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[IRL: Google Voice, FastMac's U Socket and returning the iPhone 4S]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/irl-google-voice-fastmacs-u-socket-and-returning-the-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/irl-google-voice-fastmacs-u-socket-and-returning-the-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/irl-google-voice-fastmacs-u-socket-and-returning-the-iphone-4/#commentsWelcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Hi there, folks. Happy almost-four-day-weekend to you too. As you'd expect, we're not the types to waste an opportunity to tie IRL into a national eating orgy, so this week's edition is appropriately about giving thanks. Terrence appreciates Google Voice, even if it slips some incomprehensible one-liners into his transcriptions. Zach, meanwhile, is mighty happy about his U Socket purchase (because wall-mounted USB ports are a beautiful, beautiful thing). And Joe -- actually, he's none too grateful for the two iPhone 4S' he returned, though he is glad Google hurried up and released Ice Cream Sandwich. What's his problem, anyway? Meet us after the break to find out.

Continue reading IRL: Google Voice, FastMac's U Socket and returning the iPhone 4S

IRL: Google Voice, FastMac's U Socket and returning the iPhone 4S originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engadgetIRLfastmacfastmac u-socketFastMac USocketFastmacU-socketFastmacUsocketGoogle VoiceGoogleVoiceiPhone 4sIphone4sIRLJoe PollicinoJoePollicinoTerrence OBrienTerrenceObrienU SocketUSocketZach HonigZachHonigWed, 23 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac U-Socket review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/fastmac-u-socket-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/fastmac-u-socket-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/fastmac-u-socket-review/#comments
FastMac's U-Socket may have veered perilously closer to vaporware territory after what seemed like an endless series of delays, but it finally started shipping out back in January to those patient enough to hang onto their pre-order, and we recently got our hands on one to see if it was really worth the wait. The short of it is that it does indeed work as promised once you get it installed, although that process may not be quite as painless as you're expecting. Read on for our full review.

Gallery: FastMac U-Socket

Continue reading FastMac U-Socket review

FastMac U-Socket review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fastmacfastmac u-socketFastmacU-socketoutletpower outletPowerOutletreviewu-socketusbusb outletUsbOutletThu, 17 Mar 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac U-Socket now shipping out to the world, making it a better place]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/fastmac-u-socket-now-shipping-out-to-the-world-making-it-a-bett/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/fastmac-u-socket-now-shipping-out-to-the-world-making-it-a-bett/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/fastmac-u-socket-now-shipping-out-to-the-world-making-it-a-bett/#comments Celebrate, oh U-Socket faithful, for thy object of convenient desire has finally started shipping. FastMac's wall socket that serves up a pair of standard 110V power outlets alongside two USB juice ports is today taking the final steps to reaching its expectant owners' homes. Confirmation emails have been sent out to those who ordered earliest (we've got one for your perusal after the break) and the retail site promises a three- to four-week delivery time for orders placed today. The price is still just under $20, while the utility of being able to plug your USB device directly into the wall has probably never been higher.

[Thanks, Gareth]

Continue reading FastMac U-Socket now shipping out to the world, making it a better place

FastMac U-Socket now shipping out to the world, making it a better place originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac outletAcOutletfastmacfastmac u-socketfastmac usocketFastmacU-socketFastmacUsocketoutletpowerpower outletpower socketPowerOutletPowerSocketsocketusbusb powerUsbPowerMon, 17 Jan 2011 21:31:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac U-Socket delayed yet again, now supposedly shipping in January]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/fastmac-u-socket-delayed-yet-again-now-supposedly-shipping-in-j/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/fastmac-u-socket-delayed-yet-again-now-supposedly-shipping-in-j/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/fastmac-u-socket-delayed-yet-again-now-supposedly-shipping-in-j/#comments Remember the $10 FastMac U-Socket that first turned up way back in December of 2009 and was then beset by a number of delays that most recently led to a promised October ship date and inflated $20 price tag? Well, it didn't ship then either, but the company is now apparently telling customers that it's really, finally getting ready to ship the USB-equipped power socket sometime next month (despite a note on the company's website that still says it's shipping "mid-December"). Anyone ordering one now will apparently still have to wait a bit longer, though -- the company apparently only expects things to return to "normal" by February.

[Thanks, Greg]

FastMac U-Socket delayed yet again, now supposedly shipping in January originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayfastmacfastmac u-socketFastmacU-socketoutletpower outletpower socketPowerOutletPowerSocketsocketu-socketusbFri, 31 Dec 2010 04:18:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac U-Socket delayed due to safety redesign, now going for $20]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/fastmac-u-socket-delayed-due-to-safety-redesign-now-going-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/fastmac-u-socket-delayed-due-to-safety-redesign-now-going-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/fastmac-u-socket-delayed-due-to-safety-redesign-now-going-for/#comments And here you were thinking this thing had vanished into the never-ending Lairs of Vaporwareville. Lucky for you, the gents and gals over at FastMac have been hard at work caving to the also never-ending list of demands from the UL and various other safety agencies. That means that the utterly brilliant U-Socket is indeed still on track for mass production, but it'll be slightly redesigned and stacked with a few bonus features by the time it hits the market. According to an update sent out to loyal pre-orderers (which can be seen in full after the break), the USB sockets have been relocated as a compliance measure, but now, they're of the SuperSpeed variety. Each one is also capable of 10W power (read: iPad-friendly) and it also smokes the EPA's Energy Star requirements. The modifications have pushed the expected ship date back to October, and the original $9.95 price has been bumped up to $19.95 -- though the company is quick to point out that each one is made in the US of A, and those who got in early will have their orders honored. An extra Hamilton for USB 3.0 and 10W charging? We're still as sold as ever.

[Thanks, Brian]

Continue reading FastMac U-Socket delayed due to safety redesign, now going for $20

FastMac U-Socket delayed due to safety redesign, now going for $20 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 May 2010 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac outletAcOutletdelaydelayeddelaysenergyFastMacFastMac USocketFastmacUsocketoutletpowerpower outletsafetysocketsuperspeed usbSuperspeedUsbtruepowerTruePower U-SocketTruepowerU-socketu-socketususbusb 3.0usb chargerusb outletUsb3.0UsbChargerUsbOutletUSocketSat, 22 May 2010 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[$10 USB power outlet leaves no plug behind]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/05/10-usb-power-outlet-leaves-no-plug-behind/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/05/10-usb-power-outlet-leaves-no-plug-behind/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/05/10-usb-power-outlet-leaves-no-plug-behind/#comments Don't freak out or anything. But all that time you spent building a DIY in-wall USB charger may have been for naught. Of course, you've gained a useful learning experience and potentially gotten a lesson in the dangers of electricity, but you could have simply ordered this TruPower UCS outlet from FastMac, which packs the same two USB charging ports as the DIY outlet, along with two standard power outlets for your other power-hungry devices. Best of all, it only costs the same ten bucks that the DIY option would have set you back, but it looks like it won't start shipping until sometime early next year.

$10 USB power outlet leaves no plug behind originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac outletAcOutletfastmacoutletpowerpower outletPowerOutlettrupowertrupower ucsTrupowerUcsusbusb chargerusb outletUsbChargerUsbOutletSat, 05 Dec 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac slips out three slimline USB Blu-ray drives, including a $99 reader]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/#comments
We'd heard of a FastMac USB external slimline Blu-ray reader poking around Macworld last month, but we never got anything official until today, when the company pinged us to let us know that the $99 APP-6907 DVD±RW / BD drive, the $299 APP-6963 1x BD-R drive and the $399 APP-6964 4x BD-R drive are now all available. All three drives support both Macs and PCs, although you'll need Windows to play BD movies. Not bad deals all around, but we're still not convinced we need a Blu-ray drive for our computers when we barely use the one in the living room.

Read - APP-6907
Read - APP-6963
Read - APP-6964

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FastMac slips out three slimline USB Blu-ray drives, including a $99 reader originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>690769636964app-6907app-6963app-6964bd drivebd-rBdDrivebdrblu-rayfastmacThu, 12 Feb 2009 02:43:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac slips out three slimline USB Blu-ray drives, including a $99 reader]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/fastmac-slips-out-three-slimline-usb-blu-ray-drives-including-a/#comments
We'd heard of a FastMac USB external slimline Blu-ray reader poking around Macworld last month, but we never got anything official until today, when the company pinged us to let us know that the $99 APP-6907 DVD±RW / BD drive, the $299 APP-6963 1x BD-R drive and the $399 APP-6964 4x BD-R drive are now all available. All three drives support both Macs and PCs, although you'll need Windows to play BD movies. Not bad deals all around, but we're still not convinced we need a Blu-ray drive for our computers when we barely use the one in the living room.

Read - APP-6907
Read - APP-6963
Read - APP-6964

Filed under: , ,

FastMac slips out three slimline USB Blu-ray drives, including a $99 reader originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>690769636964app-6907app-6963app-6964bd drivebd-rBdDrivebdrblu rayblu-rayblurayfastmachdrecordersThu, 12 Feb 2009 01:37:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone gains battery life, camera flash, loses sex appeal with FastMac's iV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/iphone-gains-battery-life-camera-flash-loses-sex-appeal-with-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/iphone-gains-battery-life-camera-flash-loses-sex-appeal-with-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/iphone-gains-battery-life-camera-flash-loses-sex-appeal-with-f/#comments Why yes, FastMac -- we want 24 hours of talk time, 72 of audio, 20 of video, and 31 hours of standby on our iPhones and iPhone 3Gs. Throw in a camera flash that doubles as a flashlight, and the ability to charge a USB device like a Bluetooth headset right off the phone, and you've got a deal on this iV charging kit of yours! Oh, there's a catch? It's a wee bit bulky, with an aesthetic similar to that of mophie's Juice Pack? Hey, it could be worse. This largification -- along with $79.50 -- is apparently the price you pay for digital endurance.

[Via Macworld]

Filed under: ,

iPhone gains battery life, camera flash, loses sex appeal with FastMac's iV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesapplebatterybattery lifebatterylifecamera flashcameraflashchargercharging kitchargkingkitfastmacfastmac ivfastmacivflashflashlightiphoneiphone 3giphone3givledmobileusbMon, 03 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone gains battery life, camera flash, loses sex appeal with FastMac's iV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/iphone-gains-battery-life-camera-flash-loses-sex-appeal-with-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/iphone-gains-battery-life-camera-flash-loses-sex-appeal-with-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/iphone-gains-battery-life-camera-flash-loses-sex-appeal-with-f/#comments Why yes, FastMac -- we want 24 hours of talk time, 72 of audio, 20 of video, and 31 days of standby on our iPhones and iPhone 3Gs. Throw in a camera flash that doubles as a flashlight, and the ability to charge a USB device like a Bluetooth headset right off the phone, and you've got a deal on this iV charging kit of yours! Oh, there's a catch? It's a wee bit bulky, with an aesthetic similar to that of mophie's Juice Pack? Hey, it could be worse. This largification -- along with $79.50 -- is apparently the price you pay for digital endurance.

[Via Macworld]

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iPhone gains battery life, camera flash, loses sex appeal with FastMac's iV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebatterybattery lifebatterylifecamera flashcameraflashchargercharging kitchargkingkitfastmacfastmac ivfastmacivflashflashlightiphoneiphone 3giphone3givledusbMon, 03 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac TruePower U-Charge juices up those Apple laptop batteries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/fastmac-truepower-u-charge-juices-up-those-apple-laptop-batterie/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/fastmac-truepower-u-charge-juices-up-those-apple-laptop-batterie/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/22/fastmac-truepower-u-charge-juices-up-those-apple-laptop-batterie/#comments
Even accessory-laden Apple users have a dearth of options when it comes to offboard battery chargers, which is why we're sure Mac-toting road warriors will be taking a close look at FastMac's new TruePower U-Charge. Basically, it's a $70 laptop battery charger -- not a power adapter -- with a variety of tips and connections for Mac batteries both modern (MacBook / MacBook Pro) and dating all the way back to the G3-era (like Pismo / WallStreet PowerBooks). FastMac is also apparently working on rounding out the collection with higher voltage connectors for machines like the original iBooks and TiBook, if you happen to holding out in a bunker with one of those suckers, browsing Engadget on Internet Explorer for Mac 5.0.

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FastMac TruePower U-Charge juices up those Apple laptop batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 May 2008 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleFastMacTruePowerU-ChargeThu, 22 May 2008 07:52:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac reveals slimline 2x Blu-ray burner for Mac laptops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/06/fastmac-reveals-slimline-2x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/06/fastmac-reveals-slimline-2x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/06/fastmac-reveals-slimline-2x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-laptops/#comments
For those who look at their PowerBook, iBook or MacBook Pro and long for a Blu-ray optical drive, FastMac's got you covered. Of course, some Macs were already on its list of compatible machines, but the firm is now announcing that the trio of aforementioned systems have joined the fray alongside the iMac and Mac mini. The slimline drive writes to BD-RE at 2x, DVD±RW at 8x and CD-R/W at 8x, and provides up to 50GB of storage on a single disc. The unit is slated to ship within 30 days and is available for pre-order as we speak for a stiff $999.99.

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FastMac reveals slimline 2x Blu-ray burner for Mac laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu rayblu-rayblurayfastmachdibookmacbookmacbook proMacbookProotherspowerbookslimlineupgradeSat, 06 Oct 2007 01:14:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac reveals slimline 2x Blu-ray burner for Mac laptops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/06/fastmac-reveals-slimline-2x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/06/fastmac-reveals-slimline-2x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/06/fastmac-reveals-slimline-2x-blu-ray-burner-for-mac-laptops/#comments
For those who look at their PowerBook, iBook or MacBook Pro and long for a Blu-ray optical drive, FastMac's got you covered. Of course, some Macs were already on its list of compatible machines, but the firm is now announcing that the trio of aforementioned systems have joined the fray alongside the iMac and Mac mini. The slimline drive writes to BD-RE at 2x, DVD±RW at 8x and CD-R/W at 8x, and provides up to 50GB of storage on a single disc. The unit is slated to ship within 30 days and is available for pre-order as we speak for a stiff $999.99.

Filed under: ,

FastMac reveals slimline 2x Blu-ray burner for Mac laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayfastmachdtvibookmacbookmacbook proMacbookPropowerbookslimlineupgradeSat, 06 Oct 2007 01:14:00 EST<![CDATA[FastMac debuts Blu-ray Drive for your fast (or slow) Mac]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/06/fastmac-debuts-blu-ray-drive-for-your-fast-or-slow-mac/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/06/fastmac-debuts-blu-ray-drive-for-your-fast-or-slow-mac/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/06/fastmac-debuts-blu-ray-drive-for-your-fast-or-slow-mac/#comments
Have $800 burning a hole in your pocket and a strange urge to create Blu-ray discs with your slot-loading Mac? All four of you might dig FastMac's new Blu-ray Drive upgrade, which can fit in a wide range of Macs, including the 17-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini and Intel iMac. Apparently no love for the MacBook or 15-inch MBP, but the iBook G4 can handle it -- though it's hard to fathom stuffing one of these drives inside that oh-so-consumery laptop. The drive is rated at 8x DVD±RW and 1x BD-RW. You can write to 50GB dual-layer discs, and boot to the drive with OS X. FastMac calls the drive "Plug & Play," but the "plugging" end of that equation is going to take some adventurous exploits inside your Mac, by you, your hacker nephew or a trained computer repair guy. If you think you can stomach it, the drive is available now.

[Via MacMinute]

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FastMac debuts Blu-ray Drive for your fast (or slow) Mac originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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