Pentax K-7 DSLR: a great digital camera, a smart choice and now a deal too!

The Pentax K-7 is the new jewel in the company’s crown, with a long list of specs well beyond any previous Pentax DSLR. Existing Pentax users will be pleased to finally see a much-wanted pro-level upgrade, whereas those familiar with other manufacturers’ systems may also be drawn in thanks to an all-encompassing features list.

The Pentax K-7 has been built from the ground up by Pentax and, unlike the K20D and K10D which had Samsung GX20 and GX10 equivalents, is a standalone venture. The build quality is a key sell; ruggedly made, but following Pentax’s ultimately ‘classic’ design, the body is made from a magnesium alloy that’s both dust and weather-sealed at 77 points. Shooting in sand, getting splashed with rain or other treacherous conditions need not be a bother and, despite this upgrade, the whole camera is even marginally smaller and lighter than the previous K20D. The featured 18-55mm kit lens follows suit, as does the optional D-BG4 battery grip (which offers both AA and li-ion battery options) to complete a fully weather-and-dust-sealed unit in its entirety.

A high-resolution 14.6MP CMOS sensor is at the heart of the K-7’s body, which whilst not a step up over the K20D in terms of resolution, does double the number of output channels. The result? More information can speed through the K-7’s buffer for faster continuous shooting than ever before – a firm 5.2 frames per second sees the K20D’s 3fps barrier officially trounced; ideal for those looking to shoot sports or action photography.

Unlike its key competitors – namely the Nikon D300 and Canon 50D – the Pentax K-7, like many Pentax DSLRs before it, incorporates Shake Reduction (SR) into the camera body itself. Crucially this means even old K-mount bayonet-fit lenses can benefit from this function, and new lenses will not cost as much as their (hypothetical) stabilised counterparts.

A notable – and very much ‘flavour of 2009’ – feature is the inclusion of a 720p HD movie mode, plus the inclusion of a superior 1536×1024 capture that can be output at 1080i, though this is not ‘Full HD’ capture. Mono sound is recorded from the camera’s body, or there is the option to use the 3.5mm jack socket to plug in a microphone and record in stereo. Aperture can be set as fixed via the camera body for recording or there’s an automatic variable aperture mode, which adjusts the aperture according to the amount of light available throughout recording. Whilst in-camera shake reduction can also be used to full effect, it is not possible to autofocus whilst recording – though it is entirely plausible this will be possible in the future, if the clever bods at Pentax fix up the necessary firmware.

In keeping up with the competition, the Pentax K-7 adorns a 920,000 dot high resolution 3in LCD screen. Whilst it’s not a tilt and swivel screen as seem to be creeping into a number of camera bodies of late, it does auto-rotate images on the screen itself and, in keeping with orientation, has a virtual horizon level too – a really nice touch when in live view mode.

With customisable white balance settings, a shutter speed up to 1/8000th second, 77 segment metering system, the new SAFOX VIII+ 11-point AF system with AF illuminator lamp, in-camera HDR, and D-Range shadow and highlight adjustment options, the features list is certainly bulging. The K-7’s viewfinder has the much-sought after 100% field of view too, ensuring what you see is exactly what you’ll capture.

Now it’s your choice: which bargain are you going to take?

It’s either a Pentax K-7 with DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Weather Resistant Lens bundle priced at US $1,104.99 (saving up to 47% over regular price, that’s $979.11!) or the body-only Pentax K-7 priced at $979.00 that’s $320.95 (-25%)!

Mimo Mini USB Monitor: extra screen pixels, just one cable and low on budget!

Looking for that extra bit of screen real estate to get you through the busy workday? Referring to notes while writing an e-mail, checking info in a spreadsheet while entering data into a web page, keeping an eye on your to-do list while browsing YouTube… it’s handy to have additional monitor space at the ready.
Problem is an entire secondary monitor comes with its own needs like requiring a separate power cord or perhaps an additional video card.

The MIMO USB Monitor changes this equation completely by offering a low-maintenance relationship between you and an extra display.
A single USB connection from your computer gets you an instant high-resolution secondary display. This awesome display is perfect for your IM client, widgets, PC gaming tools, your email, a spreadsheet, your PhotoShop tools, or even video! Not only do these displays enhance productivity, they look great!
The single USB connection, combined with a weight of only 1.3 pounds, means the Mimo monitor is ultra portable and cost-effective, as no expensive extra video cards are required.
It’s PC and Mac compatible, altough you’ll need to buy separate drivers to enable touchscreen features on Intel-based Macs (drivers are around $30).

There are three models you should be looking at:

MIMO UM-720S Touch Screen USB Powered 7 inch Swivel LCD Screen Mini Display: MIMO UM-720S features integrated stand and cover, 90 degree pivoting functionality, a 800×480 resolution LCD, and a resistive touch screen, that can be used in portrait or landscape mode.

MIMO UM-710S Slider Monitor
The original utility of the Mimo gets even more portable with the innovative slider model. Almost half the thickness of the iMo monitor, the slider features a folding stand that also serves to protect the screen. Available for US $ 149.99.

The MIMO UM730 features a USB Powered 7″ Swivel LCD Screen Mini Display With Built in Webcam, Microphone & Speaker Output and is available for US $ 169.99!

Any further questions?

Here are some FAQs.

What about Mimo connections?

It’s extremely easy to set up the Mimo. Install the drivers on the provided CD-ROM. Plug in the USB connector! Amazingly, there is only one connector, as the Mimo is completely USB powered.

Ok, one more display is good, but how many Mimo monitors can I connect to my PC?

Theoretically a PC can recognize up to 127 USB devices! However, with current PC systems, we recommend the following maximum number of Mimo displays:
1-2 Mimo displays: 1.2 GHz CPU / 512 MB RAM
3-5 Mimo displays: 1.8 GHz CPU / 1GB RAM
6 Mimo displays: 1.6 GHz Dual-Core CPU / 1GB RAM

Can I attach my Mimo monitor to a USB hub?

Yes, Mimo monitors can be connected to a powered USB 2.0 hub.

Take a look at MIMO USB Monitors!

Yamaha Micro Component System MCR-040: made for iPod, fits your music requirements

Yamaha has introduced the Made for iPod Yamaha MCR-040 micro-component music system – and we love the orange 70s-looking version!

The stylish-and-cool Yamaha MCR-040 system features iPod playback as well as a CD player, front panel USB port, FM radio and mini jack inputs for portable audio devices and currently available in ten colors.

The Yamaha MCR-040 has iPod docks built into their top panels, allowing users to take out the ear buds and share their favorite music with friends and automatically recharge the portable devices.
Uncompressed audio is delivered for high fidelity playback through the systems speakers which can be placed anywhere in the room. The MCR-040 also automatically power on when a connected iPod starts playback.

The high sound quality of the Yamaha MCR-040 is delivered by a Yamaha digital amplifier with extremely low noise distortion. Two highly responsive 4 inch speakers provide dynamic bass response for powerful, clean sound from any music library. Both models also offer a card-type remote control for operating the system and connected devices.

The Yamaha MCR-040 puts your favorite music sources within easy reach. It’s got a CD player, an FM radio, USB and mini jack inputs for portable audio devices, and a dock on top for an iPod, which you can control with the handy card-sized remote control. The iPod and USB device charge both while in use and in standby mode. What’s more, it has both a clock timer and a sleep timer.

Perfectly Matched Amp and Speakers
Both the amp and speakers are designed for high efficiency and performance, so the sound is bigger and better than you expect from components of this size. They were also planned and carefully tested for best audio integration.

Advanced YST Technology Delivers Big Bass Sound
Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology (YST) is a major reason for the high performance of Yamaha speakers, and is especially suited for small speakers. The CD receiver and speakers work together, using negative impedance drive to produce small low-frequency signals, which are enhanced to large outputs by precisely designed speaker cabinet and port. The result is powerful, accurate bass that seems to be coming from a much larger speaker.

VCCS Technology
Vibration Control Cabinet Structure(VCCS) solves the problem of speaker cabinet vibration with strategically placed pieces of wood whose shapes, positions and angles were arrived at after a long process of experimentation. It also uses special foam rubber that provides excellent vibration isolation performance.

The Yamaha MCR-040 is available now priced at US $279.95.

A Blu-ray Disc Player with Youtube and Netflix plus USB? LG BD 390 is the answer – now 25% off!

Let’s put it this way: for now, the LG BD 390
is the only Blu-ray player that will allow you to get rid of your “old” DVD/DivX players, and send them to desired retirement. What’s more, this player will allow you to watch HD movies in compressed (among others MKV) format.

Audio outputs on the rear of the LG BD 390 (in addition to HDMI) include coaxial and optical digital for increased compatibility with older A/V receivers without HDMI audio support.
Analog audio aficionados may appreciate the BD390’s outputs for 7.1-channel surround sound, although 5.1 and 2.1 configurations can also be selected in the player’s audio setup menu.

The LG BD 390 supports playback of a long list of multimedia file types including JPEG, MP3, DivX and DivX HD, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and MKV-wrapped (Matroska) files. You can get these files to the player via the front-mounted USB port or a local network connection to a DLNA-compliant server. (The BD390 includes a copy of Nero MediaHome 4 Essentials that can create a DLNA-compliant server with a Windows-based PC.)

The LG BD 390 features YouTube and Netflix video streaming, and a recent firmware update for both players added the ability to browse and shop CinemaNow’s online movie catalog. The BD390 sports multichannel analog audio outputs, multimedia streaming capabilities, and integrated Wi-Fi too.

Equipped with 1GB of internal flash storage, the BD390 doesn’t require any user-added memory to access the BD-Live streaming multimedia features that are increasingly being included in newer Blu-ray titles. I look forward to the day that this memory is standard on all players—not just on premium models.

The BD390 is one of the fastest Blu-ray player ever tested.

Over HDMI, the BD390 can output 1080p60, or 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) and 1080p24 video to a compatible TV.

Shopping season special, not just for kids: EyeClops Mini Projector – for all, with huge savings!

We have seen the EyeClops Night Vision Goggles before and they were one of the coolest tech toys last holiday season. A new EyeClops product has been announced that is called the EyeClops Mini Projector.
The projector allows movies, games and more to be projected onto a screen or wall to be viewed.

The EyeClops Mini Projector is pocketsize and lightweight for portability. LED backlighting is bright enough to project games and other sources up to 70-inches in size from any multimedia device from Blu-ray players to game consoles.

Speakers are built-in to the device for sound and it can run for up to ten hours on standard D cell batteries or indefinitely with an included AC adapter.

Get the EyeClops Mini Projector now: tag price is $54.97 (you’re super saving: $45.02 – 45% less!)

Shopping season special: Do you love Internet radio? Get (or give) Logitech Squeezebox Radio or Aluratek AIRMM01 Internet Radio!

We do love streaming radios!
Besides using iTunes, WinAmp or a Shoutcast streaming server, we love all stand-alone devices that stream music from the tens-of-thousands internet radio stations out there.

There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, but internet radios give you such a great amount of choice, so here’s a couple of the best and latest internet radio devices right in time for Xmas shopping season!

The first-class choice: Logitech Squeezebox Radio

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio is a first class, excellent Internet radio with clock/alarm functions. With the Flickr app installed, it will display photos stored under user’s Flickr account. Other capabilities which are nice to have but not likely to be widely used include its ability to stream audio from a computer or double up as an iPod speaker.

With the rash of recent A/V components integrating the plethora of web related, streaming audio content into their feature set, Logitech has been streamlining their delivery of the same content in their Squeezebox series. The Squeezebox Radio is Logitech’s most recent release into this field. The compact form factor of the Squeezebox Radio is designed for an audience looking to bring their library of music into a smaller room. Additionally, the Squeezebox Radio is ideal for those who have a Wi-Fi network already established for streaming audio files.

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio comes packaged in a small box and wrapped in light plastic packaging. It also comes wrapped in a thin plastic film designed to keep smudges off the finish. The piano black, glossy finish (also available in red) is very susceptible to fingerprints and dust is very visible as well. The only two cords that come with the Squeezebox radio are the AC adaptor (which uses the new detachable plug design) and a 3.5mm cord for connecting other audio sources such as an iPod Touch or another form of audio player.
Squeezebox red version

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio is about 8.5 inches in length, 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep. There is an indention in the rear of the unit to act as a handle if you plan to use the unit as a portable device. The rear of the unit also has the AC power connection port, an Ethernet cord port for a wired connection to your network and the audio-in port. The 3.5mm headphone port is on the right side of the unit.

The front of the unit is split in half, the left side being the built-in speaker (a 3-inch driver with a ¾ inch tweeter) and the right side containing all the buttons to navigate around your music collection. There are 6 preset buttons that surround the 2.4 inch color display. Simply holding down one of the buttons during your favorite streaming station OR audio file on your server will make that a quick way to get to that music.

The color screen is quite clear and I would equate the quality in image similar to my iPhone. It loads up track information, album covers and the Wi-Fi connection strength on the screen during playback. It will also auto-dim the screen after a period of non-use. Below the screen, you will find the standard music playback tools, volume controls and menu navigation buttons. The main menu navigation tool is a large dial just below the screen. This scroll wheel makes for quick navigation as well as item selection by pushing the dial into the unit.

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio retails for US $ $182.56 (saving is about 9%!)

Aluratek AIRMM01: simple and smart

Aluratek AIRMM01 brings the clock-radio into the 21st Century. It connects to your Wi-fi at home, and delivers almost any radio station you want from around the world.

Choose between more than 11,000 radio stations worldwide via built-in vTuner with no monthly cost!
The Aluratek AIRMM01 is compatible with universal Plug-n-Play audio servers such as: Microsoft Media Player 11 (WMP11), Microsoft Media Connect and MusicMatch Jukebox.
It features Wireless access – WIFI 802.11 b and g, Ethernet LAN port and USB 2.0 (host only) connectivity
You can access music files (MP3, WMA, WAV file formats) stored on a USB 2.0 flash drive, MP3 player or Hard drive through the unit’s USB port and has an alarm clock function with 2 programmable alarms wakes you up to internet radio, FM radio, digital music, or choice of several alarm tones.

It’s that simple and affordable too!

Get the Aluratek AIRMM01 now for US $ 89.99 (that’s 40% off regular price!)

Bowers & Wilkins’ $400 Zeppelin Mini iPod sound system !

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Bowers & Wilkins has never been one to play the bargain game, and the $399.95 price tag on its new Zeppelin Mini is evidence of that very fact.

Joining the award-winning B&W Zeppelin family is B&W Zeppelin Mini. It gives you everything you love about Zeppelin–incredible sound, intelligent design, elegant connectivity–in a smaller, compact package that’s perfect for desktops and bedside tables. Because even when your space is limited, it doesn’t mean your sound has to be.

The somewhat miniaturized iPod sound system is up for pre-order as we speak on Amazon, and we’ve heard directly from the company that it’ll be shipping out to US-based consumers in “early November.”

So, is a flashy design, a pair of 3-inch drivers, 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input jack, USB 2.0 port and a promise of a better tomorrow enough to pry those four Benjamins out of your hand?

B&W Zeppelin Mini’s new features? USB Streaming!

Music can be streamed direct from a PC or Mac via the USB socket. This means that any computer system can benefit from the improved sound quality and digital sound processing, offered by Zeppelin Mini’s Digital Sound Processing (DSP) and drive unit technology.

The USB connection in the back of the B&W Zeppelin Mini allows for:

• Audio streaming from iPod via docking arm
• Audio streaming from PC/Mac via mini USB connection located on back of the unit
• iPod/PC/Mac sync (when Zeppelin Mini is in standby): Synchronize iTunes and the docked iPod
• Firmware upgrades to keep product up-to-date with new iPhone/iPod releases

Order here your Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini Docking Speaker for iPod!

iPhone BackFlip: simple, practical, inexpensive! (the perfect gift!)

The BackFlip is really simple, and simply a delight. The BackFlip is an iPhone case that serves the same purpose as the most popular rubber iPhone cases which have literally sold tens of millions of units. It has the same shock-absorbing qualities as rubber cases, as well as the sticky, non-slip performance so that phone doesn’t move when you put it down. However, the BackFlip goes way beyond the basic rubber case in that with the simplest yet ingenuous feature: it has a well-designed pop-out stand on its back.

With the stand, you can easily prop up the iPhone vertically or horizontally, making it easy to view videos, pictures, web pages or emails without needing to hold the iPhone. I view all sorts of content on my iPhone all the time, and always get tired of holding the phone. So I either end up laying it down flat – requiring me to tilt my head to see it properly – or having to MacGyver together some odds and ends to prop the phone up so I can view the content. With the BackFlip, you simply flip the stand out and voila, the phone is propped up instantly for viewing.

The BackFlip’s price won’t even set you back: it’s just US $ 29.95 !!!

Shopping season special: Amazon Kindle 6″ really rocks

It’s been around for a while and it’s well known but, you know, the newest Kindle really rocks!

The biggest and latest e-book gear from Amazon now relies on international wireless support, so you’re never out of touch when it comes to getting new content and e-books (even outside the USA).

Amazon recently started exporting the Kindle to other countries, so you can buy one and use it wherever you are!
Amazon struggled to negotiate deals with European carriers, which was one reason why the Kindle was not already available to the European market, so instead, the Kindle roams from the AT&T network.

The features are fairly similar to those available to American customers. One can subscribe to and download newspapers, magazines and buy and and download books.

Several features set it apart from the others:

1. Amazon’s 130,000+ Kindle-format books are priced around $9.99 (some higher or lower).
2. Built-in wireless (called Whispernet) downloading is also free with purchase of the Kindle.
3. Form factor: the unit is shaped something like a book and is tapered on one side to make it easy to hold. The machine does make it very easy to read for long periods of time without the fatigue you get in your hand from holding a book open and up while reading.

The two major upsides to eBooks are presently: generally lower cost and ease of transportation.
Book addicts like us can literally carry hundreds of books in a unit the size of a typical small paperback.
Another benefit that may not be obvious at first is privacy.
How many times have you found yourself in a waiting room, an airplane, or other public places and wished those around you could not see what you were reading?

The 9.7” e-ink screen (no backlit or LCD) provides a pleasant reading experience. At first, we were afraid that some documents wouldn’t be as readable due to the fixed format of PDF.
But thus far, the Kindle DX seems to solve this very elegantly.
Getting a PDF documents on the device is as easy as you’ve come to expect. Just hook it up on your PC using USB, copy the files and you’re good to go.

The amount of storage is amazing. you can practically put your entire library on there without running out of space.
It also has a very long battery life. We’ve been using it for about two weeks now and so far did not have to recharge the battery.

If you want a 2001 H.A.L. relationship with your Kindle, check the Read-To-Me Feature!

With the experimental Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read English newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable. You can switch back and forth between reading and listening, and your spot is automatically saved. Pages automatically turn while the content is being read, so you can listen hands-free. You can choose from both male and female voices which can be sped up or slowed down to suit your preference. In the middle of a great book or article but have to jump in the car? Simply turn on Text-to-Speech and listen on the go.

The Amazon Kindle goes for US $ 259.00 right now, happy reading!

Pentax K-x: a colorful, small, powerful 12.4 MP entry-level DSLR fully-equipped with pro-features!

The new colorful digital SLR camera Pentax K-x combine solid photography performance like Live View function, high quality movie recording, high quality DSLR photographic for all users.

The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.

The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.
Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.

The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.

The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.

Pentax K-x Features & Highlights

• High-resolution 12.4-megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7-inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24fps cinematic framerate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.
• Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
• Powerful automatic modes, including Pentax Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7fps capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the Pentax PRIME II image processing engine.
• Responsive 11-point wide-angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
• Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.

The Pentax K-x is available now for US $ 649.95!