Hasta La Gadget!

Remember Fujifilm’s Finepix XP10 from… oh, right around seven months ago? Hopefully you’re not one to get overly depressed about the rush of progress, because Fujifilm has just outed an update to that very camera that’s significantly improved. Following Casio’s footsteps on the Exilim EX-H20G, Fuji is introducing the GPS-enabled Finepix XP30 here at CES. The overall size and shape remains similar to the aforementioned XP10, with this point-and-shoot being waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof. What may really entice the argonauts in the crowd is the embedded GPS chip; this will keep tabs of your location and embed your exact coordinates into every picture you take. Once you get back home, just dump ’em into iPhoto or Picasa in order to view photos based on location. Moreover, the GPS Tracking Data function will regularly store location data, and when you get home, you can actually create a map of your travels. Other specifications include a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, 720p movie mode, image stabilization, a 2.7-inch anti-reflective LCD, a reinforced hardened glass lens barrier, a metal, unibody chassis and a riveted front panel. The XP30 should ship next month for $239.95, while a GPS-less sibling (the Finepix XP20; pictured after the break) will ship a month later for $199.99; those looking to accessorize will find an adjustable float strap, protective silicone skin and a neoprene sports case for sale in March for an undisclosed amount.

Continue reading Fujifilm adds GPS module, geotagging functionality to waterproof Finepix XP30 camera

Fujifilm adds GPS module, geotagging functionality to waterproof Finepix XP30 camera originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With a name like ioSafe, you know it’s hardcore. The company has made a name for itself by concocting products that can outlast minor disasters, and per usual, it’s using CES as a springboard for something else that you probably can’t destroy. This year, the Rugged Portable is on display, arriving in a pair of enclosure options and offering a bundled data recovery service to boot. The unit is quite literally wrapped in metal — the aluminum option can withstand up to 2,500 pounds of force, while the titanium shell doubles that up and shrugs its shoulders at up to 5,000 pounds. It’s also immune to submersion — your data remains safe in up to ten feet of salt water for as long as 72 hours, and it’ll still come out unscathed when dipped in oil and other toxins.

Naturally, the HDD or SSD within (your call there) is covered by suspension springs, and the USB 3.0 interface ensures that you won’t be waiting around in the jungle for things to transfer. Those who snap one up will get one year of data recovery service included, a one-year ‘No Hassle’ warranty and up to $5000 for “third party forensic recovery services” if needed. Time Machine owners will be happy to know that this drive is fully compatible with the service, and you’ll be able to select HDDs from 250GB to 1TB or SSDs from 256GB to 512GB. As for prices? $149.99 for the stock 250GB HDD aluminum version, $3,899.99 for the 512GB SSD titanium build with an extended warranty, and everywhere in between. It’s up for pre-order today and should ship later this month in the US, with global availability details to follow in due time.

Continue reading ioSafe Rugged Portable hard drive wrapped in Full Metal Jacket, probably tougher than you

ioSafe Rugged Portable hard drive wrapped in Full Metal Jacket, probably tougher than you originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you caught the latest episode of The Ben Heck Show, then you no doubt saw this era’s modding mastermind piece together a PS3 console suitable for use in the wilds of Afghanistan. The military-grade portable gaming system was designed and built for a couple working with the military overseas, and it’s Pelican’s iM2600 Store Case there on the outside keeping things safe and secure from flying shrapnel. As Ben always does, he managed to carefully place an entire PS3 console deep within the confines of the enclosure, and he even threw in an integrated LCD into the lid to prevent any additional external hookups. Generator equals gametime, as they say. Head on past the break for the latest episode, which shows the play-by-play on how it was constructed.

Update: Turns out the folks that Ben built this case for are now taking matters into their own hands. Currently based in Afghanistan, Erica and Kris have founded Rugged Outdoor Gaming Units, Etc (R.O.G.U.E.) in order to build and sell similar hardcore gaming enclosures, or PeliStations. They’re aiming for an early spring release, and we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on them.

Continue reading Ben Heck constructs military-grade, self-contained PlayStation 3 suitcase (video)

Ben Heck constructs military-grade, self-contained PlayStation 3 suitcase (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So, you’ve celebrated the landing of yet another construction deal by giving the whole crew their own Motorola Defy (except for Derick, who’s saddled with a lowly i365), but there’s still one problem: on-the-job entertainment. Enter Ridgid’s Jobsite Radio, hailed as the first iPod-toting boombox designed to withstand just about anything. As you can tell, the device itself is encased in a ShockMount layer of protective armor, and we have to stress the “armor” aspect. Users simply flip down the lid in the front, slide their iPod in and then change tracks via on-board external controls or remote control from up to 25 feet away. Oh, and if Joe or Buck just so happens to bring their Zune HD into work, the 3.5mm auxiliary input will ensure that no one is publicly shamed. The unit is powered by a standard 120V or Ridgid 18V battery, and if you’re curious as to just how hardcore this thing is, there’s an enlightening video embedded just after the break. She’s all yours after dropping $149 at the Home Depot.

[Thanks, Thomas]

Continue reading Ridgid Jobsite iPod Radio takes a beating, survives long enough to go on sale (video)

Ridgid Jobsite iPod Radio takes a beating, survives long enough to go on sale (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hard to say why being “manufactured in Italy” is the reason for this thing’s “guaranteed durability,” but hey, there it is! LaCie‘s tough-as-nails Tank is little more than a robust, rugged, waterproof enclosure for anything small enough to sneak inside of it, but the internal foam cubes can be repositioned in order to house a top-secret external HDD, your cousin’s DSi or your wife’s gargantuan wedding band. Heck, you may even get two out of three in there. It’s IP-63 certified to protect against dust and “pouring rain,” and it measures 1.6- x 4.8- x 7.3-inches. Humorously, the warranty stops after 365 days, but look, it’s built “like a fortress,” okay? Now hand over your £19.99 ($31) and rest easy, bronco.

Continue reading Rugged LaCie Tank enclosure protects external HDDs, gaming handhelds, family heirlooms

Rugged LaCie Tank enclosure protects external HDDs, gaming handhelds, family heirlooms originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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