BT Studio 4500
BT Studio 4500 Cordless Phone
Cordless phones are becoming common place in the home and one of the most popular models has been the BT Studio. This is not only because they are very low cost and cheap they also have a really good built quality and style. We will be publishing a full review of the BT Studio 4500 just as soon as BT release the information.
One of the newest models in the BT Studio range is the new BT Studio 4500 cordless phone. This model is very similar to the BT Studio 4100 but it also has a built in digital answering machine as well.
A lot of cordless phones that have answering machines have there playback controls in the cordless handset. However one of the really good things about the BT Studio 4500 is that this is not the case. All the playback buttons and message alerts are clearly displayed on the Studio base making them very easy to use.
The BT Studio 4500 also has the ability to add additional handsets so they can be placed in other rooms. This gives you the ability to answer calls from any handset and even make a call internally between them. Often phones are sold in multi packs with extra handsets included so be on the luck out for single, twin, trio and quad packs.
Even though the BT Studio 4500 is one of the entry level phones there are plenty of useful facilities such as a phone book, LCD screen, mute, and caller display.
Often high spec phones are filled with facilities users will never use or not even know are available. So if you are looking for a very good cost effective phone the Studio 4500 is a great choice.
Buy BT Studio 4500
Click Here to Buy BT Studio 4500
BT Studio 4500 Specifications
Full technical specifications of the BT Studio 4500 will appear here soon.
BT Studio 4100
BT Studio 4100 Cordless Phone
One of the entry level BT digital cordless phones for the home is the cost effective BT Studio range. BT Studio phones are synonymous with quality but none of the useless features found on some cordless phones. We will be publishing a full review of the BT Studio 4100 shortly.
The latest in this long running range is the new BT Studio 4100 and just like its predecessor the BT Studio 3100 looks extremely stylish. Facilities such as phone book, caller display, mute, and the ability to add extra handsets are just a few of this phones features.
Each BT Studio 4100 cordless handset has the ability to answer and transfer calls to other handsets. Also as the BT Studio phones talk to the base wirelessly the Studio 4100 additional handsets don’t need to be connected into the phone line. This stops the need of having extra phone sockets wired around into different rooms.
As many house holds want a phone in more than one room Dect phones are often sold in multi packs. For this reason the BT Studio 4100 is available in a single, twin, trio, or quad.
The button layout on the new BT Studio 4100 is also very simple which makes it very easy to pick up and use. Also the buttons are large and spaced out just enough to reduce the risk of incorrect key presses dramatically.
Unlike some cordless phones the BT Studio 4100 has a handset that is compact but not so small it makes it difficult to use. This model does not have an answering machine but if you do want that facility take a look at the BT Studio 4500.
Buy BT Studio 4100
Click Here to Buy BT Studio 4100
BT Studio 4100 Specifications
Full technical specifications of the BT Studio 4100 will appear here soon.
For more info on Cordless Phones try this dedicated cordless phone site.
New Sony PSP 4000
Rumours of the demise of the Sony PSP appear to be greatly exaggerated.
Whilst admiring some of the new products on the Sony stand at The Gadget Show Live earlier today I overheard two Sony Executives talking about the forthcoming product launch for the new Sony PSP.
So, PSP fans, the new Sony PSP 4000 looks like it’s going to be launched this year (1st October 2009). No news on it’s actual name yet, the PSP 4000 name is the obvious name as it follows on from the current PSP 3000. However, there seems to be a growing view that Sony may opt for the Sony PSP Go as this would fit with their current Go View range of accessories. Just a thought.
Quick update. There is growing speculation this week that Sony are to announce details of the new PSP at the E3 Expo in June. If true, we only have a few weeks to wait.
Come back soon for more news on the pre-order plans for the PSP 4000, or PSP Go, or whatever!
Garmin Nüvi 1490T
April 16, 2009 by Gadget
Filed under GPS Sat Nav
Garmin have today announced the Garmin Nüvi 1490T in conjunction with The Gadget Show in Birmingham, UK, on April 17-19 2009.
The Nüvi 1490T is a top-of-the-range GPS SatNav for cars and lorries with a large, 5-inch touchscreen and a slimmer body style that is 25-percent slimmer than most nüvi models.
“The nüvi 1490T is designed to give drivers a big picture of the route ahead, while offering every-day conveniences customers want and need to take the worry out of traveling,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “With its enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities and ultra-thin design, it’s also a perfect companion for travelers in unfamiliar territory who want to explore the city on foot or with public transportation.”
Garmin Nüvi 1490T Review
I don’t know about you but I’ve never liked those small screens on the current batch of SatNav devices, so I was particularly pleased to learn of Garmin’s plans to launch a 5-inch touch-screen GPS device. By the way, I’m off to the press day at The Gadget Show Live tomorrow so I’m hoping to get a first glance of the Nüvi 1490T at the Garmin stand so will write an update in a day or two.
I’m not going to go on about what a Garmin device will do because I’m sure you already know. What I will do however is set-out what the Nüvi 1490T will deliver .. well, that’ll be the 5-inch touch-screen then.
Ok, so there is a bit more to say. For example, the nüvi 1490T will save 10 routes, making multiple routes possible because the nüvi will calculate the most efficient route between multiple stops. This includes cross-continent automatic time zone updates.
Read more
Samsung PS50B650 50-inch plasma TV
April 16, 2009 by Gadget
Filed under Television
Samsung have not offered us many new TVs this year so the first of their new range has been waited for a while now.
The Samsung PS50B650 is the first of their 2009 50-inch Plasma TV range and on first sight it looks good.
The PS50B650 – what a rubbish name – is a 50in screen but it feels bigger. One of the first things you notice is the tv edge. The current fashion is to make them smaller and thinner but the PS50B650 has at least an inch or two wide surround, and it looks good for it.
We’re big fans of Samsung so we always look forward to the next new thing from them. With the PS50B650 Samsung have included four HDMI inputs and perhaps surprisingly, two USB inputs.
Samsung say the idea of the two USB sockets is to allow users to add an external hard drive, for playback of various multimedia file, or adding an optional WiFi dongle to allow you to link your PS50B650 to your broadband router using wireless connectivity. This then allows you to use Samsung’s new Medi@2.0 online service.
More info to follow..
GHD Rare IV Styler Hair Straighteners
April 14, 2009 by Gadget
Filed under Electronics
GHD Rare
The ghd Rare is now available to order. The ghd Rare is a rare opportunity, ooh sorry, to buy a limited edition styler from ghd.
Based on the hugely popular ghd IV styler, the ghd Rare is a new Limited Edition black gloss styler IV with new gold text and glistening gold ceramic plates.
Also included with the styler is a leopard print, heat resistant pouch and a snap shut case, to keep your ghd safe. These accessories help to make the ghd rare ideal christmas gifts.
The ghd Rare is now available for pre-order, with delivery in early May. Click the image above to go to the ghd Rare product page and pre-order for just £129.00, oh and delivery is free too.
GHD Rare Review
Rare by name, Rare by nature. This ghd Rare is truly limited in numbers. To be one of the first to experience the next generation of ghd stylers, order now to avoid disappointment.
The ghd Rare is pure styling fashion, inspired by this season’s leopard prints, this must have styler includes a Limited Edition ghd Rare IV Styler, heat resistant pouch and a convenient carry case.
Further to the success of previous ghd IV Stylers, the ghd Rare IV Styler is all about fashion, with a subtle African plains look. The leopard print heat resistant Styler pouch fits neatly inside the carry case and serves as a perfect accessory to the your new ghd Styler.
GHD Rare IV Styler Features
- Advance Ceramic Heaters – the ghd Rare IV Styler has a static free sheen
- Rounder Barrel – for perfect curls, waves or flicks, plus a perfect straight look, the rounder barrel of the ghd Rare IV Styler gives you ultimate control.
- Sleep Mode – the sleep mode safely turns the heater off on your ghd Rare IV Styler when left unattended for more than 30 minutes.
- Universal Voltage – with universal voltage you can get optimum performance from your ghd Rare IV Styler anywhere in the world.
- Unique Digital Technology – improved temperature control for even better styling.
- Shiver Mode – internal condensation can damage Stylers, so when the room temperature is below 8°C, your ghd Rare IV Styler will shut down to protect itself until the temperature rises again.
- Hologram – you can be confident you have purchased a genuine ghd product by the hologram sticker found on your styler.
- Floating Plates – floating plates on the ghd Rare IV Styler ensure even pressure distribution.
- Warranty – all ghd Stylers come with a 2 year manufacturers guarantee.
Buy ghd Rare Limited Edition IV Styler
Panasonic DMR-XS350 High-Definition HD and DVD Recorder
April 14, 2009 by Gadget
Filed under DVD Recorder
Panasonic has announced the introduction of the Panasonic DMR-XS350 High-Definition HD and DVD Recorder.
This new model is compatible with freesat+, making it easy to view and capture high-image-quality digital satellite broadcasts.
Panasonic DMR-XS350 Features
Convenience with freesat+
Recording and Viewing Freedom with freesat+ Twin Tuner – With more than 140 digital TV and radio channels to choose from it’s fairly likely that at some point you’ll want to record two programmes broadcast at the same time. The freesat+ Twin Tuner allows you the freedom to do this and offers a multitude of other viewing and recording options.
freesat+ EPG
The freesat+ EPG organises channels into easy to use categories with this 8-day on-screen programme guide. Find what you want at the touch of a button and save all your favourites so they’re easy to find.
Series Record (with grouping view)
Set the timer to record just once and each programme in the series will automatically be recorded. Recorded series’ are easily located as they are automatically archived in the same folder.
Schedule Change
Even if the broadcast schedule changes, programmes are correctly and completely recorded.
HD Recording (DR Mode) and Archiving
In DR mode you can record a digital broadcast signal, without the slightest change in quality, directly to your HDD. The precise Full HD picture quality, 5.1ch surround sound, subtitle and audio description, all recorded perfectly and ready to view.
The Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound signal embedded in HD broadcasts can also be recorded. By adding an AV receiver and speaker system, you can enjoy recordings complete with 5.1-channel surround sound.
The Blu-ray Disc™ / High Definition DVD Recorder can record the subtitle and audio description data that is included with some digital broadcasts. Because these are also recorded digitally, they can be switched on or off during playback.
H.264 Encoder
Panasonic’s original H.264 Encoder responds to the movement in a video image and compresses it so that the recorded image is as clear and vivid as possible. H.264 conversion recording is particularly convenient if you want to save space on your HDD or want to record a number of programmes onto a Blu-ray Disc™.
One Remote Control Operation with Panasonic VIERA Link
VIERA Link lets you operate a variety of compatible Panasonic audio, video and imaging products with one easy to use VIERA remote control.
Pause Live TV
Pause Live TV lets you freeze TV programmes just like pausing a DVD. Select “Pause Live TV” on the VIERA Link Menu and the TV programme is temporarily saved on the hard disk drive. You can watch the rest of the programme, right from the stopped frame, at a later time.
If you want to record the programme you’re watching, you can start immediately by pressing the VIERA Link button on the VIERA remote control and selecting “Direct TV Rec.” on the VIERA Link menu screen. You can also start Direct TV Rec. by pressing “Direct TV REC.” button on VIERA remote.
PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus
PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image processing technology developed to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal. It reproduces colour data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems to keep colours faithful and sharp.
High Precision 4:4:4
When viewed on a high end VIERA TV model, which features 4:4:4 signal compatibility, it recreates images with the original film quality to further enhance movie enjoyment.
P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD)
P4HD processes more than 15 billion pixels per second and applies the optimal processing to every pixel. This allows it to render progressive images superbly, express motion smoothly, and draw crisp diagonal lines.
1080/24p Playback
This means movie images from a Blu-ray Disc™ are reproduced in their original 24p form, with no need for conversion. Watch movies as though you were at a movie theatre. Note: 24p stands for 24 frame/sec. 1080/24p supported display device is required.
Compatible with HD Audio Codec
Supporting HDMI bitstream out and decode (PCM) Out of the latest audio formats, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential, used in BD-Video.
High Quality Sound Parts
Maximises the high quality sound performance of the Blu-ray Disc™ to enhance living room viewing enjoyment with beautiful, true-to-life sound.
Networking with HD Camcorder
Home movies can be transferred immediately via SD memory card to the HDD or Blu-ray Disc™. Until now, transferring and storing HD Camcorder images was a time-consuming process performed on your PC. A Panasonic BD Recorder makes this process effortlessly simple.
Networking with LUMIX Digital Still Camera
Movies or photos you’ve just shot can be copied quickly and easily to HDD or Blu-ray Disc™ via an SD memory card or USB cable. You can then choose your favourite music tracks to accompany a fun slideshow of these images.
High Speed Archiving
Archive recorded TV programmes from the HDD to Blu-ray Disc™ at ultra-fast speed. Your family movies and photos also can be archived in Full HD on a Blu-ray Disc™, or simply copied to a DVD and given to friends and family.
Juke Box with gracenote®
Data from music CDs and USB devices can be easily transferred to DIGA’s hard disk drive. It supports gracenote® so titles and artist names are automatically saved together with the music CD data. It also supports the ID3Tag title information that is embedded in music data. The new DIGA is like a jukebox filled with your favourite music.
CD Database Update
If the pre-installed CD database does not contain the latest album titles, you can download new title data to your recorder from the internet. Note: Gracenote® is for the music CD (CDDA). The Gracenote logo and logotype and the “Powered by Gracenote” logo are trademarks of Gracenote. ID3 Tag is for the MP3 music data.
Panasonic VIERA CAST
Internet live streaming with VIERA CAST. You can access YouTube™, Picasa™ Web Albums, and a multitude of web content. With YouTube™ watch the latest video clips, and with Picasa™ Web Albums view online photo albums. You can also check weather and stock information at the touch of a button.
BD-Live
BD-Live* lets users access the internet to download data such as images and subtitles, and join in quizzes and multi-player interactive games that are linked to bonus materials on BD-Live enabled Blu-ray Disc™. BD-Live also supports BONUSVIEW.
*BD-ROM Profile 2. (BD-Live feature includes BONUSVIEW functions.) To enjoy additional contents (such as BD-Live) on certain Blu-ray DiscTM titles, you will need to insert an SD memory card (1GB or more of free space/Sold separately). Requires broadband Internet service for a fee.
Panasonic DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 Blu-ray Disc Recorders
April 14, 2009 by Gadget
Filed under Blu-Ray Players
Panasonic has announced the market introduction of the Panasonic DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 Blu-ray Disc Recorders.
Both new models are compatible with freesat+, making it easy to view and capture high image quality digital satellite broadcasts.
Both the Panasonic DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 are fitted with twin tuners, which make it possible to record two TV programmes at the same time. When the recorder is used inconjunction with Panasonic’s VIERA flat-panel TV, users can utilise Panasonic’s link functions which allow the viewer to use the VIERA TV’s remote control to record in a way that is similar to pausing a live TV programme.
Programmes that have been recorded and stored in the hard disk drive can be converted to the H.264 format and saved. By compressing data more compactly than standard DR (Direct Record) mode recording, the H.264 format lets viewers use their hard disk drive space more efficiently or store more TV programmes on a single Blu-ray Disc.
Up to 24 hours of HD content can be stored on one Blu-ray disc (in high speed copy mode), meaning you could get a whole series of your favourite programmes on just one disc.
For outstanding playback performance, both the DMR-BS850 and DMR-BS750 feature high-quality PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus and P4HD, two technology systems that earned high acclaim in Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players.
In terms of audio, the new Panasonic DMR-BS850 and BS750 support the superior surround sound of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio Essential on Blu-ray Disc media. Users can connect the recorder to a compatible amplifier and enjoy the stunningly high quality 7.1-channel surround sound of Blu-ray Discs.
The new recorders can save images from an HD camcorder or LUMIX digital camera onto the built-in hard disk drive or a Blu-ray Disc™. In the past, you needed to use a computer or other device to save images like these, but Panasonic’s new models make it easy to create discs right in the living room. Music CDs also can be recorded onto the hard disk drive. The three recorders are compatible with gracenote®, so song titles and artist names are automatically recorded together with the music.
The new recorders also support Panasonic’s VIERA CAST Internet function, so users can easily access Internet content such as YouTube™ and Picasa™ Web Albums and view it on a large-screen TV.
Making it easy for anyone to record, play and save Full HD content, the new DMR-BS850, DMR-BS750 and Panasonic DMR-XS350 digital recorders from Panasonic bring users a big step forward into the HD age.
Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera
Nikon today announced the new Nikon D5000, a digital SLR camera.
The D5000 is aimed at both established SLR users and also those keen photographers who are new to SLR photography.
Nikon have packed a fair amount into the D5000 and as such can boast a range of features that they claim will deliver superior performance and image quality, which they usually only offer in their pro-level D-SLRs.
The Nikon D5000 has 12.3 megapixels which is pretty standard for this class of digital SLR but way above that found in compact digital cameras. This will help to deliver high quality images and high definition HD video.
Nikon D5000 Review
Photographers can view images on the variable angle LCD monitor in either a normal position on the back of the D5000 or swung out to be rotated or tilted.
The Nikon D5000 features Subject Tracking autofocus which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving objects. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject.
Nikon D5000 D-Movie Mode
The Nikon D5000 D-Movie Mode allows users to record HD movie clips at 1280 x 720 resolution and at 24 fps. When using the D5000 with any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000’s performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.
Nikon D5000 Scene Selection Modes
Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000’s 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.
The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified.
With Nikon’s Picture Control Settings, photographers can select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user’s personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.
Nikon D5000 Playback Options
Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.
Nikon D5000 Features
Photographers will appreciate the combined benefits of the D5000’s 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon’s EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for improved shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000’s ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.
Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot Metering for added personal control.
The Nikon D5000’s 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon’s 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.
Paired with Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon’s VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*
The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.
Nikon D5000 Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike will appreciate the D5000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander.
For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.
The D5000 also works with Nikon’s powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software, for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.
Nokia 5330 XpressMusic
The Nokia 5330 XpressMusic phone is a superb music phone with touch keys for instant access to music.
The Nokia 5330 has 26 hours of playback, 3D surround sound speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The 5330 XpressMusic phone isn’t just a music phone though, it has many other features including access to specialist online sharing sites such as Ovi, a 3.2 megapixel camera and a 2GB memory card.
The 5330 will undoubtedly be a popular phone and follows how on the heals of the other Nokia phones in the XpressMusic range.
Nokia have planned a pre-Christmas launch so check back around September 2009 for an update on where to find offers and deals on the Nokia 5330.
Key features:
- Music Phone
- Built-in A-GPS
- Share on Ovi
- Bluetooth
- Camera
Nokia 5330 XpressMusic Specifications
- Model: Nokia 5330 XpressMusic
- Weight: 113g
- Dimensions: 101.2 x 48.5 x 14.05 mm
- Colours: Black/red, Silver/blue
- Bandwidth: Quad-band
- Talk Time: 8 Hours
- Standby Time: 389 Hours
- Internal Memory: 32MB
- External Memory: Yes
- Memory Card Slot: MicroSD
- Camera: 3.2 megapixels
- Display: 2.4″ QVGA, 16M colours
- Messaging: SMS, MMS, IM






