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BlackBerry Storm 2 accessories roll into Best Buy

by Chris Ziegler posted Oct 11th 2009 at 8:57PM

Silicone skins for the Storm 2 are starting to find their way into shipments destined to Best Buy stores around the country, another solid signal that RIM's second touchscreen effort is hitting retail sooner rather than later. What we found amusing about this first batch is that the packaging seems conflicted about what to call the thing -- 9550, Storm II (as opposed to Storm2 or Storm 2, interestingly), and even the phone's codename Odin all make appearances front and center. We suppose they're just trying to make it crystal clear what phone the skin's intended for, and with leaks going back a solid year, you've got to cover all your bases.

[Thanks, Caffoni]

Continue reading BlackBerry Storm 2 accessories roll into Best Buy

Kensington slaps DisplayLink into USB universal docking stations

by Darren Murph posted Sep 23rd 2009 at 10:07AM

We've gone over one whole month without speaking of DisplayLink, and honestly, it's killing us on the inside. Thus, we're thrilled to see yet another product looking to the always-popular USB port for guidance, with Kensington's two newest universal docking stations channeling your graphics, peripherals and even internet journeys (only on the $149.99 K33926US, not on the $129.99 K33930US) over one single cable. Put simply, these docks allow users to connect up a set of speakers, USB peripherals and even a DVI / VGA display, and when you stroll in with your laptop, you simply link the two via a single USB connection and enjoy a "docked" experience. What's most interesting here, however, is the maximum resolution support; while most universal docks top out well below the 1080p mark, these two support resolutions as high as 2,048 x 1,152. Oh, and if you're just looking to connect a few (up to six) monitors to your existing rig via USB, the $79.99 Universal Multi-Display Adapter should be able to help.

[Via HotHardware]

AmazonBasics: Bezos and Co. starts private-label consumer electronics line

by Darren Murph posted Sep 20th 2009 at 12:51PM

You had to see this coming. Or not. While Amazon has certainly shown an ability to do well in the consumer electronics space (ahem, Kindle anyone?), we never exactly envisioned the mammoth e-tailer to spark up its own private-label line of consumer electronics. Designed to go mano-a-mano with the likes of Monoprice and other cut-rate accessories providers, AmazonBasics will -- at least initially -- offer consumers AV cables, blank DVD media and other inexpensive doodads for not much cheddar. Everything the outfit sells through this initiative will ship in frustration-free packaging, and Bezos has already committed to expanding the line "in the coming months." As expected, these products will be eligible for free (albeit slow) shipping if you break the $25-per-order mark, and while Americans can begin ordering today, it'll be a tick before these wares trickle out to international portals. So, industry -- are you scared yet?

Read - AmazonBasics
Read - Amazon's press release

RIM working on Bluetooth watch, other spellbinding accessories?

by Chris Ziegler posted Aug 13th 2009 at 4:16PM

We're not sure why we didn't hear more about this way back at RIM's WES conference way back in May, but it was apparently mentioned by VP Antoine Boucher at the time that they're working on a Bluetooth-enabled watch. Furthermore, it's said to be more advanced than the models Sony Ericsson has put forth so far, featuring streaming audio (3.5mm jack on the watch, perhaps?) and Twitter / Facebook updates in addition to the usual things like caller ID and text messages. Note that the image floating around today of this thing isn't real -- it's just a Sony Ericsson MBW-100 with a swapped logo -- so it remains to be seen what this magical wrist accessory will look like, assuming it's real and coming to retail. It seems Boucher also mentioned a high-end Bluetooth headset codenamed "Alpha 1" that'll allow you to stream music and get navigation directions through some sort of totally awesome silicone earpiece boasted to possibly be "the best solution on the market." It's pretty hard to pique a lot of interest these days with something as vanilla and ubiquitous as a headset, but at any rate, it's interesting to see the depth of RIM's apparent commitment to the accessory market right now.

[Via techfresh.net]

BackPack shelf for your iMac proves there are always more places to store clutter

by Laura June posted Aug 12th 2009 at 4:33PM

Call us crazy (our parents sure have), but we think this thing is awesome in a "this can't be a real item for sale" kind of way. TwelveSouth's "Mac exclusive" BackPack shelf attaches to the back of iMac and Apple Cinema Displays, providing a place for your Mac mini, hard drive -- or your Dr. Beverly Crusher figurine. They run $29.99, or you can get a six-pack for $150. Yes, a six-pack.

[Via Gizmodo]

Logitech replaces G5 with Gaming Mouse G500, throws Gaming Headset G330 in for luck

by Darren Murph posted Aug 6th 2009 at 4:00AM

It's tough to think of a well-mannered Earthling who didn't at least appreciate, if not adore Logitech's cutting-edge G5 laser mouse back in 2005, and at long last, said critter has a proper successor. Today, Logi's introducing the Gaming Mouse G500, which is designed with an on-the-fly adjustable DPI system (up to 5,700 DPI), a battle-worn finish, a broader thumb rest than before and a "smoothed-out pinkie ledge" to really round things out. The 27 gram mouse also packs a dual-mode scroll wheel, a "gaming grade" laser engine and a small bag of bragging rights to boot. Moving on, we've got the Gaming Headset G330, a rather unsightly bugger that sports a behind-the-head design, a noise-canceling microphone, in-line audio controls and a USB adapter. If you're interested in claiming either as your own, look for the G500 to ship in September for $69.99, while the G330 hits shelves this month for $49.99. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Logitech replaces G5 with Gaming Mouse G500, throws Gaming Headset G330 in for luck

Continue reading Logitech replaces G5 with Gaming Mouse G500, throws Gaming Headset G330 in for luck

Kensington's iPhone / iPod charging dock throws a mini battery into the mix

by Darren Murph posted Aug 4th 2009 at 7:17AM

At this point, you've probably assumed that there's simply no way any company can produce yet another iPhone or iPod dock that's significantly different from the legions of alternatives already out. And you're wrong. So wrong. In an effort to milk that Made for iPod / iPhone partnership for all it's worth, Kensington has just introduced its Charging Dock with Mini Battery Pack, which not only charges your dock connecting iPod or iPhone, but also energizes an external battery pack through the same USB cable. When you leave, you'll depart with a charged device as well as a charged battery pack in case you need to use 3G services for more than eight minutes. Brilliant, no? It's up for pre-order now for $69.99.

[Via iPodNN]

T-Mobile rolling out plethora of myTouch accessories

by Chris Ziegler posted Jul 8th 2009 at 12:54PM

As much heat as the "myTouch" name has taken, we're starting to understand why T-Mobile went with it -- the myTouch 3G is a very customizable device. At device launch, we're counting no fewer than 17 trinkets to go along with your phone -- not including color variations -- ranging from the ultra-mundane (a USB cable in your choice of black or white, for example) to the awesome (a snap-on battery extender that'll add 50 percent more juice) to the crazy (a myTouch logo commuter mug). Buyers will also be able to get custom-designed shells through Skinit and have access to a fitness belt, meaning you now have absolutely no excuse not to get on the trail and run that ten miles with that trusty Magic firmly attached to your arm. Well, except the fact that The Hills is on. Right after The Hills, though, we swear.

Sony seeks official PlayStation peripherals -- offers logo, good time

by Thomas Ricker posted Jun 30th 2009 at 3:58AM

Do you dream of big plastic tennis-rackets and steering-wheel snap-ons for Sony's upcoming motion controller? Yeah, then why not build them yourself? Sony Computer Entertainment has launched its Official Licensing Program that gives accessory and peripheral makers in Japan, Asia, North America, and Europe access to all the PS3, PSP, and PS2 tech documents and schematics required to qualify your product for an "Official Licensed Product" logo. Sure, you'll likely have to hand over some cash for the privilege, but imagine the bank that awaits the person who converts the glowing orb atop Sony's motion controller into the very first official PS3 lightsaber.

Nitho releases a plethora of Wii Motion Plus accessories

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jun 26th 2009 at 2:13PM

If your gaming experience seems a little underwhelming for want of little plastic Wii Motion Plus-compatible accessories, it looks like the gang over at Nitho has got your back. A quick trip over to the company's website reveals baseball bats, golf clubs, a revolver / nunchuck, charging docks, and more: all suitable for the make-believe Pete Rose, Arnold Palmer, or Chuck Norris in your life, and all in that boring white plastic that's become synonymous with the game system. We haven't seen a street date or price for these bad boys yet, but we're keeping our eyes peeled. PR after the break.

Continue reading Nitho releases a plethora of Wii Motion Plus accessories

PSP Go lacks mini USB, compatibility with existing accessories, common sense

by Tim Stevens posted Jun 8th 2009 at 7:11AM

PSP Go lacks mini USB, compatbility with existing accessories, common sense

Confession time: we weren't exactly charmed by Sony's PSP Go when Sony made the thing official. It's not that we're particularly fond of UMD (quite the contrary as a matter of fact), rather we found it a little hard to stomach a slimmer device that offers nearly the same hardware as its predecessor, swapping an optical drive for more storage, yet will cost nearly twice as much. Factor in the cost of all new accessories and things get even less appealing, with confirmation that the Go lacks a standard mini USB port on top, meaning things like PSP keyboards and Sony's GPS accessory are on a fast-track to obsolescence. Even current A/V cables and chargers won't work thanks to a new multifunction port on the base -- but Sony will be quite happy to sell you new ones. Is this the price of progress, or an attempt to boost profit margins? It's not good news for gamers, regardless.

Kensington outs new handful of netbook accessories

by Darren Murph posted Apr 8th 2009 at 7:33AM

It was just a matter of time, really. We've seen desktop accessories, laptop accessories and now netbook accessories. Kensington has today launched five new products aimed specifically at the blossoming market, and while the tiny wired ($14.99) and wireless ($24.99) mice aren't anything spectacular, the Power Adapter for Netbooks ($49.99) clearly shows a pinch of ingenuity. The unit is compatible with a whole slew of netbooks (not surprising given just how similar they all are), and includes a built-in USB port to give you that extra charging socket that you've been secretly longing for. There's also a new security lock ($24.99) and reversible sleeve ($14.99), which ought to join those other pieces we mentioned on store shelves later this month.

Gallery: Kensington outs new handful of netbook accessories

Micro Innovations's bamboo lineup might just save the world... from generic computer peripherals

by Paul Miller posted Feb 12th 2009 at 10:03PM

Our Panda-like obsession with bamboo is really paying off of late, what with the hundreds of bamboo ASUS laptops scattered around the Engadget HQ, the few dozen cubicles we've built out of Dell Studio Hybrid sleeves, and now this complete line of bamboo peripherals from Micro Innovations. Sure, they're ugly and a little low on tech -- the speakers, card reader, webcam, USB hub, keyboard and mouse couldn't be any more generic in specifications -- and as far as we can tell there's nothing particularly "green" about the typical-seeming internals, but apparently the (undisclosed) pricing is right. Most of this stuff should be available through your electronics retailer of choice in April or May.

Wireless keyboard / controller / remote control for PS3 could make your day / week / month

by Laura June posted Dec 30th 2008 at 12:25PM

We've seen some goofy looking PS3 accessories -- including Sony's recent Wireless Keypad for the PS3 -- but this one looks like a little bit of crazy mixed with a dab of mediocrity. A product of unknown make, the creatively dubbed "PS3 3-in-1 Wireless keyboard controller remote" certainly looks like it could function in a mind-blowingly awesome fashion -- though we haven't yet gotten our hands on an actual unit yet, so we can't say for sure. It's available now for an inviting $28.52.

[Thanks, Craig]

Sony unveils five new audio accessories: headphones, speakers and remote

by Darren Murph posted Nov 18th 2008 at 10:00AM

Rather than just introducing these five items individually, Sony reckoned the world at large may pay more attention if they were unveiled in one fell swoop. To that end, we're left staring at a new pair of noise canceling headphones (MDR-NC7; $50), travel speakers (SRS-M50; $50), a universal remote (RM-VL610; $30), EX Series earbuds (MDR-EX36V; $30) and stereo Bluetooth headphones (DR-BT160AS; $160). While the first two are pretty self-explanatory, color lovers will appreciate the three swappable back plates for the remote, and the water-resistant BT 'phones pack a built-in microphone, rechargeable Li-ion cells and A2DP support. Everything should be available now if you look hard enough, and the full release with all the gory details is waiting just after the break.