Hawt Gadgets

Apple’s iMac remains a competitive choice for all in one desktop computers users. This is partly due to its stable operating system, the Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard, and the handy iLife ‘09 software included.

The iMac is a 21.5 inch LED-backlit screen at a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and 1920×1080 HD resolution. Inside you will find a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory (supports up to 16GB), and a 500GB hard drive.

This 21.5 inch model also features improved graphics with the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor. It also has an 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW) and a built-in iSight camera for video chatting. The MB950LL/A has four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one Mini DisplayPort video output. iMacs now come with a wireless keyboard and Apple’s new multi-touch Magic Mouse.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Available in silver, blue, or red, the Canon FS200 is a solid choice among similar priced camcorders. It’s among the most affordable ways to get stunning video. It is also small, measuring only 2.2 X 2.3 X 4.8 inches and weighing 7.9 ounces. It is one of the better standard-definition consumer camcorders available.

This 680k-pixel resolution camcorder features a Canon 41x Advanced Zoom and DIGIC DV II Image Processor for vivid images quality at any range. The FS200 can easily record movies and photos, there is a Dual Shot option that lets you capture both types of images in the same mode. You record all directly to a removable SDHC memory card.

Overall, the FS200 is simple to operate. A five-way joystick and a row of large buttons sit next to the 2.7-inch LCD. This allows the user to readily control basic functions or advance controls such as focus or exposure.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Having a true prepaid (pay-as-you-go) service from a well known provider like AT&T appeals to a wide audience. The AT&T GoPhone wireless plan lets you pay in advance for the service minutes you need. In addition, the rollover balance feature lets you carry over your unused account balance when you purchase refill minutes before your balance expires.

The LG Neon GT365 messaging phone features a 2.4 inch LCD touch screen and a slide-out keyboard. This phone has Bluetooth wirelss connectivity, a digital audio player (MP3, AAC/AAC+, and WMA files), and a 2-megapixel camera with video capture. The phone comes with 14 MB internal memory, which is expandable via optional microSD memory cards (up to 4 GB in size). The LG Neon GT365’s battery is rated at up to 3 hours of talk time and up to 244 hours (10+ days) of standby time.

An EXTRA $50 GoPhone airtime credit is currently available on this phone.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Televisions with 720p resolution offer significant value compared to the higher resolution 1080p. Most high-def broadcast are actually done in 720p. Games for the Xbox 360 and PS3 are also commonly in 720p resolution. True 1080p resolution is only routinely available from Blu-ray discs. Realistically, the difference betweet 720p and 1080p output begins to be noticeable only in larger screens (45-50-inch or larger screens), or if you sit close to the screen(closer than 1.5 times the diagonal measurement).

The Samsung LN32B360 represents a great way to get a LCD HDTV at a very affordable price. The 32 inch screen offers crisp, clear 720p resolution. At this screen size 1080p is hardly necessary or even detectable. What is noticable is the 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, it ensures vivid colors and deep, dark blacks. The easy to navigate menu offers numerous ways to adjust the images.

The back panel includes two HDMI, one component-video, one VGA-style PC, one AV input with only composite video, and one RF input, along with optical digital and analog stereo audio outputs. You will get superb picture quality from a flat panel high definition television at an affordable price with the LN32B360.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Hewlett-Packard has been consistently offering good value notebooks under the Compaq brand. These notebooks don’t skimp on basic performance and features. The Compaq Presario CQ61-410us is a competivtively priced notebook system that offers good features for productivity and entertainment.

The Presario CQ61 is a 15.6″ diagonal  widescreen laptop. It is powered by 2.10GHz AMD Sempron M120 processor. It has 2GB DDR2 System Memory, which is an average amount (it is expandable to 4 GB). The 250GB hard drive is small to keep the notebook priced low. An external storage device is a convenient supplement for additional space.

The Presario Q61 comes with an ATI Radeon HD 4200 integrated graphics, LightScribe DVD burner and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. These features will suffice most users’ needs.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

As the inventor of Blu-ray technology, Sony has always been known for its quality Blu-ray players. This specific model is a decent entry level component. It is aimed at the casual buyer who is price conscience.

The BDP-S360 offers full HD 1080p video output for Blu-ray disks, it provides high-resolution HD images to your tv. The built in 24p True Cinema capable feature lets you watch films at their intended 24 frames per second. This player supports Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD audio codecs for up to 7.1 channels of high-definition sound.

Besides Blu-ray, the BDP-S360’s disc drive supports many video formats: DVD, CD audio, MP3, JPEG playback, and others. The back panel features an Ethernet port that is used for BD-Live Web connectivity and for firmware updates.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

The DualView camera is for those that like being in front of the camera as much as being behind the camera. It’s an extremely good design feature by Samsung incorporated into its fine digital camera line.

The Samsung DualView TL220 is a sturdy 12.2-MP black camera available in a variety of color highlights. The evident innovation is an 1.5-inch display in the front and a 3.0-inch touch screen display in the back. The lens is a 27-mm Schneider wide angle lens that allows up to 4.6x optical zoom. You can also record HD video in 1280×720p resolution at 30 frames per second.

All the functions are operated by the touch screen. The touch screen interface makes it easy to use the various built in settings as they are needed.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Portable flash drives are very popular. In flash memory no power is needed to maintain the information stored in the chip, making them very stable storage devices. Since they have no moving parts, they handle drops better too.

The Corsair 128GB Flash Voyager GT device is even more rugged. It has a rubber housing making it water-resistant and virtually shockproof. This 128GB USB flash drive provides large storage capacities in a very small form. It is easily
transported. Convenience is an important criteria, especially for consumer and corporate applications.

A 128GB flash drive can hold a surprising amount of data: like documents, movies, mp3s, pictures, even software programs. The 128GB Flash Voyager GT is perfect for those who need to access large amount of data in a durable and convenient format.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

The Zune HD 16 GB is a portable media player by Microsoft. It is similar to the Apple iPods. The Zune HD’s dimensions are 52.7 mm (2.07 in) x 102.1 mm (4.02 in) x 8.9 mm (0.35 in); it weighs 74 g (2.6 oz). Notable features on the Zune HD are access to the Zune MarketPlace, integrated web browser, HD radio tuner, 720p high definition video output, and that it is Wi-Fi enabled.

Zune Marketplace is an online feature that offers the option to stream or download music, video, podcasts, games, TV shows, and movies. The Zune HD 16 GB easily stores up to 4,000 songs, or 25,000 pictures, or 5 hours of high definition video, or 24 hours of video optimized for the device.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Apple introduces new innovations to the familiar mouse. Its new product is comfortable, portable, and features a new way to use it. Powered by a pair of AA batteries, the slim Magic Mouse connects wirelessly to your Mac via Bluetooth wireless technology.

The mouse technology of Apple has made the entire upper face of the mouse a multi-touch surface. You use touch and finger swipes on the mouse surface to help you get more done. It’s as if you are touching what is on screen.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com