New Game World

CONSUMER TECH’S PROBLEM SOLVERS
AND PROBLEM MAKERS
By Richard M. Sherwin

For three years, I’ve been trying to synch my Outlook files from Microsoft’s office package that runs on my PCs to my Mac Book Pro. Microsoft , with Apple’s OK, never built a really good email,  contact, calendar, notes and task manager into the Apple edition of Office. Reason? It might steal customers from its cash cow Office for PC. And even my Mac “drank the Kool-aide” friends always admitted that they have problems when trying to get accurate data into Entourage, the Apple-Microsoft version of Outlook.
For me, Apple standalone email, contact manager, also didn’t give me enough flexibility to import and export content from a laptop PC to a Mac and vice versa.
Recently Microsoft execs told me that this was the number one complaint of Mac users using Microsoft’s Office and that by early next year Outlook will replace Entourage, arguably one of the worst software programs ever made. Six months more of using time consuming synching programs almost made me dump my Mac. I dreaded using Outlook to Mac, a $10 shareware program that’s not even worth $10 it is so inconsistent. Using Yahoo mail to synch my PC and Mac is not very accurate so I wind up with duplications of names and dates while missing important data. It is easy to transfer Outlook to Outlook files from one PC to another, but once again, Microsoft, until next February, has made it almost impossible to go from Mac to PC and back. It seems that no one (except some hearty enterprise souls) has ever cleanly synched the terrible Microsoft Entourage program with the best selling yet not perfect Outlook.
But, out of nowhere, while trying to synch my terrific Verizon Blackberry Tour for the first time on my Mac, I reached nirvana almost by accident. While moving photos and music and video to my new tech addiction (loving the Blackberry way more than the iPhone), I noticed that there was a beta version of  a program dubbed Pocket-Mac for Blackberry, a  free download that had a seemingly easy uninstall if things went splooey. And then I noticed a simple extra built-in Blackberry software module that, when you used Pocket Mac, let you take your contacts, calendar, notes etc and synch them with Entourage.
Since the data comes from the easy to use Blackberry Outlook synch for the PC, this meant that for the first time in three years my Mac would have the same content for business and personal contacts as my PCs. And conversely if I save any new calendar appointments, contacts and tasks and notes on my Mac I can now easily merge them into my PC’s Outlook program.

The PocketMac Blackberry program worked right away and Blackberry promises some more enhancements any day now which will make the Blackberry a better all around product for multiple PCs and or Macs than any iPhone or any standalone software product from Microsoft.

Too Many Ports In a Storm

One of my older TVs has only one HDMI port and when I use a Play Station, Blue Ray player. TiVo HD series 3 or new digital set top box on that TV, I have to take out the HDMI cable from the TV and to use that particular device. And since reducing cables is also a goal, if I have to add more components to my component in-put on my TV I then cause a ruckus in the home. I used switchers from a few accessory makers, but some didn’t comply with HDMI standards, so they didn’t work with all my HDMI enabled devices. Monster Cable has come up with an old idea on a new problem selling a 3-in one HDMI switcher (remember A-B switches when there was one port for everything on your TV) that makes an easy solution. The key is not the sometimes a little pricey Monster version of this product but the fact that Monster does take the time in all of its cables to make sure they comply with ever changing and confusing industry standards definitely worth the extra few dollsar. Of course this solution would be even easier if the people who run the standards for HDMI had any idea what problems they cause consumers. But that’s whole other column.

Can You Ear Me?
I’ve been loath to wear a Blue Tooth ear-phone. One because I look silly and most importantly because none feel comfortable around my ear or fit into my ear as the ear buds are too big or small or the around the ear or the around the ear holder is too uncomfortable. But with the 2010 models coming out, I actually have tried a few and now can join the talk to myself crowd.

The Jawbone Prime

We told you about the cool looking Jawbone models that were more like jewelry then around the ear blue tooth devices. The new version though comes with so many in-ear and out of ear  options included, that even I can look cool. Jawbone’s colors are more like couture designs then CE devices but the clarity is better than most of my mobile phones and the comfort range is right on or in your ear. If you are an ear-look kind of guy or girl, there’s one in the package too. You have a choice of four colors and they units are priced at $129.99 and its available at most major CE stores and several warehouse clubs along with regional stores, too. Plantronic’s  Voyager Pro also has a cool and comfortable look and feel, but its earlobe attachment does not come off.

 

Does HP know What Compaq is Doing?
I don’t think so. In our quest to find some major things wrong with Windows 7…which we have had no problems with…we have used Dell, MSI, Lenovo, several no name PC desktop, notebook and net-book models and alas the new operating system is a dream. From six- year- old hand built PCs with only a gig of Ram to Professional based multimedia models, Win 7 is matching wits and exceeding Mac’s vaunted OS. But we found a bug. Apparently, nearly all major and minor PC makers, have designed a way for the new OS to work and their drivers (the software that tells the PC how to work with printers, modems, Ethernet, sounds boards and video cards) is available for almost any model dating back 6 years or so. And Microsoft to its credit, seems to have really done its home work. But in our last week of testing we noticed only one model from Compaq (and now maybe a few more as readers chime in) that after installing Win 7, we had a problem. The basic drivers for connected to the Internet don’t work on many Compaq models.
The higher priced more feature laden HP models, (HP owns Compaq) have no issues with Win 7, but Compaq is not supported with drivers for Vista or Windows 7 like other PC makers. So maybe when you go to a store and see that the HP model is priced slightly higher, it might be worth it to look at that PC then its cheaper relative Compaq.

The Envelope Please: For Worst Software Maker!

So  my family and myself recently took some great digital photos and videos of my grand children using a  Casio Exilm camera, the award winning Canon SD880 and my new and improved Panasonic Lumix camera and my tiny Pure Digital Flip video recorder. I also have them talking and singing for the first time which I recorded with my Sansa Fuse MP3 player and then showed them off on the truly underrated Archos 6400. When all was said and done (well and badly), I needed to edit the audio and video and digital images and I put the content on my son’s Dell multimedia PC.
The Flip  has an absolutely fool proof embedded editing and email program for the little device and Panasonic and Casio use some easy yet sophisticated free software too for rudimentary video and digital photo content and for bigger projects we all use Pinnacle, Arcsoft and when we have patience the Sony Vegas video editing software.. In this case I wanted to put everything together and decided to use whatever came bundled with  my computer. As usual the No. 1 all-around program usually available on most major PCs is Roxio.


When you buy the award winning Panasonic Lumix camera use the software that it came with it to edit your digital pictures and videos. .

 

And as usual after 15 years, Roxio is still the most dangerous program to use when you are really wanting quality and speed and accuracy. I was so frustrated with it locking my son’s Dell, my MSI and then even my wife’s super powerful ram heavy HP. But this problem with Roxio (whose tech support still remain among the ten worst in the industry) is actually my own stupidity. I vowed in a column  3 years ago 6 years ago and ten years ago never to use Roxio, no matter how many times it said it had made the version easier and safer and less system hogging. So now I have taken the steps which I should have before and uninstalled the program from any and all computers of  my family and friends.

CELLing your mobile in your apartment or home

Many readers have been telling me that now that they have dropped their first or second line and are using their mobile phone as the replacement, they are not getting very good reception in their high rise apartments or very rural home locations. While V-Tech and other home phone makers were talking about this, Panasonic actually introduced a solution to these mobile phone at home issues. Their KX-TH1211/2B LinkToCell Telephone uses Bluetooth technology to enable you to make and receive cell phone calls using your home handset, with or without a landline. Keep the base unit where you get the strongest signal and use the handsets safely and easily anywhere in your apartment or home. Bundled with one (KX-TH1211) or two (KX-TH1212) handsets and additional handsets available sold separately. .
Here’s some of the top products we’ve seen and used at recent trade shows:

Acoustic Research Xsight™ Remote Controls

The Acoustic Research Xsight remote is ideal for anyone who is tired of using three or four remotes to operate a home entertainment system—and can be set up to control your TV, cable/satellite box, audio receiver and other A/V components in just minutes. They have a color LCD screen and simple button layout so everyone in the family can control the system and easily find their favorite TV channels.

 

Advanced Linksys NAS Servers

We loved the new Cisco Linksys Network-attached storage servers. The NMH300 series is a budget solution that offers just the core features of the Media Hub, and you need to use a computer to manage the device. The more advanced NMH400 series feature an LCD screen that lets users view a variety of information and perform certain tasks without a PC, like updating firmware and making instant backups. The NMH400 series also has a six-in-one card reader for users to transfer content of flash media onto the Media Hub without the need for a computer.

Energizer(R) Solutions in Solar Charging Technology, Rechargeable Power Packs and Emergency Chargers

Cell phone charger

The Energi To Go line features the Energi To Go(R) Portable Power for Cell Phones, rechargeable power packs that use lithium polymer battery technology to power a wide variety of mobile electronic devices including Smart and cell phones, iPhone(TM), iPod(R) and MP3 players, GPS units, digital cameras and camcorders, netbooks and laptops.

New Duracell Personal Power Solutions

Duracell is focused on keeping consumers connected to the devices they need the most at all times with their Smart Power line which includes myGrid™ charging pad, which eliminates the mess of multiple cords by simultaneously charging multiple devices, Instant Charger, provides reserve power for mobile devices, Powerhouse Charger, for reserve power for your most critical devices, a Pocket Charger that works with all USB-powered cell phones,  GoMobile, which delivers a charge to AA or AAA NiMH batteries in just one hour, GoEasy, compact enough to go where you go and charges up to two AA or AAA NiMH batteries and Daylite LED Flashlight, which captures up to 100 percent of light to focus a brighter, whiter beam, while providing 5 times the battery life of everyday “incandescent bulb” flashlights.

Panasonic Two-Line DECT Cordless Telephone/Answering System

Panasonic  KX-TG9381T  two-line DECT cordless telephone/answering system with cellular phonebook transfer via Bluetooth and wireless headset compatibility. This is the first of Panasonic’s DECT phones that have been proven to NOT interfere with other wireless apparatus in your home. Known previously for terrific sound quality and low repair rates, Panasonic because they were a industry leader in sales also suffered from a lot of consumer complains about interference with computer mice, wifi adapter etc. Now they’ve combined their well known  quality with a phone wont talk to your keyboard or mouse.

D-Link All-In-One Router With Built-In Photo Frame/Widget Display And Storage Capabilities

This device has all the features of a fast, far-reaching 802.11n Wi-Fi router combined with network attached storage (NAS), SharePort technology for sharing printers and scanners, along with a bright 3.2-inch LCD monitor on the face for displaying photos, desktop applications and network performance. Designed with convenience and functionality in mind, the new D-Link® Xtreme N® DIR-685 offers a stylish, even chic addition to the digital home. Its upright design allows users to easily view the vibrant LCD screen that displays device status via graphical gauges, digital photos, streamed video, weather forecasts and other live streaming Internet content in up to 1.6 million colors.

Fujifilm’s Long-Zoom Digital Compact Camera With DSL-Like Capabilities

The FinePix F70EXR is a sleek, compact digital camera that combines intuitive use with the most advanced features and technology available in a point-and-shoot digital camera. It’s Fujifilm’s first model in the growing long-zoom compact segment with an impressive Fujinon 10x wide angle optical zoom. And it’s only 22.7mm thick.

 

The Loop™ Pointer

 

The Loop™ pointer from Hillcrest Labs is an in-air mouse for TV, designed for the millions of people who connect their PC or Mac® to their home televisions. It lets you control an on-screen cursor with a flick of the wrist and navigate the Web or your home media content on TV. The distinctive design is round and ergonomic including just four buttons and a scroll wheel and lets you relax comfortably on the couch, hold the Loop pointer in any position, and control your favorite online video sites, photo sites, music sites and more on the TV screen. The company has come close to selling their innovative company, let’s hope they stay independent and develop some more terrific and useful products.

 

Jawbone Prime with 'Earcandy'

The Aliph Jawbone Prime is the successor to the highly acclaimed Aliph Jawbone 2 from last year. It has almost the same design as the Jawbone 2, except it has a dimpled loop pattern on the surface and a slight dip on the front to indicate the multifunction Talk button.

 

New cameras from Kodak include high-zoom Z-Series

The KODAK EASYSHARE Z950 Digital Camera offers a 10X image stabilized Schneider-Kreuznach optical zoom lens that provides maximum versatility for avid photographers to easily handle both distant and close-up shots. It also incorporates Kodak’s innovative Smart Capture feature, which automatically adjusts focus, flash, and exposure for a great picture in virtually any setting.

Honestech, which markets some really useful problem solving software-hardware accessories has updates its line of products. Below are the latest versions from this 10 year old company.

New FOTOBOX™ USB device creates multimedia slideshows from photos, videos, music, and narration.

FOTOBOX features a USB 2.0 interface, with an integrated memory card reader, and imbedded PC software within FLASH memory which automatically runs on a PC without software installation. Pictures taken by Digital Cameras with a memory cards can be easily loaded to create slideshows by inserting memory card into the card reader slot.

VHS to DVD™ Deluxe 4.0

Now you can easily convert your VHS, BetaMax, VHS-C and other analog and digital video to DVD format. The new VHS to DVD Deluxe 4.0 has received certification from the Blue-ray consortium and supports high definition video editing. It includes Blue-ray support, High Def. Video support and editing up to 1080p. Backward compatibility to VHS/NTSC formats helping you “unlock your memories and secure them for year to come.”

Audio Recorder 2.0 Plus

The Audio Recorder Deluxe 2.0 enables you to convert your cassettes, phonograph records, and move between various audio formats including; MP-3, WAV and Audio CD. It connects directly to your PC with the included 10' audio cable and adapter for 3.5mm devices.

Claymation Studio 2.0,

Let your kids make their own movies. Now it’s easy with the 2010 version of this sure to become family favorite software.

Audio 995 Wireless Headset

 

The new .Audio™ 995 Digital Wireless Stereo Headset for multimedia and voice applications on the PC provides digital stereo sound for music, movies, gaming and internet calls — without the cords. It utilizes advanced Plantronics audio technology and the digital 2.4gHz frequency for exceptional audio and lower interference with other wireless devices. Users can wirelessly roam up to 40 feet away from the PC and remotely control volume, play and skip tracks on iTunes® and Windows Media® Player via music controls directly on the earpiece.

Seagate’s New FreeAgent Theater+™  HD Media Player

The FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player leverages the Seagate FreeAgent Go™ portable drive docking system that provides a quick and easy way to connect your external hard drive to your television or home entertainment center. After loading the drive with your favorite movies, videos, music and pictures from the home PC, simply slide it into the FreeAgent Theater+ dock to get instant access to your digital media library, sit back, relax, point, click and enjoy as digitally captured memories and your favorite movies come to life in 1080p HD video, DTS™ 2.0 + Digital Out, or Dolby Digital technology.

VTECH® LS6245 cORDLESS PHONE SYSTEM

The stylish VTech LS6245 cordless phone and digital answering system combines advanced Bluetooth features with the best call clarity and sound quality, for just $79.95.  As a result, you have an affordable, advanced and sleek home communications solution that avoids the traditional problems of using cellular phones in the home – dropped calls and poor call clarity and range. 
Western Digital’s Smaller and Smarter and even More Secure Ultra Portable My Passport Essential Drives

Pocket-Size Drives with WD  SmartWare™ and hardware encryption keep consumers ‘digital lives secure in one place. More than 20 percent smaller than the previous generation My Passport, the new My Passport Essential portable drives are the smallest portable drives with the largest capacity available on the market today.