives you a turnkey VoIP solution (embedded Vonage software) that you can simply install into someone else's PC and then be "good to go". But are you really "good to go"? Does this PC have a microphone or headset? Unlike the Mplat, I don't believe the V-Phone has a builit-in mic, but I'll have to confirm that.

Why a user wouldn't simply download and use the Vonage softphone client instead of paying $40 is beyond me. Although, you have to pay $9.99/month for 500 softphone minutes, but you do get the added benefit of gaining access to your SIP credentials for use in other SIP devices.

I wrote back in February that a source informed me that Vonage would be opening up their SIP credentials which would enable third-party softphone clients (and SIP ATAs) to connect to the Vonage service. This was supposed to happen at the end of 1Q, but that didn't happen. Instead Vonage launched their failed IPO and now have their shareholders to answer to. They certainly aren't going to open their SIP credentials now (for free), since that would negate the need to pay $9.99/month for the softphone client and upset already irate Vonage shareholders. Now that Vonage is a public company, I wonder if their first SEC filing will include a breakdown of not only the number of subscribers, but the number of paying softphone client users as well. They may have had to disclose that information already as part of the IPO process. I'll have to go look. But in summary, nothing to see here. Move along...

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Tags: usb, v-phone, voip, vonage
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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on June 28th, 2006 with no comments.
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Lexmark JumpDrive Mercury USB 1GB memory stick

Lexmark JumpDrive Mercury USB 1GB memory stick was just reviewed by EverythingUSB.com. The story? Well, unlike other USB memory sticks, the Lexmark JumpDrive Mercury has a "meter" that displays how much memory if left on the device, so you aren't fumbling for another memory stick if you fill the memory up. According to EverythingUSB, "the 10-bar capacity meter shows a high level of contrast that is easily visible in direct sunlight and requires virtually no power to run." Check out the full review.

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Tags: jumpdrive, lexmark, memory stick , usb
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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on June 12th, 2006 with no comments.
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Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset review

Plantronics sent me their Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset to review. Unlike any other Bluetooth headsets, the Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset is the first to simultaneously support both VoIP softphones on your PC and your Bluetooth mobile phone simultaneously -- negating the need to deregister/re-register your Bluetooth connection with the other device. Plantronics is able to do this using their exclusive Multipoint Technology.

Measuring 4.0 x 2.5 x 0.8 inches and weighing 5.6 ounces, the Voyager 510 headset is pretty lightweight - after awhile you don't even notice it is there. It is slightly heavier and bulkier than the Motorola HS850 , but I found the Voyager 510-USB much more comfortable on my ear. The Motorola HS850 would often dangle and not stay put.

Many PCs or even laptops don't have built-in Bluetooth, but fortunately, the Voyager 510-USB includes a plug and play Bluetooth USB adapter that works without the need for any software drivers. This enables mobile professionals to engage in one-step hands-free VoIP calling. If you want the ability to perform remote-end answer/hang-up integration with softphones you'll need to install the PerSonoCall application.

The system integrates with enterprise softphone software from leading companies — including Avaya, Cisco, Nortel, Skype, and others — to offer call notification and remote call answering through the headset. It also is compatible with most popular consumer VoIP services, like AOL, MSN, and Yahoo! although it doesn't feature remote call answer with these yet. I tested the ability to remotely answer incoming Skype calls from the 510-USB and it worked without a hitch. On an incoming Skype call from Greg Galitzine I simply pressed the call control button on the 510-USB and the Skype call was accepted. Beauty, eh?


Profle of the Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth Headset

The headset's "smart" technology knows which Bluetooth device you are using and allows you to take calls from any device simply by hitting the button. With the optional Plantronics Bluetooth Deskphone Adapter you can even switch between your office phone and your Bluetooth mobile phone. Thus, you won't need to use a dedicated "landline" phone headset.

The headset features a noise-canceling microphone for clearer conversations and the mic boom swivels to position on either ear. The 510 supports adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) which helps avoid interference from WiFi networks. It supports a hefty 6 hours talk time using the built-in Lithium polymer rechargeable battery and up to 100 hours of standby time.


Front View of the Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth Headset

When you place the headset on the charging base, it automatically turns off the headset and charges it. Fortunately, when you remove the Voyager 510 from the charging base it remembers to turn it back on. Similarly, if you manually shut off the headset (depress power switch for 3s) and then place it on the charger, if you remove the headset from the base, the headset stays off. I wonder if the headset isn't truly "off" when you place the Voyager headset onto the charging base while it is still on? It's probably in a pseudo-sleep mode, but not totally powered off. The difference in charging the battery is probably negligible, so most users will probably keep the headset always turned on even when charging.


Plantronics USB-510 charging base connected to 1 USB port.
Bluetooth dongle connected to PC's 2nd USB port

Button functionality & testing
I had some minor difficulties with the power on/off switch which is very small and located just in front of the volume buttons, and it requires a very hard press. When the headset is on your ear, making a hard button press took a little getting used to. In any case, there are basically three buttons on the headset. The first button is simply a +/- volume button, which happens to be the largest of the three making it easy to adjust the volume.

The 2nd button is the small black button I mentioned which toggles the power button (and mute with a quick depress). The power button requires you hold the button for 3s to toggle the power. Well, they advertise in the manual that it's 3 seconds, but I tested it and it's actually 3s to turn on and just 2-2.5s to turn off. The 3s is a tad long to turn on, but useful I suppose to prevent accidentally turning on or off the headset. Of course, like I said, you have to press the power button pretty hard, so I doubt it would be pressed by accident. It probably has more to do with the time it takes to negotiate a connection with the other Bluetooth devices.

The 3rd button is placed where the boom mic meats the ear piece and it is used to call answer or end the call, as well as toggle between your PC Bluetooth connection and your Bluetooth mobile phone. It is also used to activate voice dialing, redial, and other functions.

To activate last number redial you simply double click the call control button. You will hear a high tone for each key press. When you hear a further tone, the last number has been redialed. In addition, when receiving an incoming call you can press and hold the call control button to reject a call. You will hear a tone. When you hear a second tone, the call has been rejected and you can release the button.

Voice Dialing & Call Transfer to other BT device
You can easily perform voice dialing supported by your mobile phone by pressing and holding the call control button for 2 seconds until you hear a second tone. Then you can speak the name of the person you wish to reach. Switching a call from your mobile phone to the headset is pretty straightforward. You simply briefly press the call control button. Switching a call from the headset back to the phone requires a slighly longer button press until you hear a tone indicating the transfer has been complete. I was able to listen to streaming music on the 510-USB, hear beeps in the headset that an incoming call was coming in, and then press the call control to answer the call.

Features

• Multipoint Technology allows you to seamlessly switch between two Bluetooth devices
• Noise-canceling microphone for superior sound quality
• Up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours standby time
• One-touch call answer/end, last number redial and voice activated dialing
• Compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting the headset or hands-free profile
• Noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology for brilliant sound both indoors and out;
• Lightweight, foldable design for all-day comfort and easy storage;
• Boom swivels for use on either ear;
• 33-foot roaming distance. feet away from voice-enabled Bluetooth devices

Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible and foldable to stow in pocket
- Cool charging base
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Comes with 3 different sized ear pieces for the best fit
- Includes a small portable USB Bluetooth "dongle" to Bluetooth-enable any PC/laptop
- Range performance was good - better than other BT headsets I have tested

Cons
- Too dependent on the time a button is depressed for some functionality - another button to take the load of one of the features might be good
- Power switch is small and hard to depress
- USB Bluetooth dongle doesn't have a key ring to put in on your keychain
- Can switch from listening to PC audio (music or Skype call) to an incoming mobile phone call,  however if you switch from the mobile phone to your PC (music or Skype call), it ends the mobile phone call. I wish there was a way to switch to the PC (put caller on hold) without disconnecting the mobile phone call.

Conclusion
The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is one of the best if not the best Bluetooth headset you can buy, period. Its ability to register with both your PC's audio software applications (including VoIP) and your Bluetooth-enabled phone is a key differentiating factor. The audio quality was very good and the headset itself is very flexible making it very comfortable to wear. I didn't have any issues with the headset losing the Bluetooth connection (cutting out) at all and the range is very good. I highly recommend the Voyager 510-USB.

The Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset is available on Amazon for just $47.99.

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Tags: bluetooth, headset, hs850, motorola , plantronics, usb, voyager 510

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on May 25th, 2006 with no comments.
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ZTMax iMage driverless USB camera

New USB video camera from ZTMax that is driver-less called the iMage. Essentially, it's a driverless CCD webcam that works on both PC and MAC. Not requiring a driver is pretty cool, but do we need another USB camera on an already USB camera-saturated market?

Features:
- 640 x 480 (VGA) 1/7-inch color CCD sensor.
- 15 frames per second.
- USB Interface 2.0.
- Compatible operating systems WINDOWS XP SP2, MAC OS X (10.4.3)
- Screw holes for wall mounting.
- Screw holes for tripod mount.
- Magnetic Mount.
- Certification FCC/CE/MIC
- Height: 2 5/16" (44mm)
- Width: 1 3/4" (25mm)
- Length: 1" (58mm)
- Works with: MSN Messenger, Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM and more...
- Accessories: One 5ft, Type-A to Mini-B USB 2.0 cable, One Travel bag
- 1 Yr Warranty

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Tags: camera, image, usb, ztmax
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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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OPPO Digital LT2007 20-inch LCD-TV DVD Combo Player Review

The OPPO Digital LT2007 20-inch LCD-TV DVD Combo Player is an interesting "combination" device, combining a 181-channel TV tuner, VGA input for PC/laptop video support, built-in DVD player, 5-in-1 USB Memory Card reader, component ports, built-in speakers, and a remote control -- all in a small, elegant, and stylish design that is perfectly suited for kitchens, dorms, dens, or other rooms with limited space. Oppo sent me a review unit to check out and put through the paces.



For my first test I inserted the DVD movie Cellular into the front-loading DVD slot. Similar to cars' in-dash DVD/CD players, the DVD player automatically "catches" the DVD disc as you insert it. Using the ultra-thin remote control, which actually uses a thin watch battery, I was able to easily navigate the DVD menus and start the movie. The video quality was very good on the LCD display, though the screen is 4:3 aspect ratio, so the widescreen Cellular movie was letterboxed. This 4:3 aspect ration is my first "room for improvement" - I'd like to see them offer a 16:9 LCD screen since most DVDs these days come in widescreen format. While the DVD is playing you can capture the current frame and replace the logo screen. A bit of feature-fluff, but hey, I'm a gadget freak, so the more features, the merrier! Also, the DVD drive plays standard DVD-Video, DivX, CD, HDCD, WMA, Kodak Picture CD, as well as DVD-R/+R/-RW/+RW recordable DVDs.


For my next test, I hooked up the included USB 5-1 Memory Card reader which supports SecureDigital, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, SmartMedia, CompactFlash. Next, I inserted my CF card which had both photos, DiVX videos, mpeg videos, and MP3s on it. From the remote control I switched the source to the CF card and was able to browse the folders on the CF card. I was able to start an MP3 music file and as the song was playing I could browse the photos and start a slideshow. The MP3 music would continue playing while the photos were browsed or in slideshow mode - a nice feature. Next, I tried playing Journey - Who's Crying Now.mpg, a live concert MPEG video in my video collection and it played flawlessly.

Next, I hooked up a laptop to the VGA input on the back of the unit. The LCD screen was very crisp (as expected), however I noticed the screen resolution displayed 800x600 even though the laptop was set to 1024x768. Thus, part of the Windows Desktop was obscured, such as the Windows XP Start Menu until you move the mouse and pan around the screen.
(Note: I switched to 800x600 resolution on the laptop for the photo below, so you can see the Start menu on this photo:)

Moving the mouse around would cause the LCD to "pan" around and I was able to get to the Start menu. I tried to change the resolution to 1024x768 but soon learned that 800x600 is the maximum resolution on this 20" screen. This is a bit surprising since I have never seen such a large screen only handle 800x600. I'm not sure if it was a cost decision to only do 800x600, but it certainly seemed odd. Similarly, the Component video inputs accept 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i HD video signals, however, all signals are scaled to the 800x600 resolution display capability. Composite and S-Video inputs are also included for connecting VCRs, camcorders, etc. I should point out that 800x600 is fine for the built-in TV tuner since DV NTSC resolution (DVD) is only 720x480. In fact, I was very impressed with the DVD quality as well as the 181-channel TV tuner video quality, but still would have liked to have seen 1024x768 supported. Nevertheless, this combo device will most likely be used in kitchens, dens, and other small spaces "more as a DVD player and TV" rather than a computer monitor. As such, this TV/DVD combo this is a great product with a really cool stylish design that almost looks like Apple designed it. Most importantly the Oppo OPPO Digital LT-2007 has a small footprint due its integrated LCD, speakers, and DVD player that won't clutter your countertop or table -- and at just $599, this is a bargain for the amount of features you get.

Pros:
- Integrated DVD player
- Memory card Reader with Photo Slideshow
- Plays DivX, and MPEG videos
- Plays mp3 files
- Elegant, small, and combines TV/DVD/PC monitor all-in-one

Cons:
- VGA maximum resolution (800x600)
- 4:3 aspect ratio not optimal for DVD playback
 
Specifications:

TV:

• Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV) with high quality 20.1" flat-panel TFT LCD screen.
• 800 x 600 pixel resolution, 500:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m² brightness, 4:3 aspect ratio.
• Tilt screen with adjustable angle.
• 181-channel NTSC tuner with automatic station searching and fine tuning.
• Last Channel Recall feature for quick switching between channels.
• Closed captioning capability.
• MTS/SAP decoding for true stereo sound and Secondary Audio Programs.
• Digital 3D comb filter for enhanced picture resolution and sharpness.
• Component video input capable of accepting 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i HD video signals.
• Composite video and S-Video inputs for universal compatibility.
• VGA input for use as a computer or game monitor.
• 2 stereo audio inputs for PC and video.
• 3W x 2 stereo speakers built into the base.
• Headphone output.
• Automatic shut-off sleep timer.

 
Built-in DVD Player:

• Slot-loading DVD player built into the TV base.
• Progressive scan and true digital connection to the built-in TV for best picture quality.
• Multi-format digital video/audio/picture playback supporting DVD-Video, DivX® video format, XviD, Audio CD, HDCD, WMA, Kodak Picture CD and more.
• Versatile media compatibility supporting disc types such as CD-R/CD-RW, DVD-R/DVD-RW, and DVD+R/DVD+RW.
• Official DivX® Certified product
• Plays all versions of DivX® video (including DivX® 6) with standard playback of DivX® media files
• Digital audio output supporting Dolby Digital and DTS for surround sound playback.
• USB interface for flash memory or external device expandability.
• Composite video and stereo audio output.

 
Connectors:

• Cable/Antenna input (F Type connector): 1
• Component video input (YPbPr/YCbCr): 1 group (3 connectors)
• S-Video input: 1
• VGA input: 1
• A/V input: 1
• PC audio input (for VGA): 1
• DVD A/V output: 1
• DVD coaxial digital audio output: 1
• USB port: 1
• DC power input jack: 1
• Headphone output: 1

 
Accessories Included:

• User manual
• Remote control and battery
• Power adaptor and AC power cord
• A/V cable (3 RCA to 1 mini-jack): 2 sets
• Stereo audio cable (2 RCA to 1 mini-jack)
• Coaxial digital audio cable (1 RCA to 1 mini-jack)
• 5-in-1 USB flash memory card reader and USB cable (SecureDigital, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, SmartMedia, CompactFlash)

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Tags: divx, dvd combo player, lcd, lt2007, oppo digital, tv, usb
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Comments on this Entry:

(Leanne Tremblay on Nov 21, 2006 6:50 PM) This thing's for me! Where can I get one?

(Tom Keating on Nov 22, 2006 11:49 AM) Great Christmas gift, eh? Or is this for yourself? ;) You can buy it directly. www.oppodigital.com

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on January 1st, 1970 with no comments.
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