Hasta La Gadget!

Nikon’s new projector-equipped camera has broken cover today and we’ve naturally had a little play around with it. Regrettably, the Japanese DSLR dominator had pretty early firmware on board and refused to let us take any sample pictures or video, but we were able to compile a few impressions anyhow. Firstly, as to the S1100pj’s body, it’s your typical compact affair — feeling sturdy and light, it’s basically fit for its intended purpose, but no more or less than that. We found accessing the compartment for the battery and memory card a pain, as it doesn’t auto-lock when you close it, requiring an unnecessary bit of finger adroitness, and removing and replacing batteries can also be a fiddly affair. There’s not much good to say about the built-in “tilt stand” at the bottom, either — it only alters the angle of projection slightly and feels too plasticky — but at least it gives you an extra option.

On the plus side of things, the battery is a generous 1,050 mAh unit, and there’s a pleasingly instant access scheme for the camera’s most regularly used functions. Video recording has a dedicated button, as does switching to projector mode. Both seem to work quite well too, with the 720p video looking smooth and buttery, but then on-camera playback can be deceiving. We got to check out those 14 lumens of projection power in a dimly lit room, and came away with a pair of impressions. Firstly, you should be able to squeeze out a decent-ish 40-inch image out of this shooter if you set the right mood with your lighting, and secondly, focusing is a relative cinch with the included controls on top. All in all, given that it’s intended as a quickie display station at parties, we think the S1100pj does what it promises. We rarely praise compact camera software here, but we’d be remiss not to note the saturation adjustment tool on this touchscreen shooter. It was a particular highlight for us and something we could definitely see ourselves getting creative with.

We also spent some time with the S5100, which surprised us with its quick autofocus and generally snappy execution of instructions. Its 720p movie mode also looked competent, but bear in mind that it doesn’t allow you to zoom while recording video. Ah well, such is the fate of budget shooters, we suppose. Hit up the galleries for the hands-on imagery or skip past the break for video of the S1100pj’s projector in action.

Continue reading Nikon Coolpix S1100pj and S5100 hands-on

Nikon Coolpix S1100pj and S5100 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When reviewers call your product “the worst ____ ever made,” do you give up and move on? Or do you build a second model and try to prove them wrong? After introducing the world’s first consumer stereoscopic 3D shooter to dismal reviews, FujiFilm chose door number two, replacing the camera with a thinner, lighter, and easier-to-use version that addresses a host of complaints and costs $100 less to boot. The FujiFilm FinePix Real 3D W3 adds a larger 3.5-inch, 16:9 LCD screen, a 720p video recording mode, and HDMI 1.4 out for dropping images and videos right into your 3D-ready TV. Oh, and it actually feels like a real camera this time, our favorite feature by far. We got some hands-on time with the new cross-eyed shooter, read on for more!

Continue reading Fujifilm introduces Finepix Real 3D W3 camera, we go hands-on

Fujifilm introduces Finepix Real 3D W3 camera, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earlier today, Samsung pulled the curtain off (quite literally, might we add) its newest 3DTVs and the world’s first portable 3D Blu-ray player at its New York City press conference. We were able to slap on a pair of the 3D specs and spend a bit of time staring at the (admittedly amazing) 65-inch LED 3DTV, the fairly mediocre sub-$1,000 720p 3DTV as well as form some early impressions of the Blu-ray player. We’ve got you covered with some pictures below, but mosey on past the break to check our two pennies on each of the new products.

Continue reading Samsung’s 3D gala: 65-inch UN65C8000, 50-inch PN50C490, and BD-C8000 eyes-on

Samsung’s 3D gala: 65-inch UN65C8000, 50-inch PN50C490, and BD-C8000 eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’re still waiting on leaked (or official, we’re not partial) images to confirm, but based on a presentation slide and a bit of insider information passed on to Notebook Italia, ASUS is gearing up to replace its aging EeeBox EB1501 with the EB1501P. Reportedly, the box will be based around Intel’s dual-core Atom D525 processor and will feature NVIDIA’s Ion GPU, a 250GB hard drive, 2GB of DDR3 memory, 802.11n WiFi, an HDMI output, six USB sockets and Bluetooth. That aligns quite nicely with the EB1501U (shown above) that we spotted back at CeBIT, which has yet to launch in any capacity since. A proper introduction at IFA, perhaps? We’ll be watching, ASUS.

ASUS’ EeeBox EB1501P leaks out with Atom D525, Ion GPU originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Benning Deluxe messenger bag ($245 direct), part of Tumi’s Alpha Bravo travel gear line, provides the most comfortable carrying experience you’ll find today, as long you’re comfortable shelling out nearly $300 for it. The bag wasn’t specifically designed with laptops in mind, but Tumi recommends it for mobile professionals; you can use it as such if you add a sleeve, so your laptop is protected within the bag.

The Benning Deluxe comes in either a spruce-green or jet-black. We were sent the more exciting green variety, whose orange-colored inside will certainly draw attention. The bag’s knit nylon material makes for a comfortable feel, not to mention the Benning’s ballistic nylon strap: It’s so soft that Tumi doesn’t even bother with a shoulder pad.

With over 15 pockets and a double zipper pocket on its back for securing it to your suitcase handle, the Benning is more than versatile. The bag also features a carry handle if you get tired of draping it over your shoulder, as well as a water bottle pocket. For those who want a flexible travel bag with some business capacity, Tumi included an organizer panel for your pens and other supplies.

Unfortunately, the Benning’s steep price tag reminds us of what else could have been included: true support for laptops and netbooks. The only reason I felt comfortable putting my Asus Eee PC 1101HA ($430 street) inside is because of how few moving parts that device has. However, considering the Tumi Tracer that comes with every product, the Benning Deluxe is well worth it if you have the extra cash to spare. Now, if you’re really willing to splurge, take a look at some of Tumi’s laptop sleeves.