leica digital camera

Google's vision for a greener planet

2008-10-07T18:45:00.007-07:00

While the current Wall Street financial crisis has many on edge in regard to the short term future of the economy, Google has displayed some far-sighted corporate leadership in releasing its plan for how to reduce fossil fuel use by 2030. "Clean Energy 2030" is designed to stimulate debate on a range of energy consumption issues and includes proposals to slash vehicle oil consumption and CO2 emissions by 38% and reduce US reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity generation by 88% through a significant boost to solar, wind and geothermal output. Importantly, the report also focusses on the "win-win" potential for this aggressive attack on climate change, citing a figure of $1.0 trillion net savings over the 22-year life of the plan...

Tags: Battery Electric Vehicles, Climate Change, Electric, Emissions Control, Global Warming, Google, Solar

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Canon PowerShot S5 IS full review and video tour

2008-10-07T18:45:00.005-07:00

Canon PowerShot S5 IS full review and video tour
Canon's PowerShot S5 IS is an 8 megapixel super-zoom camera with a 12x optically-stabilised zoom, flip-out screen and a great movie mode. The large number of cameras released by Canon during 2007 forced us to bypass the S5 IS when first released, but it's since become one of the most popular super-zooms on the market and remains a current model in the latest 2008 range. So by popular demand, we're pleased to present our Canon PowerShot S5 IS review, as always accompanied by a demonstration in our video tour.

Sony BRAVIA KDL-46W3000 Television

2008-10-07T18:45:00.003-07:00

Sony BRAVIA KDL-46W3000 Television
The Sony Bravia KDL46W3000 is one of the latest High Definition LCD TVs that Sony has released. The

Sony KDL-32S3000 32 in. LCD Television

2008-10-07T18:45:00.001-07:00

Sony released a great range of entry-level HD Ready LCD TVs earlier this year which are the cheapest Read More

NewEgg: OCZ Platinum Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) SDRAM PC2 8000 Memory $68 shipped AR

2008-10-07T18:44:00.011-07:00

NewEgg: OCZ Platinum Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) SDRAM PC2 8000 Memory $68 shipped AR

Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Toggle Between Large and Small Desktop Icons

2008-10-07T18:44:00.009-07:00

Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Toggle Between Large and Small Desktop Icons
Change your Windows XP Desktop icon size.

Depending on your preferences, you may prefer the icons on your Windows XP Desktop to appear larger. This may make them easier to view and click, at the expense of covering up more of your wallpaper.

1 Right-click an empty area of your Desktop and choose "Properties". ...

Read more at MalekTips.

Sony KDL-32S3000 32 in. LCD Television

2008-10-07T18:44:00.007-07:00

Sony released a great range of entry-level HD Ready LCD TVs earlier this year which are the cheapest Read More

Samsung YP-T10 (2 GB) MP3 Player

2008-10-07T18:44:00.005-07:00

Samsung YP-T10 (2 GB) MP3 Player
The Samsung YP-T10 is the latest in a family of spectacular MP3 players and MP4 Players. The YP-T10

Change

2008-10-07T18:44:00.003-07:00

I've been a follower of management theory ever since I was in college, and have been an observer on how people relate to each other and operate (predominantly workplace, but increasingly in personal situations).

Change is frequent, but when it's happening around you rather than directly at you, it becomes very easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. At my age I should know better of course.... but it is very seductive when you think you know where you stand and that you have a modicum of control.

The last few months have been intensive - extremely intensive - periods of change. The pace has been unrelenting, the scope unremitting and the size.... unsurprising. Eventually all change has to consolidate and calm down, before another period begins.

Reading this, you might think, OKaaaay.... I could be speaking of the credit crises, the technology industry or even my personal life.

Reality is a state of mind. People don't see life as it is - they see life as they are. We are often in situations where we have little or no information, yet are trying to make sense of the 'reality' around us, as we see it.

Where it gets exciting - or destructive - is where the stress goes up, the pressure comes on... and then stays there. Most people in the mid-30's know this feeling, that exotic cocktail of being out of control and wondering when it will all just 'stop'.

So why do I write about this now?

There is a lot of change happening for me. A fair amount I expected, but it still needs to be worked through, and emotions experience - a quote I remember from Men in Black is Will Smith saying to Tommy Lee Jones' character 'Ah well, better to have loved and lost than never to have loved to all'.... and Tommy turning round and saying 'Just try it'.

All change makes us stronger, but there is a cost every time. Left unmentioned is that the process of making one part stronger - wisdom - leaves another part weaker - stamina.

The next period is one of personal journey; where one has to 'walk the walk' and other such comments. Knowing what you need to do - and then doing it, with a huge feeling of being alone - now that is truly frightening change.

---
AK

New Nikon D60 - deja-vu anyone?

2008-10-07T18:44:00.001-07:00

Today Nikon announced the D60, a new budget DSLR which bears an uncanny resemblance to what we expect to become the discontinued D40x. It shares the same 10 Megapixel sensor, same 2.5in screen and essentially the same body and controls. New to the D60 are a stop-motion recording mode, eye sensors which switch the screen off when you're looking through the viewfinder, Active D-Lighting, and an anti-dust system which both vibrates the sensor unit along with using an airflow system to channel particles from the image path. Overall though, it's a minor refresh of an existing model, and as such a disappointment especially without a built-in AF motor for non-AF-S lenses. Those hoping to see a D80 successor will have to keep their fingers crossed Nikon's holding something back for PMA. The D60 is expected in February, costing 529 GBP / 791 EUR with the recently-announced stabilised DX 18-55mm VR kit lens. See the complete Nikon DSLR range. Read More

WD launches 4TB ShareSpace drive enclosure

2008-10-02T21:16:00.009-07:00

Western Digital has announced a new line of external hard drive enclosures providing high-capacity file storage up to 4TB and network connectivity for multi-computer, cross-platform file sharing. Read More

6ave.com: JVC Everio GZ-HD5 High Definition Camcorder with 60GB Internal Hard Drive $565shipped

2008-10-02T21:16:00.007-07:00

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols

2008-10-02T21:16:00.005-07:00

Add symbols for copyright, trademark, and registered trademark to your Word 2007 document. Read More

Fujifilm launches SD memory line: xD presumably on its way out

2008-10-02T21:16:00.003-07:00

Fujifilm launches SD memory line: xD presumably on its way out
It may look like a sign of the apocalypse to many, but it seems that rumors of Fujifilm's move away from the proprietary xD memory format that it's jointly supported for years with Olympus are credible.

Dell Home: Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro System Gaming Console 60GB $249 shipped

2008-10-02T21:16:00.001-07:00

Dell Home: Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro System Gaming Console 60GB $249 shipped

SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 1 into orbit

2008-10-02T21:15:00.009-07:00

SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 1 into orbit
With the Space Shuttle scheduled to retire in 2010, alternative transport vessels will need to be developed to keep the International Space Station manned, and to keep options open for possible manned lunar missions. After three failed attempts, the SpaceX Falcon 1 has successfully achieved Earth orbit – the first privately developed liquid fuel rocket to do so. ..

Tags: NASA, Space Travel, Transport

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Digital Camera

2008-10-02T21:15:00.007-07:00

The Panasonic TZ3 is an 8.5 mega pixel digital camera with a 10x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and a Read More

Windows Vista - Explorer - Select All Files / Subfolders

2008-10-02T21:15:00.005-07:00

Quickly select all files and subfolders of a folder when performing operations in Windows Vista Explorer.

You may occasionally need to select all files and subfolders of a folder in Windows Vista without selecting the folder itself. Perhaps you want to compress a folder's contents, move files to a new location on the network, or attach multiple files to an e-mail message at once - all without including the parent folder's name. If so, there are multiple ways to select all files and subfolders from Explorer:

A. Click the "Organize" button and choose "Select All"....

Read more at MalekTips. Read More

WD launches 4TB ShareSpace drive enclosure

2008-10-02T21:15:00.003-07:00

WD launches 4TB ShareSpace drive enclosure
Western Digital has announced a new line of external hard drive enclosures providing high-capacity file storage up to 4TB and network connectivity for multi-computer, cross-platform file sharing.

Vodafone - do you want my business?

2008-10-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

Customer retention is something every business needs to be good at. If your customer don't come back then you'll very quickly find yourself going out of business.

Visit your local coffee shop these days and you're bound to get a loyalty card. Buy 10 coffee's and get 1 free. Visit Subway and you'll get credit that goes towards buying a sandwich. Fly with an Airline and you'll get frequent flyer points. Buy your groceries at New World or buy your petrol at Shell and you'll get Fly Buys points. I don't need to list any more - I'm sure you get my drift.

Most of these companies all exist in competive marketplaces where customers have many choices when it comes to spending their hear earned money. These companies realise that keeping their customers happy is not just something you pay sparse attention to, it's part of your core business.

Now lets look at the mobile market in NZ. Stastistics tell is that 100% of NZers own a mobile phone so I'll ask a question that everybody should be able to answer. Exactly what are Vodafone or Telecom doing for you to keep you as a happy loyal customer? Do you feel that your mobile carrier really wants your business or are you simply treated as a number? Do you think they really care if you moved away to another carrier?

This poses the question - do these companies care about customer loyalty? Both feature business models based around locking you into long into term contracts and giving you small discounts off overpriced handsets. Imagine if you wanted to buy petrol but could only do this if you entered into a 24 month exclusive contract with the fuel outlet of your choice, a contract that you couldn't break without paying a penalty. In return they would sell you a 1.5l bottle of Coke dicscounted to $3.00 - more than you would pay for this product if you shopped at a supermarket. Would you feel like you were a happy, content loyal customer or would you feel like you were just a number?

New Zealand now has a greater choice when it comes to mobile with TelstraClear launching a virtual mobile network using Telecom's CDMA network and Black+White are about to launch a similair virtual network using Vodafone's network. B+W won't be offering term contracts and instead believe they can compete by offering a package that makes their customers feel like they are receiving value for money which in turn will drive customer loyalty.

So I'll now ask the question - having been a Bellsouth & now Vodafone customer for 13 years do you really value my business? What have you done recently that should make me feel happy about being a customer of yours? How have you rewarded me for my loyalty over the years? You give me significantly less airtime for my $ spend than virtually any other Vodafone Group network. You've put up roaming rates so I now have to pay more to make calls when I visit Australia 3-4 times per year and also charge all incoming roam forward calls by the minute rather than per second. This annoyed me greatly. What else have you done? Nothing. What would I like you to do? Offer me a plan that feels like I'm receiving value for money. Don't lock me into a term contract. Don't make me laugh me by offering me $50 off a $1000 handset that's selling for $200 more than it's true market value. Quite simply don't insult me. I'm happy to pay good money each month for a plan that meets my needs.

Do you really value my business or not? If you do what are you going to do for me?

Internet Explorer 7 Misc - Stop Pop-up Blocker Notifications

2008-09-29T21:50:00.017-07:00

Internet Explorer 7 Misc - Stop Pop-up Blocker Notifications
Stop playing sounds and displaying an Information Bar whenever pop-up windows are trapped by Internet Explorer.

Depending on your configuration, when Internet Explorer 7 prevents a pop-up window from appearing, it plays a sound and displays an information bar at the top of the browser window.

While some appreciate these notifications as they are browsing the web, others find them annoying and would rather Internet Explorer 7 block pop-up windows silently....

Read more at MalekTips.

Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, D300 and D80 Compared Side by Side

2008-09-29T21:50:00.015-07:00

Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, D300 and D80 Compared Side by Side
With the announcement of the new 15.1 MP Canon EOS 50D and the 12.3 Nikon D90 enthusiast digital SLR cameras coming on almost the same day, there is certainly a lot of excitement (and debate) happening among photographers within the Canon and Nikon communities. We have just posted a side by side comparison overview between the Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, and the D300 and D80 and highlighted the major differences in order to hopefully help make the buying decision process a little easier. See full story...

Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, D300 and D80 Compared Side by Side

2008-09-29T21:50:00.013-07:00

With the announcement of the new 15.1 MP Canon EOS 50D and the 12.3 Nikon D90 enthusiast digital SLR cameras coming on almost the same day, there is certainly a lot of excitement (and debate) happening among photographers within the Canon and Nikon communities. We have just posted a side by side comparison overview between the Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, and the D300 and D80 and highlighted the major differences in order to hopefully help make the buying decision process a little easier. See full story... Read More

Tech and autographed gear for auction on Trade Me - help the Auckland Under 15 Boys Basketball team

2008-09-29T21:50:00.011-07:00

Tech and autographed gear for auction on Trade Me - help the Auckland Under 15 Boys Basketball team
Last night I've go an e-mail from Steve Graham, GM at Fronde AKL, also the coach of the Auckland Under 15 regonal basketball team.

In short Steve managed to get the support of some companies (Google, Microsoft, HP, Vodafone, Samsung, Kodak) and people (Hamish Carter, Dilon Boucher, All Whites) to a special "tech gear auction" to raise funds and help the Auckland's Under 15 Boys' Basketball Team to attend the National Championship in Rotorua.

There is a 60 GB Google Flip, 30 GB Microsoft Zune, HP iPAQ, autogaphed items, Family pass to Rainbows End and much more.

So if you are looking for tech and sport memorabilia, check the tech gear auction or search for "under15bball" on Trade Me.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 with 18x zoom

2008-09-29T21:50:00.009-07:00

Panasonic has today introduced the 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital camera, featuring a 27mm wide-angle Leica lens with an 18x optical zoom (27mm-486mm). The powerful 18x zoom lens makes it easy to pull in subjects from far away or to take dramatic close-ups. See full story... Read More

Gresso's limited edition 192Gb USB pendant

2008-09-29T21:50:00.007-07:00

Gresso's limited edition 192Gb USB pendant
The latest high-end tech offering from Gresso is a cleverly designed USB Flash drive pendant that incorporates three separate 64 Gb memory sticks into a single unit made from 200-year-old African Blackwood with diamond and gold trimmings. A limited run of 99 pieces has been announced for the ENIGMA collection, but prospective buyers will have to dig deep...

Tags: Design, Digital Media, Flash MEdia, Luxury, USB

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Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons

2008-09-29T21:50:00.005-07:00

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons
Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area.

AVA Direct Gaming PC Workstation

2008-09-29T21:50:00.003-07:00

AVA Direct Gaming PC Workstation

AVA Direct builds custom gaming systems to order, and our review sample turned out to be the computer equivalent of a 22-ounce filet mignon paired with a $500 bottle of merlot. Not surprisingly, the $6,200 amalgamation of high-end hardware blew nearly every game we could throw at it out of the water, with build quality and attention to detail from this manufacturer to match. This specific system build doubles as both a workstation and a gaming PC which explains why Xeon processors were used.

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

NewEgg: Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $40 shipped

2008-09-29T21:50:00.001-07:00

NewEgg: Antec Three Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $40 shipped

Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Provide Quick Desktop Access to Control Panel and Admin Tools

2008-09-25T19:43:00.001-07:00

Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Provide Quick Desktop Access to Control Panel and Admin Tools
Make it easier to configure Windows XP by providing easy access to frequently-used Control Panel and Administrative Tools icons.

If you frequently customize Windows XP via the Control Panel, or often use the Administrative Tools, it may prove cumbersome to go through the "Start" menu and navigate to find what you need.

To help save time, get access to such tools directly from your Desktop. This way, whether you frequent System properties, Internet Options, the list of Scheduled Tasks, or even if you often enable or disable system Services, such icons will be a double-click away....

Read more at MalekTips.

Cold Stone Creamery: free 3oz Ice Cream on 9/25 5-8PM

2008-09-25T19:42:00.017-07:00

Olympus E-520 - full review and video tour

2008-09-25T19:42:00.015-07:00

Olympus E-520 - full review and video tour
The Olympus E-520 is the successor to one of the best-selling DSLRs of last year, the popular E-510. The new E-520 takes the 10 Megapixel resolution, Live View, built-in stabilisation, and effective anti-dust features of its predecessor and adds new contrast-based AF in Live View with Face Detection, a bigger screen, quicker continuous shooting, support for wireless flash control, an extra IS mode for panning with the camera held of its side, and a new optional underwater housing. It also offers improved dynamic range and previews of many adjustments. So one of the most feature-packed DSLRs has just got better, but is it enough to compete with the latest rivals? Find out in our Olympus E-520 review and to see a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Olympus E-520 video tour.

[MODIFIED] Google Chrome - Do Not Skip the Customize Dialog During Install

2008-09-25T19:42:00.013-07:00

[MODIFIED] Google Chrome - Do Not Skip the Customize Dialog During Install
Don't just click through the dialog boxes when installing Google Chrome - there's a customize link you may find useful.

When installing software, many people ignore the text in dialog boxes and keep clicking "Next" or "Ok", skipping through information to install the software faster. You may not wish to do this when installing Google Chrome.

Google Chrome's installation includes a "Customize these settings" link. Click this link during the install process to configure:...

Read more at MalekTips.

Canon Rebel XS, EOS 1000D Entry Level Digital SLR

2008-09-25T19:42:00.011-07:00

Canon Rebel XS, EOS 1000D Entry Level Digital SLR
Canon has today introduced the Canon Digital Rebel XS digital SLR. In some countries (Europe) the camera will be known as the Canon EOS 1000D. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS / 1000D features an APS-C size 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC III image processor, and joins the ranks in the Canon lineup as the entry level digital SLR model under the recently announced 12.2 MP Canon Rebel XSi / 450D. See full story...

Windows XP and DOS - Printer Driver Information

2008-09-25T19:42:00.009-07:00

For diagnostic purposes, display detailed information about currently installed printers on a Windows XP system on the DOS command line. Read More

Logitech Squeezebox Boom

2008-09-25T19:42:00.007-07:00

Logitech Squeezebox Boom

Most streaming music devices require two key outside components to work: speakers and a source to power them. Since there are very few powered speakers out there in reality, you most likely need to attach the streaming device to a mini-system or your home theater system – and that can create a lot of clutter, especially in the kitchen. The Logitech Squeezebox Boom fixes this problem by creating an all-in-one sound system with music streaming capabilities. Priced at $300 USD, there is no doubt that price tag is hard to swallow, but thanks to its easy setup, intuitive navigation and beautiful sound, we can easily say you get what you pay for. Read on for the deep dive.

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons

2008-09-25T19:42:00.005-07:00

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons
Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area.

Sigma DP1 - full review and video tour

2008-09-25T19:42:00.003-07:00

The Sigma DP1 is one of the most unique and highly anticipated compact digital cameras on the market. It's the World's first compact to house a full-sized DSLR sensor, which should allow it to avoid the noise artefacts which plague modern compacts. It also shuns zoom lenses in favour of a fixed focal length model with an equivalent wide-angle coverage of 28mm. On top of this you get full manual control over exposure, manual focusing capabilities and unusually for a camera with a DSLR sensor, a movie mode. So has Sigma really managed to squeeze DSLR quality into a compact body? Find out in our Sigma DP1 review and as always, to see a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Sigma DP1 video tour Read More

Buying a Digital Camera - Work the Controls Before Buying

2008-09-25T19:42:00.001-07:00

Comparing digital cameras to buy? Familiarize yourself with the controls before making a decision. Read More

Pentax K20D - full review and video tour

2008-09-24T03:41:00.019-07:00

The Pentax K20D is a 14.6 Megapixel mid-range DSLR which packs-in a broad range of features. It inherits an impressive core specification from its predecessor, the K10D, including a dust and weather-resistant body, built-in Shake Reduction, a decent optical viewfinder, a number of innovative exposure modes, a wealth of custom options, and the option of recording RAW in Adobe's DNG format. To this Pentax has increased the screen to 2.7in, boosted the sensitivity to 6400 ISO, added Live View, an X-Sync port, and improved the optional DA 18-55mm kit lens, along with that big jump in sensor resolution. The big question is how it measures-up to today's other 14 Megapixel DSLR, the Sony A350, not to mention Canon's EOS 450D / XSi and the semi-pro EOS 40D. To find out how the new Pentax compares, check out our Pentax K20D review, and as always for a demonstration of its highlights, see our K20D video tour. Read More

Flatshare Fridge could save big arguments

2008-09-24T03:41:00.017-07:00

Anyone who’s ever lived in a share house knows the disappointment of finding their tasty leftovers devoured by a greedy roommate, only to have them deny all responsibility. This great idea dubbed the Flatshare Fridge is a concept designed to eliminate arguments by providing separate food storage spaces for each household member...

Tags: Design, Electrolux, Modular, Storage

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Sony BRAVIA KDL-40W3000 Television

2008-09-24T03:41:00.015-07:00

Sony BRAVIA KDL-40W3000 Television
Introducing the Sony Bravia KDL40W3000 from the KDL-W3000 series. As the LCD TV range has failed to

NewEgg: MSI N9600GSO-T2D384 OC GeForce 9600 GSO 384MB Video Card $45 shipped AR

2008-09-24T03:41:00.013-07:00

NewEgg: MSI N9600GSO-T2D384 OC GeForce 9600 GSO 384MB Video Card $45 shipped AR

Digital Photo Processing - Create Pop Art from your Photos

2008-09-24T03:41:00.011-07:00

Digital Photo Processing - Create Pop Art from your Photos
Order Warhol-style, silhouette, and other types of pop art created from your digital photographs.

Although you may not be able to precisely describe what Pop Art means, you've probably seen examples of such work. Whether it was Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans or pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Jasper Johns' US flag, or Roy Lichtenstein's "Drowning Girl", these images make an indelible impression on many viewers.

Several companies exist that let you turn your digital photos into forms of popular art, giving you opportunities to showcase your work in a creative way, either for personal viewing or as a gift....

Read more at MalekTips.

LG 42LT75 Television

2008-09-24T03:41:00.009-07:00

The LG 42LT75 is a revolutionary LCD TV that has an integrated 160GB hard drive allowing you to pause Read More

Price Decrease on Nikon D200, D80, D40 and Select Nikkor Lenses

2008-09-24T03:41:00.007-07:00

Price Decrease on Nikon D200, D80, D40 and Select Nikkor Lenses
Nikon Canada Inc. has today announced new lower manufacturer's recommended retail pricing (MSRP) on a number of their digital SLR cameras, including the family photography oriented 6.1 MP Nikon D40 and the Nikon D80 digital SLR for the advanced amateur. The Nikon D200 (for the serious hobbyist and professional geared photographer) has been reduced in price by $100 to a new MSRP of $1399 CAN, while the Nikkor AF 80-400mm F/4-5.6 VR zoom lens has been reduced in price by $120 to a new retail of $1579 Canadian. Nikon Canada has also confirmed pricing for their latest new lenses, including the Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II zoom, the AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED Macro, and the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED tilt/shift lens. See full story...

NewEgg: OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB 2 x 1GB SDRAM DDR2 800 PC2 6400 Desktop Memory $20 shipped AR

2008-09-24T03:41:00.005-07:00

NewEgg: OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB 2 x 1GB SDRAM DDR2 800 PC2 6400 Desktop Memory $20 shipped AR

New Olympus E-420 DSLR - compared against rivals

2008-09-24T03:41:00.003-07:00

New Olympus E-420 DSLR - compared against rivals
Today Olympus announced its latest DSLR, the E-420. Successor to the E-410, the new E-420 shares the same compact dimensions which make it one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs around. The core specifications of a 10 megapixel sensor with Live View and effective anti-dust features remain, but the E-420 now features a slightly bigger 2.7in screen and the addition of contrast-based AF facilities complete with Face Detection. For those who really like to travel light, Olympus has also introduced a 'pancake' style 25mm f2.8 lens which measures just 23.5mm and offers standard 50mm coverage on the E-420. The E-420 will be available in April for 379 GBP in a kit with the 14-42mm lens. Check out our Olympus E-420 feature comparison to see how it measures-up against its rivals.

Eddie Bauer: free shipping no minimum

2008-09-24T03:41:00.001-07:00

Eddie Bauer: free shipping no minimum

Sony Alpha A350 Compared to Nikon D80 SLR Review

2008-09-19T18:17:00.019-07:00

We have just posted a side by side comparison review between the new 14.2 MP Sony Alpha A350 digital SLR with DT 18-70mm lens versus the 10.1 MP Nikon D80 digital SLR kit with the AF-S DX 18-55mm VR zoom. To see what real world benefits the latest generation technologies and features incorporated in the Sony Alpha A350 offer in terms of image quality or enhancing the photographic experience, we decided to compare this new camera model against the Nikon D80 which remains one of the predominant cameras in the current Nikon line up. See how these two SLR cameras performed in our tests... Read More

Sears: Craftsman Jack System, Lift N Secure $1501

2008-09-19T18:17:00.017-07:00

Sears: Craftsman Jack System, Lift N Secure $1501

Creative Zen X-Fi 8GB

2008-09-19T18:17:00.015-07:00

Creative Zen X-Fi 8GB

Creative has been hawking its X-Fi sound enhancement technology hard in the last couple of years, putting it in everything from sound cards to headphones -- and now in a portable AV player. Aside from the usual voice recorder, FM radio, expandable storage, and audio/video playback, the Zen X-Fi is the first player from Creative to offer built-in WiFi. Like Microsoft's Zune, the X-Fi lacks a Web browser, which is a major stumbling block for a WiFi device, but it also lacks the Zune's wireless sync. It does, however, offer limited chat capabilities and AV streaming via LAN.

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

Sony Alpha A350 Compared to Nikon D80 SLR Review

2008-09-19T18:17:00.013-07:00

Sony Alpha A350 Compared to Nikon D80 SLR Review
We have just posted a side by side comparison review between the new 14.2 MP Sony Alpha A350 digital SLR with DT 18-70mm lens versus the 10.1 MP Nikon D80 digital SLR kit with the AF-S DX 18-55mm VR zoom. To see what real world benefits the latest generation technologies and features incorporated in the Sony Alpha A350 offer in terms of image quality or enhancing the photographic experience, we decided to compare this new camera model against the Nikon D80 which remains one of the predominant cameras in the current Nikon line up. See how these two SLR cameras performed in our tests...

Loud Noises in the Dark

2008-09-19T18:17:00.011-07:00

Loud Noises in the Dark
Well, Friday the 12th was a day to remember.

Disturbed played Christchurch. To be more precise, Disturbed blew the roof off the Westpac Trust centre and rained Metal all over Addington.

What a concert - my lovely wife & I went along expecting to feel old and colourful against the sea of black t-shirts & jeans and were surprised to be nowhere near the oldest rockers there. And there was much more than just black t-shirts on view.

Redline started up OK - tickets said first band on at 7.15 but I'm fairly sure that Redline started earlier than that; they were over by 7.30pm. Alterbridge did their set against intermittant house lights that kept coming up - their set was OK, but not quite what I expected. P.O.D. were OK as well - we both expected more from them though.

However, from the moment Dave Draiman was wheeled on until the house lights came back up at the end, Disturbed owned the show! Audio was loud & clear, the lighting was great and their prescence on stage was impressive.

We had seats dead centre at the top and we could see everything really well. We watched the moshpit sway left and right as those up front got right into it. It was funny to see the large number of glowing cell phones held up and recording in the standing crowd from up top where we were. And the clouds of dubious looking smoke rising to the lights. :)

DD had a few words to say at the end of the gig, and his comments on the chick(s) who decided to remove articles of their clothing (and everything for one girl) got a good laugh for all. (FWIW apparently the 2nd chick who presented herself to the crowd to have a look at wasn't all that hot, according to a friend in the moshpit who was right there next to her).

Then Disturbed ended up their set with 'The Sickness' and had the crowd really pumping and jumping. And several thousand happy sweaty people made their way out into the cold Christchurch evening.

What a night!!!

NewEgg: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $110 shipped

2008-09-19T18:17:00.009-07:00

Campaign launched against brewing giants

2008-09-19T18:17:00.007-07:00

Photographers are giving Heineken Ireland the chance to start discussions to settle a dispute over the alleged use of copywritten images. Read More

Nikon D700 High ISO Noise versus D300 and Canon EOS 5D

2008-09-19T18:17:00.005-07:00

Nikon D700 High ISO Noise versus D300 and Canon EOS 5D
Ahead of our in-depth Nikon D700 review, we thought you might enjoy seeing our High ISO results for the camera directly compared against the Nikon D300 and Canon EOS 5D. This page of results, taken with final production cameras, illustrates the advantages of full-frame DSLR sensors, but just how much better is the D700 than the cropped-frame D300, and is Canon's EOS 5D still a contender? Find out in our Nikon D700 High ISO results page, and remember to check back soon for our full review and video tour.

Loud Noises in the Dark

2008-09-19T18:17:00.003-07:00

Loud Noises in the Dark
Well, Friday the 12th was a day to remember.

Disturbed played Christchurch. To be more precise, Disturbed blew the roof off the Westpac Trust centre and rained Metal all over Addington.

Then Disturbed ended up their set with 'The Sickness' and had the crowd really pumping and jumping. And several thousand happy sweaty people made their way out into the cold Christchurch evening.

What a night!!!

NewEgg: Jabra BT620 Bluetooth stereo headset for mobile phones And iPod $34 shipped

2008-09-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

Sony Alpha DSLR A900 preview

2008-09-13T16:35:00.013-07:00

Sony's A900 is the new flagship DSLR in the Alpha range and the company's first with a full-frame sensor. The new Alpha A900 boasts nothing less than 24.6 Megapixels to become the highest resolution DSLR to date, and is also the world's first full-frame DSLR with built-in anti-shake capabilities. Handling the huge amount of image data are twin Bionz processors, which allow the A900 to shoot at 5fps, and like the A700 before it, there's a detailed VGA screen and HDMI connectivity to HDTVs. Find out more about it in our Sony Alpha DSLR A900 preview, where you'll also see how its features and pricing compares against key rivals. Read More

Nikon D300 Image Samples Available

2008-09-13T16:35:00.011-07:00

Nikon Corporation has now provided another four image samples from the soon to be released Nikon D300 digital SLR. The full size images include a couple of portraits, one landscape/scenery and one action shot. The images are taken at 200 ISO, except for one of the portraits captured at 400 ISO. The Nikkor lenses used for these Nikon D300 sample image tests include the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor ED 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G, the prime AF Nikkor 50mm F1.4D and the AF-S VR Nikkor ED 300mm F2.8 IF telephoto lens. Read Full story... Read More

Nikon Coolpix P6000 with 4x Wide Angle Zoom and GPS

2008-09-13T16:35:00.009-07:00

Nikon has today introduced their new Coolpix flagship compact camera, the 13.5 MP Nikon Coolpix P6000. The Nikon Coolpix P6000 features a 4x optical zoom starting at 28mm and includes optical lens shift Vibration Reduction (VR), a 2.7-inch high resolution LCD monitor, four exposure modes (P,S,A,M), a dedicated hotshoe and an optical viewfinder. See full story... Read More

Canon Rebel XSi and Powershot price drops

2008-09-13T16:35:00.007-07:00

Canon Canada Inc. has today announced a significant price reduction on the 12MP Canon Rebel XSi camera body, and on the available Canon Rebel XSi kit configurations, including the standard EOS Rebel XSi kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS zoom lens. Canon has also reduced the price on the sleek and pocketable 10 megapixel Canon Powershot SD890 IS, SD790 IS and the Powershot SD770 IS digital cameras by up to $50. See full story... Read More

Sony Kdl 46X3500 Tv

2008-09-13T16:35:00.005-07:00

The Sony KDL46X3500 Full HD LCD TV is one of Sonys latest releases of High Definition glory. With 1080p, Read More

Sony Outlet: Extra 10% off outlet + free shipping

2008-09-13T16:35:00.003-07:00

Windows Server 2008 is my Desktop Workstation

2008-09-13T16:35:00.001-07:00

After hearing lots of good stuffs about this new SERVER product from Microsoft called Windows Server 2008, I took the decision to move from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition

The good thing is, Windows Server 2008 can be configured as a fully featured desktop workstation. Your one stop guide for completing this ‘awesome’ task is here

Below is my laptop configuration:

1) Apple Macbook 2.4 GHz

2) 4 GB RAM

I have Windows Server 2008 Enterprise x86 Edition installed

Below is the list of software installed:

1) Apple Bootcamp

2) Microsoft Office 2007

3) Microsoft Visio 2007

4) Mozilla Firefox

5) Skype

6) Apple Quicktime

7) Apple iTunes

8 ) Windows Live

Live Writer
Live Messenger
Live Photo Gallery

9) Foxit PDF Reader

10) Flashget Download Manager

11) Virtual PC

12) Kaspersky Internet Security

13) tWhirl

14) Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1

This server is Fast, Sleek, and Customizable (in Features and Roles). That’s a huge benefit over Vista where many services get started no matter you use them.

I have also moved my development stuffs to a virtual environment now and virtual machines run quite fast than in Vista here. Yes, I am quite happy with Virtual PC 2007 and I don’t think I would install x64 version just for Hyper-V. The application support for x64 sucks!

Everything works good in my setup including sleep,shutdown and hibernate

So far, my experience of having Windows Server 2008 as my main desktop workstation is good and I think I will continue to stay on this for a long, long time until Windows 7 comes out

2008-09-13T16:34:00.005-07:00

Add symbols for copyright, trademark, and registered trademark to your Word 2007 document. Read More

Photography.Book.Now

2008-09-13T16:34:00.003-07:00

Winners chosen from over 2,000 photography book submissions in the competition�s first year. Read More

Photobox

2008-09-13T16:34:00.001-07:00

Photobox
Marcoms heavyweight joins from T-Mobile International

Canon Announces 10MP PowerShot SD890 IS, SD790 IS and SD770 IS

2008-09-13T04:07:00.001-07:00

Canon has announced three new 10 megapixel compact PowerShot digital cameras, the SD890 IS, the PowerShot SD790 IS and the SD770 IS. The Canon PowerShot SD890 IS features a rounded curve design incorporating a 5x image stabilized lens, optical viewfinder, and a 2.5 inch LCD. The more square PowerShot SD790 IS trades the optical viewfinder away to make room for a larger 3.0 inch LCD monitor, and features a 3x optical zoom with IS. The PowerShot SD770 IS offers a 3x optical zoom with stabilizer, an optical viewfinder and a 2.5 inch PureColor LCD II screen.. See full story... Read More

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons

2008-09-13T04:04:00.005-07:00

Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area. Read More

Creative Zen X-Fi 32GB

2008-09-13T04:04:00.003-07:00

Creative Zen X-Fi 32GB

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

Sony launches flagship, full-frame Sony Alpha DSLR-A900

2008-09-13T04:04:00.001-07:00

Sony has announced the launch of its highly anticipated full-frame flagship DSLR, the 24.6 megapixel Sony Alpha DSLR-A900. Read More

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 with 15x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD

2008-09-13T04:02:00.011-07:00

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 with 15x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD
Sony Canada today announced the latest addition to its high-zoom camera line, the 9.1-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-H50 digital camera. This new model (which is a successor to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9) incorporates a 15x optical zoom lens with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization to capture action at a distance. The Sony DSC-H50 also features extensive manual controls, including an exposure bracketing mode that newly includes settings for white balance and color modes. See full story...

Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Exponentiation

2008-09-13T04:02:00.009-07:00

Two ways to raise numbers to powers inside Microsoft Excel 2003 spreadsheets. ... Read More

Sony DSC-T70 Digital Camera

2008-09-13T04:02:00.007-07:00

The Sony Cybershot T70 digital camera has a unique innovative feature that makes us want to shout out Read More

Checking your mobile data usage online is not easy

2008-09-13T04:02:00.005-07:00

Isn't that incredible that Telecom New Zealand can charge my mobile data usage every month but it can't provide a simple way, other then calling their help desk every day, to follow my usage?

They are able to put a $$$ amount in my monthly bill, but I can't find my usage in data terms (megabytes or gigabytes) anywhere on the invoice or on-line.

They use a very cryptic "data calls" unit that means nothing to me.

Telecom New Zealand makes it really hard for me to control my usage. And they charge dearly if I go over my limits.

Vodafone is a bit better in this area, but their on-line meter is frequently outdated or incorrect according to discussions in our forums.

In Australia the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a warn to consumers regarding mobile data usage.

What about here? TUANZ? Commerce Commission? Anyone awake and aware that we have overpriced data plans?

HP: HP dv2700t 14.1in notebook T8100 3GB 250GB DVD+-RW webcam $650 shipped

2008-09-13T04:02:00.003-07:00

HP: HP dv2700t 14.1in notebook T8100 3GB 250GB DVD+-RW webcam $650 shipped

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 interchangeable lens camera unveiled

2008-09-13T04:02:00.001-07:00

Panasonic has unveiled the Lumix G1, the "world's smallest" interchangeable lens digicam. DSLR image quality with point-and-shoot usability? We're listening... Read More

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 - Toggle Playing Sounds When RSS Feeds Are Found

2008-09-13T03:57:00.003-07:00

Toggle whether Internet Explorer 7 plays a sound when it finds feeds related to the current webpage. ... Read More

Specific brainwave patterns occur prior to a “Eureka Moment”

2008-09-13T03:57:00.001-07:00

Specific brainwave patterns occur prior to a “Eureka Moment”
September 9, 2008 “Eureka” (Greek for "I have found it") is an exclamation used as an interjection to proclaim an epiphanic discovery. Famously pronounced in the bathtub by Archimedes when he suddenly understood that the volume of irregular objects could be calculated with precision through the displacement of water, a previously intractable problem. Real-world problems come in two broad types: those requiring sequential reasoning and those requiring transformative reasoning: a break from past thinking followed by an insight. It is this moment, where a problem solver makes a quantum leap of understanding with no conscious forewarning, that we term the “Eureka moment.” A new university study in which brainwaves of humans were measured as they attempted to solve puzzles that call for intuitive strategies and novel insight has found an array of specific brainwave patterns occur several (up to 8) seconds before the participant is consciously aware of an insight...

Tags: Brain, Thinking

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Windows Vista - Mouse - Toggle Pointer Trails

2008-09-13T03:56:00.015-07:00

Toggle whether the mouse pointer should display trails, which may make the mouse pointer easier to see. ... Read More

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 - Switch Page Layout to Landscape

2008-09-13T03:56:00.013-07:00

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 - Switch Page Layout to Landscape
Print web pages from Internet Explorer 7 in landscape mode. ...

Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Find a Conditional Sum

2008-09-13T03:56:00.011-07:00

Use Microsoft Excel 2003 to find the sum of numbers that meet a certain condition. ... Read More

Creative Zen X-Fi 16GB

2008-09-13T03:56:00.009-07:00

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Trigonometric Functions

2008-09-13T03:56:00.007-07:00

Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Trigonometric Functions
Use Excel to perform sine, cosine, tangent, and other trigonometric functions. ...

Nikon Coolpix P6000 with 4x Wide Angle Zoom and GPS

2008-09-13T03:56:00.005-07:00

Nikon Coolpix P6000 with 4x Wide Angle Zoom and GPS
Nikon has today introduced their new Coolpix flagship compact camera, the 13.5 MP Nikon Coolpix P6000. The Nikon Coolpix P6000 features a 4x optical zoom starting at 28mm and includes optical lens shift Vibration Reduction (VR), a 2.7-inch high resolution LCD monitor, four exposure modes (P,S,A,M), a dedicated hotshoe and an optical viewfinder. See full story...

GETAC's ruggedized PC incorporates anti-glare technology

2008-09-13T03:56:00.003-07:00

GETAC's ruggedized PC incorporates anti-glare technology
GETAC’s ruggedized notebooks are not deterred by rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night, (not to mention dust, debris, and shock), making them highly reliable for fieldwork. The newly enhanced V100 Notebook/Tablet PC now includes additional protection against glare from the sun - a super-bright 1200 NITS display said to offer six times the screen viewablility of competing products, without affecting battery life or affordability...

Tags: Getac, Law Enforcement, LED, Military, Rugged

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Logitech V550 Nano

2008-09-13T03:56:00.001-07:00

If you’re sick of dragging a sweaty finger around on your laptop’s touchpad, but equally tired of toting a mouse around with your otherwise ultra-mobile machine, Logitech’s V550 Nano promises to liberate you from carrying around that fist-sized plastic anchor by snapping it directly to your notebook. We found the concept surprisingly useful, and very well executed on Logitech’s behalf, but your results may vary depending on how you use your notebook.

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 with 15x Optical Zoom and 3.0-inch LCD

2008-09-06T09:31:00.005-07:00

Sony Canada today announced the latest addition to its high-zoom camera line, the 9.1-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-H50 digital camera. This new model (which is a successor to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9) incorporates a 15x optical zoom lens with Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization to capture action at a distance. The Sony DSC-H50 also features extensive manual controls, including an exposure bracketing mode that newly includes settings for white balance and color modes. See full story... Read More

Windows Vista - Mouse - Toggle Hiding the Mouse Pointer When Typing

2008-09-06T09:31:00.003-07:00

Windows Vista - Mouse - Toggle Hiding the Mouse Pointer When Typing
Configure Windows Vista to hide the mouse pointer as you type, or disable this behavior. ...

Windows Vista - Mouse - Toggle Hiding the Mouse Pointer When Typing

2008-09-06T09:31:00.001-07:00

Windows Vista - Mouse - Toggle Hiding the Mouse Pointer When Typing
Configure Windows Vista to hide the mouse pointer as you type, or disable this behavior. ...

Very slack proof reading at Vodafone

2008-09-06T09:30:00.013-07:00

Very slack proof reading at Vodafone
... and by poor proof reading:

- from the Vodafone website.

It's been up there for a few days since they changed their little advertisement blocks into images...

Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby

2008-09-06T09:30:00.011-07:00

Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby
This unique clothing line allows your baby to sport the unique iPod interface.

NewEgg: PALiT Radeon HD 3870 512MB Video Card $90 shipped AR

2008-09-06T09:30:00.009-07:00

HP GreenBox bundles

2008-09-06T09:30:00.007-07:00

Fujifilm has announced a series of cash-back offers on purchases of HP printers when bundled with its acclaimed GreenBox package. Read More

Sharpener Pro 3.0

2008-09-06T09:30:00.005-07:00

Sharpener Pro 3.0
New plug-in for Photoshop and Aperture incorporates U Point technology for precise selective sharpening.

Windows XP and Explorer - Change the Folder Type

2008-09-06T09:30:00.003-07:00

Windows XP and Explorer - Change the Folder Type
Configure Windows XP to provide special functions for folders containing pictures, music, video, or general documents. ...

The Dark Knight: Batman remodeled.

2008-09-06T09:30:00.001-07:00

The Dark Knight: Batman remodeled.
I took the opportunity to see "The Dark Knight" on saturday night, (in Reading Cinemas Gold Lounge)

and I have to admit, the hype is not totally misplaced, it is a stunning movie,

Heath Ledger truly played the part to a legendary level, the gadgets again are fantastic,

the sheer grittyness that was brough about made it all the more real, rather than having a fantastical approach, it gave it a realisticness lacking in many hero movies.

I'd love to write more but I'd hate to spoil it,

I think this movie will go down as a definite movie to watch.

Kodak Digital Frames

2008-09-05T17:41:00.011-07:00

Latest additions to family of frames boast quick touch border and decorative mattes for added personalisation. Read More