Pocketables

Are pico projectors finding an audience?

With CES 2010 looming in the next few months, I just had a random flashback to last year's show and the "hot" product that everyone seemed to be showing off. Pico projectors were supposed to be the next big thing and they were going to be everywhere and affordable, but so far the jury is still out on both fronts.

Nearly a year later, there are a few devices available to purchase, like the MPro110 and MPro120 from 3M and the Pico PK100-series from Optoma. Also, the promise of integrated modules has been seen in various prototype cell phones and media players, as well as the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digital camera.

Besides price, which usually is in the $250-$450 range, the other shortcoming that hasn't helped the adoption of these tiny projectors is the dismal performance from the LED lightsource. They are supposed to be convenient, but when you need to hunt around for a pitch black room to use them, it defeats the purpose somewhat.

I have a Toshiba TDP-FF1AU that I purchased a few years back; it suffers from the same brightness problems and is larger than the latest generation, but it's definitely still useful to me. I'm glad to see them getting smaller, and hopefully both the light and battery technology can keep improving.

So is anyone using one of these regularly, and are you satisfied with the performance? Chime in with your comments or experiences.

Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 getting first firmware update this week

This is shaping up to be a busy week in the technology world, with the big guys up in Redmond set to finally unleash their newest creation on Thursday. On a smaller scale, October 22nd is also a milestone day for those of us who have been using the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 over the past few months.

It seems that the diminutive 3G broadband router is getting its first firmware update on this same date, hopefully fixing a few of the bugs along the way. The key improvements include eliminating hibernate mode while on AC power, proper international roaming, and new Administration page options, just to name a few. 

It is unclear whether this upgrade is for both the Verizon MiFi and its silver-colored sibling from Sprint, but we at least know it will work on the latter, since one of the posted additions is the ability to force Sprint-only mode instead of allowing roaming.

UPDATE: Looks like Novatel couldn't wait until Thursday, the update is now available for both Verizon and Sprint versions via the firmware update utility in the Administration page.

[EVDOinfo.com]

Flush removable storage for your UMPC/MID

This guest article was submitted by Andreas Ødegård.

Since UMPCs and MIDs are rarely your primary device, you'll most likely find yourself in the situation of having file sync issues. Sure, there are apps that sync files over the net, but that requires a fast upload speed.

Flash drives are one way of transferring files and can also serve as backup tools. Unfortunately, most drives stick out a lot and leaving them inserted permanently is not an option. There are some small ones, but they are a bit expensive. Luckily, you can now get a small flash drive that won't break your wallet or stick out much from the USB port by combining a microSDHC card and the real world's smallest microSD reader.

Quick look: Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 by Sprint

This guest article was submitted by Chris King.

 

My wallet is in trouble this week because Sprint is finally adding some exciting new devices into their lineup, which had gotten a bit stale lately. Of course, Saturday is the big Palm Pre launch, and I'm sure I'll find my way there at 8 a.m. even though I keep trying to resist.

But this article is not about the Pre; I'll save that for another time because today I'm going to tell you about another new Sprint device that got me in the store a few days early. I'm talking about the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router that was released yesterday. And from what I have seen so far, this is definitely a challenger to the title that CradlePoint has always kind of had to themselves.

I'll follow up with a more detailed review after I use the MiFi for a week or two, but in the meantime, here's my quick first take and some pics to show how the MiFi 2200 works and how it compares in size to my other battery-operated mobile router, the CradlePoint PHS300.

Solving accessory incompatibility issues with the latest iPhone/iPods

This guest article was submitted by Andreas Ødegård.

Apple is notorious for making changes that break compatibility with current accessories. A few years back they removed the topside dock port in favor of a 30-pin bottom connector – a change that was actually needed. The changes they’ve made to the newest generation of iPods as well as the iPhone 3G, however, can’t be said to be very useful, breaking compatibility with various accessories – especially chargers."This accessory is not made to work with iPhone" is a message many people have seen since the release of the 3G version, but what exactly does it mean?

There are essentially two charging-related incompatibility issues in the newest Apple products as well as some incompatibility regarding line-out, microphones, Nike+ equipment, radio remotes, in-line remote controls, and AV (audio/video) out cables. These issues are all related to various changes Apple has made to the devices, all of them seemingly motivated by the desire to make money more than anything else. Read on for a list of incompatibility issues you might encounter as well as solutions to some of them.

Review: U2O iWalk battery packs for iPhone/iPod touch

Looking for a better way to keep your iPhone/iPod touch running longer? Then check out the U2O iWalk external battery packs (800mAh and 5400mAh) from Ultimate Travel Gear.

Not only do the batteries provide extra power for the Apple devices, they're compact and stylish as well. Form and function sound great, but are they worth their £16.99 and £44.95 prices? Read my full review to find out.

Save 30% on all ZAGG invisibleSHIELD products

ZAGG, makers of the excellent invisibleSHIELD, is currently accepting a coupon code good for 30% off its entire online catalog. Now until April 21st, fill your shopping cart with protection for all of your consumer electronics and enter the code TAXRELIEF at checkout to knock off 30% from your total.

ZAGG makes invisibleSHIELDs for the Sony Vaio P, iPhone 3G, T-Mobile G1, BlackBerry Storm, and thousands of other gadgets, so it shouldn't be too hard to find an excuse to do some shopping.

[invisibleSHIELD]

Vaja releases leather case for Sony Vaio P

Two things I get the most flack for covering around here are accessories and the Sony Vaio P. Why people feel the need to 1) tell me what I should and shouldn't do with my own site and 2) complain about free content they can easily ignore amuses me on some days and annoys me on others. In any case, however, I can't stop liking what I like or buying what I buy.

That's why although not everyone shares my feelings, I'm glad to see that Vaja has just released the classic Retro Slim Jacket for the P. Starting at $120, the case is customizable like the luxury leather company's other products and handcrafted/made-to-order in about three weeks.

Review: Carrymobile Sony Vaio P leather case

Carrymobile offers several choices for Sony Vaio P owners to protect their mini notebooks. One that enables in-case use of the device is the "book type" leather case that retails for $50.

Check out my mostly pictorial review below and find out how you can get this case for free.

Review: Sony Vaio PC cleaning kit (VGP-CG100)

I'm a complete neat freak when it comes to taking care of my electronics. I buy six packs of compressed air to keep my keyboards dust-free, wipe my screens with lens cleaning cloths, polish away smudges, and even detail my computers with Q-tips and alcohol. Add to this obvious neurosis a consuming affection for anything that Sony slaps its Vaio brand on . . . and well, you understand why I had to import the company's PC cleaning kit (VGP-CG100) from Japan. I paid a bit more than the 2480 yen (~$25) retail price, but for something that will probably outlast all of my gadgets, I think it was money well spent.