Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

Company byte: Belkin rebranded

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Belkin is a maker of network connectivity hardware, as well as accessories for consumer devices such as iPods and iPads. 

Belkin makes wireless routers, iPod accessories, iPad cases and energy saving devices.

Belkin makes wireless routers, iPod accessories, iPad cases and energy saving devices.

Belkin was founded in 1983 by Chet Pipkin and is headquartered in Playa Vista, Los Angeles, California, USA.

The rebranded Belkin logo.

The rebranded Belkin logo.

The company rebranded itself with a change in corporate logo during CES 2012, and a refocus onto developing “People-Inspired Products”.

Founder Pipkin, now President and CEO of the company, initiated the rebranding.

“The new Belkin logo, also known as PIP for ‘People-Inspired Products’, is an image made of dots configured to create a universal symbol of a person. It symbolises Belkin’s commitment in enhancing technology experiences for people, inspired by people,” said Alan Sparks, Vice President of Belkin, Asia Pacific.To achieve the promise of delivering People-Inspired Products, Belkin will put the emphasis on listening to the voices of their customers and partners.

These voices are to be integral to the development of Belkin’s products in their effort to improve and anticipate the evolving needs in our daily lives.

In conjunction with the rebranding, Belkin also announced its range of new products.

A list of these products is included in the press release below.

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Gift ideas for a melodious Valentine’s Day

Sunday, February 5th, 2012

Planning to enjoy some romantic music during Valentine’s Day? Here are some gift ideas from a selection of stuff that I’ve covered in my blog previously.

Valentine's Day doodles by Suelyn Howe

Valentine's Day doodles by Suelyn Howe

First off, some doodles from Suelyn Howe that you can print out for use as your Valentine’s Day gift tag or card.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

Now the audio gizmos. For improved depth and clarity, check out Bose’s new on-ear headphones, the OE2 (S$219) or OE2i (S$269), which deliver better audio performance than their predecessors and feature an updated look and stylish design.

Powered by BlackBerry 7, 10.5mm, NFCTo listen to music from a smartphone, check out the Pure White BlackBerry Bold 9900 (prices vary with Telcos), which is incredibly sexy and sleek.

With the unique white colour, she is sure to stand out in a crowd and always be looking for reasons to pull her phone out of her handbag.

Long evenings chatting on the phone to the boyfriend (that’s you) and BBM flirting (with you) will now be done in style!

For both listening to music and talking to you on the smartphone, check out the Bose Series 2 Bluetooth headset (S$249).

The headset assures conversations remain clear and natural – even in challenging environments, or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly.

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

For streaming music and movies, check out the Seagate GoFlex Satellite.

Seagate GoFlex Satellite 500 GB wireless mobile storageIt is the first battery-powered external hard drive to wirelessly extend the storage capacity of any Wi-Fi enabled device such as your Bold 9900, iPad or any other tablet and mobile device.

Couples can stream their favorite videos, music and pictures from their GoFlex Satellite (S$299) straight to their mobile device.

With 500GB (or 300 HD movies), the GoFlex Satellite allows you to connect up to three devices simultaneously.

What’s even better – if you are on a road trip or in a café and you have no internet connection, the Satellite will still work as it creates its own Wi–Fi network.

New printer: Canon PIXMA PRO-1

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

The PIXMA PRO-1 professional grade inkjet photo printer from Canon will be available at S$1,399 from mid February.

Canon PIXMA PRO-1 professional grade inkjet photo printer (S$1,399)

Canon PIXMA PRO-1 professional grade inkjet photo printer (S$1,399)

Print your own photo GALLERY with the world’s first 12-ink A3+ photo printer from Canon which combines accuracy with speed to produce quality color and monochrome prints.

“We have seen a lot more people taking up photography using DSLRs, and spending more time on image and photo editing,” says Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of Consumer Imaging & Information Group, Canon Singapore. “With professional print quality for both colour and monochrome images, the PIXMA PRO-1 is the next logical step in showcasing these great efforts.”Five of the 12 individual ink tanks are monochrome inks dedicated to producing professional quality black and white prints.

LUCIA pigment inks produces accurate colours while a Full-Photolithographic Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) print head provides the highest possible print resolution.

The PIXMA PRO-1 marks the addition of professional photographic solutions to Canon’s range of lifestyle printer products.

True-to-Life Prints

The PIXMA PRO-1 professional inkjet printer delivers exhibition-quality prints with a new 12-tank individual ink system.

12-tank individual ink system

12-tank individual ink system

This comprises 6 colour inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Red, Photo Cyan, Photo Magenta), 5 monochrome inks (Photo Black, Matte Black, Dark Gray, Gray and Light Gray) and 1 Chroma Optimizer.

The inks provide an exceptional range of colours for improved skin tones and accuracy in monochrome prints, and allow for seamless switching between various types of print media.

The Chroma Optimizer completes the 12-ink system by smoothening out stray ink droplets that cause uneven reflection, adding glossiness with anti-bronzing, and allowing users to show off gallery quality images.

Accuracy meets Efficiency

The PIXMA PRO-1 features three colour modes – colour, monochrome, and the new photo colour print mode which reproduces blues and greens to match visual memory of colours.

High print resolution of up to 4,800 x 2,400dpi

High print resolution of up to 4,800 x 2,400dpi

Its new Optimum Image Generating (OIG) system analyses colours in an image file and calculates the optimum ink combination and volume of ink droplets needed.

This enhances colour reproduction to bring out fine tonal gradations and ensures uniform glossiness across all print modes and media types, producing realistic print quality.

The PIXMA PRO-1’s FINE print head brings out detailed quality in prints, with a high print resolution of up to 4,800 x 2,400dpi.

Coupled with a printing depth of 16-bits per channel, the printer promises smooth tonal gradations in both colour and monochrome prints.

At the same time, print speed has been improved by increasing the number of nozzles to 12,288 nozzles (1,024 nozzles x 12 colors).

The new machine comes with larger ink tanks for longer print periods and offers a dual paper feeding system for both semi-gloss media and fine art media.

Front opening panels enable easy access to the ink tanks on either side of the main printer body, while the rear tray accommodates up to 20 sheets of photo paper, and the manual feed slot accepts photo paper up to 356mm (14”) wide and heavier fine art paper.

This feeding system helps to ensure paper is accurately fed, thus eliminating skewed prints, improving efficiency and minimizing wastage of ink, paper and time.

Network Connectivity

Ethernet network capable

Ethernet network capable

The new PIXMA PRO-1 professional inkjet printer can be connected to a network via Ethernet, allowing multiple user access to the printer.

This is especially useful for imaging professionals working together within a single location.

Valentine’s Day gift idea: Artisan&Artist camera bags

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

Looking for a camera bag for a photographer friend? Check out Artisan&Artist at Ngee Ann City in Singapore.

WCAM-3000N camera bag (S$250) and ACAM-104 camera strap (S$75) from Artisan&Artist.

WCAM-3000N camera bag (S$250) and ACAM-104 camera strap (S$75) from Artisan&Artist.

Artisan&Artist is a Japanese lifestyle brand established in 1991, offering stylish camera bags for professional photographers.

COV-7000 camera bag (S$540) from Artisan&Artist.

COV-7000 camera bag (S$540) from Artisan&Artist.

The handmade bags are produced in either Italian leather or lightweight Canvas N.10.

The bags contain pocket compartments for the camera and accessories, but has a “discreet” design that looks different from typical camera bags.

A brochure of their products can be found below.

Check out these camera bags and accessories from Artisan&Artist at the Schmidt Marketing Flagship Store (S) Pte Ltd (391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower A, #05-33)

They are also available from the following retailers:

  • Aik Seng Photo (304 Orchard Road,#01-29, Lucky Plaza)
  • K 13 Marketing (111, North Bridge Road, #02-16, Peninsula Plaza)
  • Max Photo (176, Orchard Road, Centrepoint, #03-10)
  • Allan Photo (1 Rochor Canal Road #01-38, Sim Lim Square)
  • Cathay Photo (111 North Bridge Road, #01-05/ #01-07 to 08/ #01-11 to 14 Peninsula Plaza)
  • De Camera ( 511 Guillemard Road, #01-46, Grandlink Square)
  • Gope Foto (19 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Shopping Centre, #03-10/20/21)
  • Orient Photo (1 Rochor Canal Road, #06-53/31, Sim Lim Square)

 

Artisan&Artist Brochure below:

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Happy Lunar New Year

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

It’s the first day of the Lunar New Year today. Happy New Year to all the people from cultures that celebrate this traditional festival!

Happy Lunar New Year! Happy Chinese New Year!

Original photo taken with Nikon 1 V1. Watercolour painting effect using Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet with Corel Essentials 4.

And to all Chinese around the world, Happy Chinese New Year!

新年快乐,万事如意,步步高升,恭喜发财,龙马精神;
身体健康,心想事成,学业进步,生意兴隆,马到功成!

Review: Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Looking to improve efficiency in your photo-editing workflow? Or want to inject some fun and realism into your digital sketching? Check out the Wacom Bamboo series of graphics tablets.

Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet

Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet

I’ve been trying out the Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet for some time, using it with a whole spectrum of software during daily use, from photo-editing to digital sketching and painting, and as a replacement for the trusty old mouse – for navigating and interacting with Windows 7.

I came away pretty impressed with the S$329 (incl 7% GST) graphics tablet. It offers a good balance of price versus performance – and fun. If you’re into lots of digital sketching and painting, do check out the Bamboo Fun.

Bamboo Fun is compatible with both Windows (7, Vista, XP SP3 or later) and Macs (OS X 10.5.8 or later, Intel processor).

The graphics tablet measures 352 x 209 x 9.8mm with a relatively large active area of 217 x 137 mm.

Digital artwork

Something I wrote using the pen with Bamboo Fun in Painter Essentials.

Something I wrote using the pen with Bamboo Fun in Painter Essentials.

When it comes to precise cursor-work, such as during digital drawing, sketching, tracing, colouring and painting – where fine precision is needed – the stylus pen is the undisputed tool-of choice.

The Bamboo Fun comes bundled with Corel Essentials 4 drawing/painting software.

The pen allowed detailed strokes impossible with the mouse.

Moreover, the pen is pressure-sensitive up to 1024 levels so you can use pressure to vary parameters such as the darkness of the drawing stroke, the amount of paint to apply, or the thickness of the stroke etc.

The pen comes with a pressure sensitive eraser as well, just like a real pencil!

It's the dragon year, so here's the Chinese character for dragon, with embellishments.

It's the dragon year, so here's the Chinese character for dragon, with embellishments.

The only hassle I find is having to pick up and put down the pen when I need to use my right hand to type or press a key on the computer keyboard.

With the mouse, you just let go and it stays in place, ready to be moved the next time you need to do something.

With the pen, you need to place down the pen flat on the table and make sure it doesn’t roll off the table if your worktop is not flat.

And when you next need to use it again, you need to pick up the pen, and place the tip to the graphics tablet before you begin. With the mouse, once you touch the mouse, you can start moving the cursor.

This is a niggling hassle characteristic of all stylus pen-based graphics tablets.

I find the performance of the pen much better than those of graphics tablets I’ve used before – in terms of precision, pressure sensitivity and lag between moving the pen and the appearance of the stroke on the computer screen.

Replacement for the mouse

As a replacement for the mouse, it was equally capable and more intuitive, and less strenuous for the wrist.

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New Bluetooth Headset: Bose Series 2

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Bose has introduced the Bluetooth Headset Series 2. It is available in Singapore for S$249.

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 assures conversations remain clear and natural – even in challenging environments, or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly.

The headset integrates Bose full-­range audio and A2DP, and comes in either right or left-ear versions.

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 includes a proprietary dual microphone system to improve speech intelligibility beyond that of conventional Bluetooth headsets, rejecting background noise and tremendously reducing the audible effects of wind.

Bose proprietary signal processing further counteracts the unwanted sounds of a wide variety of places – gusty walkways, commuter rail platforms or airports.

To keep incoming voices clear, Bose TriPort acoustic structure and Bose Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology react automatically as noise levels change so that there’s no need to adjust volume settings or strain to hear a conversation.

The new internal antenna substantially reduces acoustic artifacts – the “pops,” “clicks” and “buzzes” familiar to Bluetooth headset owners – and minimises reception difficulty between the headset and a phone being carried in a pocket.

Compatibility

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 is compatible with devices using the Bluetooth 2.1 (or earlier) specifications that support the Bluetooth hands-­free or A2DP profiles.

For consumers who want to maintain an active connection between their headset and two Bluetooth enabled devices, it includes multi-point functionality.

CES 2012 roundup: Sony gadgets for 2012

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Here is a round-up of Sony’s electronic gadgets for 2012, as released during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

The CES is a chance for consumers to get a glimpse of the gadgets lining up to hit the market in the near to mid-term future.

Sony’s line-up for 2012 includes the new Handycam range; the Cyber-shot W-Series and S-Series; the NWZ-Z1000 series (Sony’s first ever Walkman powered by Android); and a new line-up of BRAVIA  televisions.

Here’s a list of these new products.

Handycam

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder
  1. HDR-TD20VE Double Full HD 3D Flash Memory camcorder
  2. HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

New camcorder accessories

  • RDP-CA1 Portable Speaker
  • HVL-LE1 Battery Video Light
  • VCT-MP1 ‘Multipod’
  • 22MB/s SDHC Class 10 media cards
  • World’s first Balanced Optical SteadyShot for even more stable images while walking/zooming (HDR-PJ760VE)
  • Increased built-in projector models led by the HDR-PJ760VE capable of displaying 100-inch screen size (diagonal)
  • The world’s smallest and lightest 3D Handycam® (HDR-TD20VE)
  • Clearer dialogue with Auto Wind Noise Reduction and Closer Voice (both models)
  • By Pixel Super Resolution processing for high-resolution still images and Extended Zoom (both models

Cyber-shot

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras
1. W-Series

  • W670
  • W650
  • W630
  • W620
  • W610

2. S-Series

  • S5000
  • All-round images with new 360 Sweep Panorama
  • SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld shots
  • Intelligent Auto mode recognises up to 33 scene settings for great results automatically
  • Picture Effect modes for easy in-camera effects

Walkman

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series
NWZ-Z1000 series
  • First ever Walkman® powered by Android™
  • Unique ergonomic body design
  • Features the new S-Master MX digital amplifier which greatly reduces noise and distortion level in your music
  • A new distinctive W.BUTTON allows one to launch the unique W.Control app; allowing one to explore their music collection in an intuitive manner
  • Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities

BRAVIA

Sony BRAVIA TV

SonyBRAVIA EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  1. HX855-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  2. HX750-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  3. EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  • Two distinct series –the flagship HX and the mid-level EX
  • Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
  • Picture qualities further enhanced with Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors
  • They are Skype™ embedded, where users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls. Users can also make voice calls while simultaneously watching TV.
  • Sony’s HX855 carries forward Sony’s distinctive Monolithic design incorporating Gorilla® Glass by Corning®, allowing for thinner, lighter and stronger screen material.
  • Complete with X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 960, the HX850 is a fully Internet-connected television with built-in 3D, delivering a premium viewing experience when on, and a stunning addition to home décor even when off.

I’ve recycled my ink cartridge, have you?

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

During our weekly visit to the library, we deposited an empty ink cartridge into the recycling box positioned just inside the entrance of the Tampines Regional Library.

Don't just throw your empty ink or toner cartridge down the bin - recycle it!

Don't just throw your empty ink or toner cartridge down the bin - recycle it!

I’d just used up the black ink cartridge on my ink jet printer at home.

In the past, there wouldn’t have been any other choice but to dump it with other domestic refuse down the chute.

Recycle bin at the library.

Recycle bin at the library.

But with Project Homecoming, I can do my own little part to conserve the environment by sending the expended cartridge for recycling.

Project Homecoming is an ink and toner cartridge recycling initiative that is led, managed and jointly funded by the five leading printer brands – Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson and Lexmark.

The initiative is supported by National Environment Agency and National Library Board of Singapore.

Recycling bins made from cardboards have been placed at 13 NLB libraries where the public can deposit used ink and toner cartridges.

Junior dropping the empty ink cartridge in.

Junior dropping the empty ink cartridge in.

At first, I didn’t spot the recycling bin at Tampines Regional Library so I asked the librarian at the counter, wondering if she’d know what I was asking about.

She knew exactly what was going on for Project Homecoming and promptly pointed out the inconspicuous recycling bin squatting just inside the entrance.

I got junior to drop the empty cartridge in, after explaining to him how he would be doing his little part in helping conserve the Earth.

I’m also mighty glad that National Library Board has done a stellar job getting its staff to be aware of the initiative.

Bravo!

Mr Postman delivers: Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

The courier dropped off the S$329 (incl 7% GST) graphics tablet for review today. I’ll be trying it out over the next two weeks.

Out of the box, the Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet with pen, driver and bundled software discs, and the optional wireless kit.

Out of the box, the Wacom Bamboo Fun graphics tablet with pen, driver and bundled software discs, and the optional wireless kit.

The Bamboo series is the entry level line of tablets for the company, while the Intuos is the mid-tier line, with the Cintiq line the high-end tablet cum LCD display for the heavy-lifting.

The three re-styled and improved Bamboo models – Pen (S$129), Pen & Touch(S$179), and Fun (S$329) form the third generation of the Bamboo series.

The aesthetic design has been restyled to feature a lime green highlight around the edge and a reduced bevel around the tablet’s working area.

Optional wireless accessory kit (S$65) comprising a battery and wireless transmitter for the tablet, and a USB dongle for the computer.

Optional wireless accessory kit (S$65) comprising a battery and wireless transmitter for the tablet, and a USB dongle for the computer.

Bamboo Fun is the priciest and largest of the three models, measuring 352 x 209 x 9.8mm with an active tablet area of 217 x 137 mm.

It supports 1024 pressure levels in the stylus pen tip and a resolution of 2540 pixels.

Bamboo Fun features four customisable ExpressKeys, supports the use of both pen and finger-touch, and supports wireless usage through an optional wireless accessory kit for an extra S$65.

This kit may not be available in some countries though.

Bundled software includes Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, Corel Painter Essentials, and Bamboo Scribe 3.0.