Gran Tourismo 5 Driving Force GT from Logitech

Due to be released in May, the Logitech Driving Force GT for Gran Tourismo 5 Prologue on the PS3, features 24 position real time adjustment, 900 degree wheel rotation, Force Feedback, Pedal controls, and a Sequential stick shift.

The force feedback wheel simulates understeer, oversteer, and traction loss, while the full-size gas and brake pedals deliver precise throttle and brake response

With a retail price of around $150; you better start saving now.

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Source: Logitech Press Release

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Does Your Surgeon Own a Wii

Does your surgeon on a Wii?
This may seem like a strange question to ask, but a recent study has shown that trainee surgeons that spent 1 hour playing on a Wii, scored 50% higher on tool control and overall performance.

Games that require delicate movements were found to be effective at honing scalpel skills. The Wii will probably not make it into the residency programs as an official tool, but who knows.

Source: BBC News

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Christmas Countdown Day 11 Rock Band Special Edition

Rock Band Special Edition for the Xbox 360 will be available over at Amazon this Saturday December 15. This is one of the most highly anticipated games of the year and comes just in time to fit under the Christmas Tree.

So if you are into music and video games this should help satisfy your needs.

The Rock Band Special Edition includes the Xbox 360 game, a guitar controller, drum set, and microphone.

Holiday Gift Rating: 4 Stars

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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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Nokia Release the N81 to the World

Nokia today announced that the N81 multimedia computer will be available globally (although the USA Nokia site states ‘coming soon’). The N81 comes in 2 versions; the 8GB and the standard version that accepts microSD cards upto 4GB.

The N81 is designed music and gaming lovers and comes with dedicated music and game keys. It also comes with a new 3D multimedia menu which is a first on the N-series models.

Included with the N81 are demos of the N-Gage games; EA SPORTS(TM) FIFA 07, Asphalt 3: Street Rules and Space Impact Light. More N-Gage games will be available omce N-Gage has been launched (later this year).

Other features include:
3.5mm headphone jack
Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
2.4-inch, 16 million-color QVGA screen
Up to 2 megapixel (1600x1200 pixels) camera, MPEG-4 VGA video capture of up to 15fps
Stereo FM radio

Source: Nokia Press release

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Q Home FX Wireless Headphones Offer True 5.1 Surround Listening Pleasure

LTB Audio systems, Inc. will soon be shipping their True 5.1 Surround Sound wireless headphones; the Q-Home-FX system. The Q-Home-FX uses a 6 speaker chamber to deliver the directional audio effects from movies Hi-Def TV and games. The headphones wireless is effective up to around 90 feet from the transmitter.

The Q-Home-FX is fitted with LTB’s Safebase technology that limits base frequencies below 100db.

Specs:
Digital antenna diversity guarantees drop-out free reception.
CMOS headphone amplifier for superior sound quality.
Range of 100+ Meters.
Rechargeable Lithium Polymer batteries included for receiver
Headphone

Multiple speaker units for front, rear, center, and subwoofer channels.
Channel Selection on headset
Power on/off with indicator, Volume up/down
Lightweight, extremely comfortable to wear

2.4GHz digital radio transmission
Integrated Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic decoder for DVD, Game system, HDTV, TV, Stereo
10 mW transmitting power, 10dBm
Eight selectable RF channels via Tactile switch.
Capable of transmitting to unlimited receivers

LTB will release the new Q-Home-FX wireless headphone system this November

Source: LTB Audio

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Cosmos Gaming PC from Evesham

Those of you in the UK and Europe are probably more aware of the Evesham line of PC’s. Well for those gamers out there, Evesham have added a new model to their lineup; the Cosmos system.

The base Cosmos comes with:
3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 processor
2GB of Corsair DDR2 RAM
500GB SATA drive
NVIDIA's 768MB GeForce 8800 Ultra graphics card
Dual-layer DVD writer
24-inch widescreen monitor
Retailing for around ₤1,999 ($4,000)

The Elite Cosmos gets:
3GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 CPU
4 GB RAM
2x 500GB HDDs
2x GeForce 8800 Ultras graphics cards
Retailing for around £3,199 ($6,445)

Source: Evesham

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Memory Stick Entertainment Pack for the PSP

Sony will be introducing two capacities of its Memory Stick Entertainment Pack for the PSP later this; 2GB or 4GB Memory Stick Duo media. Both come with an installer DVD loaded with four movies from Sony Pictures Entertainment, including “Click,” “Ghost Rider,” “RV” and “Stomp the Yard.”

You can use the installer DVD in a pc to optimize for PSP playback and transfer to the Memory Stick media. Also, any movie transferred from the bundled DVD to Memory Stick PRO Duo media is viewable on the PS3 at 720 x 480 resolution.

The 2GB Memory Stick Entertainment Pack (MSX-M2GSEP3) and the 4GB Memory Stick Entertainment Pack (MSX-M4GSEP3) will be available for about $55 and $90, respectively.

Source: Sony Press Release

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Vantage Headset and MediBoard Pro for Playstation 3

Logitech have just unveiled the Logitech® Cordless Vantage™ Headset for the Playstation 3 and Logitech® Cordless MediaBoard Pro Bluetooth Keyboard for Playstation 3. Both are aimed at enhancing the Playstation 3 experience.

With the Cordless MediaBoard Pro™ you can quickly set up profiles, enter Web addresses, and send text messages. The built-in touch pad with vertical scrolling eliminates the need for a mouse. The Cordless Bluetooth® technologyallow you to use the MediaBoard Pro™ up to 30 feet (10 meters) away from your Playstation 3.

The Logitech Vantage Bluetooth Headset for Playstation 3 providesBluetooth connection for PS3 gamers. The Vantage headset features an ambidextrous behind-the-head design that can easily be worn on either ear by the simple rotation of the headband and microphone. The headset also features an adjustable noise canceling microphone to reduce unwanted background noise. It uses rechargeable batteries that should give more than 12 hours of wireless game play.

Other features:
Patented, behind-the-head design.
Noise-canceling microphone:
Rechargeable batteries: The headset charges via USB or the included wall

The Logitech Cordless Vantage Headset should retail for $79.99 when it is available in November and the Logitech Cordless MediaBoard Pro Bluetooth Keyboard should retail for $79.99 when it is available in October

Source: Logitech Press Release

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Meet the Blackbird 002 Gaming PC from HP

Are you a gamer? and do you have $2500 - $7100 to spend on a new system? If the answer to these two questions is ‘Yes’, then HP would like to relieve you of your money by enticing you with the HP Blackbird 002.

The Blackbird 002 is the first PC system where HP has combined with VoodooPC to bring a desktop that delivers the look, versatility and performance gamers and high-end PC enthusiasts crave


The HP Blackbird 002 has an aluminum chassis, cast-aluminum foot and patented full system liquid-cooling system. The removable side panel, completely open BIOS, and interior and back panel LED lighting make it convenient for machine performance tuning.

Beginning Oct. 1, you will be able to configure your own ‘hand-built’ HP Blackbird 002. Pricing is dependent on configuration and will range from approximately $2,500 to $7,100. We’ll have more when full spec details are available.

Source: HP Press Release

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The SideWinder Gaming Mouse from Microsoft

The Microsoft SideWinder Gaming Mouse introduces one-of-a-kind features like vertical side buttons, an LCD display, and a unique shape designed for quick and super-precise action.

What does the Microsoft SideWinder Mouse give the gamer in you:
First LCD display on a gaming mouse
DPI settings and macro recording icons are displayed on the mouse to reduce the on-screen interference.
Cable anchor and accessories storage box
One-touch access to Microsoft PC Gaming features.

Vertical metal side buttons
Wide Metal Scroll Wheel
Better feel and response with detent clicking action.

On-the-Fly DPI Switching
Instantly switch sensitivity between high, medium, and low with one click.
Adjustable Mouse Weights
Choice of three different materials for glide preference.
Macro Recording - Record in-game macros using a dedicated macro record button.
Quick Turn
Check your perimeter with the click of a button.
5 Programmable Main Buttons
Customize your main gaming buttons to your preference.

The SideWinder Gaming Mouse should be available in October for around $80. You can pre-order the SideWinder Gaming Mouse at Amazon

Source: Amazon

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Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker for the Gamer in You

Logitech have expanded their G-series speakers with the G51 Surround Sound Speaker System. The G51 is a 5.1 speaker system featuring 360-degree surround sound with dual Matrix modes, that Logitech claims will give you a more immersive gaming experience. Logitech’s dual Matrix technology creates a 5.1 surround-sound experience from any common two-channel stereo source.

“The G51 delivers an immersive surround-sound experience, but it goes far beyond that for gamers,” said Jef Holove, general manager and vice president of Logitech’s audio business. “Surround sound is a competitive advantage in true 5.1 games, plus the system also offers two Matrix surround modes for classic stereo games or music. For online players, the G51 features headphone and microphone jacks with independent mute controls. And, the system was designed to allow modders to easily customize the satellite speakers with their favorite game art or to match their gear. In short, the G51 is authentic gaming equipment.”

Other features:
155 watts of total RMS
Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) technology
Control pod that includes both headphone and microphone jacks
Precision dual mute controls (mute the game audio, or mute only the microphone – or both)

The Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speaker System is expected to be available in October for a suggested retail price of $199.99



Source: Logitech Press Release

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Xbox 360 with HDMI for $349

You can pick up the Xbox 360 Console 20GB Hard Drive (with HDMI) for $349.99 at Amazon. Amazon have even modified the listing to specifically state HDMI, just to avoid confusion (they did not want folks to think that they were trying to ship the non HDMI versions).

This is what you get for your cash:
Xbox 360 console
20GB detachable hard drive
Wireless controller
Xbox Live headset
High-definition AV cable
Ethernet cable
Detachable faceplate
Xbox Live Silver membership
HDMI connection



Source: Amazon

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Halo 3 Pre-sales Through The Roof

Microsoft let it be known today pre-sales of the Halo 3 editions are going through the roof; with over 1 million orders placed to date. Halo 3 officially debuts on Sept 25.

You can order your pre-sale copy at various retailers including Amazon .

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Nintendo Wiimote Gets New Locking Strap

It looks like Nintendo are about to release version 2 of the Wiimote strap for the Nintendo Wii. This version comes with a locking clasp that should help keep the controller tight to the wrist.



Source Engadget

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