Getting hands-on with the Sony Vaio Lifestyle PC

We managed to be among the very first to snag a coveted Sony Vaio Lifestyle PC, so here are a couple of in-the-wild photos, plus some first hands-on impressions.

Despite the small overall size, we found the keyboard fairly eay to use. At first, the lack of a touchpad worried us, but the trackpoint was fast and responsive, and after 15 minutes or so, we got fairly used to navigating with it — a very light tap on the pointing stick will give you a left mouse click. We’re still not entirely sold, however, and still think a touchpad is better for many tasks.

The 1,600×768 screen has a higher resolution than many 15-inch laptops. Some initial attempts at online video streaming played fine, and the built-in Verizon-powered mobile broadband worked as advertised.

Even with Vista as the operating system, the Vaio seemed to run about as well as any Intel Atom system with XP we’ve used (2GB of RAM and an SSD hard drive help). With Windows 7, purportedly excellent for Netbooks, it would probably fly (relatively speaking).

It’s hard to convey just how small this thing actually is. In the photos below, you’ll see it positively dwarfed by an HP Mini 1000.

Originally posted at CES 2009

IOGEAR’s Wireless USB Audio / Video Kit ships soon for $350

Based on the fact that this kit contains connectors for stereo audio, VGA and Wireless USB, we’re inclined to believe that this here product is actually a renamed version of the Wireless USB to VGA kit we caught wind of last year. Even if not, however, this will help you stream content at up to 720p over VGA for 30 feet sans wires, and it’s fully compatible with Windows XP and Vista. The bad news? The price has increased by around $50 since last mention, with the latest report suggesting a $349.95 sticker and a March ship date.

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IOGEAR’s Wireless USB Audio / Video Kit ships soon for $350 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mio launches four new Moov navigators at CES

There’s no Turbo Boost or anything involved with this bunch, but Mio has launched four mildly interesting navigators for 2009. The new Moovs all sport an improved “Spirit” software platform, and while the S300 features a 3.5-inch panel, text-to-speech and 12 million POIs, the S500 steps up to a 4.7-inch panel. The Moov S556 keeps the same 4.7-inch display but adds in Bluetooth and Junction View, while the S700 breaks out a 7-inch panel. The whole lot is supposed to ship before the second half of this year for $199.99, $249.99, $299.99 and $299.99 in order of mention.

[Via GPSTracklog]

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Mio launches four new Moov navigators at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smartparts introduces four new new digiframes from 2.4- to 19-inches

Smartparts is really aiming to span the full range of things here at CES by announcing four new digital photo frames that range from 2.4- to 19-inches in size. Starting on the small side, we’ve got the 2.4-inch SP24PC and 3.5-inch SP35PC, both of which tout touch sensitive screens and feature a 320 x 240 resolution. The only difference between the two is the amount of internal storage; the former holds around 50 images while the latter holds 100. Moving up significantly is the 10-inch SPX10WF (800 x 600 resolution) and the 19-inch SPX19WF (1,448 x 880), which tout one-push internet setup, automatic image correction and built-in WiFi modules. All four are slated to ship in March for $29.99, $39.99, $199.99 and $299.99 in order of mention. Full releases are after the break.

Continue reading Smartparts introduces four new new digiframes from 2.4- to 19-inches

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Smartparts introduces four new new digiframes from 2.4- to 19-inches originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Calexico, ‘Absent Afternoon’: Free MP3 of the Day

Indie rock’s bards of the border continue their remarkable hybrid: old Southwest dirges cross-bred with a particularly dark and brooding folk-pop. Few bands in the scene pull off such a natural dignity–or intimacy. “Absent Afternoon” is exclusive release for Threadless.com

Originally posted at Crossfade

Gateway’s MD / UC Series laptops get reviewed

The ink is still drying from Gateway’s introduction of the MD / UC Series, but already both machines have been thoroughly tested and reviewed. Starting with the more mainstream MD7801u, Gateway trimmed a number of features in hopes of producing a lower-cost machine that bargain-minded buyers would take interest in. To that end, there was nothing really remarkable about the MD, but that’s exactly what the company was going for; all in all, it ended up as a solid, well-rounded rig that should handle basic tasks with ease. Moving down (size wise, anyway), the UC was deemed “incredibly stylish,” and it was found to be impressive in pretty much every testable aspect. Of course, it won’t handle gaming or hardcore video editing, but given the $799 price tag, we know you weren’t expecting it to. Feel ’em both out in the read links below.

Read – MD Series review
Read – UC Series review

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Gateway’s MD / UC Series laptops get reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VAIO P vs Eee PC… fight!

We’ve got a VAIO P in the house, and we thought it’d only be fitting to put the quintessential “it’s not a netbook, we swear!” up against the quintessential netbook, ASUS’s Eee PC (in convenient 7-inch and 10-inch flavors). Stand by for further impressions, but boy is that screen densely packed with pixels. There’s another shot after the break of the P being swallowed by a 17-inch MacBook Pro… juxtaposition!

Continue reading VAIO P vs Eee PC… fight!

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VAIO P vs Eee PC… fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TRENDnet produces world’s smallest Wireless N travel router

Looking to drag that 802.11n connectivity with you to even the zaniest of places? Those newly implemented baggage rules totally cramping your style? Enter TRENDnet‘s TEW-654TR, a 300Mbps Wireless N Travel Router kit which is supposedly small enough to slip completely away into the average front pocket. The device only has a LED indicator, 10/100Mbps Ethernet port, a MIMO antenna and an AC socket. No price is mentioned, but don’t count on the sticker being proportionally small.

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TRENDnet produces world’s smallest Wireless N travel router originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UroClub

uroclub.jpg
CNBC.com: For whatever reason, there aren’t many restrooms on the golf course. And, when you get to a certain age, you really can’t wait 18 holes.

Dr. Floyd Seskin, a urologist in the Miami area, said guys used to come in all the time telling him how they would hit their ball in the woods every few holes to, uh, alleviate the situation.

Then, one day, he was golfing with a few buddies. They all had his back to them and that’s when the lightbulb went on. What if you could make a device discreet enough that you could just turn your back and no one would know?

And with that the UroClub was born.

Here’s how it works: You unscrew the cap on the dummy club. Then, clip the privacy towel to your waistband or belt. The UroClub also clips onto the towel so you have both hands free to, discreetly handle the situation. Screw the triple-seal leak-proof cap back on, replace the club and then get back in the game!

Stupid or Cool? Check Out These 12 Weird Gift Ideas [CNBC.com]

Sneak peek at the LG VX8360

LG VX8360

LG VX8360

(Credit: Nicole Lee/CNET)

Earlier this week, we told you about the LG VX8360, the much-awaited update to the LG VX8350, which was one of our favorite Verizon phones from 2007. Well the LG VX8360 finally made its first public appearance here at CES, and we took the …

Originally posted at CES 2009