digital camera memory card

Musicians Friend: Back-to-School coupons+ free shipping on $99

2008-10-07T18:39:00.003-07:00

Is TelstraClear Mobile just in Beta?

2008-10-07T18:39:00.001-07:00

Is TelstraClear Mobile just in Beta?
It seems that TCL Mobile doesn't quite have their system sorted.
Two and a half weeks ago I bit the bullet and decided to stick with TCL and join their mobile plan.
I started by ringing and trying to get my number and existing handset ported from Telecom.
And so the dramas began!
After being told that that was impossible and insisting it wasn't, I was set to be connected "in the next 5 business days" and would be sent a text message the day before. After waiting 5 days and hearing (and receiving) nothing, I decided to give TCL Mobile another call. I was told that the mobile people had all gone home and it should've been done already. I was given a ticket number and told to call the next day. I rang the next morning (Tuesday, 30th September) just to be told I had already been connected! Yay! But I still hadn't received my text and thought that it might contain some useful information so I requested it be sent. "Not a problem" I was assured. Ha!
After waiting the 3 days I was told my voucher should arrive in, I rang again. "We will look into it and get back to you." Ok, I thought to myself, I'll give them another couple of days. That afternoon, our existing cordless phone decided it had had enough. Great, no other phone in the house. That voucher will be the perfect thing now as we'll be able to get a new cordless!
After waiting another 3 days and hearing nothing, I decided to call again. This time I was told an email would be sent and I would definately be sorted ASAP.
The next morning at work I have 4 missed calls from the better half (who had borrowed an extremely old phone from her parents).
While with telecom I had my voicemail turned off as I often operate loud machinery and dont quite have time to shut down the equipment/park the truck and get my phone out of my pocket before it went to voicemail. No problems without it!
I also notice some texts and breathed a sigh of relief. It was just about my dental appointment and not because something had happened with her pregnancy. Apparently my phone now goes to voicemail!
Last night I rang again and was told they will forward an email to someone on the mobile side of things to sort my voucher.
Today, I go to the dentist and while I'm home (and barely able to talk), I ring TCL about 3 things.
Any news on my voucher? Nope. "You should have a reply soon" I was told again.
Ok. Can I have voicemail turned off please. "Sorry, that is part of the package". Um, no it's not. Nowhere was I told i HAVE to have voicemail. Can I please talk to someone else? "Ok"............ (on hold)........... "Yes we can do that for you.... oh, no we cant. Not for at least for the next couple of days until your whole swap over is completed."
Does that mean I have to wait for my voucher? "I can't tell exactly, but we can't do anything until the mobile team finish with your account. Call back in 2 days".
("FFS" goes through my head).... OK, one last question. Do you have a number I can ring to find out how many text messages I am using in a month? "Not at the moment... But we're working on it!"
O...K.... Thanks.
If I was told TCL never had a mobile service before, I'd believe it. Unfortunately, I know differently.
This is the sort of stuff I'd expect if I was on the beta test for B+W, not one of NZs biggest phone, tv and internet providers. Not to mention their parent company....

Please TCL, don't charge me for the privilege of being your guinea pig!

I feel better now.

Except the bit where my 2 teeth have been removed.

(and I still haven't received my text.)

Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby

2008-10-07T18:38:00.015-07:00

Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby
This unique clothing line allows your baby to sport the unique iPod interface.

Complete Nikkor lens range with details and prices

2008-10-07T18:38:00.013-07:00

Complete Nikkor lens range with details and prices
If you're shopping for a Nikon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we now additionally provide details of the complete Nikkor lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Nikkor Lens Listings.

NewEgg: NETGEAR WGR614L Open Source Linux Wireless Router $40 shipped AR

2008-10-07T18:38:00.011-07:00

NewEgg: Canon PowerShot SD880 IS 10MP 4X Zoom 28mm Wide Angle Digital Camera $269 shipped + 2GB SD

2008-10-07T18:38:00.009-07:00

NewEgg: Canon PowerShot SD880 IS 10MP 4X Zoom 28mm Wide Angle Digital Camera $269 shipped + 2GB SD

Apple iPhone 3G 16GB

2008-10-07T18:38:00.007-07:00

The iPhone 3G is mostly what we were hoping for in the second version of the too-popular-for-itself handset. Apple addressed call quality concerns, as well as demands for a faster Web experience via 3G and corporate email support, already making it a worthwhile upgrade for many first-gen iPhone owners. And while the addition of stereo Bluetooth and Assisted-GPS are mere catch-ups to other smartphones, the new App Store boosts it way ahead. We're a little disappointed that the iPhone 3G still lacks video recording, and we'd like a user-replaceable battery and expandable storage, but overall it's a thoroughly satisfying phone and iPod. � Check out our Top 15 iPhone Applications! Also check out our Apple iPhone Application Wishlist!

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

Fast and Furious - New Movie coming `09.

2008-10-07T18:38:00.005-07:00

Fast and Furious - New Movie coming `09.
This looks like they have gone back to the basic formula and blown it all up, hopefully they haven't worried too much about the story line, and mainly focused on the action, but I think this should be a pretty good watch especially considering the budget they likely have. looking forward to it.

Park Cameras officially open Burgess Hill store

2008-10-07T18:38:00.003-07:00

Park Cameras will be holding the Grand Opening of their new store in Burgess Hill this Saturday. Read More

Introducing CloudAve

2008-10-07T18:38:00.001-07:00

Introducing CloudAve
SaaS, Software plus Services, Cloud Computing... You (or your organisation) are looking for more information on these ideas - either to validate directions, learn more or simply have some common topic for tonight's dinner with your geek friends.

Then I suggest you visit CloudAve, a new blog edited by Ben Kepes and Zoli Erdos.

I am actually attending the TelecomcomOne un-conference with New Zealander Ben Kepes (Ben's Twitter is here) this weekend.

CloudAve is initially sponsored by all things cloud company Zoho but committed to an independent, vendor-neutral position in its coverage of the vendors, products, services, and trends in the online business application market. There is even a CloudAve Sponsor Statement affirming this editorial independence.

PowerPoint 2003 - Charts and Graphics - Objects Missing in Some Views

2008-10-02T21:05:00.019-07:00

Are objects visible in a slide show but missing in the normal view? Your graphics card or driver may be to blame.

Microsoft Knowledge Base articles 898750 and 907349 refer to a condition that some Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 users may experience. Objects appearing in the slide show view such as photos, movies, or charts may disappear when switching to the normal view.

In some circumstances this may be due to a graphics card or graphics card driver issue....

Read more at MalekTips. Read More

Photographic extravaganza with DayMen

2008-10-02T21:05:00.017-07:00

From the 14-16 October join DayMen for photographic seminars hosted by some of the best photographers around. Read More

Western Digital ShareSpace 4 TB Network Storage System Review

2008-10-02T21:05:00.015-07:00

Western Digital announced its ShareSpace 4 TB network storage system this morning. We have an in-depth look at this photographer friendly image storage solution. Read More

Abes Of Maine: PANASONIC TH50PZ800U VIERA 50in Plasma HDTV $1837 shipped

2008-10-02T21:05:00.013-07:00

Abes Of Maine: PANASONIC TH50PZ800U VIERA 50in Plasma HDTV $1837 shipped

Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm pancake lens - full review and video tour

2008-10-02T21:05:00.011-07:00

The Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm is the smallest and lightest lens available for DSLRs based on the Four Thirds standard. Weighing 95g and measuring just 23.5mm thick, it justifies the pancake nickname, and transforms smaller Four Thirds bodies into working kits which could squeeze into larger coat pockets. With 50mm equivalent coverage and an f2.8 aperture, the lens is ideal for general-purpose use, but do its compact dimensions compromise quality or performance? Find out in our Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm pancake lens review where we'll compare it against other Olympus zooms and the specialist 50mm macro lens. And to see a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Olympus 25mm video tour. Read More

NewEgg: GARMIN nuvi 205 3.5 Automotive GPS Navigation $159 shipped

2008-10-02T21:05:00.009-07:00

NewEgg: GARMIN nuvi 205 3.5 Automotive GPS Navigation $159 shipped

Sony KDL32P3020 Tv

2008-10-02T21:05:00.007-07:00

Sony rolls out some high standard high definition LCD TVs that quite frankly, knock our socks off. Read More

Large Hadron Collider - More bust, No Boson.

2008-10-02T21:05:00.005-07:00

Large Hadron Collider - More bust, No Boson.
The Big Bang is still holding off its illusive secrets for a while long as it was annouced recently there has been more issues delaying the much anticipated collisions in the collider.

Although it was hoped the problem could be resolved quickly, it turns out that unfortunately, it won't be as quickly as hoped.

whilst the anticipated time to fix the problem is tiny compared to how long its taken to get this far - 2 months at least to fix the problem - but we've been waiting in anticipation for this project to complete for 20 years now,

but two months just seems a very long time to all the people waiting for results.

so what was the issue at hand?
Well the symptom was:
<>They had to shut down the LHC when temperatures rose by rought 100°C
causing around 1000kg of liquid helium to leak into the tunnel.

This sounds like a hell of a lot, but you need to remember, your average room temperature of 23°C is roughly 294°c hotter than the temperature they run the LHC at, so when the temperature rose by 100°C it was still pretty chilly in there (around -171.15 °C)

The LHC runs near absolute zero, absolute Zero is defined as 0 kelvin, with the LHC running at 2 kelvin, which is -273.15 and -271.15 degrees celsius respectively)

The actual problem has not be precisely defined, they anticipate that it was caused by a faulty electrical connection between two magnets that stopped superconducting - then melted, which caused a mechanical failure leading to the helium getting out.

So we'll be waiting a while longer for the really intensive experimentation to begin, that said, if the doomsayers are right, or the scientists get the equivalent of winning (some percentage of all the lottery competitions in the world on the same night that I saw being bandied around as the chances) then we get a couple more months on this Earth.

Although at least if you are in NZ, apparently based on a number of calculations, if the highly unlikely event of a large enough singularity does occur, it'll take a wee while to grow big enough to destroy the planet so we'll get plenty of warning!

New processing envelops from Fujifilm Professional

2008-10-02T21:05:00.003-07:00

New processing envelops from Fujifilm Professional
The new processing envelopes from Fujifilm Professional can be used for both 35mm and 120 films.

Canon EF 24-105mm for cropped-frame DSLRs - full review and video tour

2008-10-02T21:05:00.001-07:00

The EF 24-105mm is a premium quality zoom from Canon's 'L' series. It features superb build and mechanical quality, quick and quiet USM focusing and Image Stabilisation to counteract camera shake. It's an ideal general purpose lens for owners of full-frame Canon DSLRs, but what about those with cropped-frame bodies like the EOS 400D / XTi, EOS 450D / XSi or EOS 40D? In this review we'll examine how the EF 24-105mm performs on cropped-frame Canon DSLRs and as always, check out our video tour for a demonstration. Read More

Canon EOS

2008-10-01T15:24:00.009-07:00

There are new cashback offers on the EOS 1000D, 450D and 40D available from Canon. Read More

Nikon Announces Coolpix P80 with 18x Optical Zoom

2008-10-01T15:24:00.007-07:00

Nikon Announces Coolpix P80 with 18x Optical Zoom
Nikon has today announced their first entry into the super zoom point and shoot market with the Nikon Coolpix P80, a 10MP compact camera featuring an 18x optical wide angle zoom, in camera CCD shift image stabilization, an electronic viewfinder as well as a large 2.7-inch high resolution 230K LCD rear monitor with wide viewing angle. See full story...

Apple iPod Nano 8GB (4G)

2008-10-01T15:24:00.005-07:00

Apple iPod Nano 8GB (4G)

Apple's latest iPod nano continues to loom over the heads of its competitors despite players with better sound and more features from companies like Sony and Microsoft. The redesigned body almost seems like a brush of nostalgia, though it definitely improves on the previous generation and keeps the device current. We're more impressed with the new firmware, which provides the best level of polish yet on Apple's non-touchscreen devices, and the on-board accelerometer adds some pizzaz to a player some consider to be getting stale.

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

Pentax K20D - full review and video tour

2008-10-01T15:24:00.003-07:00

Pentax K20D - full review and video tour
The Pentax K20D is a 14.6 Megapixel mid-range DSLR which packs-in a broad range of features. It inherits an impressive core specification from its predecessor, the K10D, including a dust and weather-resistant body, built-in Shake Reduction, a decent optical viewfinder, a number of innovative exposure modes, a wealth of custom options, and the option of recording RAW in Adobe's DNG format. To this Pentax has increased the screen to 2.7in, boosted the sensitivity to 6400 ISO, added Live View, an X-Sync port, and improved the optional DA 18-55mm kit lens, along with that big jump in sensor resolution. The big question is how it measures-up to today's other 14 Megapixel DSLR, the Sony A350, not to mention Canon's EOS 450D / XSi and the semi-pro EOS 40D. To find out how the new Pentax compares, check out our Pentax K20D review, and as always for a demonstration of its highlights, see our K20D video tour.

ZEISS Victory binoculars integrate laser rangefinder

2008-10-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

ZEISS Victory binoculars integrate laser rangefinder
Carl Zeiss has incorporated a laser rangefinder into its new Victory RF binoculars, providing hunters, hikers and birdwatchers with an all-in-one viewing solution in a compact form factor. The Victory 8x45 T RF and Victory 10x45 T RF binoculars feature a world first design that incorporates a folding bridge without separate transmission optics and boast fast rangefinding capabilities that can determine the distance from an object up to 200 meters (300 yards) away in less than one second with an accuracy down to one meter. ..

Tags: Sports

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Sony KDL-40S3000 40 in. HDTV LCD Television

2008-10-01T15:23:00.009-07:00

Sony KDL-40S3000 40 in. HDTV LCD Television
Sony has ensured the best technology possible has been included in the shape of the Bravia Engine and

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 with 4x Wide-Angle 25mm Zoom

2008-10-01T15:23:00.007-07:00

Panasonic has today introduced the 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX35 with an impressive 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens and 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 100 mm on a 35mm film camera). Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode, which includes various shooting-assist functions, has been enhanced in the DMC-FX35 by adding an Intelligent Exposure feature and Digital Red-eye Correction. See full story... Read More

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - full review and video tour

2008-10-01T15:23:00.005-07:00

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - full review and video tour
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is a 9.1 Megapixel compact with nothing less than a 10x optical zoom range. It's the successor to the enormously successful Lumix TZ3 and features the same excellent 28-280mm stabilised zoom lens in a pocketable form factor, but along with two extra Megapixels, upgrades the 3in screen to 460k pixels, adds HD movie recording at 720p / 30fps, and tops it off with an improved Intelligent Auto mode which combines Face and Scene Detection, Intelligent ISO and Panasonic's latest Intelligent Exposure mode. Has the one of the best compacts just got better? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 review, and for a demonstration of its features, see our TZ5 video tour. Note the TZ5 is known as the TZ15 in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Canon WFT-E3(A) wireless transmitter - full review and video tour

2008-10-01T15:23:00.003-07:00

Canon's WFT-E3(A) wireless file transmitter is one of the most powerful accessories for the EOS 40D. It equips the 40D with Wifi, allowing you to transfer images or remote control the camera without a cable in sight, even from the other side of the world. It also includes USB connectivity to external storage devices and even GPS navigators to record your co-ordinates on images. And the whole thing is packaged into a portrait grip for comfortable shooting on the side. To find out how it performs in practice, see our detailed Canon WFT-E3(A) review and for a demonstration of its features, check out our video tour. Read More

LG 42LT75 Television

2008-10-01T15:23:00.001-07:00

The LG 42LT75 is a revolutionary LCD TV that has an integrated 160GB hard drive allowing you to pause Read More

Wellington Tweetup

2008-09-29T21:42:00.003-07:00

Wellington Tweetup
Wellington Tweetup starts tonight at 5pm, at the Malthouse http://www.themalthouse.co.nz

I have shouted a few free beers - Epic Pale Ale

More Info

If you go send me a tweet or upload a pic to flickr so I can see what I have missed out on.

Cheers
Luke
http://www.epicbeer.com

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons

2008-09-29T21:42:00.001-07:00

Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area. Read More

Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, D300 and D80 Compared Side by Side

2008-09-29T21:41:00.015-07:00

Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, D300 and D80 Compared Side by Side
With the announcement of the new 15.1 MP Canon EOS 50D and the 12.3 Nikon D90 enthusiast digital SLR cameras coming on almost the same day, there is certainly a lot of excitement (and debate) happening among photographers within the Canon and Nikon communities. We have just posted a side by side comparison overview between the Nikon D90, Canon EOS 50D, and the D300 and D80 and highlighted the major differences in order to hopefully help make the buying decision process a little easier. See full story...

Abt Electronics: Sony Blu-ray Disc Player - BDPS350 $263 shipped

2008-09-29T21:41:00.013-07:00

Abt Electronics: Sony Blu-ray Disc Player - BDPS350 $263 shipped

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 full review and video tour

2008-09-29T21:41:00.011-07:00

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 full review and video tour
The Alpha A200 is Sony's new entry-level DSLR and the successor to its debut model, the best-selling Alpha A100. It features the same 10.2 Megapixel CCD sensor as its predecessor, but squeezes it into a smaller and lighter body; there's still room though for the built-in stabilisation to counteract camera shake. Sony's also increased the sensitivity to 3200 ISO, accelerated the AF by 1.7 times, enlarged the screen to 2.7in and employed an InfoLithium battery for accurate feedback. Today though the entry-level DSLR market has never been tougher, so to see how the latest Alpha compares against its predecessor and the current crop of rivals, check out our Sony A200 review, and for a demo of its features, see our Sony A200 video tour.

NewEgg: OCZ RALLY2 8GB High Performance Dual Channel Flash Drive $12 shipped AR

2008-09-29T21:41:00.009-07:00

Sony 75-300mm telephoto zoom review - new video tour

2008-09-29T21:41:00.007-07:00

Sony 75-300mm telephoto zoom review - new video tour
Sony's 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens remains a popular option for owners of Alpha DSLRs. It's a common bundle with the earlier A100 and likely to find itself fitted to many of the new A200 bodies. As such it's an ideal time to revisit our Sony 75-300mm lens review with a brand new video tour, using the Alpha A100 body. Remember the new A200 has the same sensor, so our quality results are equally applicable for this new body. So to see - and hear - how this budget telephoto zoom compares, check out our Sony 75-300mm video tour.

Apple iPod nano green (8 GB) MP3 Player

2008-09-29T21:41:00.005-07:00

Without changing the name, Apple has upgraded the iPod Nano by changing its size and colour options Read More

ZEISS Victory binoculars integrate laser rangefinder

2008-09-29T21:41:00.003-07:00

Carl Zeiss has incorporated a laser rangefinder into its new Victory RF binoculars, providing hunters, hikers and birdwatchers with an all-in-one viewing solution in a compact form factor. The Victory 8x45 T RF and Victory 10x45 T RF binoculars feature a world first design that incorporates a folding bridge without separate transmission optics and boast fast rangefinding capabilities that can determine the distance from an object up to 200 meters (300 yards) away in less than one second with an accuracy down to one meter. ..

Tags: Sports

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II Full Frame SLR with HD movie

2008-09-29T21:41:00.001-07:00

Canon has today introduced the much anticipated Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D camera so successful, Canon has coupled the creative power of a full-frame CMOS sensor in a relatively compact and affordable camera body, together with groundbreaking HD video capture that opens the door to a much wider range of imaging possibilities for photographers. Along with the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution, Canon's EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera features a 21.1-megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor and significantly lower noise. See full story... Read More

Complete Canon lens range with details and prices!

2008-09-25T19:33:00.019-07:00

If you're shopping for a Canon lens you've come to the right place. To complement our existing lists of cameras and DSLRs, we're pleased to also now provide details of the complete Canon EF lens range including specifications and updated prices. So whether you're wondering which zoom is best for you, how the three 50mm primes vary, or just how much you'll need to save for a big-aperture pro lens, check out our Canon EF Lens Listings. Other lens manufacturers coming soon! Read More

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols

2008-09-25T19:33:00.017-07:00

Add symbols for copyright, trademark, and registered trademark to your Word 2007 document. Read More

Camera Labs Assignment: vote for your favourite!

2008-09-25T19:33:00.015-07:00

Camera Labs Assignment: vote for your favourite!
It's the first day of a new month which means a new Assignment in the Camera Labs forums. The theme as suggested by the winner of January's Assignment, Big Pix, is 'Time'. To enter, visit the March Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of Drazen Gal's 'My Place' theme. So to vote, head on over to our February Assignment Submissions thread.

Google Chrome - Download the Google Chrome Web Browser

2008-09-25T19:33:00.013-07:00

Google Chrome - Download the Google Chrome Web Browser
Looking for another way to browse and search the web? Try out the Google Chrome web browser.

An alternative to other web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome offers Windows users another way to browse and search the Internet. Sporting a "minimal design", Google Chrome offers features such as:

* Malware, phishing, and unsafe website detection...

Read more at MalekTips.

[MODIFIED] SpywareBlaster - View and Change Internet Explorer Default Pages

2008-09-25T19:33:00.011-07:00

[MODIFIED] SpywareBlaster - View and Change Internet Explorer Default Pages
Use SpywareBlaster to change Internet Explorer home, search, and other default pages that may have been changed by spyware / adware.

SpywareBlaster lets you change the default Internet Explorer start, search, and other pages for the current user as well as the local machine defaults. This is useful in case spyware or adware changed these pages to one not of your choosing.

Note that if your machine is still infected with malware when you make changes with this tool, those changes may get reverted. First, clean your machine up with spyware / adware removal tools, and then use this tool to change the pages back to what they used to be....

Read more at MalekTips.

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols

2008-09-25T19:33:00.009-07:00

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols
Add symbols for copyright, trademark, and registered trademark to your Word 2007 document.

NZ Shopcity = spammers

2008-09-25T19:33:00.007-07:00

NZ Shopcity = spammers
I use to buy the odd thing from http://www.shopcity.co.nz but have gone off there stuff, so I unsubscribed from their mailing list. But a week later I get another email of their specials, so I unsubscribe agan. Another week passes and they spam me again.

If you visit http://www.shopcity.co.nz don't subscribe as you will go into there spam list for ever.
Why do NZ company's break the law of the land, it just shows how dodgy they are.

http://www.shopcity.co.nz = spammer

I sent an email, and they replay with this.

Thankyou for your clear and concise email. If you tell me what email address the
letters are going to or your ShopCity handle we will happily disable your account.

Why are they making it so difficult.

update: Thanks for all the help, I went to their website and had to fill in a contact us, which I hope has sorted the problem.

The unsubscribe on their mailouts, doesn't work.

New Zealand broadband according to Akamai

2008-09-25T19:33:00.005-07:00

I have just noticed the Akamai State of the Internet report Q2 2008 is out now. Interesting stats from around the world - worth reading it.

From a New Zealand perspective here is the only data provided:

- more than 962,000 uniqye IP addresses, a 3.78% increase from Q1 2008, about 0.23 per capita (or about 1 for almost four people here);
- only 2% connected to Akamai servers at 5 Mbps or more - 0.01 "high broadband" per capita;
- 52% connected to Akamai servers at 2 Mbps or more;
- 10% connected at 256 Kbps or less.

Gresso's limited edition 192Gb USB pendant

2008-09-25T19:33:00.003-07:00

The latest high-end tech offering from Gresso is a cleverly designed USB Flash drive pendant that incorporates three separate 64 Gb memory sticks into a single unit made from 200-year-old African Blackwood with diamond and gold trimmings. A limited run of 99 pieces has been announced for the ENIGMA collection, but prospective buyers will have to dig deep...

Tags: Design, Digital Media, Flash MEdia, Luxury, USB

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WMV - the little format killed by neglect.

2008-09-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

WMV - the little format killed by neglect.
Over the last 2 or so years I have witnessed the slow demise of yet another format that saw Microsoft no doubt spend millions on developing. Windows Media Video (WMV) has been a relatively safe format to deliver video content to users as it offered good compression along with pretty much guaranteed compatibilty. Doing post production myself I often have to email a quick proof and would generally use WMV. It worked. It Played - as long as the person recieving it had a PC.
Yet Redmond, with it's infinite wisdom, decided to kill Mac support in early 2006 and then leave it to a 3rd party to continue offering playback support, via Flip4Mac. No DRM support but 99% of WMV content plays. It does the job. Of course the irony is it now plays in Quicktime, and not the ugly Windows Media Player for Mac.

Here's a post from a zdnet blog post on the discontiunueing of WMPlayer for OS-X:

....the decision to halt work on Windows Media Player for the Mac was a matter of prioritizing for Microsoft's Windows Media unit.
"It's basically a business decision for Microsoft," Anderson said. "Like any other company, we have business priorities. Our focus really is in delivering the best experience to Windows customers."

Sure. You want to keep it real. Microsoft has an operating system and want it to be a feature to support playback of your awesome video format. Everyone else can go screw themselves.

But seriously, do they really think a format they hope would displace the original AVI container format (and possibly Quicktime), can really win if it doesn't work everywhere. I'd argue making sure it's as ubiquitous as it can be is one of the main selling points. That means it must be platform agnostic. It's worked for PDF, MP3 - it could have worked for WMV.

A clipping of Microsofts Windows Media page in 2002

Via iTunes on Windows, Apple has managed to slip Quicktime on nearly every windows computer - and via that promoted (for better or for worse) it's other Windows applicaitions. Microsoft could have had this same 'in' on Mac's and Linux machines but for sake of "delivering the best experience for Windows Customers" it doesn't.

Of course hindsight is a great thing, and even in 2006 I don't think we could gaurantee that DiVX/XViD/MPEG4 would become the default format of video distribution on the internet and the widespread adoption of Bittorent for media sharing. Heck - we could be downloading files with the RV/RMVB extension now instead - or even *gasp* WMV - but we don't - it's all AVI. Fine AVI a orginally a Microsoft format but I don't think you could say its in anyway controlled or even promoted by Redmond.

But this isn't the only format that Microsoft is killing by it's pigheadedness - lets not forget MODI - Microsoft Office Document Imaging - MODI was introduced and installed by default in Office 2003 but was dropped by Office 2007 - it was a format that could have competed with the functionality of PDF but because Microsoft kept the format proprietry and only offered supported for it within that install it never went anywhere. The legacy of MODI is still around - anyone upgrading to 2007 or still just using Office 2003 will find an extra printer installed - a printer they neither really chose to install, explained to what it did and I gaurantee will ever use. The technology did eventually end up becaming part of Metro and then finally XPS, which on top of being a file distribution format is the foundation of Vista's printing subsystem.

This is of course a direct copy of OS-X's Postscript based printing subsystem - which is also the basis of PDF. Postscript & PDF are the industry standard for printing - on all platforms. Because of this ubiqutousness, one things for sure - XPS will never truely offset PDFs domince. Everyone can open files in the PDF format. The same can't be said for XPS - as of writing, and 2 years since it's launch, I could only spot 1 application that lets you view/edit XPS on a Mac and is a bargin at $US99 (not) and no support at all for Linux. Not a good way to get people onboard you're awesome new format MS.

Microsoft is the king of failed formats.

P.S. One last bitch -
Of course with the eventual failure of MODI/XPS, it would be good to see implementing system wide PDF support in Vista. I doubt that will ever happen though. Instead every man and his dog will continue to have to go off to Adobe.com and download Acrobat reader - giving another company an 'in' to the Microsoft system. I'm not condoning anti competitive behaviour, more that if Microsoft had much interest in improving the end user experience and if everyone has to install PDF support - then shouldn't it be on the list of needed features in Windows 7?

Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Toggle Menu Shadowing

2008-09-24T03:34:00.009-07:00

Toggle whether Windows XP displays shadows underneath menus as they are selected.

Depending on your Windows XP configuration, when you select menu items in most applications, the area around the menu may appear in shadow. This visually helps the menu stand out from the rest of the application or window.

Menu shadowing may require a little extra graphics or CPU processing, so it can be disabled if you do not need this "eye candy"....

Read more at MalekTips. Read More

Google Chrome - Disable use of Search Engine Suggestion Services

2008-09-24T03:34:00.007-07:00

Prevent Google Chrome from querying search engine suggestion services when typing text or web addresses into the address bar.

By default, when typing text or web address URLs into Google Chrome's address bar, Google Chrome will query the default search engine's suggestion service to find related queries or matches to your entered URL/search.

If you do not find the suggestion services useful, or are concerned about your privacy when entering searches and URLs into the address bar, make the following tweak:...

Read more at MalekTips. Read More

Adobe launches Photoshop CS4

2008-09-24T03:34:00.005-07:00

As expected, there will be a new a version of Adobe's Photoshop image editing software on display this morning when visitors hit the show floor at Photokina. Read More

Vodafone - do you want my business?

2008-09-24T03:34:00.003-07:00

Vodafone - do you want my business?
Customer retention is something every business needs to be good at. If your customer don't come back then you'll very quickly find yourself going out of business.

Visit your local coffee shop these days and you're bound to get a loyalty card. Buy 10 coffee's and get 1 free. Visit Subway and you'll get credit that goes towards buying a sandwich. Fly with an Airline and you'll get frequent flyer points. Buy your groceries at New World or buy your petrol at Shell and you'll get Fly Buys points. I don't need to list any more - I'm sure you get my drift.

Most of these companies all exist in competive marketplaces where customers have many choices when it comes to spending their hear earned money. These companies realise that keeping their customers happy is not just something you pay sparse attention to, it's part of your core business.

Now lets look at the mobile market in NZ. Stastistics tell is that 100% of NZers own a mobile phone so I'll ask a question that everybody should be able to answer. Exactly what are Vodafone or Telecom doing for you to keep you as a happy loyal customer? Do you feel that your mobile carrier really wants your business or are you simply treated as a number? Do you think they really care if you moved away to another carrier?

This poses the question - do these companies care about customer loyalty? Both feature business models based around locking you into long into term contracts and giving you small discounts off overpriced handsets. Imagine if you wanted to buy petrol but could only do this if you entered into a 24 month exclusive contract with the fuel outlet of your choice, a contract that you couldn't break without paying a penalty. In return they would sell you a 1.5l bottle of Coke dicscounted to $3.00 - more than you would pay for this product if you shopped at a supermarket. Would you feel like you were a happy, content loyal customer or would you feel like you were just a number?

New Zealand now has a greater choice when it comes to mobile with TelstraClear launching a virtual mobile network using Telecom's CDMA network and Black+White are about to launch a similair virtual network using Vodafone's network. B+W won't be offering term contracts and instead believe they can compete by offering a package that makes their customers feel like they are receiving value for money which in turn will drive customer loyalty.

So I'll now ask the question - having been a Bellsouth & now Vodafone customer for 13 years do you really value my business? What have you done recently that should make me feel happy about being a customer of yours? How have you rewarded me for my loyalty over the years? You give me significantly less airtime for my $ spend than virtually any other Vodafone Group network. You've put up roaming rates so I now have to pay more to make calls when I visit Australia 3-4 times per year and also charge all incoming roam forward calls by the minute rather than per second. This annoyed me greatly. What else have you done? Nothing. What would I like you to do? Offer me a plan that feels like I'm receiving value for money. Don't lock me into a term contract. Don't make me laugh me by offering me $50 off a $1000 handset that's selling for $200 more than it's true market value. Quite simply don't insult me. I'm happy to pay good money each month for a plan that meets my needs.

Do you really value my business or not? If you do what are you going to do for me?

NewEgg: OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB 2 x 1GB SDRAM DDR2 800 PC2 6400 Desktop Memory $20 shipped AR

2008-09-24T03:34:00.001-07:00

NewEgg: OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB 2 x 1GB SDRAM DDR2 800 PC2 6400 Desktop Memory $20 shipped AR

Google Chrome - Disable use of Search Engine Suggestion Services

2008-09-24T03:33:00.009-07:00

Google Chrome - Disable use of Search Engine Suggestion Services
Prevent Google Chrome from querying search engine suggestion services when typing text or web addresses into the address bar.

By default, when typing text or web address URLs into Google Chrome's address bar, Google Chrome will query the default search engine's suggestion service to find related queries or matches to your entered URL/search.

If you do not find the suggestion services useful, or are concerned about your privacy when entering searches and URLs into the address bar, make the following tweak:...

Read more at MalekTips.

NewEgg: SUPER TALENT 2GB 2 x 1GB SDRAM DDR2 800 PC2 6400 Desktop Memory $25 shipped AR

2008-09-24T03:33:00.007-07:00

Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby

2008-09-24T03:33:00.005-07:00

Sites to Browse - iPop Your Baby
This unique clothing line allows your baby to sport the unique iPod interface.

Microsoft Word 2007 - Insert Copyright, Trademark, Other Symbols

2008-09-24T03:33:00.003-07:00

Add symbols for copyright, trademark, and registered trademark to your Word 2007 document. Read More

SQL DB? No firewall? Weak admin password? That is a trojan coming your way alright

2008-09-24T03:33:00.001-07:00

SQL DB? No firewall? Weak admin password? That is a trojan coming your way alright
According to the Symantec Security Response Blog, a new trojan called Trojan.Eskiuel is going around infiltrating SQL servers and causing havoc:

This time we have found a new SQL threat: Trojan.Eskiuel. The main functionality of this threat is to scan the Internet to find machines with poorly configured SQL servers (i.e. with weak or non-existing passwords), gain access to them, and use their stored procedures in order to download new malware from a remote host.

Check your servers...

Apple iPod classic Black (80GB, PC/MAC - MB147LL/A) (80 GB, 20000 Songs) Digital Media Player

2008-09-19T18:08:00.019-07:00

Apple iPod classic Black (80GB, PC/MAC - MB147LL/A) (80 GB, 20000 Songs) Digital Media Player
The new iPod Classic will store so much of your favourite music with either 80GB or 160GB hard drive,

A bit of a whinge about Twitter (updated since I was wrong about Apple).

2008-09-19T18:08:00.017-07:00

A bit of a whinge about Twitter (updated since I was wrong about Apple).
Hello people.
Or person. Frankly Scarlet I don't give a damn.

Update: I was wrong about the the 2.1 update (See comments below). My unreserved apologies to Apple (I know this will help them begin the healing process after my half-cocked criticism...)

First on my list of annoyances for this week: Apple's upgrade policies for the iPod Touch.
Don't get me wrong, I think it's a brilliant device, and I have every intention of buying one once I've worked through my priority spending list of travel, guitars, and the abuse of alcohol.
What I think shows considerable cheek (and exactly no concept of fairness) is that Apple is charging iPod Touch owners for the 2.1 update.
There is nothing new about this: Touch owners have been charged for updates since the beginning. Previously however (especially not being an actual Touch owner at this point) I've been inclined to shrug it off...without knowing who is subsidising what I didn't feel strongly that there was necessarily anything wrong with charging Touch owners for updates that iPhone posers owners received for free.
With 2.1 however the situation is different, however, because this release is just a set of fixes for bugs in the initial 2.0 release.
When I Twitted my opinion of charging for service packs Mauricio rightly pointed out that Apple don't have "service packs", but my careless use of terminology aside, I think my original point stands. You should not expect people to pay for the privilege of having what they buy off you do what it was supposed to do to start with.
If you make a mess, you clean it up, and if you release buggy software you should not charge extra for the fixes.

My second whinge also concerns bugs. I'll start with my own incompetence and then move as swiftly as possible on to other people's.
The day before I left for Tech Ed I uploaded an update to my web site (introducing at long last category feeds...which a couple of days later at the bloggers' dinner Scott Hanselman advised us not to use...sigh. I'll leave them in for now and make up my mind about about that one later. But I *am* in the process of adding support for comments. But none of that has anything to do with what I'm talking about here).
As fate would have it I also accidentally uploaded an outdated copy of the Twitula CAB, so a couple of people who downloaded it during the week encountered bugs that had me scratching my head until I got home and realised the nature of my cock up.
So I re-uploaded the correct version...you can imagine my chagrin when I noticed that the "People I Follow" option was still not working, because the relevant call to the Twitter API was returning a status 404 "Not Found". I checked the issues list for the API and sure enough other people were having the same problem. Somehow the authentication for this one function has been broken. I documented my experience of the problem. More and more people added theirs. Time passed. Time passed a bit more, as is its wont. And absolutely nothing happened. Nothing decided it had got onto a good thing and continued to happen.
It seems very likely that this would be an extremely easy fix, but to date it appears that no Twitter developers have even bothered to check it out. While it's likely that workarounds can be implemented by doing a bit (or in my case, probably quite a bit) of extra work I'll leave that to those developers who have the inclination and/or financial incentive to reward bad behaviour by cleaning up after people who can't be bothered fixing their own mistakes.
Personally, I'm giving up on Twitter and looking for other avenues for my development efforts.

Grizzle grizzle whine. With extra bitching (at no additional cost).

Buying a Digital Camera - Work the Controls Before Buying

2008-09-19T18:08:00.015-07:00

Comparing digital cameras to buy? Familiarize yourself with the controls before making a decision. Read More

Logitech V550 Nano

2008-09-19T18:08:00.013-07:00

If you’re sick of dragging a sweaty finger around on your laptop’s touchpad, but equally tired of toting a mouse around with your otherwise ultra-mobile machine, Logitech’s V550 Nano promises to liberate you from carrying around that fist-sized plastic anchor by snapping it directly to your notebook. We found the concept surprisingly useful, and very well executed on Logitech’s behalf, but your results may vary depending on how you use your notebook.

Read | Permalink | User Reviews | Linking Blogs

ExpressDigital Darkroom 8.9

2008-09-19T18:08:00.011-07:00

ExpressDigital Darkroom 8.9
ExpressDigital Darkroom supports more industry leading hardware.

'The Yorkshire Aestel' – one of the original knowledge Gizmos to go under the hammer

2008-09-19T18:08:00.009-07:00

'The Yorkshire Aestel' – one of the original knowledge Gizmos to go under the hammer
September 18, 2008 'The Yorkshire Aestel' belongs to a small group of only seven known aestels; the most celebrated of which is the Alfred Jewel. An aestel is a pointer designed for the reading of manuscripts and most were commissioned by Alfred the Great, famous warrior king of England and one of history’s great champions of learning, justice and civilisation. King Alfred commissioned and sent aestels to all the bishops of his kingdom to accompany a copy of a translation of Pope Gregory I's Regula Pastoralis. Curiously, despite being one of the first man-made objects specifically designed to assist with furthering knowledge, this rare object is only expected to fetch between UKP10,000-15,000 when it goes to auction – perhaps this is a reflection on our modern values, perhaps the opportunity for a treasured possession of true meaning. A gold pointer steeped in history and the very roots of hand-written monastic scholarly endeavour , and dating from the late 9th Century is surely worth much more...

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Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Toggle Showing Underlined Letters in Menus

2008-09-19T18:08:00.007-07:00

Windows XP and the Display - Desktop - Toggle Showing Underlined Letters in Menus
Turn keyboard navigation letters inside menus in Windows XP applications on or off.

Camera Labs Assignment: vote for your favourite!

2008-09-19T18:08:00.005-07:00

Camera Labs Assignment: vote for your favourite!
It's the first day of a new month which means a new Assignment in the Camera Labs forums. The theme as suggested by the winner of May's Assignment, Georgie2H, is 'Minimalism'. To enter, visit the July Assignment Submissions page. This also means submissions for last month's Assignment are now closed so you can vote for your favourite entry of JC's 'Power of Light' theme. So to vote, register or sign-into our forums and head on over to our June Assignment Submissions thread

Staples: Envision G2219W1 22in Widescreen LCD Monitor $180 shipped

2008-09-19T18:08:00.003-07:00

Staples: Envision G2219W1 22in Widescreen LCD Monitor $180 shipped

TelstraClear + DMZGlobal + "AKILL" = this?

2008-09-19T18:08:00.001-07:00

TelstraClear + DMZGlobal + "AKILL" = this?
Strange things happen when security is concerned, and this I think is some strange way to market some DMZGlobal security and management products:

I think it just publicises this (and him) more - he got enough attention in the media a few months ago!

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars - Stop Hiding Inactive Icons

2008-09-15T08:52:00.003-07:00

Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area. Read More

The Future of Telecommunications - Some Thoughts

2008-09-15T08:52:00.001-07:00

The Future of Telecommunications - Some Thoughts

“Different methods of communication and of identifying users on communication networks will become irrelevant. I use many different methods of electronic communication, including a home phone, a mobile phone, e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, online forums and social networking sites and so on. Why should I have to distinguish between these forms of communication and they way they identify their users – why should I have to have an e-mail address, several phone numbers, several usernames of different services – why can users not just have a single user name or number which can be used to reach them however you like? Why should I have to use multiple devices such as a home phone, a cell phone, a computer and a laptop to communicate – why not have one device that can utilise all methods of communication but that comes in many different shapes and sizes – something desk-sized like a computer, something portable and then something pocket-sized. We need to take the focus out of the “how” and turn it more to the “who” and “what” of communications.”

From the section on the future of telecommunications from my thesis (of sorts). Thoughs/feedback welcome/requested

NewEgg: SAMSUNG 2253LW High-gloss 21.6in Widescreen LCD Monitor $230 shipped AR

2008-09-15T08:51:00.015-07:00

NewEgg: SAMSUNG 2253LW High-gloss 21.6in Widescreen LCD Monitor $230 shipped AR

Apple iPod nano green (8 GB) MP3 Player

2008-09-15T08:51:00.013-07:00

Without changing the name, Apple has upgraded the iPod Nano by changing its size and colour options Read More

AKVIS LightShop v.2.5

2008-09-15T08:51:00.011-07:00

Use the latest update of Akvis LightShop to create amazing light effects that draw attention and animate photographs. Read More

Sandisk launches 32GB Extreme III CompactFlash card

2008-09-15T08:51:00.009-07:00

Sandisk launches 32GB Extreme III CompactFlash card
SanDisk has added a 32GB CompactFlash (CF) card to its Extreme III line which offers transfer rates of 30 MB/s and enough capacity to store more than 80 minutes of 100 MB/s, 10-bit, 4:2:2 HD video. The card will be priced at around USD$300 when it hits stores worldwide in October...

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LG 42LT75 Television

2008-09-15T08:51:00.007-07:00

LG 42LT75 Television
The LG 42LT75 is a revolutionary LCD TV that has an integrated 160GB hard drive allowing you to pause

Dell Home: XPS 420 desktop Q6600 3GB 320GB BD 256MB video 2yr + 20 in wide LCD $1199 shipped

2008-09-15T08:51:00.005-07:00

Dell Home: XPS 420 desktop Q6600 3GB 320GB BD 256MB video 2yr + 20 in wide LCD $1199 shipped

Olympus E-520 - full review and video tour

2008-09-15T08:51:00.003-07:00

The Olympus E-520 is the successor to one of the best-selling DSLRs of last year, the popular E-510. The new E-520 takes the 10 Megapixel resolution, Live View, built-in stabilisation, and effective anti-dust features of its predecessor and adds new contrast-based AF in Live View with Face Detection, a bigger screen, quicker continuous shooting, support for wireless flash control, an extra IS mode for panning with the camera held of its side, and a new optional underwater housing. It also offers improved dynamic range and previews of many adjustments. So one of the most feature-packed DSLRs has just got better, but is it enough to compete with the latest rivals? Find out in our Olympus E-520 review and to see a demonstration of its highlights, check out our Olympus E-520 video tour. Read More

Price Decrease on Nikon D200, D80, D40 and Select Nikkor Lenses

2008-09-15T08:51:00.001-07:00

Nikon Canada Inc. has today announced new lower manufacturer's recommended retail pricing (MSRP) on a number of their digital SLR cameras, including the family photography oriented 6.1 MP Nikon D40 and the Nikon D80 digital SLR for the advanced amateur. The Nikon D200 (for the serious hobbyist and professional geared photographer) has been reduced in price by $100 to a new MSRP of $1399 CAN, while the Nikkor AF 80-400mm F/4-5.6 VR zoom lens has been reduced in price by $120 to a new retail of $1579 Canadian. Nikon Canada has also confirmed pricing for their latest new lenses, including the Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II zoom, the AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED Macro, and the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED tilt/shift lens. See full story... Read More

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 with 18x zoom

2008-09-13T16:30:00.011-07:00

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 with 18x zoom
Panasonic has today introduced the 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital camera, featuring a 27mm wide-angle Leica lens with an 18x optical zoom (27mm-486mm). The powerful 18x zoom lens makes it easy to pull in subjects from far away or to take dramatic close-ups. See full story...

SanDisk announces 32 GB Extreme III CompactFlash

2008-09-13T16:30:00.009-07:00

SanDisk has released a new 32 GB, high speed CompactFlash card targeted to professional photography and videography markets. Read More

Windows Vista - Mouse - Find the Pointer Easily with a Keypress

2008-09-13T16:30:00.007-07:00

Having difficulty locating the mouse pointer on a Windows Vista system? This tweak may help. ... Read More

Tim McKenna

2008-09-13T16:30:00.005-07:00

Action Sports Photographer Tim McKenna teams up with Outdoor-Archiv Read More

Samsung NV20

2008-09-13T16:30:00.003-07:00

Samsung NV20
Samsung have released the NV20 along with two other digital cameras, but this one takes pride of place

You interview the CEO: Telecom NZ Dr Paul Reynolds waiting your questions

2008-09-13T16:30:00.001-07:00

You interview the CEO: Telecom NZ Dr Paul Reynolds waiting your questions
It took some time, but it happened. We now have a discussion open in our Telecom New Zealand forum, waiting for your questions to CEO Dr Paul Reynolds.

The idea is simple: people can post their questions in the thread, and after a week I will be forwarding these to get his answers. I will then post the answers on Geekzone.

We have done this before with other major telcos in New Zealand - check the answers for Orcon, TelstraClear, and WorldxChange.

Thanks to the Telecom folks who helped us get there!

LG 42LT75 Television

2008-09-13T16:29:00.007-07:00

LG 42LT75 Television
The LG 42LT75 is a revolutionary LCD TV that has an integrated 160GB hard drive allowing you to pause

The MX-6000 RF and WiFi capable universal remote

2008-09-13T16:29:00.005-07:00

The MX-6000 touch-screen remote control provides users with access to their media library - including data on their PC and iPod - using both a narrow band 418 MHz transmitter and an 802.11 B/G WiFi transceiver. This makes it the first control to offer two independent communications and control methods simultaneously...

Tags: Audio, iPod, Network, Remote Control, Touch Screen

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Nikon Announces Coolpix P80 with 18x Optical Zoom

2008-09-13T16:29:00.003-07:00

Nikon has today announced their first entry into the super zoom point and shoot market with the Nikon Coolpix P80, a 10MP compact camera featuring an 18x optical wide angle zoom, in camera CCD shift image stabilization, an electronic viewfinder as well as a large 2.7-inch high resolution 230K LCD rear monitor with wide viewing angle. See full story... Read More

Samsung NV20

2008-09-13T16:29:00.001-07:00

Samsung NV20
Samsung have released the NV20 along with two other digital cameras, but this one takes pride of place

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 preview

2008-09-13T03:57:00.019-07:00

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 preview
Today Panasonic announced the first camera based on the new Micro Four Thirds Standard: the Lumix DMC-G1. Micro Four Thirds bodies take the sensor from traditional Four Thirds bodies, but dispense with the mirror and optical viewfinder for smaller bodies which are also silent in operation. The new G1 features a new 12.1 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, a 3in screen which fully flips out for unusual angles, a highly detailed electronic viewfinder, HDMI output and Panasonic's Intelligent Auto. Panasonic has also announced two new Micro Four Thirds zooms with optical stabilisation. Find out how this exciting new hybrid compares to both DSLRs and compacts in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 preview.

Great photojournalist will be missed

2008-09-13T03:57:00.017-07:00

Great photojournalist will be missed
The first woman to win the World Press Photo of the year has died.

more on Wellington's Software Freedom Day

2008-09-13T03:57:00.015-07:00

more on Wellington's Software Freedom Day
The Venue for Software Freedom Day is both the Wellington city Town Hall, _AND_ the Michael Fowler Centre. Town hall provides the bar camp rooms, barristers serving free Havana coffee and breakout rooms - as well as the Buffet table and bar. In the Michael Fowler Centre, we've got couches galore, and table+chair for the SuperHappyDevHouse HackFest, and the WellyLUG installfest. All with a harbour view, and blinds so the sun it doesn't burns us. The two venues are links via this glass air bridge: There's free wireless internet access via cafenet in both venues.. The whole venue was hired by our Sponsors: CWA New Media!! REGISTER AT FOR FREE @ softwarefreedomday.org.nz

SanDisk announces 32 GB Extreme III CompactFlash

2008-09-13T03:57:00.013-07:00
SanDisk has released a new 32 GB, high speed CompactFlash card targeted to professional photography and videography markets. Read More

Dell Home: Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS 8MP 3X Zoom Digital Camera $160 shipped

2008-09-13T03:57:00.011-07:00
Read More

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Test and Sample Images

2008-09-13T03:57:00.009-07:00
Having had the opportunity to test the Nikon D60 with the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction (VR) kit lens, we have published a few sample images taken with a Nikon D60 (Firmware A 1:00, B 1:00) under a range of ISO sensitivity settings and exploring some of the available options on the camera. See full story... Read More

HP: HP dv9700t notebook T5750 17in WXGA+ 3GB 250GB $750 shipped

2008-09-13T03:57:00.007-07:00
Read More

SkinStore: 20% off coupon code

2008-09-13T03:57:00.005-07:00
Read More

Fraunhofer develops technology for the bonded aircraft

2008-09-13T03:57:00.003-07:00
An aircraft is held together by hundreds of thousands of rivets. Fully automatic machines install rivet holes and rivets with precision in numerous materials. A new hybrid technology combines this mechanical joining technique with adhesive bonding. The lighter an aircraft is, the less fuel it consumes. Given the need to cut carbon dioxide emissions, this is a key aspect of materials research. Aircraft manufacturers are therefore pinning their hopes on particularly lightweight construction materials. These include not only lightweight metals, but also fiber composite plastics, particularly carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). Whenever two CFRP components have to be joined together, this has so far been accomplished primarily by riveting...

Tags: Aviation, Construction, DS, Fraunhofer, Hybrid, LED, NEC

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Nikon D3 and D300 Scene Recognition System Developer Interview

2008-09-13T03:57:00.001-07:00
Nikon has provided a behind the scenes interview with the developer of their new scene recognition system technology which is incorporated in the latest Nikon D3 and D300 digital cameras. Leveraging the data provided by their 1005 pixel RGB matrix meter, Nikons new SRS provides more precise subject identification, optimizing autofocus, exposure and white balance detection. See full story... Read More