Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Elecom claims first Bluetooth 3.0 mouse, performance improvements sure to be palpable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/elecom-claims-first-bluetooth-3-0-mouse-performance-improvement/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/elecom-claims-first-bluetooth-3-0-mouse-performance-improvement/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/elecom-claims-first-bluetooth-3-0-mouse-performance-improvement/#comments Bluetooth 3.0 is poised to bring some big improvements, like WiFi hand-off for approximately 24Mbps data transfers... but how good is that for a mouse? We still don't really know, but that isn't stopping Elecom from boasting about its new, "first ever" BT 3.0 mouse -- and as best as we can tell, it lacks the "+ HS" protocol for utilizing the aforementioned 802.11 speeds. In other words, we don't think this was a race to beat the competition so much as it was one company finally saying, "hey, why not?" Japan denizens should be able to pick this up next month for ¥4,200 with tax, or about $52 in US bills.

Elecom claims first Bluetooth 3.0 mouse, performance improvements sure to be palpable originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth 3 0bluetooth 3.0Bluetooth3.0Bluetooth30elecomlaser mouseLaserMousemouseWed, 10 Nov 2010 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's rotating USB memory card reader tries not to block your ports]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/elecoms-rotating-usb-memory-card-reader-tries-not-to-block-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/elecoms-rotating-usb-memory-card-reader-tries-not-to-block-your/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/elecoms-rotating-usb-memory-card-reader-tries-not-to-block-your/#comments
It's still not a substitute for a built-in memory card reader in a laptop, but Elecom's new MR-C25 Series USB memory card reader might just be the next best thing. In addition to reading both SD and microSD cards, it's able to rotate a full 180 degrees to give you access to ports on either side of the card reader. From the looks of things, you may still run into some problems with ports that are particularly close together (and with bulky plugs or devices), but it should definitely prevent at least some unwanted USB swapping. Unfortunately, there's no still word on a price or release over here just yet, but it does apparently come in both black and white to better match your laptop.

Elecom's rotating USB memory card reader tries not to block your ports originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>card readerCardReaderelecommemory cardmemory card readermemory cardsMemoryCardMemoryCardReaderMemoryCardsmicrosdMR-C25sdusbusb card readerusb memory card readerUsbCardReaderUsbMemoryCardReaderWed, 27 Oct 2010 07:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's 47-in-1 MR-A005 card reader gains SDXC support, speed boost]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/elecoms-47-in-1-mr-a005-card-reader-gains-sdxc-support-speed-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/elecoms-47-in-1-mr-a005-card-reader-gains-sdxc-support-speed-b/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/elecoms-47-in-1-mr-a005-card-reader-gains-sdxc-support-speed-b/#commentsFrankly, we've our doubts that this planet is even home to 47 different useful types of flash cards, but if you're Boy Scout instincts simply won't let you leave the house unprepared, there's Elecom's MR-A005. It's a familiar design, sure, but what it lacks in ingenuity it makes up for in compatibility. This is one of the first mega-multi-card readers to support SDXC, and we're told that this model is around 20 percent faster than its predecessor when writing to CompactFlash (not to mention 10 percent faster when writing to SDHC). And hey, it's available in four triumphant colors. Check it later this month in Japan for around 30 bones.

Elecom's 47-in-1 MR-A005 card reader gains SDXC support, speed boost originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>card readerCardReaderElecomflash card readerFlashCardReaderjapanmemory card readerMemoryCardReaderMR-A005sdhcsdxcusb boosterUsbBoosterWed, 15 Sep 2010 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Completely useless extension turns laptop adapter into power strip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/completely-useless-extension-turns-laptop-adapter-into-power-str/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/completely-useless-extension-turns-laptop-adapter-into-power-str/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/completely-useless-extension-turns-laptop-adapter-into-power-str/#comments It's 2:30pm at your favorite cafe, and not a single power outlet's available to save your dying laptop from its fate. You're screwed, but a world away, your Japanese counterpart knows just what to do. They pull out this tiny little brick, stick it into the end of their laptop power supply, and deferentially ask another patron if they would kindly share. For the low, low price of ¥1,400 (about $15) for a two-prong version or ¥2,000 ($21) for three prongs, it's a fantastic idea... for mooching money off those who've never heard of a triple tap.

Completely useless extension turns laptop adapter into power strip originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac adapterac adaptorAcAdapterAcAdaptorElecomextensionextension cordextension-cordextension-cordsExtensionCordlaptop adapterlaptop power supplyLaptopAdapterLaptopPowerSupplypower strippower stripsPowerStripPowerStripsThu, 22 Apr 2010 02:43:00 EST<![CDATA[You'll go ga ga ga ga ga over Elecom's Like a Spoon mouse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/24/youll-go-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-over-elecoms-spoon-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/24/youll-go-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-over-elecoms-spoon-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/24/youll-go-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-over-elecoms-spoon-mouse/#comments
You'll go ga ga ga ga ga over Elcom's Spoon mouse
Travel mice don't tend to be fashionable things. Tiny? Yes. Lookers? No. Elecom's latest, the Like a Spoon mouse, bucks that trend, following in a long line of tidily designed gadgets from the company. In terms of buttons it's got nuffin' on the OpenOfficeMouse, but it looks to fall to hand much more comfortably, with a soft effects coating on top and a stainless steel rim 'round the edge. The price is set at a somewhat steep ￥8,000 in Japan, which equates to about $90, though sadly we doubt this one will be making the transference to America.

Gallery: Elecom's 'Like a Spoon' mouse

You'll go ga ga ga ga ga over Elecom's Like a Spoon mouse originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomelecom like a spoonElecomLikeASpoonlike a spoonlike a spoon mouseLikeASpoonLikeASpoonMousespoonspoon mouseSpoonMousestainless steelStainlessSteelTue, 24 Nov 2009 07:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's simplistic multicard reader mounts nicely on walls, desks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/elecoms-simplistic-multicard-reader-mounts-nicely-on-walls-des/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/elecoms-simplistic-multicard-reader-mounts-nicely-on-walls-des/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/elecoms-simplistic-multicard-reader-mounts-nicely-on-walls-des/#comments Still using that heap from 1999 that shipped sans a multicard reader? We know, it's tough. As does Elecom, who has just pumped out a foursome of new flash card readers for those less fortunate among us. The token one, however, is the sticky guy pictured above, which can actually be mounted on one's wall or desk side in order to maintain your precious desk space up top. You know -- 'cause all that paperwork scattered about is so critical. Mum's the word on a price or release date, but if we had to guess, we'd say "cheap" and "soon enough."

[Via Akihabara News]

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Elecom's simplistic multicard reader mounts nicely on walls, desks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorycard readerCardReaderelecomjapanmulticard readerMulticardReaderusb hubUsbHubWed, 28 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's USB numeric touch keypad does touch gestures on the side]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/elecoms-usb-numeric-touch-keypad-does-touch-gestures-on-the-sid/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/elecoms-usb-numeric-touch-keypad-does-touch-gestures-on-the-sid/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/elecoms-usb-numeric-touch-keypad-does-touch-gestures-on-the-sid/#comments Elecom's USB-powered numeric touch keypad is pretty simple. You plug it into your machine, tap your digits on the board and watch the numbers appear in your calculator app. Once that gets boring, you can also use this as a secondary trackpad. And given that it supports a variety of multi gesture functions (zoom in / out, shift up / down, etc.), we'd say the secondary features here may just be more enticing than the primary. Suddenly overcome with a feeling of want? Get yours later this month for ¥6,500 ($72).

[Via Akihabara News]

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Elecom's USB numeric touch keypad does touch gestures on the side originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ElecomK-TCT005BKmousemouse padMousePadmultitouchnumericnumeric padNumericPadpadtouchtouchpadSat, 10 Oct 2009 06:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Soundblock: a marginally heinous dock connector iPod speaker]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/soundblock-a-marginally-heinous-dock-connector-ipod-speaker/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/soundblock-a-marginally-heinous-dock-connector-ipod-speaker/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/soundblock-a-marginally-heinous-dock-connector-ipod-speaker/#comments
It's hard to guess why one would consider this device over that Lego-inspired alternative we peeked last Spring, but those obsessed with Elecom or born with an innate fear of stackable blocks can certainly opt for the Soundblock. Designed specifically for the fourth generation iPod nano, first generation iPod touch and any other iPod that ships sans an integrated speaker, this here speaker clicks into the dock connector and can be ordered in one of ten different colors. The pain? ¥4,000 ($42), which seems about a Jackson and a half too steep for our tastes.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

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Soundblock: a marginally heinous dock connector iPod speaker originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asp-p300ASP-P300GNaudiocolorfulelecomipodipod accessoryipod dockipod speakerIpodAccessoryIpodDockIpodSpeakerjapanp300portable audioportableaudiosoundblockspeakertoytoysWed, 08 Jul 2009 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom keeps things simple with U2H-TC410B wall socket USB hub]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/elecom-keeps-things-simple-with-u2h-tc410b-wall-socket-usb-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/elecom-keeps-things-simple-with-u2h-tc410b-wall-socket-usb-hub/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/30/elecom-keeps-things-simple-with-u2h-tc410b-wall-socket-usb-hub/#comments
While there's a place for USB hubs that double as a mousepad and calculator, it's sometimes best to just keep things simple, which is what Elecom has thankfully done with its new U2H-TC410B "wall socket" USB hub. Contrary to what that name might suggest, however, this one doesn't actually plug into a power outlet, but is instead designed to be mounted on a wall or the side of the desk and become a wall socket of sorts itself. Apart from that, it's basically just your standard four-port USB 2.0 hub and, as you can see above, it's available in your choice of black or white. Unfortunately, it's not priced like a run-of-the-mill USB hub, with this one running a somewhat hefty $39.99.

[Via OhGizmo!]

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Elecom keeps things simple with U2H-TC410B wall socket USB hub originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomelecom U2H-TC410BElecomU2h-tc410bU2H-TC410Busb hubUsbHubwall socket usb hubWallSocketUsbHubTue, 30 Jun 2009 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's USB hub shares devices, not feelings, with your spouse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/elecoms-usb-hub-shares-devices-not-feelings-with-your-spouse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/elecoms-usb-hub-shares-devices-not-feelings-with-your-spouse/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/08/elecoms-usb-hub-shares-devices-not-feelings-with-your-spouse/#comments Here's a 7-port USB hub for the hardcore-singles or corporate-couples amongst you. The ¥7,035 (about $71) AC-powered U2SW-B27SBK hub from Elecom lets you share up to seven USB 2.0/1.1 devices simultaneously across a pair of USB connected computers; Mac or PC, makes no difference to Elecom. While it'll share a USB keyboard and mouse between machines, there's no video-out so it's not a true KVM. It does, however, include a little change-over switch that's supposed to allow for a nag-free swap-out of computers. A welcome solution for couples toting laptops back and forth from the cubicle farms. At least it will be when it begins shipping in Japan starting mid-May.

[Via Impress]

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Elecom's USB hub shares devices, not feelings, with your spouse originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 May 2009 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomhubkvmU2SW-B27SBKusb hubUsbHubFri, 08 May 2009 04:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's Scope Node precision mouse - it's precise, but only in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/elecoms-scope-node-precision-mouse-its-precise-but-only-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/elecoms-scope-node-precision-mouse-its-precise-but-only-in/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/elecoms-scope-node-precision-mouse-its-precise-but-only-in/#comments
Usually, when a company attempts to change up the mouse it's a purely cosmetic affair. But as any ergonomist will tell you, the fundamental design of the device leaves a lot to be desired. Unlike Cyber Sport's recent outing, Elecom's Scope Node retains the same basic "mousetastic" shape, but it places the laser sensor off to the left -- where it would be if you were holding a pen. The company promises greater accuracy, though until the thing ends up on these shores we'll have to take their word for it. Available in Japan for ¥6,300 (that's about $64, Americanos).

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

Gallery: Elecom's Scope Node precision mouse

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Elecom's Scope Node precision mouse - it's precise, but only in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomjapanmousescope nodeScopeNodeTue, 17 Mar 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's new TK-FCP004 ultra-slim keyboard is minimalism at its finest]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/elecoms-new-tk-fcp004-ultra-slim-keyboard-is-minimalism-at-its/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/elecoms-new-tk-fcp004-ultra-slim-keyboard-is-minimalism-at-its/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/elecoms-new-tk-fcp004-ultra-slim-keyboard-is-minimalism-at-its/#comments
Pining for a numeric keypad, which Apple has so unceremoniously discarded, but can't bring yourself to pick the numeric version off a list? Do you have other personality problems, but appreciate good design? Do you live in Japan? Then Elecom's got just the thing for you, the new TK-FCP004 series ultra-slim keyboards. Rising a mere 0.57-inches off the ground, and sporting incredibly minimal aesthetics, we'd say Elecom has hit a real nerve here. The keyboard comes in silver, white or black, and hits Japan mid-October for 5040 yen after tax (about $50 US).

[Via Akihabara News]

Gallery: Elecom's new TK-FCP004 ultra-slim keyboard is minimalism at its finest

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Elecom's new TK-FCP004 ultra-slim keyboard is minimalism at its finest originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomjapankeyboardminimalslim keyboardSlimKeyboardthinthin keyboardThinKeyboardtk-fcp004ultra-slimWed, 04 Mar 2009 01:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's MR-C12 card reader: a single-slot NAND stash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/25/elecoms-mr-c12-card-reader-a-single-slot-nand-stash/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/25/elecoms-mr-c12-card-reader-a-single-slot-nand-stash/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/25/elecoms-mr-c12-card-reader-a-single-slot-nand-stash/#comments
At first glance we thought, "sweet, a makeshift SSD for all of our disparate memory cards." That is, until we figured out from the machine translation that the MR-C12 series of card readers from Elecom has more in common with a cigarette case than a solid state drive. So in addition to providing a convenient-if-bulky place to tote all your memory cards around, it also features a baked-in USB 2.0 cable and single media slot which accommodates all the most popular formats. No accidental jamming your memory card into the wrong slot here kids. In Japan mid October for ¥2,520 or about $22 in dear departed presidents.

[Via Impress]

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Elecom's MR-C12 card reader: a single-slot NAND stash originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>card readerCardReaderelecommr-c12Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom busts out bicycle-style locks for iPods]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/13/elecom-busts-out-bicycle-style-locks-for-ipods/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/13/elecom-busts-out-bicycle-style-locks-for-ipods/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/13/elecom-busts-out-bicycle-style-locks-for-ipods/#commentsYou can add Japan's prolific Elecom to the growing number of companies providing varying levels of protection for the countless theft-attracting iPods being toted about, with the company bringing some familiar security measures to bear on the problem. Available for both 5G iPods and 1st and 2nd gen iPod nanos, and in your choice of black or white, the locks will add a bit of heft to your otherwise portable device but should keep any would-be thieves from running off with it, not to mention yourself when you forget the combination. Those of you with better memories than us, however, can sang either model now for 5,040 Yen, or just over forty bucks.

[Via Crave]

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Elecom busts out bicycle-style locks for iPods originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomipodipod caseipod lockipod nanoIpodCaseIpodLockIpodNanoportable audioportableaudioTue, 13 Feb 2007 05:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom intros skim prevention kit for wallet, cellphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/12/elecom-intros-skim-prevention-kit-for-wallet-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/12/elecom-intros-skim-prevention-kit-for-wallet-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/12/elecom-intros-skim-prevention-kit-for-wallet-cellphone/#commentsIf you're down with the whole "swipeless" idea, but don't much dig the potential lack of security associated with it, Elecom's coming to the rescue in an attempt to put your paranoia to rest. The Skim Black I lineup of gear consists of a thin, wallet-based card and a not-so-elegant adornment for cellphones (pictured after the jump), both of which eliminate snoopers from jacking your precious information (or identity) by cutting off a reported 99.9-percent of radio waves. To be effective, the skim prevention card must be close to any swipeless cards in your wallet or pocket, while the bulkier SKM-K001 needs to be stuck on the rear of your mobile to effectively destroy the hopes of data thieves (and all stylistic appeal your handset previously had). Both units should be hitting Japan any day, and while the SKM-C001 wallet card will run you ¥1,260 ($11), the cellphone guardian will demand ¥2,310 ($20).

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Continue reading Elecom intros skim prevention kit for wallet, cellphone

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Elecom intros skim prevention kit for wallet, cellphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeCulturedata theftDataTheftelecomidentity theftIdentityTheftm-walletmobileothersperipheralsprotectionrfidskimskim blackSkimBlackskimmingswipelesstheftwalletFri, 12 Jan 2007 01:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom intros skim prevention kit for wallet, cellphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/12/elecom-intros-skim-prevention-kit-for-wallet-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/12/elecom-intros-skim-prevention-kit-for-wallet-cellphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/12/elecom-intros-skim-prevention-kit-for-wallet-cellphone/#commentsIf you're down with the whole "swipeless" idea, but don't much dig the potential lack of security associated with it, Elecom's coming to the rescue in an attempt to put your paranoia to rest. The Skim Black I lineup of gear consists of a thin, wallet-based card and a not-so-elegant adornment for cellphones (pictured after the jump), both of which eliminate snoopers from jacking your precious information (or identity) by cutting off a reported 99.9-percent of radio waves. To be effective, the skim prevention card must be close to any swipeless cards in your wallet or pocket, while the bulkier SKM-K001 needs to be stuck on the rear of your mobile to effectively destroy the hopes of data thieves (and all stylistic appeal your handset previously had). Both units should be hitting Japan any day, and while the SKM-C001 wallet card will run you ¥1,260 ($11), the cellphone guardian will demand ¥2,310 ($20).

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Continue reading Elecom intros skim prevention kit for wallet, cellphone

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Elecom intros skim prevention kit for wallet, cellphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black skimBlackSkimcrimeelecomidentity theftIdentityTheftm-walletrfidskimskimmingswipelesstheftwalletFri, 12 Jan 2007 01:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's left or right-handed mouse: deadly ambidexterity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/07/elecoms-left-or-right-handed-mouse-deadly-ambidexterity/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/07/elecoms-left-or-right-handed-mouse-deadly-ambidexterity/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/07/elecoms-left-or-right-handed-mouse-deadly-ambidexterity/#comments

Nobody cranks out quirkier mouse designs on such a regular basis than Japan's Elecom. This 800dpi mouse packs the somewhat useful novelty of being suitable for either left or right-handed people -- flick the switch to reverse the left and right-click functions. Just remember to leave the mouse on the correct side of the keyboard to avoid any confrontation with your partner. After all, that M-EKURDR moniker is just an anagram for "murder, k?" On sale in Japan this month for ¥2,520 or about $22.

[Via Impress]

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Elecom's left or right-handed mouse: deadly ambidexterity originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambidextrouselecomleft-handedmouseThu, 07 Dec 2006 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom CR-FP2, yet another biometric flash drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/06/elecom-cr-fp2-yet-another-biometric-flash-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/06/elecom-cr-fp2-yet-another-biometric-flash-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/06/elecom-cr-fp2-yet-another-biometric-flash-drive/#comments If you're looking for an alternative to the Pretec i-Disk Touch USB flash drive or to the smartSTIK-MD, and find yourself in the Land of the Rising Sun, you may want to check out the new Elecom CR-FP2 biometric flash drive. From what we can tell, it's a pretty standard half gig drive that will encrypt your data such that it can only be unlocked by way of a fingerprint scan. It can be yours for ¥8,820 ($76) sometime later this month -- just make sure you don't get in a fight with some Yakuza and lose a finger or two before then.

[Via PC Watch]

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Elecom CR-FP2, yet another biometric flash drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 02:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometriccr-fp2elecomfingerprintfingerprintsflash driveFlashDriveusbWed, 06 Dec 2006 02:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's PRUMIE mice combat the dreaded "accidental side scroll"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/03/elecoms-prumie-mice-combat-the-dreaded-accidental-side-scroll/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/03/elecoms-prumie-mice-combat-the-dreaded-accidental-side-scroll/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/03/elecoms-prumie-mice-combat-the-dreaded-accidental-side-scroll/#comments
We've got to hand it to peripherals manufacturer Elecom for thinking outside the box and trying to solve a perceived problem with its new PRUMIE lineup of mice -- unfortunately, in our opinion, they addressed the wrong problem. All three PRUMIE models come with the increasingly-standard multi-direction scroll wheel -- meaning that it scrolls both up and down as well as side-to-side -- and in order to combat the dreaded issue of mis-scrolling, the mice come with a "tilt guard" to prevent accidental left and right clicks. Now we can't speak for everyone, but we never really find ourselves side scrolling when we're trying to navigate a page vertically; instead, our biggest problem -- which isn't much of a problem at all, really -- is pushing the wheel too hard and triggering a downwards "scroll click." So if Elecom could do something about this occasional nuisance, we'd be sold, but we certainly wouldn't pick up a PRUMIE for the sole reason of thwarting an "issue" that we never encounter. Still, if accidental side-scrolling just happens to be the bane of your existence, you can grab the M-P1UP2R series (available in six colors) for 3,000 Yen ($26), the M-P2UP2R (three colors, adds thumb buttons) for 3,600 Yen ($31), or the M-P3UP2R (three colors, adds thumb buttons and a "high accuracy laser sensor system") for just 4,800 Yen ($41).

[Via Slash Gear]

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Elecom's PRUMIE mice combat the dreaded "accidental side scroll" originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecominput devicesInputDevicesmicemouseperipheralsprumieSun, 03 Dec 2006 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's 8GB SDHC card is class-4, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/elecoms-8gb-sdhc-card-is-class-4-too/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/elecoms-8gb-sdhc-card-is-class-4-too/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/elecoms-8gb-sdhc-card-is-class-4-too/#commentsJoining Toshiba at the top of the SDHC capacity/speed game is Elecom with this, the world's second class-4, 8GB SDHC card. Not class-2 son, oh no, this is class-4 so we're talking a 4MB/s minimum write speed. Elecom claims you'll see a max transfer rate of 7MB/s when these launch (before Toshiba?) in the first part of January. Fine, but what interests us more is the price: about ¥39,800 or $343. See Toshiba, it's not all that hard to provide a price now is it? Now get moving, pressures on to beat Elecom if you want to live up to your "world's first" claim.

[Via Impress]

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Elecom's 8GB SDHC card is class-4, too originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8GB SDHC8gbSdhcclass-4 sdhcClass-4SdhcelecomsdhcThu, 30 Nov 2006 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's USB CD/DVD Data Crusher, goth-girl magnet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/14/elecoms-usb-cd-dvd-data-crusher-goth-girl-magnet/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/14/elecoms-usb-cd-dvd-data-crusher-goth-girl-magnet/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/14/elecoms-usb-cd-dvd-data-crusher-goth-girl-magnet/#comments

If you're the type to dump your nefarious ways to disc then check it oh prince of netherworld, Elecom's here to cover your tracks. Jack the Data Crusher into your laptop's USB, slip in a disc of wickedness, push the button, and in 5 seconds your data will be etched into Hasbro H-E-double-toothpicks; ready to dangle from the rear-view mirror of your Cadillac Cathedral yet safe from the wife, boss, or favorite government entity of your paranoid fantasies. Yours at the end of the month for ¥3,150 or about $27.

[Via Impress]

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Elecom's USB CD/DVD Data Crusher, goth-girl magnet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd/dvd data crusherCd/dvdDataCrusherdata crusherDataCrusherelecomTue, 14 Nov 2006 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's AVD-DCAA2: +2 hours of portable iPod juice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/02/elecoms-avd-dcaa2-2-hours-of-portable-ipod-juice/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/02/elecoms-avd-dcaa2-2-hours-of-portable-ipod-juice/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/02/elecoms-avd-dcaa2-2-hours-of-portable-ipod-juice/#comments

Here you go, another way to stretch the untethered playback of your iPod. Meet the Elecom AVD-DCAA2 series of external battery packs which will keep any iPod sportin' the universal dock pumping the tunes for up to 2 hours (as tested with 1G nano) off 2x AA batteries. Remove the batteries and the whole kit compresses for easy portability. Sure that off-center slab ain't pretty, but it has to slide to the side to maintain access to the headphone jack, Jack. Available Martin and Lewis or Amos and Andy starting mid November for ¥1,890 or about 16 bucks.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Elecom's AVD-DCAA2: +2 hours of portable iPod juice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avd-dcaa1elecomexternal ipod batteryExternalIpodBatteryipod batteryIpodBatteryportable audioportableaudioThu, 02 Nov 2006 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's ColorCode reading mouse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/26/elecoms-colorcode-reading-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/26/elecoms-colorcode-reading-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/26/elecoms-colorcode-reading-mouse/#commentsWhile we're still stuck with 20th-century style bar codes 'round these parts, our friends around the world (mostly Japan) are currently enjoying the abstract art and added info of QR codes and ColorCodes. You can, of course, read 'em with a cellphone camera, but if that's not convenient enough you might want to consider Elecom's latest mouse, the M-CZ1UR, which'll cease its cursor pushing duties and turn into a ColorCode reader at the push of a button. Apart from that, the M-CZ1UR looks to be a fairly standard, if undeniably stylized, optical mouse, with 1,000 DPI resolution and the standard USB interface. No word on what you can expect to shell out or even Japanese availability, so you'll still have to do your ColorCode reading the old fashioned way for the time being.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Elecom's ColorCode reading mouse originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorcodeelecommouseqr codeQrCodeThu, 26 Oct 2006 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod docks galore clutter up retail channels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/11/ipod-docks-galore-clutter-up-retail-channels/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/11/ipod-docks-galore-clutter-up-retail-channels/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/11/ipod-docks-galore-clutter-up-retail-channels/#comments We're not exactly sure how many different (or not so different) iPod docks are absolutely necessary, but we suppose the money is good, so we can't be too terribly hard on these manufacturers trying to make a quick buck with their endless iterations of the infernal things. Today's flavors comprise a virtual cornucopia of boringness, with Onkyo, Elecom and iLive all trying their darnedest not to stick out. Onkyo starts things off with their Wave Radio-inspired AERO Sound System (pictured), which includes CD playback, has a 5 watt 2 channel speaker, and will go for around 40,000 to 50,000 yen (about $335 to $419 US) when it goes on sale on November 30th. Next we have the the ASP-WP8 from Elecom, which boasts of 5.5 watt 2 channel sound, some decent looks and a 16,065 yen pricetag ($135 US). The ASP-WP8 will be out in late October. Finally, we have the painfully named IHMD8816DT Home Docking System from iLive, which boasts of full-on DVD playback along with the simple iPod docking action, and will be retailing for around $160. All three players come with cute little remotes, and while the first two appear to be Japan-only, the iLive dock should be inciting yawns from the store shelves of our very own shores. Check out the Elecom and iLive after the break.

Read - Onkyo AERO Sound System
Read - Elecom ASP-WP8
Read - iLive IHMD8816DT

Continue reading iPod docks galore clutter up retail channels

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iPod docks galore clutter up retail channels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AERO Sound SystemAeroSoundSystemASP-WP8elecomIHMD8816DTiliveipodipod dockIpodDockonkyoportable audioportableaudioWed, 11 Oct 2006 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom's U.STYLE USB flash drives]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/10/elecoms-u-style-usb-flash-drives/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/10/elecoms-u-style-usb-flash-drives/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/10/elecoms-u-style-usb-flash-drives/#comments Japanese manufacturer Elecom has busted out a couple of new USB flash drives to suit your style -- if your style happens to be white plastic, that is. Available in four different yes remarkably similar designs, the U.STYLE drives each come in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB varieties, except for the "Block" model, which drops the low end 256MB option and ups the transfer rate to 25MB/sec.. No word on when these might available, unfortunately, and Elecom's only giving the standard "open price" line on how much they're gonna cost.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Elecom's U.STYLE USB flash drives originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elecomflash driveFlashDrivethumb driveThumbDriveu.styleTue, 10 Oct 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Elecom rolls out MR-C11 / MR-C10 flash card readers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/07/elecom-rolls-out-mr-c11-mr-c10-flash-card-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/07/elecom-rolls-out-mr-c11-mr-c10-flash-card-readers/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/07/elecom-rolls-out-mr-c11-mr-c10-flash-card-readers/#commentsIf you're hunting for an unmistakable way to transfer your flash data to the PC, or just need something handy to transfer files between two separate cards, Elecom's newest pair of card readers can lend a hand. Sporting an ultracompact 61 x 34 x 8mm enclosure, the MR-C11 11-in-1 card reader can handle MMC, SD, SDHC, MS, MS Pro, MS Duo, xD, miniSD, microSD, and a couple more (when you toss in adapters, of course). The device has just a single slot where any card is apparently inserted and correctly read, removing the presumably strenuous guesswork involved in matching up basic squares and rectangles. The even smaller sibling, dubbed MR-C10, plays nice with the same card formats, but ups the ante by providing dual slots for PC-free data dubbing directly between SD / SDHC and MS cards. Both flashy (ahem) readers will be available in Japan later this month, and the MR-C11 will run you ¥2,520 ($22) while the MR-C10 demands ¥2,400 ($20).

[Via Akihabara News]

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Elecom rolls out MR-C11 / MR-C10 flash card readers originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Oct 2006 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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