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Packard Bell EasyNote LV, TV laptops bring Ivy Bridge to speed-hungry Europeans
Most laptops being updated to Intel's Ivy Bridge processors have come from international brands, so it may be some relief to European PC buyers that Acer's local Packard Bell badge has made the leap as well. The 15.6-inch EasyNote TV and 17.3-inch LV will each use the new 22-nanometer processors both to push performance that little bit farther as well as get a middling five hours of battery life. NVIDIA graphics in GeForce GT 620M and 630M flavors will spruce up the gaming side, however, and Packard Bell is delivering a 20 percent more responsive multi-touch trackpad, dedicated music / social keys and a bamboo-like lid pattern to add a little dose of style. The duo will surface in Europe during June at prices starting from €499 ($656). Acer has sometimes brought Packard Bell PCs to the US as roughly equivalent Gateway models and vice versa, so Americans shouldn't be surprised if they get counterpart laptops before long.
Verbatim's Store 'n' Go V3 thumb drives pack USB 3.0, start at $20 for 8GB
Portable flash drives specced to USB 3.0 have been around since before Apple's original iPad was introduced, but finding 'em on the cheap can still be quite the task. Enter Verbatim's Store 'n' Go V3 drives, which are set to fit said bill, starting at just $20 bucks for 8GB of storage with options up to 64GB. The USB connector retracts for storage to save you from fussing with caps, and you'll also have your pick from "seven trendy colors." Mum's the word on the maximum transfer speeds you can expect, but we doubt it's a major concern at this price. The Store 'n' Go V3s are already on sale and you'll find more details in the press release after the break.
Jawbone Big Jambox review
It was back in February when we first caught wind a beefier version of Jawbone's Jambox, thanks to some less-than-stealthy ninjas at the FCC. Today it's officially here. Dubbed Big Jambox, this $300 Bluetooth speakerphone and "smartspeaker" is unsurprisingly a supersized -- yet still portable -- version of the new-age micro-boombox that the won us over back in 2010. Naturally, there have been some tweaks to go along with the bigger footprint, but all the core features including Jawbone's MyTalk apps and noise-cancelling know-how are in tow. Now that we've used it extensively for a few days, we're ready to answer some questions you might have. Does it follow the old adage that bigger is better? How will it fit into your lifestyle compared to the Jambox? And most importantly, is it worth the asking price?
Jawbone unleashes Big Jambox, beefs up its Bluetooth 'smartspeaker' lineup
We've had a shimmer in our eye for Jawbone's $200 Jambox, the itty bitty Bluetooth 'smartspeaker,' ever since it was released back in late 2010. So, imagine our delight now that the company has just stepped things up to a larger level with its new $300 Big Jambox. Measuring in at well over double the size of the original, the 2.7-pound speaker is still very similar in design and features the familiar perforated metal grill designs by Yves Behar -- starting May 15th, you can pick one up in your choice of Red Dot, Graphite Hex and White Wave. The larger footprint helps it to be more functionally capable than its sibling, yet it's still small enough to carry in one hand. On top, the unit sports playback controls in addition to the requisite volume and talk buttons, while on the side you'll find a USB connection (for software updates), power input 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth-pairing button and a power button. To pump out the jams, the Big Jambox features an airtight enclosure loaded with a duo of active neodymium drivers and opposing dual-passive bass radiators to handle all the wub wub you can throw at it. A 2,600mAh rechargeable battery will get you roughly 15 hours of totally wireless listening time (500 on standby), but -- as is the case with the original -- you still can't share that juice with your gadgets. Positively, Android users can take advantage of the Big Jambox's exclusive Companion app, which allows the unit to do tricks such like sync up with your G-cal to inform you about your appointments. Lastly, like the Jambox, the Big Jambox features MyTalk voice prompts / app compatibility, along with Live Audio DSP to give your sounds an immersive "3D" feel. Curious to find out more? We spent a full weekend with the new gizmo, and you can catch our full review by clicking here. Full press release after the break.
Nintendo 3DS turning purple on May 20th, takes a bruising from the ugly stick
Pink, red, aqua and black not good enough for you? Fine. Have a purple one -- if that's what you really want. On May 20th you can pick up this Grimace-hued Nintendo 3DS for the usual price of $169.99 alongside Mario Tennis Open. Hoping for something a bit more subtle, perhaps a nice clean white or a nice two-tone gray? Tough. You're getting purple.
Nintendo confirms that it's selling 3DS at a loss, expects that to change
Ever since Nintendo slashed the price of the 3DS, there's been plenty of speculation that the gaming giant has been selling the portable console at a loss. The company acknowledged that fact during its disappointing earnings report, stating, "its hardware has been sold below cost because of its significant price cut in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012," something that's uncharacteristic of the company's past operations. But as with its fairly unfortunate financials, the company plans to turn things around, adding, "Nintendo expects to cease selling it below cost by the middle of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013."
Samsung intros 'world's thinnest' external DVD writer, tries to convince you to pack it with your tablet
Generally, a new optical disk drive is nothing to write home about, but how about one that's specifically purposed for tablets and Ultrabooks? That's the pitch Samsung is selling for its SE-218BB DVD / CD writer, which the company claims is the world's thinnest external ODD -- because what better to go with your svelte computing devices than more pluggable doohickeys? Cynicism aside, Samsung says this $60 add-on is just 14mm tall, "18 percent thinner than conventional DVD writers" and eight percent less weighty than its standard DVD ODD. The bus-powered unit connects via USB, and it'll work with Macs, PCs and devices running Android 3.1 and up. Oddly fascinated? The drive is currently on sale worldwide if you're willing carry it along with you. You'll find full details in the press release after the break.
GeChic On-Lap 1302 is a 'Secret Tool' to give your smartphone dual screens (video)
If you've ever felt the burning urge to mirror your smartphone's display onto a larger screen, then you might consider stuffing GeChic's portable, 13.3-inch monitor into the ol' man purse for your next wayward outing. We're not promising that it'll be simple, but in addition to supporting laptops, game consoles and digital cameras, you can also rig up your smartphone to the On-Lap 1302 monitor -- with the assistance of a tangle of adapters, batteries and cords, that is. The product is said to be just 8mm thick, but most importantly, this 1366 x 768 display can be powered either from your laptop's USB port or an external battery pack. It includes proper hookups for VGA and HDMI video connections (via a proprietary 30-pin connector), but laptop users may also purchase a Mini DisplayPort accessory. Throw in Apple's Digital AV Adapter or an MHL to HDMI solution, and boom, you've also got support for your iPhone and many Android smartphones. Okay, so it's a bit convoluted, but the product's video touts this as, "The best idea ever," and along with its homespun production, we think you'll enjoy it for a good laugh -- so just hop the break. Those interested in such gear will find it on Newegg next month for $199.
Neo Geo X goes official, celebrates Grandpa's 20th anniversary
We've already seen the device in the real world, but now it's confirmed -- this portable Neo Geo is legit and heading to both the US and Europe. Blaze is crafting the retro gaming handheld with SNK's blessing and 20 baked-in titles confirmed, including Metal Slug, King of Fighters '94 and -- yes -- King of the Monsters. It'll tie into the Neo Geo's 20th birthday and the manufacturer promises that the new device will deliver the same arcade thrills "in a more affordable manner," although there's still no pricing specifics. Check the press release below for the full game selection and expect a release some time in Q2.
SNK's new Neo Geo: 20 retro classics in one modern handheld
We rubbed our eyes a little when they first landed on this fine looking specimen, just to make sure they weren't deceiving us. But no, this really does appear to be a new handheld Neo Geo. We've seen SNK make inspired controllers, bring its catalog to other platforms and even make handhelds before, but nothing like this. The iPhone-esque body and 4.3 inch screen house a D-pad, shoulder and front buttons while hiding 2GB of storage inside -- pre-loaded with 20 classic titles (yes Fatal Fury and League Bowling included, and all in English). There's also an SD slot which we really really hope is for more games, as well as an AV output for some good old big-screen action. Famicon Plaza claims it's a licensed product not yet in full production, so there's no whiff of availability just now. When it does finally land, we hope it's not at a 2012 equivalent of grandad's $600+ price tag.
KDJ-One: the Game Boy of music making is real(ly coming, in a bit) (video)
Cyberstep sent our hearts aflutter-ish at last year's NAMM with its prototype KDJ-One, a Game Boy with gigantism that held a portable digital audio workstation inside. Now, twelve months later, the company's pulled the dust sheets from a version that's ready for prime-time. Inside its roomy bowels you'll find a 1.0GHz Intel Atom processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB SSD and a 5-inch WVGA (800 x 400) touchscreen that'll let you control that piano-roll score editor. There's also 15 chunky rubber LED-lit keys, a Jog dial, D-Pad and a rumble pack so you really know when you've got a poppin' choon going. You'll be able to pre-order the vanilla kit for $800, but for $830 you'll also find WiFi baked inside, in either Game Boy White or Black'n'Red -- but be warned, orders are said to be fulfilled within six months. After the break we've got some new footage of the unit being put through its paces, which at no point shows it being used to play Super Mario Bros, shame.
Korg unveils two new Kaoss family members, brings anarchy to your pocket
Two K-words we're almost always pleased to hear: Korg and Kaoss. Good, then, that the former has decided to make more of the latter -- the mini Kaoss Pad 2 (effects unit), and Kaossilator 2 (synthesizer), to be precise. Both new editions will slip in your pocket, and are dominated by that all-important X-Y pad. The mini Kaoss Pad 2 is all about effects, packing 100 programs, three memory slots, and MP3 playback (with pitch adjust). The traditional flanger, filter, delay, and reverb ear candy are also joined by looper, vinyl break, and ducking compressor. But what good are effects without anything to, er, affect? Enter Kaossilator 2. It's a palm-sized synthesizer, with 150 onboard sounds and a PCM engine for drums. You can sample via a built-in mic, gate and arpeggiate sounds, and create layered textures with loops. Both can record your performance, save it to SD, or impose share with others via a built-in speaker. It's all peace and quiet, though, until April when the Kaossilator lands for about £168 ($260). The KPad, on the other hand won't hit the market until May, retailing at the same price. Full PRs after the break.
Akai releases MPC Fly for iPad, waits 'til you get the pun (video)
We already knew Akai was refreshing its legendary MPC range, but the newest member to the family -- the Fly -- has to be about the cutest. It kinda looks, initially, like a knock-off MPC novelty case, until you realize those pads are real, and that software on screen is legit. The case-and-device approach seems a smart idea, so it feels like one unit -- it even juices your slate when you charge its built-in battery. The trade-off is an extra two pounds of weight, and almost an inch of thickness. Somewhat lighter is the app which rocks effects, a sound library, sampling, supports WIST (Wireless Sync-Start Technology) and works on any iPad -- but you'll need a second-gen tab to use the hardware. Before you bemoan that this is some sort of cash-in, the whole idea is that you can lay down ideas on the (ahem) Fly, and pick them up later back in the studio. If you want to see more, drop some bass over the break for a video.
Optoma outs two tiny pico projectors, empowers execs on the go
Optoma's giving the shrink ray treatment to two of its latest pico projectors, debuting at CES 2012 today. The pocket-friendly PK320 comes in at a slight eight ounces and outputs 16:9 images at up to 150-inches in 854 x 480 resolution. Its micro stablemate, the ML300, weighs in at a heavier 1.4lbs, but ups the widescreen format quality to 1280 x 800, in addition to bumping display size to 160-inches and delivering 300 lumens of brightness. Both of the company's mini offerings pack 2GB of storage (expandable to 32GB via microSD), an IR remote, charger, carry pouch and offer support for MS Office, as well as an array of ports -- like mini-HDMI, VGA-in, composite A/V and micro-USB. They're ready for the taking right now, priced at $450 and $500, respectively. Peep the official presser after the break for the extended deets.
Ask Engadget: best sub-$70 smartphone battery pack?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from a nameless Engadgeteer, who needs a heavy-duty smartphone battery for his nomadic life. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm kind of a nomad: I travel anywhere I can, sleeping away from civilization in my sleeping bag. My only issue is that my smartphone needs a recharge every two days. What I need, is an external battery pack that can give me a week's worth of juice -- but can I get a lightweight one that costs under $70? Many Thanks!"This is going to be a tough one, we know -- our first thought was toward a Powerbag with a 6000mAh battery, but that costs $170, more than twice our man's budget. Is there something cheaper you could suggest to our nomadic friend that'll enable him to stay off the grid long enough to become a modern day Grizzly Adams? All we ask for is a comment, and your knowledge to steer it by.
Homemade electronic drum kit uses plastic bowls, serves battery-powered battery
Drums and parents go together like cheese and gravel, but if the little ones want to learn, the smart buy is a headphone friendly electric kit. Proud / sneaky parent Ian Cole, on the other hand, decided that a portable set of digital drums would be the ideal way to share his son's "talent" with the grand-folk. Using an ATmega168-based "Drum Kit - Kit Ai" from SpikenzieLabs, some piezos to register hits -- wired up via plastic plumbing tubes -- and a bit of imagination (ok, actually MIDI and Garage Band), he knocked up a fully whackable six-piece kit so Junior can get his Bonham on during those precious weekend visits. There's no word on whether pops will make a wearable version for added family fun, but if you want to see it in action check the video after the break.
The morning after: PlayStation Vita sales go cold during first full week in Japan
It's hard to set much store by early sales performance, particularly after the evergreen 3DS faced such a rocky road. Nevertheless, the Vita's latest stats do look disappointing for such a highly anticipated -- not to mention high-quality -- console: after shifting a remarkable 321,000 units during its first two days on sale in Japan, it could only muster 72,500 in the whole week between December 19th and Christmas Day. In comparison, the PS3 sold 76,000 units during the same period, while the 3DS rang up half a million. This doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of interest, however: there have been stock shortages, and it's also possible that buyers are waiting to make sure that all the launch bugs get cleaned up. As for us, our alarms remain firmly set for February 22nd.
Nintendo's 3DS slide pad gets unboxed in Japan, reveals massive 480 hour battery life
Now that Nintendo's 3DS slide pad is hitting shelves in Japan, it appears that Mr. Blurrycam managed to get in on one owner's early unboxing. Glance at the contents strewn about above and you'll notice what looks to be a copy of Monster Hunter, the secondary joystick-adding peripheral itself and an included wrist strap. According to Andriasang, the owner reports that the add-on is stated to last a whopping 480 hours on its single AAA battery (for the unit itself), which makes the thought of dealing with its screw-secured compartment sting a bit less. Folks in the US will still have to wait until February 7th to experience the slide pad for themselves, but in the meantime, you can hit the source links below for more insight.
HandyNES mod shrinks console, makes light gun look like light cannon
Vita schmita. This red mushroom-themed portable NES is the latest gaming tribute from modder LovableChevy, combining the original Entertainment System's innards with a 3.5-inch LCD screen, built-in controls and a rechargeable battery. The tinkerer has taken the time to include an AV out, headphone jack and an extra USB port for either a light gun or a second controller. However, the old tech involved takes its toll: the whole thing weighs in at around one pound (sans game) and offers up only three hours of play from a single charge. Think you can handle this portable heavyweight? Then check out the video after the break.
Report: 'Casual' interest in portable gaming systems down 29 percent
Got your grain of salt ready? Good! Survey and statistical analysis firm Cowen and Company has published the results of a survey that suggests "casual" gamer interest in dedicated handheld gaming systems has declined by 29 percent over the last 5 years. 37 percent of people polled play games on a dedicated device, while 52 percent primarily use their phones. The study goes on to say that companies like EA, who have invested heavily in iOS and Android gaming, are better positioned for the future of the market as compared to other companies such as Nintendo. Now, these are "self-identified" casual gamers, mind you, and knowing what that means in practical terms or how it affects the results of this survey is an impossibility. It's also no big shocker that the Great Smartphone Boom of the early 21st century has had an impact on dedicated devices of all kinds, from gaming systems to navigation units to carrier pigeons. Seriously, our carrier pigeon side-business is really, really tanking. This may not have been the smartest investment we could have made.
