stereo
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Sony's MEX-BT5000 car stereo with Bluetooth
Being the mass transit junkies that we are, we don't spend a lot of time in cars, flying or otherwise, but we know many of you hit the highways each day, so we're presenting to you Sony's new Bluetooth-enabled head unit. The MEX-BT5000 acts as a hands free kit for any Bluetooth phone (although we're sure they'd prefer if it was one of their own), giving you access to up to 50 of your contacts and six of your speed dial entries through its "high resolution" screen and integrated noise-reducing micophone.Once you're done risking everyone's life talking on the phone, fire up your Bluetooth-equipped DAP -- or just stick in a CD -- and you can stream high-fidelity audio throughout your ride, while checking out on-screen track info and navigating your music with the wireless remote. Sure, this isn't the first time we've seen most of these features jammed into a head unit, and at $400, it's still not the cheapest, but we thought it might help hold you over until the CD-ripping 2007 Infinity G35 starts showing up on sketchy used car lots.
FCC blesses Nokia N73
Are you loving the N93's spec sheet, but gargantuan clamshells aren't your cup of tea? No worries, friends; the 3.2-megapixel candybar N73 has just been approved by the FCC, and thanks to quadband GSM, we have a fighting chance of seeing this one drop in the States -- at least in Nokia's flagship store, if nothing else. Specs are enough to get the juices of any S60 fan flowing: UMTS (albeit on the 2100MHz band), 2.4-inch QVGA display, MiniSD slot, stereo speakers, FM radio, Bluetooth 2.0, and the list goes on. Now let's just cross our fingers Qualcomm doesn't get its way, and we might be seeing this hotness before too long in these parts.[Via Mobilewhack]
Nothing like a valve amp for that iPod
We don't know what it is with the retro-styled iPod accessories as of late, but we do know one of the hidden highlights of last weeks' Computex was surely A-Zone International's old school retro-modern iPod stereo system. Expect a 50 watt valve amp complete with wood paneling, chrome stand, and a price tag oh so appropriate for your little white plastic one: €699 (about $880 US).
Dock your iPod on your Vespa
My wife and I took our honeymoon in Italy a few years ago, and those Vespa scooters were absolutely everywhere. When we returned home, I said, "I want one of those Vespas," but it just didn't seem to have the same panache here in the states. Plus, I'm likely to get crushed by an SUV. Still, I think about them from time to time, especially when I see one with an integrated iPod dock.The Stereo Kit by Scooterworks is a $300US kit that includes an amp, two 4-inch Alpine speakers, replacement glove box door with pre-cut holes, and a cradle/connector. They send you the kit, and you put it in. The Stereo Kit works with the Vespa Stella and P-series models.Now I want a Vespa again.[Via Engadget]
