Transfer Your Vinyl Records to PC the Easy Way

If you are over a certain age :o), then more than likely you will have a catalog of vinyl records that you would love to transfer to your PC. Sony have just introduced their PS-LX300USB turntable, that makes this process; simple and painless.

Just plug the turntable into your PC using the USB cable and the included Soundforge Audio Studio software takes care of the rest. Once onnyour PC, you are then free to listen to them on your mp3 player of choice.

The PS-LX300USB turntable will retail for around $150

ads from Shopzilla

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iLive iT188B Speaker Bar for the IPod and iPhone

The speaker docks for the iPod just keep on coming and coming. Here is the latest offering from iLive. The the iLive iT188B, as you can see is a speaker bar that should accommodate your iPod or iPhone. It comes with built in dual subwoofers and includes auxiliary input, dual A/V jacks, and video out. You will also find an AM/FM radio with clock.

The iT188B sound bar should be available in April

Source: SlipperyBrick

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Get Your Valentine a Pink iPod Nano

No sooner have we got Christmas out of the way, we now have to turn our attention to Valentines Day. Those kind folks over at Apple have already made it easy for you guys out there.

Stuck for a Valentines gift; then go ahead and order one of the new pink 8GB iPod Nano’s. This is the same 3rd generation Nano that retails for $199 and Apple are even throwing in FREE engraving (they are so generous!).

Stay tuned for more Valentines ideas.

Source: Apple

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Griffin PowerDock 4 Does What the Name Suggests

Personally I do not have the need for this product, but if you have at least 4 iPod’s in your house then the Griffin PowerDock 4 should may be on your ‘to buy’ list.

The PowerDock 4 as the name suggests gives you the ability to charge up to 4 iPod players at the same time – genius. The PowerDock 4 comes with a set of Universal Dock insert adapters to ensure that every iPod gets a place to charge.

Some Specs:
Charging base plugs into standard 120VAC wall outlet
Heavy, brushed metal base stays put on your desk
Charges any combination of 4 iPod models at a time
Works with iPhone
8 Universal Dock inserts included to fit iPod models that charge by Dock Connector

The PowerDock 4 should retail for around $70

Source: GriffinTechnology

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Yamaha YPS 3000 Soundbar

Pure audiophiles will steer you away from soundbars, but not everyone wants or can accommodate a full 5 or 6 speaker system into their lives. This is where the Yamaha YPS 3000 comes in.

The YPS 3000 packs 2 HDMI inputs, Neural Surround Dolby Pro-Logic DTS 5.1, SRS TruBass, a Compressed Music Enhancer for MP3s, their 3rd Generation IntelliBeam with optimizer microphone and is compatible with Apple iPods.

Measuring in at 35.5 x 6 x 4.5, the YPS 3000 reproduces its sound with its digital amplifier that individually drives 21 sound beam drivers and two woofers to deliver true multi-channel surround sound.

The YPS 3000 should retail for just under $1000 at Amazon (affiliate link)

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OutCast by SoundCast Wireless Outdoor Speaker

If you are looking for an outdoor speaker for your next BBQ party, then the OutCast could be for you. This is an ‘all weather’ speaker system that features an 8” downward firing woofer, four 3” high frequency drivers in an omni-directional array, a 100 watt digital amplifier and the Soundcast receiver.

Fully charged the Outcast can pump out your tunes for 10 hours and can also be powered by AC while charging the batteries. The included iCast transmitter allows you to stream music direct to the speaker from your iPod or you can use the direct input to play tunes from any mp3 or audio device.

Controls on the speaker give you; volume, on/off, and mood lighting.

The OutCast as the name suggests is not discreet, and for $699 would you want it to be?

Source: SoundCast via Ubergizmo
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Squeeze Box Duet Fills Your Home with Music

Logitech have just released their Squeezebox Duet network music system. The system allows you to listen to music stored on your PC on any audio system in your home (provided you have one of the receivers connected to the audio system). Not only can you listen to your stored music, the Squeezebox Duet allows you to listen to internet radio and also subscription music services.

The system comes I two parts; the controller and the receiver. The receiver is connected to your PC via WiFi and the receiver to your entertainment system by standard audio cables. A simple wizard then sets up the system and you are good to go. Just browse your music collection using the controller and the 2.4 inch color display and play your desired tracks or radio station.

The Squeezebox Duet network music system is retailing for $399. Additional receivers will be available for $149

Source: Logitech

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Christmas Countdown Day 13 Attic Radio

Here is another retro device that has made our Christmas Countdown. The Attic Radio has a cool retro design that would look great in any part of your house or apartment. Not only does it have the looks but it should also have the sound with the use of AroundSound technology (that the manufacturer claims ‘eliminates "hot spots" in sound reproduction’).

The Attic radio is designed for your AM/FM listening pleasure and also features a line-in for connecting that mp3 player, that you might find in your Christmas Stocking..

Measuring in at 7.5"w, 5.25"h, 5.75"d, the Attic Radio retails for around $98

Holiday Gift Rating: 3.5 Star

Source: Urban Outfitters

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The Thumpz Portable Expanding Speaker from iFrogz

With so many portable speakers around it’s difficult to know which one to choose. Well, here is the Thumpz from iFrogz (makers of customizable iPod cases). The Thumpz certainly looks a little different especially when you open it up to reveal the expandable middle chamber that the manufacturers claim gives an enhanced bass.
When closed it ‘provides a typical "small" speaker sound but when opened it expands to provide exceptional sound quality with thumping bass’.

The Thumpz speaker comes with a rechargeable battery and USB cable and is small to go any where with your mp3 player.

The iFrogz Thrumpz retails for around $24.99



Source: PRWeb

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Christmas Countdown Day 4 Samsung BD-UP5000 HD DVD and Blue Ray Player

Just like back in the day when the VHS and Betamax pitched consumer against consumer; history is repeating itself in the current DVD format war. If you are still undecided between HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray HD discs; then why not take a closer look at The Samsung BD-UP5000.

The Samsung BD-UP5000 gives you 1080p, 1080i and 720p HD native resolutions and will playback both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray HD discs. It also features:
HQV video upconversion processing (720p/1080i/1080p)
1080p 24fps playback on Blu-ray and HD DVD
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio support
HDMI version 1.3, Component Video, S-Video and Composite video outputs
16.9 x 3.1 x 12.8 inches ; 9.3 pounds

The only downside to the Samsung BD-UP5000; will not be available for Christmas Day. It will be available at the beginning of Jan 2008 for around $800 You can always print off a picture of the Samsung BD-UP5000 and wrapped it up…

Holiday Gift Idea: 3.5 Stars

Related Posts:
Christmas Countdown Day 1
Christmas Countdown Day 2
Christmas Countdown Day 3



Source: TFTS

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Christmas Countdown Day 1 The Stylophone

We thought we would start off Day 1 of The Gadget Grapevine Christmas Countdown with an oldie but a goodie. Back in the late 60’s and 70’s this musical instrument was all the rage over in the UK (not sure about the States). The Stylophone was made popular by the likes of Rolf Harris (Australian painter / entertainer) and David Bowie (aka a Space Odyssey). The Stylophone has also featured on tracks by Kraftwerk, Erasure, Orbital, Marilyn Manson, They Might Be Giants, and White Stripes.

You tap the electronic keys with the integral stylus to make funky noises. This new version has been updated for the 21st Century and now gives you Classic, Synth and Bass sounds. It also allows you to hook up your own mp3 player so that you can murder player along with your favorite tunes.

Features:
The retro stylophone is back but now you can play along to your MP3 tracks.
Electronic keys.
Tap the keys with the integral stylus.
Funky new sounds including Classic, Synth and Bass.
Play solo or along to your MP3s.
Suitable for ages 8 years+.
Requires 3 x AA Batteries (not included).
Size: 22 x 12 x 6cm.

The Stylophone is retailing for around $14.99

Just a word of warning. If your kids get one of these, they will probably be very happy for a day or so. You on the other hand may be driven mad by the distinctive sound of the Stylophone. If you are not sure what I mean, why not get one as a stocking filler.

Holiday Gift Idea: 2.5 Stars

Related Posts
Christmas Countdown Day 2
Christmas Countdown Day 3

Source: iwantoneofthose

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Sony Walkman NW-E013 is not a Lipstick

Here is yet another Sony Walkman branded mp3 player. The lipstick like Walkman NW-E013 is a small USB thumb drive sized mp3 player that weighs in at under 30g and sports 1GB of storage.

The lipstick shaped player sports a 3 line OLED display and around 30 hours of playback. The Walkman NW-E013 should retail for around $100 (due for relaese in Japan in December) if and when it reaches the US.

Source: Sony Japan

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Bi Metal HA-FX300 Ear Buds from JVC

JVC has just released a premium ear-bud; the HA-FX300. The HA-FX300 uses an aluminum evaporation diaphragm to reproduces high-frequency detail more accurately than conventional cellulose or polymer-based diaphragms. These ear-buds also come with JVC’s new Bi-METAL structure where the drive unit is housed in a stainless steel base wrapped in a high-specific-gravity brass ring to eliminate vibration and energy loss.

The HA-FX300 also uses an aluminum housing and oxygen-free copper (OFC) that minimizes transmission loss. The ear-buds come with three different sized silicon rubber earpieces and a pair of memory foam earpieces for a customized fit.

The HA-FX300 will retail for around $99.95 and are available in black, red and bronze.

Source: JVC

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Sony Ericcson W380a Walkman Phone gets Gesture Control

From the images that I have seen, I would have to say that the new Sony Ericsson W380a Walkman phone looks rather nice… This new clam shell phone allows users to control their music without the need to open the phone. The W380a incorporates ‘one-touch’ buttons on the top of the phone that light up when in Walkman mode. Not only that but, a hidden Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display is revealed displaying track information etc...

The W380a also comes with Sony Ericcson’s new Gesture control functionality that provides quick and easy control of the phone without having to touch it – mute a call or snooze the alarm by sweeping a hand across the camera. Is this just a gimmick or something that will be very useful? You will have to be the judge of that.

The W380a should be available in select markets at the beginning of 2008.

Source: Sony Ericcson

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Creative HD50 Stereo are Small and Loud

Creative have just announced the GigaWorks HD50 stereo speakers. The GigaWorks HD50 come with titanium super tweeters, two-inch diameter high-definition drivers and built-in BasXPort technology.

The HD50 has been designed to channel sound waves to flow from the inner chamber of the speaker to the soundstage which should improve bass and give a more natural sound.

Measuring just 9.1cm x 7cm x 14.1cm, the HD50 speakers are small in statue; big in sound.

Source: Creative

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The BH 101 Bluetooth Headset from Nokia

Looking for a reasonably priced Bluetooth earpiece for your cell phone?
Nokia’s BH-101 gives you 8 hours of talk time, 180 hours of standby, is Bluetooth 2.0 enables (with EDR, Handsfree v.1.5, and Headset v.1.1) and will not make a big dent in your wallet ay just $40

Source: Nokia

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Razer Mako 2.1 THX Certified Speaker System

In the market for a new set of gaming speakers?
You might want to hang on, until the Razer Mako 2.1 is released sometime in December. Developed by Razer in conjunction with THX Ltd, the Razer Mako 2.1 is one of the first desktop speaker systems to incorporate the THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker technologies, as well as ClassHD Digital Amplifier Technology that provide omnidirectional audio effects for all your gaming and desktop needs. Plus the system looks pretty cool.

The THX Ground Plane produces downward-firing audio that should eliminate audio distortion that normal desktop speakers suffer from.

Specs:
THX-certified quality and performance
ClassHD™ digital amplifier technology with digital DSP control
Higher efficiency curves, improved SNR and EMI, and lowered distortion levels
Patented THX® Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker™ technologies
Downward-firing design with optimized acoustic enclosure
All-in-one remote control pod with touch-sensitive LED dial
3.5mm auxiliary input minijack
3.5mm headphone minijack
RCA audio input
Response limits: 40~18,000Hz ± 2dB (30~20,000Hz ± 6dB)
Total system power: 300W RMS

The Razer Mako 2.1 should be available before Christmas with a price still to be determined.

Source: RazerZone

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T505 from Motorola Makes In Car Communication Easy

Motorola have announced that their first ROKR for the car will be available in early 2008. The MOTOROKR T505 portable In-Car Speakerphone and Music System connects wirelessly to your Bluetooth enabled phone or mp3 player to allow you to make calls or listen to music over the car stereo.

The ROKR T505 is equipped with Stationfinder which locates the best FM station for clear audio. The T505 is designed to clip onto the sun visor and be taken from car to car.

Here are some of the features:
Audio CallerID
2 watt internal speaker
Bluetooth enabled
Portable, No installation
Talk Time: 20 hrs
Dimensions: 76 x 78 x 22.8 mm

Source: Motorola Press Release

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Wakeup with a Boynq

Fed up with the same old alarm clocks that double as an iPOd dock, then check out the Boynq Wakeup; it’s a little bit different. The Boynq Wakeup has three integrated LCD displays indicate the time, radio stations, and input channels in a soft white light. The intensity of the displays can be adjusted to suit your own preference. Remove the handy remote to reveal an iPod charging dock that is compatible with the full range of iPods.

Compatible with all iPods (and iPohone), the Wakeup comes with 2 x 10W RMS Stereo Speaker that have a frequency range of 20Hz-20KHz, an FM radio and line in / out ports to compliment the built-in equalizer. The controls on the unit are easy to use and control the adjustable alarm volume level, including sleep function as well as the very popular snooze button. The included full function remote is also a nice touch.

More Features:
FM radio with autoscan and 9 memory presets
Wake up to your iPod, radio or alarm
Full function remote (even for snoozing)
Build in iPOd dock for charging and synching
Base and Treble equalizer
Stereo line in for iPod Shuffle and other mp3 players
Stereo line out
Dimensions 10.2 x 8.1 x 10.2 inches

The Boynq Wakeup looks rather cool and is currently available through Amazon for around $129



Source: Amazon

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LG Venus for Verizon Wireless

This is the LG Venus that should be available with Verizon Wireless by the Holidays. The LG Vebus utilizes a slider design with a dual front screen layout. The bottom screen being touch sensitive with vibration feedback.

The phone supports microSD memory up to 8GB, MP3, WMA and unprotected AAC files and comes with a 2 megapixel camera.

More information when we have it.

Source: Mobiledia

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