Tom Keating : VoIP & Gadgets Blog
Tom Keating
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Gadgets

Gadgets

TurboUSB Fastest USB memory?

December 13, 2007


USB memory sticks are more common than President Bush bashing. (exit polling had it as a close call though) Today, yet another USB memory stick launched - the Buffalo SHD-U32GS TurboUSB USB memory stick. Now before you start ho-humming or poo-poohing this as just another USB memory stuck, hear me out. The Buffalo SHD-U32GS TurboUSB features a whopping 32GB of storage and they claim this is the fastest USB memory stick on the market by a clear 20% margin, allowing you to quickly transfer your precious photos, mp3 files, and other large files very quickly.

20% performance over competing memory sticks makes me a bit skeptical, but maybe because this improvement came from Buffalo and not a bigger name like Sandisk or IBM.


R2-D2 Home Theater System DLP projector

December 11, 2007


Who wouldn't love R2-D2 in their living room projecting not just Princess Leia, but any damn movie you please. Hammacher Schlemmer, who carries the Skype R2-D2 I oggled over, has done it again with The R2-D2� Home Theater System a home theater system modeled after the famous droid from the Star Wars films. (note: Nikko Home Electronics makes this)



R2-D2's head houses a DLP projection system with superb 1,500:1 contrast, that can project DVD movies, TV shows, images, and video games from his radar eye at 1024 x 768 resolution onto walls up to 16 1/2' away, equivalent to an 80" screen. Further, he can also rotate the viewing angle up to 65� to project images onto your ceiling.




Philips VOIP841 Review

December 11, 2007

I'm been testing the Philips VOIP841 for review for a few months now. Let me start by saying I constantly have various VoIP products and gadgets on my desk for testing, but they typically only stay there for a short while. The Skype-based Philips VoIP841 wireless DECT phone is the rare exception - it's been on my desk for over 4 months. Why? Because the darn thing works and works very well as a Skype phone.

Delkin Devices 16GB UDMA enabled CompactFlash PRO card

December 7, 2007

Get yer 1.21 Gigawatts Flux Capacitor

December 7, 2007

Back to the Future fans/geeks can now turn their vehicle into a time travel machine with the new Flux Capacitor being offered by Things from Another World.

The Flux Capacitor replica recreates the 1.21 gigawatts heart of the original 1985 De Lorean time machine. Measuring over 16" tall and 12" wide, each replica features hand-numbering with a matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

It'll cost you $220 bucks, but hey you can go back in time to 2004 and bet on the Red Sox beating the Yankees after being down 0-3 to the Yankees. Those must have been 1,000,000 to 1 odds.

Plutonium and De Lorean not included.

(click 'Play' below to hear the famous 1.21 gigawatts line in Back to the Future)











Touch-4-VoIP Adds Microphone for iPod touch

December 6, 2007

VoIP on the Apple iPod touch just became a reality with the help of some iPod touch enthusiasts/hackers over at Touchmods. Touchmods writes, "As promised, we can make you some Mics built into the DockConnector with the preamp." The Touch-4-VoIP connects to the touch's dock connector thereby enabling audio-input via the microphone. This can then be used for voice annotated notes and of course VoIP! Boy, life is good!

If you recall, I hypothesized about VoIP support on the iPod touch back in September.

Nokia Siemens Launches SIM USB Communication Key

December 4, 2007

Nokia Siemens Networks is combining VoIP with it's strength in the cellular network by  introducing the Communication Key, a USB device with SIM authentication that lets subscribers take VoIP and other rich communications on the road.

According to the release, at the Nokia World event in Amsterdam, Nokia Siemens Networks is showcasing a novel way to enjoy easy Voice over IP (VoIP) communications from any Internet-connected PC. The Communication Key is a USB device with built-in SIM authentication that allows PC users to engage in not only voice calls, but also video sharing and other rich communications with the same ease and convenience as making mobile phone calls. It helps a mobile operator reinforce its role as the preferred service provider in the face of growing competition from new Internet players. The Communication Key will be available in Q3 2008.

Logitech Quickcam Orbit AF Review

December 4, 2007

The Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF is Logitech's best webcam money can buy. The QuickCam Orbit AF is Logitech's flagship webcam featuring Carl Zeiss optics, integrated microphone, and a cool motorized tracking that automatically follows your every move. The QuickCam Orbit AF (AF = autofocus) also has premium autofocus, up to 30fps, a true 2-megapixel sensor, with up to 8-megapixel photos (enhanced), 960 by 720 pixels, 24-bit true color Video capture, and RightLight 2 Technology which adjusts intelligently to produce true-to-life clear images in dim or poor backlight settings.

The QuickCam Orbit AF also has a 'trick' up it's sleeve. Not only can it sit low in its base, but it also comes with a 9" long stem that lets you mount the camera up high.

Tougher Penalties for Gadget Theft Passed by Senate

December 3, 2007

Tougher penalties for gadget theft was passed by the Senate. Unfortunately, it's the Philippines Senate and not the U.S. Senate. Cuz I'd like that rat bastard that broke into my rental car and stole my nuvi 350 GPS to serve life in prison if they ever catch the guy.

USB Fridge

November 29, 2007

This USB Fridge is the ultimate geek gift this holiday season. Nothing like grabbing a cold caffeinated soda to quench your thirst without having to leave your PC. After all, you might be in the middle of something important, like playing World of Warcraft or somethin'.

This USB gadget will keep your drink cold while you're at your computer and it just plain looks cool.

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