CES 2012, Gadget Heaven

CES 2012, Gadget Heaven…

© 2012 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

It’s been said that CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, may be on the decline with a questionable future. Well, you certainly would not know it based on its all time record-breaking attendance of 153.000+ attendees. In fact, it almost looked like the Detroit Auto Show with additional exhibits from Ford, Mercedes and KIA, a company that opted to skip Detroit and put all its efforts into CES.

Personally, I think Ford stole the show with the introduction of the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid that’s expected to get more than 100 MPGe, based on averaging the combination of gas, hybrid, and plug-in electric energy sources. In addition, Ford has incorporated “SYNC with MyFord Touch®” that allows access of important features via touch controls and voice commands. Further more, expanded production will soon commence at its plant in Flat Rock, MI making this an all-American car. Guesstimated price $22,000. Kudos to Ford for this most innovative and affordable approach and for keeping it in America! ford.com/cars/fusion/2013/

There were no major innovations. LG showed some pricy, razor thin flat screens incorporating black as an additional primary color, while other manufacturers came pretty close size wise. Samsung demonstrated their line of Smart TV’s that incorporate features such as SKYPE enhancing the visual communications experience. Also interesting was that Polaroid was displaying and actively marketing all lengths of VHS tape, a product that has long since seen better days.

On the more practical side, THE GADGETEER’S picks for unusual and interesting gadgets at CES 2012 are:

Mustek: iPad Docking Scanner S4000. mustek.com/

DOT: Snap DOT onto your iPhone 4 or 4S, load their app and shoot 360° panoramic video. kogeto.com/

Penclic Wireless Mouse: The R2 is a mouse built into a pen for MAC/PC that operates on almost any surface with 5 buttons and a scroll wheel. penclic.se/

Wi-Fi Magic Wand by VuPoint: Scans onto a microSD card and transfers files via Wi-Fi. vupointsolutions.com/browse.php?cat=new&page=PDSWF-ST44-VP

iTwin: USB dongle provides secure access to a computer’s hard drive from any other computer with a web connection. itwin.com

CASIO GB-6900 watch: Bluetooth Smart G-Shock watch: Many outstanding features including notification of incoming calls/email/text and time synch from your smart phone. youtube.com/watch?v=Au0IhXSLa-8

Lowel “Blender”: Intuitive LED portable video light providing color temperature ranges from daylight to tungsten with two rotary controls for use with video and film applications. lowel.com/blender/

Biscitti TV Phone:. Turns your TV into a videophone. Works with Gmail and Google Talk. biscotti.com/

Newertechnology: Power2U™, a UL approved wall outlet incorporating two USB charging devices. Eliminates the need for bulky plug-in charging units. newertech.com/products/power2u.php

EcoPac/EcoPlug: Improves electrical consumption efficiency of certain appliances resulting in lower energy costs, perhaps a new approach to a technology that’s been around for a while. Also shown, LED tubes that replace the florescent tube type bulb. ecowattplug.com/

Miracle LED: LED lamps that look like incandesant lamps, but put out brighter light, low-heat and energy saving. miracleled.com/

Roku 2: Mini streaming device that includes many film and gaming services. roku.com/

I will be reviewing many of these items in the coming months, as they become available. In the meantime, the associated web sites shown provide interesting details. So, from Las Vegas with tired feet, I’ll return next month with my usual product reviews. THE GADGETEER

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

Post Script: Here’s a last minute addition of something interesting, but not as yet reviewed by the GADGETEER: SnapIt, a PC ONLY software program that captures anything you see on your PC screen. It’s a convenient tool for graphic designers and bloggers who capture and crop images for their posts, for tech writers who need to describe menus and interfaces of applications, web designers and those who work with graphics every day. It captures and auto saves images with one click. It’s for PC users only since the Apple platform already incorporates a similar feature in its OS. However, could be an important addition to dual-platform MACS on the Window’s side. SnapIt supports hotkeys, auto-saving, clipboard. It automatically copies screenshots to the clipboard,tracks capture history, auto-saves captured images and saves files in BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG and TIFF formats . It also auto-names captured images. digeus.com/products/snapit/snapit_screen_capture_3_5.html

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NEAT, The Neat Scanner…

NEAT, The Neat Scanner…

© 2012 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

One might think a scanner is a scanner, after all other than dpi ranges (dots per inch quality specs), what else could they possibly do? Along comes the NEATDESK, available in both Intel MAC and PC versions, a scanner that thinks for itself. Not only is the hardware unique, but the software is outstanding.

The NEATDESK PDF scanner is an automatic multi-voltage desktop unit that looks and acts like much higher priced scanners found in hospitals and doctor’s offices. It has the ability of scanning 15 documents as assembled, or by removing the paper guide, a very easy task, increasing the capacity to 50 single pages or 100 double-sided. Now that may sound similar to other scanners, but this scanner spits them out faster than you could grab them. It’s reminiscent of Lucille Ball at the candy factory. Yes, it does take a few extra moments for the processor to translate all these pages before making them readable.

(TIP: The speed of your computer’s processor determines how quickly translation will take place. Older computers or lower end models may take quite a bit longer to digest all the data. )

The NEATDESK is not limited to letter sized sheets. The supplied guide plate has two additional partitions allowing for multiple small receipts and business card insertion. This feature works well with the Intelligent Text Recognition technology built-in to the included NeatWorks software that exports these items to a digital filing system you can create in your computer.

(TIP: The business card partition was specifically designed for card stock, however, thin flexible plastic stock may be scanned as long as there is no raised or embossed lettering as found on credit cards. Such cards could damage the precision optical reader.)

Also included is the ability to stack up to 50 single-sided/100 double-sided scans into one document. Typically, such features require the purchase of additional programs designed for the enhancement of the PDF format. Quality settings include B/W document, image and, color.

(TIP: Scanning into the NeatWorks application is set at a maximum of 300 dpi. The scanner itself is capable of higher resolution, however, the software will always capture at 300, which is what gives the best combination of speed and accuracy for OCR (optical character recognition). B/W IMAGE is 8 bits, 256 shades of gray and approximately 6 – 8 times higher in file storage size. B/W text is only two bits and is the smallest file size.)

(TIP: Steps to scan an IMAGE on a MAC and save to various formats such as JPEG: Press SCAN on scanner, then MENU select COLOR or B/W, IMAGE ONLY, Direct to PDF file, Combine or Separate, Single or Double-sided, Remove Blank Pages, Scan, Save As. Once saved on your computer double click on the file and it opens in PREVIEW. Now pull down FILE, select SAVE AS and select the format, ie: JPEG, you wish to have it in.)

To summarize, the NEATDESK scanner does not replace a flatbed model used for graphic and Photoshop type applications. However for routine scans you can’t beat it’s speed, quality and document stack ability. The quality of text, image and color reproductions is outstanding! I’ve tested this unit for 6 months and have done hundreds of transcripts without one single hick-up. There are several brief tutorials on line as well as printed documentation included with the unit. It’s all useful, but too brief. I would like to see a CD or DVD supplied with the unit that goes into much greater step-by-step detail thus enhancing the experience. This is an outstanding value for the money!

MSRP: $399.00

Available at retail locations and on-line.

http://www.neat.com/products/neatdesk

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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PHOTO CUBE Printer for Smart Phones

PHOTO CUBE, A Printer for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch 4 and Android

© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

The recent introduction of the new iPhone 4s has once again demonstrated the unique features such products offer. Many third-party manufacturers have jumped on the technology bandwagon by offering useful byproducts to enhance the experience. One such product is the PHOTO CUBE printer by VuPoint Solutions.

The PHOTO CUBE, actually in the shape of a cube, is a dye sublimation thermal transfer printer designed to reproduce 300dpi, 4 x 6” color prints. Products like the iPhone/iPad and Android smartphones offer high-resolution built-in cameras, but no direct printer capability, so the PHOTO CUBE is an easy solution.

(TIP: Compatibility: (IOS 3.0 and above) - iPod Touch 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th generation; iPhone 4, 3GS, 3G; iPad) (Android smartphones – OS 2.0 and higher)

It’s simple to use, but it does require a free download from the Apple App store. Once you’ve downloaded the app, install the starter ink/paper cartridge that simply slides into the cube. An iPhone, iPod or Android smartphone can now be docked to the standard connector located on top of the printer. If you’re connecting an iPad, simply use the USB cable supplied with your iPad and plug in into the side-mounted USB port. Since there is not a power switch, just plug the power cable into your mains (variable 100 – 240vac) outlet and you’re set to go.

Select the app on your device, then follow the menu options to locate or take the photo of your choice. Prior to printing you have a layout option that allows a full bleed 4 x 6” photo, or 4 or 10 images per sheet. Select the number of copies, up to 4, and press print. Since the cube uses dye sublimation thermal transfer technology the paper will move in and out five times which takes about 55 seconds excluding data processing time.

(TIP: When selecting the multiple, or partitioning feature you may select different photos to be printed on the same sheet. The four-image selection is perfect for making wallet size photos. Since the paper is not perforated for this purpose you will need to make two clean cuts. For precise cuts I would suggest the use of a paper trimmer, which usse a sharp blade as opposed to a paper cutter, or scissors.)

The print quality is outstanding with vivid colors and no focus issues. They are every bit as good as those available at various photo kiosks. The per print cost may be higher than at such places, but the trade-off may be the immediacy of high quality print reproduction. I find this accessory to be virtually flawless and a worthwhile addition to your communication’s device. For more information: http://bit.ly/rQLLcD

MSRP: $99.00 (Ink/Paper cartridge $24.95 for 36 prints)

Available at retail locations, on-line and electronic retail

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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STEVE JOBS' TRIBUTE

STEVE JOBS

© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

I’ve been writing articles under THE GADGETEER byline for over thirty years. In that time, I’ve seen many entrepreneurs come and go. Steve Jobs, however, was a one-of-a-kind, a designer, marketer, businessman and most of all, a visionary extraordinaire who saw a need before we even knew it was one. It is therefore fitting and proper that I dedicate this month’s column to Steve Jobs who inspired the world and me with his technology.

Since the sixties when America launched the space program many have continued to say, “what a waste of time and money”. Over the past fifty years we’ve reaped the benefits of this challenge with advances in many areas of our daily lives, not to mention the careers that were created from numerous spin-offs.

Steve Jobs, the visionary, carried the torch. His technological designs opened the doors for others to become motivated and create many of the advanced gadgetry that we’ve all become accustomed to enjoy in our daily lives. He was never afraid of competition. He thrived on it! To this end Steve was not satisfied to be the sole visionary at Apple, but rather, to create an atmosphere to encourage inquiring minds to think out-of-the box.

He quietly established an executive training program known as Apple University at his company. His goal was to get Apple executives to think like him. This foresight on his part will keep Apple a leader in the technology we all have come to expect, long after his departure. Steve may be gone in mind, but he will always be with us in spirit.

He was once asked about how much market research went into the iPad, Steve said "None. It's not the customers' jobs to know what they want." But while Apple may not have done any market research, it did plenty of advertising. They produced some of the most creative ads. Who can forget the “I’m a PC and I’m a MAC” campaign, or the third-quarter of the 1984 Super Bowl ad that started it all? His creativity was not limited to products.

Sony Pictures is so impressed with his life and contributions that they plan to produce a film of his life story. It’s a pity that Steve’s not here to enjoy all the well deserved kudos.

Nineteen-year-old Jonathan Mal, a Hong Kong design student, came up with the creative design above incorporating Steve Jobs’ silhouette into the existing bite of the Apple logo. What a tribute befitting the cofounder of Apple. Let’s hope it becomes Apple’s new symbol. You may not be an Apple user, but one thing’s certain, Steve’s affected all our lives in some way forever and that’s something reflected in this quote: “To stand in the shadows is to be seen, To stand full-square in the Sun is to be judged”, author unknown.

This says it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwtzLFKytCU

Steve Jobs, RIP!

(STEVE JOBS, a biography, written by Walter Isaacson, is now published and available at book stores and on-line. Also available, mid November 2011, I, STEVE JOBS, IN MY OWN WORDS, a collection of Jobs-Isms, edited by George Beahm, published by Agate B2 Books.)

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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SUPER USB Wi-Fi ANTENNA

SUPER USB Wi-Fi Antenna 3….

Extend Wi-Fi reception up to one-mile

© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

This is probably one of the most useful accessories you could add to your laptop. Although, not limited to laptops, and compatible with MAC’S and PC’s (Windows 2000™ - Windows 7™, Mac® 10.3 – 10.7, Linux, USB 1.1 – 2 interface), the SUPER USB Wi-Fi Antenna 3 offers an alternative to the short-range antenna supplied with your computer. Perfect for all types of travel applications!

(TIP: Some versions of MAC 10.6 & 10.7 may require a slightly different install. Refer to the manufacture’s web site for a special download.)

The antenna comes with software, custom cable and various mounting options. The software provides a driver for PC use and a wireless utility for either platform. This utility is used in conjunction with your network selection option found in your applications folder.

Once you install the software you are ready to plug in the antenna. A mini USB connector plugs into the antenna base. The other end of this cable offers two standard USB plugs, with one cable being thicker than the other. If you have two USB ports available, plugging in both connectors offers maximum reception possibilities since more power is applied to the antenna.

(TIP: U. S. government regulations restrict the amount of power emanating from a USB port. European connections are much less restrictive resulting in even more power being applied thus further increasing the range. Range can be up to one-mile, or even further under European conditions.)

If only one USB connection is used, select the thicker cabled one for insertion. Now, mount the antenna. I tested this device in a fourth floor condo with plenty of windows, so the suction cup option was my best choice. If, however, you were outdoors you would want to use the supplied cable ties around a stake or pole. The antenna has a 360° pickup pattern, perfect for outdoors, but somewhat restrictive indoors.

(TIP: The antenna receives encrypted and open signals. Naturally, only the open selections will be of any use to you unless you have the required password. The use of open, or unlocked, signals may only be used if the provider of such signals authorizes their FREE use. The fact that no password is required does not automatically mean you have permission to use it. Many public locations such as restaurants, pubs, etc., do authorize FREE use.)

As previously mentioned, my tests were conducted on the fourth level of a concrete building using a MacBook laptop with the antenna affixed with suction cups to the glass. Since no obstructions were present, I had the benefit of a 180° pickup pattern. Here are the results: Built-in Apple antenna – 10 channels; One USB plugged in (thicker cable end) – 37 channels; Two USB’s plugged in – 41 channels. I’m told it’s not unusual to see 100 or more channels, conditions permitting.

As noted, the results were outstanding. The software installation was easy. While there is lots of supporting technical documentation included, which looks intimidating and you probably won’t need, the computer completed the install automatically after a few moments. Engaging the antenna simply requires you to select it from a list of wi-fi sources in your computer and opening the wireless utility you just installed. This utility will show you all the channels being received and you simply click on any OPEN one that you feel you’re authorized to use. The rest is magic!

(TIP: Avoid the use of USB hubs as they may not supply adequate power.)

Available on line at: ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/super-usb-wifi-antenna-3.aspx

MSRP: $109.95

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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LAPTOP SPEAKERS, On-The Go, or Easy To Stow

LAPTOP SPEAKERS, On-The Go, or Easy Stow…

© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

The built-in sound system in most laptops, handheld devices and some digital video cameras leaves much to be desired. The problem is the amplification factor is insufficient in combating ambient sounds. Yes, headsets are one solution, but they limit the ability of sharing sound tracks with others in the room.

When selecting external speakers several factors need to be considered. Size, portability and amplification at a reasonable price are the main features to consider. I tested units by Cyber Acoustics and WoWee One.

The Cyber Acoustics CA-2988 is a USB-powered stereo system with 2“ full range drivers. A magnetic clamp design locks the two speakers together for storage in the supplied cloth case. An audio cable plugs in to your 3.5mm headphone jack while a USB cable inserts into your USB 2.0 port and provides power to the speakers. The speaker connectors plug into the bottom rear of each unit and complete the base mount allowing them to be positioned upright. Volume level control is accomplished by your devices volume control. The amplification factor is about 2.5 times the sound level of your internal speaker’s volume and provides for a more then adequate comfortable sound reproduction.

(TIP: The magnetic clamp design is great for keeping the units in place while transporting, however care should be taken to avoid close proximity contact with magnetic storage devices or pre-recorded tapes as full or partial erasure could take place.)

MSRP: $24.95

www.cyberacoustics.com/retail/products/CA-2988

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

The WoWee One Classic is a compact unit that claims as much as 3 octaves of frequency response below the low-end base cut-off of traditional units. It uses a 20-hour, rechargeable internal battery power supply and an audio cable plugged into your 3.5mm headphone jack. The battery may be charged with a supplied USB cable or an external charger. Once again, volume adjustments are made with your devices volume control. While supplied with stereo plugs, there is no speaker separation since this is a single self-contained unit resulting in monaural reproduction. On the plus side, this speaker may be placed in the users pocket when used with iPod, iPad and various Smartphones. The amplification factor is 2.5 to 3 with a very discernable base response.

(TIP: Maximum base response is achieved when the unit is placed on a hard surface, not in your pocket.)

MSRP: $79.95

www.woweeone.com/index.php/us/products

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

If you simply want louder audio with normal frequency response and portability the Cyber Acoustics CA-2988 is a great solution at a good price. If, on the other hand, you want music quality sound with a wide frequency response with emphasis on base response, and stereo separation is not a concern, the WoWee One Classic is worth considering. I should notice that at high volume levels some distortion may be noted, but then some music formats purposely create distortion as an effect. Both units are available on-line and at retail.

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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HOW TO CONVERT HDMI TO STANDARD DEFINITION

HOW TO CONVERT HDMI TO STANDARD DEFINITION - A Low Cost Solution….

© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

New technology is always great, but with it comes an entire new set of problems and the need for inexpensive solutions. Many of Today’s Blu-Ray players, mini digital video cameras and television display devices lack analogue connectivity. Interfacing such signals is near impossible unless some form of an analogue conversion is available. Such external solutions are typically very expensive and surpass the cost of the new HDMI device. So, let’s say you wish to view HD programming on your non-HD TV display, or wish to copy a Blu-Ray disc to DVD, or transfer recorded HD material from your mini camera to an analogue editing program on a stand-alone editor or MAC/PC. What’s a practical solution?

RAM Electronics Industries offers a problem solver with the model V3081 HDMI to composite/S-Video converter. This compact box offers an HDMI connection that is selectable to convert to either a composite video or S-video jack that may be switched between PAL or NTSC TV standards. It includes stereo audio jacks as well.

(TIP: Copyrighted material is subject to international law that may restrict or prohibit copying. I, nor the manufacturer, do not endorse duplication of such material unless you are the copyright holder. When in doubt check the intellectual property laws before proceeding.)

The operation is simple. Select PAL or NTSC operation, plug the HDMI cable into the converter, select the output desired and match up with the appropriate video and audio cables.

(TIP: You need to complete these steps and power up the converter prior to powering the source or other device. Failure to select the proper TV standard, PAL or NTSC, will result in a black & white, unstable image. Power everything down, make the proper selection, and reboot as previously discussed)

I tested the converter using various monitors, a Casablanca editing system, a Kodak digital camera and video inputs of a computer’s video board. The results were favorable considering the low cost of the converter. Since HD signals typically use a 16:9 format, a squeeze and stretched image were somewhat noticeable. It would be nice if a letterbox switch selection were available to compensate for this effect. Color, noise and resolution were very good when compared to the original signal. A loop-thru capability is missing which means repatching is necessary for returning to non-converted use.

At the price it works well when compared to similar units. My only complaints were previously stated and thus reflected in my rating. Available on line: www.ramelectronics.net/

MSRP: $69.95

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.

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