Hottest gadgets and gizmos to watch out for

A sneak peak into 14 gadgets released recently: six in India and the rest worldwide.

1. Dell Studio XPS 7100 desktop

Unveiling Studio XPS 7100 desktop Dell has designed this for social networking, entertainment and multimedia creation. Available in the Indian market at Rs 49,900. It's the least expensive quad-core XPS desktop we've seen from Dell. Sales tax is added where applicable.

The basic configuration features an AMD Athlon II X4 630 2.8GHz quad-core processor, 3GB RAM, 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, Gigabit Ethernet, 2GB of Dell Online Backup for one year, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.

"The Studio XPS 7100 offers exceptional multitasking performance and features a cutting edge, tilt-back design in premium carbide silver colour", as per the company press release.

Click NEXT to read about Casio's newest camera Z-2000

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Casio launched their newest camera in the EXILIM range, the Z-2000. Casio EXILIM Z-2000 will be available in Casio retail outlets and all leading modern retail chains at a price point of Rs 14, 995. It sports the upgraded EXILIM engine 5.0 with a dedicated multiple CPUs for faster image processing.

The Premium Auto mode, one of the other unique features of EXILIM Z-2000, enables the camera to automatically analyse the scene being photographed -- including distinguishing night scenes, back lighting, a blue sky, green trees, or a sunset.

Premium Auto is a state-of-the-art, fully automatic function that makes it easy for users to take superior quality photos just by pushing the shutter button, by analysing the image at the level of individual pixels and performing different corrections for human subjects and the background. Ex-Z2000 is 14.1megapixel model comes with a wide-angle 26 mm 5X optical zoom and a 3.0-inch Super Clear LCD screen with a high resolution of approximately 460,000 pixels in a compact, thin body.

The camera comes with CCD-shift image stabilisation and HD Movie function, as well as a long-life battery, making it possible to take 580 shots on a single full charge.

With this model, Casio has also realised a fresh new digital camera design, creating an innovative form finished in natural curves.

Click NEXT to read about Toshiba Satellite L510-P401A laptop

Toshiba has launched the new Toshiba Satellite L510-P401A laptop in India. Toshiba, the renowned manufacturers of electronic products, introduced its Satellite L510-P401A laptop range in India in the month of January 2010.

The latest model comes with Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor.

Weighing around 2.4kgs, the laptop screen size is 14 inch. It has a stunning black body with leather finish.

The 1366x768 screen resolution of this range will surely grab your attention. Other features of the laptop are Intel GL40 chipset and Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics card.

The memory capacity of this device can be increased to 4GB DDR3. Its storage capacity can be enhanced to 250GB HDD.

In addition, camera, DVD SuperMulti Drive, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, LAN, 6-cell battery and USB ports are the other features in this range. To buy this model, you need to pay only Rs 24,999.

Click NEXT to read about Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13

Lenovo just announced an all-new Thinkpad, the Edge 13. This notebook is designed to be a cross between a small-business and consumer notebook, adding a spark of colour and style not really seen in current ThinkPads.

The biggest change that people will notice besides the glossy top is the completely redesigned Chiclet-style keyboard.

In this review we look at the new 13-inch ThinkPad Edge and see how well it stacks up to previous ThinkPad models.

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 13 Specifications:

• Windows 7 Professional 32-bit
• Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 (1.3GHz, 800MHz FSB, 3MB Cache)
• 13.3" 1366 x 768 WXGA Glossy Display
• Intel X4500M Integrated Graphics
• 4GB DDR3 RAM (2GB x 2)
• 320GB Fujitsu 5400RPM Hard Drive
• Intel 6250AGN+WiMax, Bluetooth 2.0, Gobi 2000 WWAN
• Built-in web camera
• 6-cell 11.25v 63Wh Battery
• Dimensions: (LxWxH) 8.9 x 12.6 x 0.5" - 1.4"
• Weight: 3lbs 14.4oz
• MRP: Starting at Rs 30,000 approximately

Click NEXT to read about HTC Hero

HTC Hero users can then use the Android market to search and download the applications and customise the phone in their own way.

It has a 3.2-inch HVGA display, 3.5mm stereo headset jack, a 5 mega-pixel auto focus camera and the memory can be expanded with MicroSD card.

In India, HTC Hero is coming with a price of Rs 34,600 in Maharashtra and Rs 31,990 in the rest of the country.

Click NEXT to read about Samsung S5620

We present to you the Samsung S5620, which brings high-end connectivity to the table in a modern, compact package. The phone will be going for Rs 8,850 ($198), and is currently available.

Samsung S5620 at a glance:

• General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 900/2100; 3.6Mbps HSDPA
• Form factor: Touchscreen bar
• Dimensions: 108.8 x 53.7 x 12.4 mm, 92 g
• Display: 3-inch WQVGA TFT capacitive touchscreen, 240 x 400 pixels
• Platform: Latest TouchWiz UI, Smart Unlock
• Memory: 227MB integrated memory, hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 16GB)
• Camera: 3 megapixel fixed focus camera, Smile Shot; QVGA video recording at 15 fps; video call camera
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS receiver with A-GPS, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, standard microUSB port, 3.5mm audio jack
• Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate and turn-to-mute, DNSe, FM radio with RDS, social networking integration Facebook, MySpace, Bebo
• Battery: 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery

A beast unveiled by the Sprint and HTC, offering us a perfect specimen hardware of the Touch HD2, the Sense-on-Android smoothness of the Legend, and unprecedented download speeds. A killer Smartphone!

Rumoured as SuperSonic by many, it is loaded with not one but some really beastly features to eye on. 4.3-inch screen (480x800 TFT LCD), and 1GHz Snapdragon processor of the of the HTC Touch HD2, Evo will run on the much sleeker Android 2.1 making it one of the first US phones to sport the latest and greatest Android OS.

It offers one the most robust multimedia experiences. HTC has partnered with Sprint, the only national carrier offering wireless 4G service today, in 27 markets. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G1, giving HTC EVO 4G the fastest data speeds of any US wireless device available today.

With dual cameras -- an 8 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera one can enjoy HD Video on HDMI it's capable of streaming and recording.

The phone's also got 1GB of built-in storage, along with 512MB of RAM. Rumoured to be priced around 800 USD.

Click NEXT to read about Canova Dual Touch Screen Laptop

The Italian company V12 Designs has devised a new version of the 'Canova' which is a dual LCD laptop.

The initial version was only available in Italy and Australia but the second version would be available worldwide. It's a two-screened laptop, both touchscreens. Canova is specially designed by V12 Design for creative mind.

The notebook features dual display with touch-sensitive screens, sketchpad, music score, graph paper, an electronic pen and a dedicated hardware for its smooth functioning. Developed for the more creative minds on Earth.

The V12 design team is having its talks with a major U.S laptop manufacturer and hopes that it can see the face of light by end 2010. So strive hard in your work if you want to have a doubled screen laptop. 

Made for the kinds who are not afraid to spend a lot of money on a piece of hardware just because it looks cool. The futuristic NX90 aims to be a multimedia desktop replacement. Asus unveiled this in CeBIT 2010 Germany.

The NX90 likes to be called a multimedia desktop replacement -- specifically. It is designed by David Lewis and features a beautiful 18.4-inch FHD LED FullHD display panel with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080pixels.

The NX90 boasts of Bang & Olufsen audio technology developed in Denmark. The body in a sleek Aluminum metal look, with no holes in the floor slab and columns. The massive chrome hand rest is made of solid aluminum.

The monitor borders extend on both right and left side to give it a unique look. The solid Aluminum finish looks very elite -- it will sure attract a lot of fingerprints and grease. Prepare to carry a wiping cloth all the time. One unique feature is that it comes with two touchpads about which we are clueless.

Powered by the latest Intel Core i7 8200QM , accompanied by an Nvidia Geforce GT 335M.  It also features a massive up to 1.280 GB NX90 HDD stuck in gross capacity (2 x 640 GB). You can't have enough of the immense 12GB (1066MHz) DDR3 RAM.

There is USB 3.0 interface, Blu Ray reader etc. This heavy 4.8kg machine has a dimension of 526 x 280 x 43.8 mm, so be prepared for this too -- you don't want to end up with a numb shoulder after carrying it around for a few hours, do you?

The NX90 should bear a hefty price tag of about 2,000 Euros (US $2,700).

Click NEXT to read about Panasonic 3D Camcorder

Most 3D recording systems require dual cameras mounted in close proximity, but Panasonic's newest 3D camcorder combines these two systems into one.

The Panasonic '3D Full HD' camcorder features two lenses that record two separate video tracks onto Panasonic's proprietary P2 flash memory system. The result is an easy-to-use 3D camcorder that will compliment Panasonic's recent push into 3D plasmas. Unveiled for the first time at the CES 2010.

Some more specs for you:

• Product name: Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder (made to order)
• Suggested retail price for main unit: US $21,000
• Available: Fall 2010 (made to order)
• Power consumption: Under 19 W (main unit only)
• Weight: Under 3 kg (main unit only)
• Recording media: SDHC/SD memory card

Click NEXT to read about Motorola Backflip

Known as the first Android Phone without the Google Search. But Motorola has replaced it with Yahoo Search. The factor which distinguishes this phone from the rest is its keyboard design.

Unlike the usual clamshell qwerty the keyboard is always exposed. But we feel it has its own advantages and disadvantages: the advantage is the keyboard seems to be well crafted and more sturdy than usual.

The disadvantage, it can get scratched up and the camera is placed right on the keyboard, which is odd.

The phone uses a 3.1-inch screen and outdated Android 1.5. It is mainly a social networking powerhouse. It has a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash, triband 7.2Mbps WCDMA (850/1900/2100) and quadband GSM/EDGE, along with WiFi b/g and Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Storage is via microSD, with a 2GB card class 6 in the box and up to 32GB supported.

The rugged pocket camcorder! The ideal travel gear on an adventurous vacation trail.

After the success of the Zi8, Kodak has created a new pocket video camera that's capable of 1080p video, underwater recording (up to 10 feet), comes with image stabilisation, a two inch color display and, oh yeah, it shoots pretty darn nice 5 megapixel 16X9 stills.

Yes you read it right, it offers 1080p, 720p (30/60), VGA video modes, 5MP stills, waterproof to 10ft, it survives a couple of throws, but not entirely shockproof, 2″ LCD screen.

MRP is just US $150.

The Playsport comes in black, blue and purple. It is easy to grip thanks to a rugged rubber outside edge.

There's also a wrist strap and a tripod socket. They even throw in an HDMI cable so you can hook the Playsport right up to your HD TV right out of the box. Very nice touch.

A USB power cable is also included that doubles as a download cable so you can get images to your computer.

Click NEXT to read about Sony Walkman NWZ-W250

Made for people who lead a hands-free life literally. The Sony Walkman NWZ-W250 (US $60) is a wireless, water-resistant player.

Has some pretty impressive specs quick charge (3 minutes gets you 90), 11 hour play time, 2GB (a 4GB is available) capacity for 450 or so songs, playlist support with jog/skip lever, and Zappin one-touch song search technology that lets you quickly find music by playing snippets of each.

The frame is lightweight, resting on your head comfortably and securely. Easy operation jog lever -- using the innovative jog lever, skip through music folders in one fluid movement. Intuitive sound guidance -- on start up, the W Series Walkman remembers the last playback mode you used choose from 8 pre-programmed settings.

BenQ has decided to expand its HD projector lineup with the introduction of new model: W1000 (1080p).

The W1000 is BenQ's entry-level 1080p home theater offering: a 1080p DLP projector that costs less than US $1,000 at retail. It has pre-calibrated modes suitable for a wide variety of uses, from HD sports in a well-lit living room to home cinema in a darkened theater.

While the user interface is sometimes hard to work with, and the cinema modes require some fine-tuning to look their best, the W1000 is a strong performer and a great choice for a first projector. Here's the a close look in the specs:

It boasts of a 6-segment advanced colour wheel and colour processing for rich, true-to-source tones. Has 3D Color Management and OSRAM's UNISHAPE technology to enhance image brightness.

Contrast ratio is 2,700:1. Top access lamp door and dual HDMI inputs afford easy installation and hookup. W1000 offers 4,000-hour eco lamp life.