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Nikon D5100 impressions, head-to-head with D7000
Nikon has stirred up the camera crowds once again with its newly released D5100, filling the industry with the buzz of a new high-resolution articulating screen. In terms of consumer DSLR options, the D5100 has taken on the role of the mid-range model in Nikon's product line between the D3100 and the D7000 and we think it assumes the part rather nicely. In terms of price, the D5100 fits right in as well, fetching an MSRP of $900 (vs. $700 and $1600, respectively for the two aforementioned camera kits). Of course, the D7000 lands you the better 18-105 f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR lens, a larger and brighter viewfinder, built-in focus motor, weather-proof sealing, and a few other internal upgrades. But don't judge too quickly, because we've had some time to play with Nikon's latest creation and the D5100 can certainly shoot along with the big boys of consumer cameras -- read on past the break for our impressions and comparisons with the D7000. %Gallery-121549%
Nikon D5100 kit hits Best Buy shelves early, still costs $900
Eagerly waiting for some swivel screen action on the upcoming Nikon D5100? Well friend, you just got lucky, as said camera has just hit the shelves of Best Buy a few days early. The mid-range DSLR kit is now up for grabs either online or in stores for $900, but we expect Nikon to start shipping body-only options soon after -- Amazon and Adorama are already taking pre-orders for $800. Unfortunately, it looks like the accompanying ME-1 external mic won't be here until the original April 21st launch (or so we hope), but we're sure all Nikonians will be just fine without it over the next four days. Now go check out your local Best Buy to nab one of these swivelicious cameras.
Navigon's 5100 max slips into FCC database
Details are understandably scarce at the moment, but Navigon is apparently taking its 1+ year old 5100 navigation unit to the max. The predictably titled 5100 max has reportedly just seen its way into the FCC's lair, and we're told that it'll feature a 4.3-inch display, Bluetooth, text-to-speech and lifetime traffic / Zagat ratings. As for price and availability? We'll have to wait for the official word from Navigon on those bits. In the meanwhile... Rockford or Chicago?
ASUS' bamboo laptops ditch the Pandas, bring the WiMax as they go production
Whether counting its 23 Eee PCs or 50 plus models of traditional laptops, ASUS isn't exactly known for its frugality. So seeing yet another press release touting the launch of its bamboo -- a renewable material with immense tensile strength rivaling that of many metal alloys -- laptops shouldn't be a surprise. What's new here, perhaps, is the detail. Now in mass production, these partially biodegradable laptops come with either 11.1- or 12.1-inch, 1,280 x 768 pixel displays, your choice of 3/6/9-cell batteries, and ASUS' Super Hybrid Engine allowing you to dial down the power when the wails of the Antarctic penguins become too much to bear. The 12.1-incher is the relative powerhouse of the pair offering Vista a ride atop your choice of Intel T9400/P8600/P8400 Core 2 Duo processors, 256MB of NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS graphics, a 320GB hybrid hard drive sporting 256MB of flash, and Intel's WiMAX / WiFi Link 5100 chipset. Pricing? Sorry, we'll likely have to wait for another press release for that detail.[Via The Inquirer]
An effortful DIY alternative to a rumbling DS Lite
Those with loads of disposable income probably wouldn't mind ponying up for the relatively inexpensive rumble cartridge made specifically for Nintendo's DS Lite, but the frugal (and engineering) sets will certainly appreciate Xyzzy's efforts. After dissecting a Pokemon Pinball GBA game and ripping the rumble motor from a salvaged Nokia 5100, he put his circuitry knowledge to work and conjured up a rumble device that fit flush in the DS Lite and cost him nothing more than a little blood, sweat, and tears. Be warned, however, that this guide isn't for the faint of heart (or those who don't natively speak in 1s and 0s), but feel free to tag the read link and get busy if you dare.[Via Joystiq]
Navigon unveils 5100 / 7100 GPS units at CeBIT
While we suspect a fair amount of rebadging will be going down at CeBIT this year, we've got good news for those hoping for Navigon to step it up a notch. The firm is reportedly coming clean and finally manufacturing a unit of its own, and based on what we're seeing right now, it's not a half bad first effort. Both the 5100 and 7100 GPS navigation systems purportedly sport a Bluetooth handsfree calling system, "exclusive lane assistance," free traffic jam reports, voice input, and PIN code security as well. The higher-end 7100 boasts a 4.3-inch widescreen display, while the more budget-minded 5100 sticks with the more diminutive 3.5-inch variety, but both units do feature a new technology dubbed "Reality View" to give you a "more realistic" look at those oh-so-critical signs and upcoming roadways. Of course, both devices are slated solely for a European release, and while the 7100 series will be landing this summer for around €450 ($593) to €500 ($659) depending on map selection, the 5100 series will demand just €350 ($461) to €400 ($527).
Acer drops Turion 64 X2-based Aspire 5100
Now that those new AMD Turion 64 X2 chips are out and about, Acer is looking to put them to good use and has crammed some of that 64-bit, dual core goodness into their new Aspire 5100 laptop series. There are plenty of specs to go around: a 15.4-inch display with 16ms response, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 option, gigabit Ethernet, DVI-D, four USB 2.0 ports, Firewire, 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard and PC card slots (though it could be "or," specs aren't clear), and S-Video out. To go along with its new chipset, the 5100 packs a new ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 integrated graphics card, that boasts a 33 percent performance boost over its predecessor, and 512MB of video RAM (128MB of that dedicated). You can get a SATA drive up to 160GB in capacity, and beyond the "DVD super-multi double layer drive" there's even an option for HD DVD upon availability. We're not sure about the price to spec breakdown, but the series starts at a comfortable $899, and should be available now.[Via MobileWhack]
