It’s that time of the year again; the cold month of January, when we are all impatiently looking to escape our Montreal offices to fly down to the Sin City in order to get up to date with the latest technological innovations.
D-LINK
DIR-855 Draft N Router
The D-Link Draft N Router is a draft 802.11n compliant device that delivers faster speeds and further range than 802.11g home networks while maintaining complete backward compatibility with 802.11g devices. The Draft N Router ships with a 4 port 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet switch. In addition, the product offers support for advanced wireless security including WEP, WPA and WPA2 standards. To prevent attacks; the devices uses dual active firewalls (SPI, NAT).
The Draft N Router deploys an advanced quality of service (QoS) hardware and software technology automatically prioritizing high bandwidth, latency sensitive wireless data traffic, providing streaming HD video, lag free gaming and clear voice over internet (VoIP) calls.
The Draft N router is expected to ship in late Q1 and pricing information will fallow shortly.
Draft 802.11n MediaLounge HD Player (DSM-750)
The DSM-750 is D-Link’s new media player capable of streaming High Definition along with standard video standards, photos and music from computers on a network to the television using the latest wireless draft 802.11n standard. The unit is capable of browsing the internet, send email and share files while simultaneously streaming high definition movies. The DSM-750 features a remote control and an easy to navigate TV user interface.
Key Features and Benefits of the DSM-750
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Draft 802.11n wireless with legacy support for 802.11g
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Supports H.264 content
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Supports VC-1 (Advanced Profile) content
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Stream music, hi-res photos, HD video and online content From a PC and Network Attached Storage to your home entertainment system
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Enjoy High-Definition video playback with digital surround sound
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HDMI connector offers a pure digital connection for both audio and video
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Includes component video, digital audio, & composite A/V connectors.
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USB 2.0 port for easy access to additional content
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10/100 Ethernet
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Windows Connect Now compatible for simple wireless configuration
The DSM-750 is expected to ship in early Q2, 2007 and pricing will be announced shortly.
The D-Link V-Click mobile phone
D-Link will be unveiling their new dual mode, Tri-band V-Click phone allowing users to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the click of a button.
The V-Click phone boast a sleek, polished black compact form factor (h 4.17", w 1.73", d 0.75"), with additional colors planned to come out in the future. The V-CLICK phones support Opera Mobile, a mobile browser for logging into Wi-Fi hot spots, web surfing and email functionality on the V-CLICK's two-inch (176x220 pixels) color screen.
For regular cell phone coverage, the D-Link V-CLICK phones will be "unlocked", allowing users to use their existing SIMs and pre-paid SIMs from traditional GSM cellular service providers anywhere in the world. By pressing the V-CLICK button, users activate a configurable wireless SIP profile. Multiple profiles are available that make usage between home and office automatic.
The V-Click dual-mode, tri-band phone is scheduled to ship this quarter at a suggested retail price of 599.99$
Vonage
The Vonage V-Phone – USB Memory stick format
The V-Phone is the Vonage talk softphone and a 256MB memory stick. Getting started is very simple. Insert the V-Phone in your computer’s USB port, wait for the Vonage talk software to launch and you’re ready to make phone calls. No software installation is required; it’s completely plug and play technology.
Mac support is currently not available; after talking to the Vonage PR department it seems that they are currently working on full MAC support for the near future. The device supports all the features of the Vonage VOIP service transforming your computer or laptop into a fully functional cell phone. An interesting fact about this new device is that it features built in audio electronics, so no PC sound card is required. The included 2.5mm stereo ear set with an integrated microphone plugs directly into the device. Retail price is set at 39.99$
iFrogz
Ifrogz develops innovative accessories for the iPod and other consumer electronics. Their iPod protective cases utilize a unique three-part design and come in different number of combinations allowing individuals to individualize the look of their iPods as much as their music and video sections.
Each of their cases are made using 100% polished silicon resulting in thicker, more durable and lint free covers.
Fujitsu
Fujitsu had their Lifebook P1610 mini tablet pc on display. This device spots an 8.9” WXGA display and is powered by the mobile Intel Core Solo ultra voltage U1400 Processor on the 945GMS chipset. Maximum ram memory size is 1GB (one slot) and a choice of a 30GB, 60GB or 80GB hard drive running at 4200RPM (P-ATA 100).
This device is one of the most versatile mobile computing products we have seen to date.
Interlink Electronics
RemotePoint Onyx
The new RemotePoint Onix is a distinctively styled presentation command remote that combines an elegant look and feel. AutoRF technology automatically finds a free channel and sets a secure ID to avoid interference from other remotes or networking equipment.
The unit features complete presentation control for Microsoft Powerpoint and Apple keynote. An on board clock is present for on-time presentation management and is fully compatible with PC and MAC. The RemotePoint Onyx is currently available at a retail price of 99.95$
ExpressCard media remote control for Bluetooth
The express card media remote control combines the freedom of Bluetooth with the convenience of a rechargeable battery in ExpressCard form factor enabling laptop users to control entertaining software from the comfort of the couch, even when the couch and computer are in different rooms.
The unit is designed to be used with Windows XP Media Center, Dell Media Experience and other popular software including Windows media player, Apple Itunes, Real Players, WinAmp, CyberLink Power DVD and Intervideo WinDVD. The remote uses the express card slot featured in laptops for both storage and charging.
Logitech
With the introduction of Windows Vista, many people are wondering whether this new version will be compatible with their existing mice, keyboards, webcams and other hardware. In fact, the enhancements Microsoft has made to its Windows operating system provide Logitech with a significant opportunity to design innovative peripherals that are closely integrated with the OS.
Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard
The rechargeable Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard features Bluetooth wireless technology and is completely designed for the Windows Vista user. Hidden controls light up at a touch and fade into the background when not in use. The dedicated launch button for Media Center; a key Windows Vista enhancement and touch-sensitive volume slider make easy to access music and photos.
The TouchDisc unifies scrolling, selection, and cursor control, and has a dedicated perimeter scrolling area that allows people to scroll horizontally or vertically simply by moving a finger in a circular motion. Retail price for the diNovo edge is set at 199$
Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse
The Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse helps people navigate through Windows Vista quickly and comfortably. The MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel features a fast scroll mode that lets you fly effortlessly through long documents and Web pages.
The new thumb wheel launches the Windows Vista Flip 3D feature for quickly switching among documents. The One-Touch Search button instantly displays results from favorite search engines.
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser makes it easy to access advanced Windows Vista navigation features such as Dynamic Search and Flip 3D.
Enjoy precise navigation with the high-resolution laser mouse, and scroll and zoom with the keyboard’s touch-sensitive Search and Zoom slider.
LG
LG has made a very strong appearance this year with several interesting products. Here are some of their main highlights from the show floor.
LG BLU-RAY and HD DVD player
Launching in the United States during the first quarter of 2007, this advanced dual-format high-definition disc player, LG model BH100, will be the first player on the market with the capability to play both next-generation disc formats, addressing the challenge of the current format war. Retail price is set at 1199$
LG 102” Plasma 1080P High Definition
LG 100” LCD 1080P High Definition
Lunch at Piero’s media event coverage
Sigma
Media processor
Blu-ray (Blu-ray Disc or BD) is a leading standard in the market for next-generation, high-definition optical players, which is based on blue laser disc technology. Blu-ray allows consumers to view movies and other programs in high definition, offering more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs. Six of the top consumer electronics manufacturers have chosen Sigma media processors to power their new Blu-ray players.
Sigma provides advanced media processor chipsets and software that constitute a system-on-a-chip (SOC) solution for designing Blu-ray or HD-DVD players, enabling customers to focus on software development and value-added features that extend beyond basic operation. As demonstrated to us, the next-generation technology contained in Sigma’s SMP8630 series to offered stunning, precise pictures and remarkable sound as well as intelligent interactive features.
Sigma’s SMP8630 series of media processors are powering the majority of today’s Blu-ray players, including those that were being shown at CES from Panasonic, Pioneer, and Sony.
OpenMoko (Free your phone)
OpenMoko is a Taipei, Taiwan based company with the official recognition as being the first and only company to introduce a completely open, linux based mobile phone system. OpenMoko develops, sells and supports hardware and software built on the open source philosophy that allows for personalisation by end users and businesses alike. In November 2006, OpenMoko introduced the world’s first, fully integrated, completely open source platform, the FIC Neo1973.
This mobile device is completely open source and gives developers and end users the freedom to personalize and modify the system without limitation. The unit runs the latest Linux kernel and comes with several software and applications. Features of the FIC Neo1973 include a 2.8” VGA screen, Ti GPRS (2.5 not edge), Touch screen, 1200 mAh battery charged via USB, Bluetooth and 64MB of NAND flash. Retail suggested price is set at 350$
OQO Model 2
OQO’s 02 is the world’s smallest Windows Vista capable computer. Dimensions of the 02 model are 5.6”x3.3x1.0 and weights a mere 1.0lb.The new 02 model is 4 times faster than its previous 01+ model.
The 02 is powered by a 1.5Ghz VIA C7M processor, 60GB hard drive, 1GB of ram and integrated mobile broadband data capacity.
Full wireless connectivity is present, including EV-DO Wireless WAN, WiFi and Bluetooth. The touch screen is 5” with an 800x600 native resolution; interpolated up to 1200x720. The HDMI output for connectivity to HDTV displays and DVI monitors is up to 1920x1200 and standard VGA output supports up to 1920x1200. Retail price of this product is set at 1499$.
Build your own PC Race 2007 Media Competition
Target PC Magazine takes place #6 out of 30
Systemax and AMD team up again this year at CES 2007 to co-sponsor the 10th Annual “Build Your Own PC Race For Charity.” Hosted by Tiger Direct, this year's event was held at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas on January 8, 2007, and was attended by 30 of the top technology journalists from major media outlets like CNBC, PC World, Fox, Network World and more. The objective is a race to determine who can assemble one of Systemax's state-of-the-art computers with an AMD Athlon 64 processor in the fastest time.
The "Build Your Own PC Race" is a fun charity event for the PC editorial community supporting elementary and secondary schools and promoting Systemax PCs based on AMD Athlon CPUs. Public Relations opportunities for sponsors' products are created by matching them up with members of the related trade press giving the opportunity for exposure and story pitches.
Over the course of its 10-year history, the event has raised more than one million dollars in cash and computer equipment for needy schools and organizations. Systemax and AMD donate the computers used during the event to schools and non-profit organizations designated by the participants. Systemax also made $13,500 in cash donations to the charitable organizations chosen by the top three winners. This year was our first official Target PC.COM appearance and participation In the Tiger Direct PC Race competition!
Our own Oleg Mitskaniouk has made it to number 6 out of the 30. As it seems we could have got an even higher score if our video cable didn’t have a few bended pins.
Summation
We would like to thank all the companies that took the time to meet us at this years CES show. We will be soon doing a fallow up with several dozens of new companies we had the chance to meet in order to bring stand alone product reviews. We would like to thank the CES team for a great job on this year’s show! In addition we would like to thank the folks from OCZ Technology, Saitek, Shuttle, Super Talent, Lunch at Piero’s, TheTechZone, Digital experience, Show Stoppers, HP, Tiger Direct for all of their private media events. As always, these are great media parties where we always get the chance to meet up with our fellow editors from different media sources and get up to date with the latest innovations.
Oleg Mitskaniouk
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