theVooner's weblog

A weblog for theVooner.com where the best cool gear and gadgets get reviewed.

last modified Jul 15, 2003 at 1:45

Thursday, December 30, 2004

Sony 61" & 50" Wega Plasma

Though certainly not the earliest, Sony has come up with several new Plasma screens for the new year. Sony's Wega Plasma line has a nice 50" model and a stunning 61" version as well. Sony certainly isn't cheap by any regard and the 61" is asking for about US$24,000 while the 50" is roughly US$9,200 -- both at the high end of other comparable Plasmas. But those that know Sony always will have to admit that they have some of the nicest designs and in this case, the same is true.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 18:01 | 0 comments

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Happy Holidays to all

I hope everyone has been having a good holiday. I was away for the week so I apologise for not keeping updated. The tragedy out here too has preoccupied my mind as although I was not involved personally, these are many of the places that I frequently travel too and there are bound to be people I know which are affected. My thoughts are with everyone. I will post a gadget update soon.

Be safe everyone.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 22:11 | 0 comments

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Creative I-Trigue 3600 -- nice speakers

Creative is probably best known for their sound cards so it shouldn't come as a surprise that they have some decent speakers. The I-Trigue 3600 not only looks pretty nice, but I had the chance to hear them a few days ago and they are pretty impressive. Although most of us already probably have speakers for our computers and aren't likely to change, these are certainly cool looking and good sounding speakers. JBL had some of the more trendier and better looking designs, but it's nice to see others like Creative also getting more "creative" (pun intended) with their designs.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 0:46 | 0 comments

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Sony High Definition Video

Sony has launched the first High Definition Video. The HDV 1080i is a very high-end video recorder. Looks like all you amateur movie makers will now be able to produce some really high-end videos. But theVooner doesn't want to know what kind of movies those are...

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 18:48 | 0 comments

Monday, December 20, 2004

Nokia 7280 is available right before X'mas.

With Christmas right around the corner, how many of you are still scrambling for presents? Well, if you haven't picked out a gift yet, I think any gift from my top ten list will do nicely. I went down to the electronic store and one new gadget that might of interest to some is the Nokia 7280. This odd looking pen-like mobile phone is designed as a fashion trend. I really have not understanding of how it functions but it's a super cool looking for fun for the fashion trendy. It is slightly feminine so it's probably more a gift for your significant-other.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 0:38 | 0 comments

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Mini XDA O2 -- Worth a look

I have the opportunity to own the Mini XDA so I've been doing a little homework on the new phone. The Mini XDA is supposed to be all the function of the XDA at 2/3rds the size. The shape is somewhat boring, but the PDA capabilities, 1.3MP camera and relatively small form factor makes it quite appealing. I went to the store the other day and while I thought the screen looked small for real PDA functions, it still was a very powerful mobile phone. It was also a very nice looking screen and just might push me over to a Smartphone again. Of course, as soon as I get it, there's going to be so many new ones from Treo and others which I'll probably want but what else is new.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 22:56 | 3 comments

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Sony PSP -- I love it!

Sorry, I've been dark for a few days, I was out of town again for a little bit and then... I got my PSP! I wrote a quick review . It's awesome. Get one now if you can!

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 0:37 | 2 comments

Thursday, December 9, 2004

Sony Wireless Surround Sound

After spending years in faux-surround sound (yes, I know this may be a surprise) I finally upgraded and went with a full surround sound system. I decided to get a DVD Home Theatre system. Yes, I realise that this is funnily my 5th DVD player in the house, I did like the all in one fit. With that in mind, my better half got me the Sony DAV SB500W DVD Home Theatre System. Basically, it's a DVD player with integrated surround speakers. What is particularly good about his is that in incorporates wireless rear speakers which to me was a big deal because I didn't want to run wires all over the place. To my surprise, the surround sound was much better than anticipated. It was actually much better in my house than I thought it would be. In addition, the DVD player has really nice progressive-scan output which in my opinion is why Sony DVDs are really nice. I was really impressed that both the picture and the sound have improved dramatically in my viewing area. Thanks dear!

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 0:44 | 0 comments

Monday, December 6, 2004

theVooner's Top Ten Christmas Wishlist

Well, Christmas is just around the corner so it's about time for my Christmas wishlist:

10) Sony Vaio Type X. Ok, this is a Japan only model but I love the features that is included in this desktop. It has a lot of the multimedia functionality including recording TV, MP3 playback, etc. So it merges your VCR, DVD, computer, and speaker system. Pretty neat.

9) Crumpler bags. You gotta carry your gear somehow. This is it. Crumpler has to be the coolest bags out there. They're sturdy, comfortable and well padded. I should know, I have one! I really like Timbuk2 bags but the Crumpler ones are better made.

8) Audio Technica DSP300 speakers. Ok, most people with an iPod have either the iMotion speakers or the JBL OnStage speakers. So if you want to stand out and look incredibly cool, these are the speakers to get.

7) Qualia 007 CD player. If you're going to get a CD player, this is it. Possibly even better designed and most likely better sounding than any B&O model.

6) Jaeger Lecoultre Gyrotourbillon. One of the most incredible watches to own right now, the Gyrotourbillon is spectacular. It has the world's first spherical tourbillon and is certainly the ultimate *bling* gadget. Absolutely stunning, and it should be given that it costs about US$350,000 or so I was told by my watch guy.

5) Panasonic Lumix FX7. If you are going to get a new compact digital camera, I think the Panasonic Lumix FX7 is the one to get. It has all the standard specs you'd expect from a compact camera these days (5 Megapixels, zoom lens, video capabilities) but with the added Image stabilization, this camera performs really well. (Ok, I cheated here, I actually went out and bought this one already which is why I can say to you, it's a really good camera.)

4) Motorola Razr V3. The V3 is one of the coolest, slimmest phones available. When you first look at one, you know you have to have it. It's stunning design and features make it one of the top handsets to buy. (Ok, I cheated here too and have had my V3 for a few months. While grossly overpriced, it is an exquisite mobile phone.)

3) Hitachi Plasma/LCD TV. Having firmly been in the Plasma camp, I have to say that I have been extremely impressed with many of the new LCDs now coming out. The Hitachi model in particular caught my eye recently and I would definitely recommend either the Plasma or the LCD. With all those football games and sports to watch over the holidays, it's definitely time to upgrade!

2) Treo 650. I'm starting to lean heavily towards smartphones. Sure, I wish they were as small as the V3, but the capabilities that they offer are sure a lot of fun. The Treo 650 is available in the US already but it hasn't yet been released here in Asia. Nevertheless, I feel it's a good enough upgrade that it warrants a place on the list. It incorporates enough of the right features that I'd certainly consider it as one of the top smartphones available today. Honestly though, the XDA IIs is a nice alternative, especially for those of us that might not get the Treo 650 for awhile.

1) Sony PSP -- Sorry Nintendo but if you've seen the new Playstation Portable, you just can't help yourself. It will be out in a week here and has to be the hottest thing to get this X'mas. It's so popular, the grey market price for just the handheld player is already at a 85% markup to the retail price in Japan. Got to love capitalism. Sony better make enough so those scalpers can't make a killing. Anyway, it's the "gotta have" gift for any gadget-freak out there.

Have a happy Holidays!!

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 21:56 | 4 comments

Sunday, December 5, 2004

Nintendo DS - Cool games but...

I had the chance this weekend to play with the new Nintendo DS with its split screen. Of course, the game to try is the Super Mario DS 64. It was a cool game and had all the play of a large console. The split screen really does add more to the game though you couldn't really use both simulatneously. The bottom screen was used predominantly as a map structure overlay and the gameplay was done at the top screen. I didn't have enough time to play with it to get a full idea of what two screens can and cannot do. Still, having just seen the PSP, I cannot help but think that the Nintendo DS is fighting an uphill battle. I'm getting the PSP but probably not the DS.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 23:42 | 0 comments

Saturday, December 4, 2004

Treo 650

I hadn't even realised that the new Treo 650 was already out in the market. I've been contemplating getting a smartphone, especially as the contract on my mobile provider ends this month and I'll probably switch providers because my provider is overcharging me and offering me nothing. Anyway, I looked at the Treo the other day and the price has started to aggressively come down. Although it still retails here for nearly US$600, you can get a new one for US$400 or even less. But, with the 650 on the way, I might just hold out for this newer smartphone. I have to say though that with the new XDA IIs out, that's looking very cool as well.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 23:26 | 0 comments

Friday, December 3, 2004

Sony Vaio T17 Review

Ok, it's been awhile between reviews and I have to admit that it's just been all me failing to put up more stuff. Also, Dan's been really busy with his stuff so I feel bad making him put up all the reviews. Still it's definitely not as if I haven't been buying more stuff. I just need to do more reviews. I will. And they will get posted.

Anyway, here's the Sony Vaio T17 review. It's my current travelling laptop with a super cool, long battery life. Check it out.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 0:28 | 0 comments

Wednesday, December 1, 2004

Mitsubishi M900 2 Megapixel Mobile phone

Mitsubishi of all manufacturers has introduced one of the first 2.0 megapixel GSM mobile phone, the M900. It certainly isn't one of the better looking phones out there, but it's launch will only help accelerate the pace of other manufacturer's launching newer and more advanced handsets. I like it.

theVooner@yahoo.com

posted at 22:36 | 0 comments