Today at CES 2010, iRiver joined the throngs of companies that are launching Electronic Ink-based eBook readers with the U.S. debut of the Story. Although the device has been available in Germany, the UK, and South Korea for some time, it will hit select U.S. retailers in the coming months.
The Story has 3GB of internal memory and features an SD slot so you can add 16GB more. The device comes with a 6-inch display and is .4 inches thick. It supports PDF, PPT, DOC, and XLS, but most people will just download their books from CyberRead.com, FictionWise.com, ebooks,.com, or RandomHouse.com. There is no wireless, so you will have to side-load books via USB. No word on pricing yet.
Wasn’t it just yesterday we were writing about the death of reading? Did anyone read those stories?
I had a demo from Afshar a couple weeks ago, and I was quite impressed. I listened to music and watched a movie trailer, which were both enhanced for me–bass-heavy music and action flicks get the most obvious benefit. But most interesting was watching Afshar play a first-person shooter game while I was wearing the KOR-fx; it actually helps you sense directionality. I’m definitely not an FPS person, but even I could tell this might give you an edge in gameplay–plus, it’s just fun.
Today Immerz announced that the KOR-fx is available for pre-order at $189.99; maybe a bit pricey for some, but no more expensive than high-quality headphones, after all. It’s expected to ship in May. The company has a booth at CES, in the i-Stage Finalists area, so if you’re out there, stop by and try it out.
Here’s a handy little device I wish I packed for this year’s CES. The Flipower from Taiwanese company, Power Tech, features a USB slot. The device plugs directly into a wall outlet and lets you charge up USB gadgets while a normal three-pronged plug is plugged into the socket. Consider the device something of portable power strip, handy for the traveler running low on computer ports and hotel room outlets.
Not a lot of information on the availability of the device, though the company did manage to score a 2010 Innovations Award from CEA, so it likely won’t be too difficult to get some distribution in the States.
Sure, you tell your MacBook Pro that it’s special to you, but how do you show it? Why not treat your favorite laptop to some luxury with the SurfacePad from Twelve South? This thin and soft leather covering both dresses up your computer and protects it.
The SurfacePad comes in both smooth and pattern styles, and fits both the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro. The 13-inch model is a one-piece design that covers the keyboard deck, but leaves openings for the trackpad and keyboard. The 15-inch model (shown) is a two-piece design that leaves the speakers uncovered.
Install either model SurfacePad with a special adhesive that leaves no trace or sticky residue. Both sizes sell for $39.99 and are available immediately from Twelve South.
To charge the ZAGGsparq’s internal battery, just flip out its prongs, and flip ’em back down when you’re done. At maximum capacity, it can store four full charges for an Apple iPhone. And below the USB ports is a power meter: When your press the rubber button at the bottom of the meter, the lights turn on to indicate the amount of charge currently stored. The ZAGGsparq measures 3.5 by 3.5 by 1 inches (HWD) and weighs slightly over half a pound.
More images after the jump.
Has any computer product been re-invented as many times as the mouse? The just-launched Jelfin Mouse combines ergonomics and aesthetics in a design that’s pleasing to the eyes and fingers.
The Jelfin is ball-shaped, so the hand wraps around it and the fingers stay curved. Those who find the traditional mouse shape uncomfortable might have an easier time with the Jelfin. The mouse also has a soft gel covering, to further emphasize comfort. It comes in five vibrant colors (cobalt blue, crimson red, cadmium yellow, electric green, and hot pink) and works with both Windows and Macintosh computers. It’s available from Amazon.com for an affordable $34.95.
While I haven’t tried the Jelfin, a video on the site shows that it requires the user to move his or her whole hand to position the cursor, instead of just moving the fingertips as with a standard mouse. While that would be uncomfortable for a lot of us, it’s a good choice for those with repetitive-motion wrist problems.
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