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Meridian launches M80 high-end compact entertainment system, we yawn
If you'd have asked us back in 2008 to predict what new features a successor to Meridian's Ferrari co-branded F80 compact entertainment system would have, things like HD video playback in the form of an HD DVD or Blu-ray player, an HDMI connection and iPod integration would have been no-brainers. So forgive us if we're less than impressed now that the M80 has arrived, sporting what appears to be only a minor exterior make-over and the companion i80 iPod Dock packaged in as a bonus. Is it nice to get both products for less than its Italian sports car-taxed predecessor? Sure. But we'd really like to see more from Meridian than a few pieces of hand-tooled English leather supporting its still bankruptcy-inspiring $2,995 MSRP. %Gallery-98939%
Meridian's i80: the $400 universal iPod dock
Meridian's multi-thousand dollar F80 has long since been just a pipe dream for those looking for a tabletop audio system, but one of the biggest gripes about the spectacular device was the inexplicable omission of an iPod dock. Now, Meridian is out to remedy that problem by introducing the i80 Universal Dock for iPod. Able to play nice with dock-connecting iPods and iPhones, this dock integrates "nicely" into the aforesaid F80 and will be available with clip-on red / yellow trims for those with vivid tastes. Wash that $399 away this August, or go for broke by dropping $3,395 on the i80 / F80 kit.[Via Trendy Gadget]
Samsung's i80, i100, and S1060 trio of novel cameras
The pre-PMA 2008 madness ushers in this trio of new Samsung shooters. The 8.1 megapixel i80 (pictured left) brings a standard 3x optical zoom and biggie 3-inch LCD with face recognition and integrated MP3 player. The i100 (pictured center) increases the load with a 10.2 megapixel sensor, optical image stabilization (instead of digital alone), ISO 3200 sensitivity, and a built-in "World Tour Guide" function for instant access to travel information in 30 countries. The entry-level S1060 ratchets the zoom up to 5x while dropping the LCD back to 2.7-inches. No prices announced but all the cams are expected to launch this spring. [Via TechDigest]Read -- Samsung i80Read -- Samsung i100Read -- Samsung S1060
