Belkin
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Engadget HD Review: RazorVision HDMI video cable
We are always hesitant when a company claims to 'enhance' something and our red flags where waving when Belkin sent us their RazorVision HDMI cables. These cables are equipped with an in-line video processor that claims to "restore details", provide "greater image depth," and "increase contrast." Thankfully, the unit provides an on and off button, along with a convenient split screen option, that made reviewing these 'cables' a snap. Click on for screenshots (big pics so slow load times for dial-up) that will let you come to your own conclusion on whether these are something you need to add to your high-def gear.
Belkin SportCommand for iPod
If you're hitting the slopes with your iPod this winter and you can't afford one of those swanky Burton iPod jackets, you might consider Belkin's new SportCommand - a wireless, weather-resistant, neoprene, armband remote. As you've come to expect from an iPod remote, this one will allow you to play, pause, skip tracks and a control the volume, and it has big enough buttons that even your gloved hands should be able to manage it. It'll set you back $79 USD and should be shipping in North America this November, with subsequent releases in Asia, Australia and Europe, so those of you heading to Zermatt for the holidays should be all set.
Belkin releases Compact, Concealed, and Clamp-On Surge Protectors
Whomever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks obviously never met Belkin's surge protector design team, who whipped out this unusual pair of plug multiplying safety units; the Compact and Concealed Surge Protectors above will set you back a hefty $40 and $50 apiece, but you'll have plenty of places to plug junk in (especially adapters), as well as an enclosing cover in the case of the Concealed. The $35 Belkin Clamp-On pretty much does what it says, and is, of course, more intended for applications one is relegated to performing in the garage. Expect 'em out in October, and don't forget your damn self a UPS.Read - Clamp-On Surge ProtectorRead - Concealed and Compact Surge Protectors
Skype readies four WiFi phones for VoIPing public
We've been waiting on Netgear's WiFi Skype phone for quite a while now, but what we didn't know is that it won't be only one of its kind for long. Skype now has four WiFi phones in the wings, the F1PP000GN-SK from Belkin (pictured), Edge-Core's WM4201, SMC's WSKP100, and of course Netgear's SPH101. From the looks of things, Netgear's entrant, which is due this month, will be the priciest at $300, but Belkin should follow in August with a quite similar offering for a much more acceptable $189. We're pretty short on details for the rest, but we should know more soon. Like the SPH101, all of the phones will allow you to manage a buddy list, and make calls from a WiFi connection without a need for a PC in between.
Belkin's TuneTalk Stereo does 16-bit iPod recording
We've already seen XtremeMac step up and court the mobile podcasting community with its 16-bit MicroMemo microphone adapter for the iPod with video, and now Belkin has announced a similar product with CD-quality audio recording, the TuneTalk Stereo. Like the MicroMemo, Belkin's omnidirectional model also clips into your device's dock connector, and includes a 3.5-millimeter jack for hooking up an external mic, if that's your thing. You also get a little stand for looking more professional in those sit-down interviews for your podcast, and the design ensures that you can leave your 'Pod's fancy case on while recording. Seventy bucks will get us lucky North Americans one of these units -- in either black or white -- sometime this month, but the rest of you suckers will have to wait just a little bit longer.
Flip Wireless KVM from Belkin
The Flip Wireless is a wireless KVM switch (that's keyboard, video, and mouse) that connects to two machines (Mac or Windows). The wireless part comes into play when you want to switch to from one machine to the other. Simply click the remote (with 10 feet of the KVM) and it switches, as if by magic.The Flip Wireless will be shipping in June and cost $79.99.[via Engadget]
Belkin Flip Wireless KVM with remote control
Belkin's Flip KVM is an attempt to put a stylish spin on this plain, utilitarian piece of gear, presumably so that users toggling between, say, a Dell XPS M2010 and a Mac mini won't have to compromise on decor. And with the $79.99 wireless version, due out in June, Belkin goes even further, adding a small RF remote that allows users to switch systems from anywhere. Frankly, we prefer to use a keyboard shortcut to switch systems, and that feature's included on most popular KVMs. Still, we suppose the Wireless Flip could find a niche market with presenters who need to toggle between systems without having to use a keyboard, or for that rare user who has set up dual-platform media servers, and wants to switch back and forth from the couch.
WoW Insider QuickTake: Nostromo n52
The Nostromo n52 Speedpad was listed by several readers as an essential WoW tool, so we're putting it to the test. I'll be using the n52 for the next week's play, and will return with an updated take on the peripheral; here's a quick first look at it. For some reason the n52 Speedpad seems popular with rogues; to get a feel for its functionality, in the first day of play I've tested it with a druid performing every role from tanking to group healer as well as soloing.Setting up the n52 was easy, although substantial changes were made to its default WASD-style setup. With fifteen buttons as well as a directional pad, scroll wheel and orange thumb button, the most obvious mapping seemed to be to assign the numbers 0-9 to buttons 1-10, with the other keys reserved for shift, information panes such as map and bags, and jump.By spending some time tinkering with both the n52 Profile Editor and WoW's keybindings, the pad was ready to prove its worth in real combat.
Belkin introduces TunePower
The folks at Belkin understand that you want to watch video on your iPod, and for a greater amount of time than its battery will allow. So, they've introduced the TunePower rechargeable battery pack. When fully charged, the TunePower will run your iPod for 8-10 hours all on its own. Also, it ships with several attachments that will allow you to use it with any iPod model with a dock connector.Finally, the included detachable DC/FireWire cable will charge both your iPod and the TunePower simultaneously. Pretty cool. You can grab one for $79.99US, and it's shipping now.
