Switched http://www.switched.com Switched. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Travelteq Trip Sound: We Take a Seat on the Scooting, Suitcase Soundsystem]]> http://www.switched.com/2011/03/07/travelteq-trip-sound-review/ http://www.switched.com/2011/03/07/travelteq-trip-sound-review/ http://www.switched.com/2011/03/07/travelteq-trip-sound-review/#comments

What it is:

A multi-purpose rolling bag that also serves as a portable seat and a take-along boombox.

Why it's different:

The Trip Sound is a bag, chair and boombox all at once, which makes it pretty unique. It's designed for travelers who find themselves restless in airports, with no free seat to relax upon, and no decent sound system to crank in their hotel rooms. If there's ever been a bag that would let you live out of it, this may be the one.

Gallery: Travelteq Trip Sound

Continue reading Travelteq Trip Sound: We Take a Seat on the Scooting, Suitcase Soundsystem

Travelteq Trip Sound: We Take a Seat on the Scooting, Suitcase Soundsystem originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> featuresHypeCheckTheTriptoptraveltravelteqtravelteq+trip+soundTravelteqTripSoundTripSound Evan Shamoon Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Creative ZiiSound D5, Wireless Bluetooth Speakers Under $300]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/12/13/creative-ziisound-d5-bluetooth-speaker-under-300/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/13/creative-ziisound-d5-bluetooth-speaker-under-300/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/13/creative-ziisound-d5-bluetooth-speaker-under-300/#comments Creative ZiiSound D5 At just 3.5 inches tall, the ZiiSound D5 keeps a low profile, making it exceedingly suitable for shelf placement. If you've got a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, MP3 player or computer, you can effortlessly stream tunes to the D5, and for those with iPods sans Bluetooth (Nano, Classic, first-gen iPod Touch), it comes bundled with a special Bluetooth dongle that attaches to the bottom of your iPod for just the same experience (the dongle hides inside the speaker itself when not in use). The speaker is GSM shielded (i.e. telephone signal-friendly), and an AUX input means you can even stick it below your TV and use it as a home-theater speaker in a pinch. Its cloth covering is a nice touch -- though keep in mind that your cat may find it irresistible.

Price: $299
www.creative.com

Gift Guide: Creative ZiiSound D5, Wireless Bluetooth Speakers Under $300 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audiocreativecreative ziisound d5CreativeZiisoundD5hggtopziisound d5ZiisoundD5 Evan Shamoon Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Audyssey's 'South of Market Edition' Bluetooth Speaker Packs a Punch]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/12/11/audyssey-south-of-market-edition-bluetooth-speaker-dock/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/11/audyssey-south-of-market-edition-bluetooth-speaker-dock/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/11/audyssey-south-of-market-edition-bluetooth-speaker-dock/#comments Despite its small frame, Audyssey's Audio Dock packs a whole lot of punch -- with a surprising amount of bass and high-end clarity. You can stick your iPod or iPhone into the dock connector (GSM-shielded so phones don't need to be switched into airplane mode), or stream tunes over Bluetooth from virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device (even your PC). Built-in dual microphones turn the dock into a mini phone booth, by which you can either Skype or make traditional cell calls. Audyssey is actually the company behind the calibration systems in many home audio setups, so it comes as no surprise that this beast is highly customizable. (A free app for your iDevice lets you tweak tone controls, EQ and listening modes.)

Price: $400
www.audyssey.com

Gift Guide: Audyssey's 'South of Market Edition' Bluetooth Speaker Packs a Punch originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audioaudysseybluetooth streamingBluetoothStreaminghggiphonedockipoddocktop Evan Shamoon Sat, 11 Dec 2010 12:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: RedEye Makes Your iPhone a Universal Remote for $49]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/12/09/redeye-makes-your-iphone-a-universal-remote-for-49/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/09/redeye-makes-your-iphone-a-universal-remote-for-49/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/09/redeye-makes-your-iphone-a-universal-remote-for-49/#comments Most of us have an armada of remote controls covering our coffee tables, lost between our sofa cushions, and perhaps absentmindedly placed inside our refrigerators. And, while a universal remote can solve the problem of a surplus of too many, it will likely be expensive -- and, for that matter, just another remote. The RedEye mini takes the most powerful handheld device in your home -- your iPhone -- and transforms it into a remote, able to control everything from television sets and DVRs to DVD players and audio receivers. Plug the $50 dongle into your iPhone's headphone port, download the free RedEye app, and enter your devices' IR codes by inputting their manufacturer and model numbers. Suddenly, you're in business, controlling everything via an onscreen interface that (probably) never leaves your side.

www.thinkflood.com
Price: $49.99

Continue reading Gift Guide: RedEye Makes Your iPhone a Universal Remote for $49

Gift Guide: RedEye Makes Your iPhone a Universal Remote for $49 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> donglehggIphoneDongleRedEyeMiniremoteRemoteContoltopTvRemote Evan Shamoon Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Herman Miller Embody, the Ultimate Workspace Gift]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/herman-miller-embody-ultimate-office-gift/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/herman-miller-embody-ultimate-office-gift/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/herman-miller-embody-ultimate-office-gift/#comments Herman Miller Embody Chances are you have a loved one who is constantly hovering over their laptop, their arms folded in, their spine folded into a piece of modern art. Other than being mindful of how you sit, the best way to improve your computing posture is with the help of a good chair. And, while it's certainly going to cost you, the Embody is the cream of the crop. This Herman Miller design sports seven levers to perfectly tune the chair to your body, and a layer of supportive mesh that lets air in and out from behind your back and beneath your butt. The length and tension of recline, seat depth, back curvature and armrest positioning can all be adjusted (to name but a few), and the backrest has a series of individual supports to fit any back like a glove. The Embody is constructed from sustainable, non-toxic materials -- 42-percent recycled content, in fact, which makes the chair itself 95-percent recyclable. Oh, and it's also just a beautiful piece of furniture. If there's ever been an office chair that looks like it costs $1,200, it's this one.

Design Within Reach
Price: $1,199 - $1,399

Gift Guide: Herman Miller Embody, the Ultimate Workspace Gift originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> chairdesignEmbodyChairHermanMillerhggtop Evan Shamoon Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Blueline Power Cost Monitor Keeps Energy Costs Low]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/blueline-power-cost-monitor-keeps-energy-costs-low/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/blueline-power-cost-monitor-keeps-energy-costs-low/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/blueline-power-cost-monitor-keeps-energy-costs-low/#comments Ever wonder how much juice your various gadgets and appliances are sucking out of your wallet? (And, for that matter, the planet's energy reserves?) With the Blueline Power Cost Monitor, wonder no longer. Attach the Monitor's sensor to the face of the power-utility meter outside your home, tell it what your electric company is charging per kilowatt, and let it figure things out for you. Using an infrared camera, it essentially reads the meter's dial, and transmits the data to an indoor receiver in real time. Blueline reckons that you'll save 20-percent on your power bills, and it may actually be right; you'll be shocked to see how much cash you're burning by leaving that damn laptop open all day and night.

PowerCostMonitor.com
Price: $109.00

Gift Guide: Blueline Power Cost Monitor Keeps Energy Costs Low originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> BluelinePowerCostMonitorEnergyMonitorgreenhggPowerMonitortop Evan Shamoon Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Apple iPad, the No Brainer Tablet for 2010]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/12/01/apple-ipad-best-tablet/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/01/apple-ipad-best-tablet/ http://www.switched.com/2010/12/01/apple-ipad-best-tablet/#comments ipad It's rare that a gadget feels as transformative as the iPad. With its recent iOS 4.2 update, which essentially brings the device up to speed with the iPhone/iPod interface, the iPad finally feels like the tablet we wanted from the beginning. The addition of the multi-tasking and folders functions is huge, and, if you've got an AppleTV, AirPlay should prove to be a nice way to seamlessly experience your videos and music on the big screen (and on real speakers). There are now tons of great apps available, and pairing Apple's own productivity suite (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote) with a Bluetooth keyboard can even turn the 'Pad into a usable work machine in a pinch. Battery life is great (roughly 10 hours), and it's become our platform of choice for watching videos on YouTube, Hulu Plus, Netflix and Vimeo, as well as for checking RSS feeds (with our favorite app, Reeder), scanning the New York Times, and much more. It won't replace your laptop anytime soon, but it will begin to feel like an essential part of your digital life very, very quickly.

www.apple.com
Price: $499 - $829

Gallery: Apple iPad

Gift Guide: Apple iPad, the No Brainer Tablet for 2010 originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> appleapple ipadAppleIpadhggipadtop Evan Shamoon Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Encourage Audiophilia With Aiaiai's TMA-1 Headphones]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/11/29/aiaiai-tma-1-headphones-/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/29/aiaiai-tma-1-headphones-/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/29/aiaiai-tma-1-headphones-/#comments Aiaiai's TMA-1 headphones It's tough to stand out in the headphone crowd (especially without looking like you're trying too hard), but Aiaiai's TMA-1 phones do so with the utmost subtlety. These minimal, utilitarian cans are coated in a matte rubber, which makes them remarkably drop-, bend- and crush-resistant. They're sturdy without being heavy (less than seven ounces, in fact), meaning they won't cause ear soreness or fatigue. The TMA-1s were initially designed for DJs, and are heavy on bass; these guys will get those rumbling bass lines and drums across loud and clear. Sound isolation is impressive, and customization options let you swap the cable and earcups depending on your taste. (Faux leather and foam cups are included in the box, as is a slick carrying pouch.) This is high-quality product design, unlikely to disappoint even the fussiest of giftees.

www.aiaiai.dk
Price: $199

Gallery: Aiaiai TMA-1

Gift Guide: Encourage Audiophilia With Aiaiai's TMA-1 Headphones originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aiaiaiaiaiai tma-1AiaiaiTma-1audioearbudsheadphoneshggsoundtma-1top Evan Shamoon Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:40:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Our Favorite Design-Friendly Office Chairs Will Have You Sitting Pretty]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/best-design-friendly-office-chairs/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/best-design-friendly-office-chairs/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/best-design-friendly-office-chairs/#comments
Design Chairs

On the list of great gifts that make a recipient happy, a good office chair ranks at the top (well, at least here at Switched). For those of us who spend the majority of our lives perched in front of computers (sad, but true), sitting in a shoddy chair makes as much sense as commuting to work on a pogo stick. A nice seat can be pretty pricey (as anything under the $500 to $600 range lands you in Ikea/Office Max territory), but, if you can manage the cost, it's absolutely worth the price of admission. Here are three great options for the discerning sitter who is willing to splurge.

Continue reading Our Favorite Design-Friendly Office Chairs Will Have You Sitting Pretty

Our Favorite Design-Friendly Office Chairs Will Have You Sitting Pretty originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> DeskChairfeaturesfurnitureHermanMillerHermanMillerAeronhggknollKnollChadwickOfficeChairOfficeEquipmentsteelcaseSteelcaseLeaptop Evan Shamoon Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Bluelounge CableBox Mini Cuts Your Cable Clutter]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/11/19/bluelounge-cablebox-mini-cuts-your-cable-clutter-gift/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/19/bluelounge-cablebox-mini-cuts-your-cable-clutter-gift/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/19/bluelounge-cablebox-mini-cuts-your-cable-clutter-gift/#comments blueloung cablebox mini For neat freaks and office hurricanes alike, there are few things more annoying than cable clutter. That's where Bluelounge's CableBox Mini excels. Plug your devices into the internal four-socket surge protector, stuff the excess cables into the box, and cover it. Boom! Minimalism achieved. The box is available in a variety of colors, is made of fire-retardant plastic (for when you are just on fire at the office -- badum), and comes with ten twist-ties to keep things orderly inside the box. It'll be a while before we live in a completely cable-free world, so you might as well tidy up in the meantime.

Price: $29.99

Gift Guide: Bluelounge CableBox Mini Cuts Your Cable Clutter originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blueloungeBlueLoungeCableBoxMinicableshgghouseholdorganizertop Evan Shamoon Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[What's the Best Affordable, Non-Dorky Bluetooth Headset?]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/best-bluetooth-headset-blueant-t1-affordable/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/best-bluetooth-headset-blueant-t1-affordable/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/best-bluetooth-headset-blueant-t1-affordable/#comments BlueAnt T1 So my city is cracking down big time on driving while talking, but my kids call me to pick them up from school. I need to use my phone on-the-go. I'm going to breakdown and ask for some help with a solid, non-flashy Bluetooth headpiece. I don't want to be that lady muttering to herself, but safety first. Also, I am a complete ditz when it comes to recharging my devices, so I need something with good battery life. Please... Just Tell Me What To Get!

Ah, the old Bluetooth conundrum: to look a fool and be hands-free, or to balance your touch-screen on your greasy face while driving. Well, if you must go wireless, we've got a solution for you. When looking for a new Bluetooth headset, you want something that is comfortable, provides consistent sound quality (on both ends of the line), sports a solid battery life, and won't break while it's hopping between your ears, drawers, glove compartments and pockets. BlueAnt's T1 fits the bill, and can be found for less than $60 online. Most importantly, its clean, understated design means you won't feel like a goober when it's attached to the side of your head.

Gallery: BlueAnt T1

Continue reading What's the Best Affordable, Non-Dorky Bluetooth Headset?

What's the Best Affordable, Non-Dorky Bluetooth Headset? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blueantblueant t1BlueantT1bluetoothBluetoothHeadsetfeaturesheadsetjusttellmewhattogetperipheralst1top Evan Shamoon Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[A Quick 'n' Dirty Guide to Keeping Your Data In the Cloud]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/11/03/cloud-storage-guide-data-backup/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/03/cloud-storage-guide-data-backup/ http://www.switched.com/2010/11/03/cloud-storage-guide-data-backup/#comments Cloud Surfing As many of us have discovered the hard way, backing up your data is not only a smart practice, but a necessity. No matter how careful you are with them, hard drives will eventually fail -- and losing all your personal files is about as fun as getting punched in the ear. While an external drive is great, it doesn't account for all scenarios: What if your home is robbed and the thieves take both the original and the backup? What if your house burns down, gets caught in a tsunami, or incinerated by an alien death ray? What then?

Then, our distinguished readers, you run to The Cloud -- that fluffy space that exists online, and online only. The cloud is a perfect place to back up your data, manage your data storage, share files with friends and coworkers, and access your docs from any Internet-connected computer. We've surfed the cloud and come up with solutions for all your data needs -- allowing you to share files or keep an archive, while saving yourself money, time and that precious data.

Continue reading A Quick 'n' Dirty Guide to Keeping Your Data In the Cloud

A Quick 'n' Dirty Guide to Keeping Your Data In the Cloud originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amazon s3AmazonS3backblazebox.netcarbonitecloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStorageDropBoxfeaturesmozyspideroakstoragesugarsynctopunilium Evan Shamoon Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:05:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Mint Robot Mop Reviewed: Tasty and Refreshing, Scares Our Swiffer]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/10/11/mint-robot-mop-reviewed-tasty-and-refreshing-scares-our-swiffe/ http://www.switched.com/2010/10/11/mint-robot-mop-reviewed-tasty-and-refreshing-scares-our-swiffe/ http://www.switched.com/2010/10/11/mint-robot-mop-reviewed-tasty-and-refreshing-scares-our-swiffe/#comments Mint Robot Mop

What it is:

The robot cleaning revolution apparently has arrived. Years after the first Roombas were introduced into homes around the world, Neato stepped up to the plate with its impressive XV-11. Now, just a few months later, Evolution Robotics has launched its own proprietary floor-cleaning robot, the Mint, and it has some solid sweeping skills of its own.

Why it's different:

In some ways, the Mint is a bit of a throwback. Rather than vacuum, it goes for a simpler process of cleaning your floor with wet and dry cloths. In this sense, it's competing with Roomba's Scooba floor cleaner, as it's useless without a vacuuming counterpart, robotic or otherwise. There's no spraying involved, either. You attach either a wet or dry cloth (included) to the bottom of the device, or use Swiffer dry pads in their place. The robot find its way around with the aid of the "NorthStar" Navigation Cube, which you place facing the middle of the room to help it keep track of where it's gone and where it still needs to go. The Mint approaches sweeping and mopping differently. When sweeping, it generally moves forward, turns, and repeats, and, when mopping, it moves in a back-and-forth "scrubbing" motion.

Gallery: Mint Cleaner Review

Continue reading Mint Robot Mop Reviewed: Tasty and Refreshing, Scares Our Swiffer

Mint Robot Mop Reviewed: Tasty and Refreshing, Scares Our Swiffer originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> EvolutionRoboticsfeatureshandsonhouseholdirobotIrobotRoombamintMintRoboticVacuumNeatoRoboticsNeatoXv-11reviewsrobotsroombatopvacuum Evan Shamoon Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:35:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hype Check: Neato Robotics XV-11 Sucks, In All the Right Ways]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/08/27/hype-check-neato-robotics-xv-11-sucks-in-all-the-right-ways/ http://www.switched.com/2010/08/27/hype-check-neato-robotics-xv-11-sucks-in-all-the-right-ways/ http://www.switched.com/2010/08/27/hype-check-neato-robotics-xv-11-sucks-in-all-the-right-ways/#comments Neato Robotics XV-11 What it is: Until now, iRobot's Roomba has been the only janitorial gadget worth employing. Enter Neato Robotics' XV-11, which, after several months' delay, has finally hit the market. The results are impressive; while perhaps not powerful or thorough enough to render your manual vacuum obsolete, it does represent a solid step forward for automated cleaning technology (otherwise known as Machines for the Lazy). There are some quirks, certainly, but, overall, the device functions better than any Roomba we've witnessed.

Gallery: Neato Robotics’ XV-11

Continue reading Hype Check: Neato Robotics XV-11 Sucks, In All the Right Ways

Hype Check: Neato Robotics XV-11 Sucks, In All the Right Ways originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> featureshypecheckneato roboticsneato robotics xv-11NeatoRoboticsNeatoRoboticsXv-11roombatopxv-11 Evan Shamoon Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:40:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hands On With 'StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty']]> http://www.switched.com/2010/08/03/hands-on-with-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty/ http://www.switched.com/2010/08/03/hands-on-with-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty/ http://www.switched.com/2010/08/03/hands-on-with-starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty/#comments StarCraft II
After more than 12 years -- a lifetime in video game terms -- the long-awaited 'StarCraft' sequel, 'Wings of Liberty,' has finally arrived. The initial impressions are very good, if not very surprising. What's here is familiar without being mundane, thanks to countless small tweaks, along with an entirely new graphics engine and more spit and polish than those classic cars in the original Karate Kid. It's tough to find fault with the game, and 'Wings of Liberty' is a great entry point for both first-timers and old hats looking for a new digital addiction.

While the multiplayer beta has been available for several months, the 'StarCraft 2' single-player campaign has introduced unlockable upgrades, exclusive units and abilities, and a branching mission structure -- features that have been implemented in other RTS (real-time strategy) titles in recent years, but are new to the 'StarCraft' universe. The campaign's difficulty curve is buttery smooth, and a variety of missions are book-ended by Blizzard's trademark spectacular CG cut scenes. The campaign is devoted entirely to playing as the human Terrans, while other races' campaigns will almost certainly appear in the form of expansion packs.

Gallery: Starcraft 2

Continue reading Hands On With 'StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty'

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Hands On With 'StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty' originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blizzardRealTimeStrategyreviewsrtsstarcraftstarcraft 2Starcraft2Starcraft2WingsOfLibertytopvideo gamesvideogames Evan Shamoon Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Best Portable Outdoor Speakers for Pool Parties, Beach Bums and More]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/07/12/best-portable-outdoor-speakers-for-pool-parties-beach-bums-and/ http://www.switched.com/2010/07/12/best-portable-outdoor-speakers-for-pool-parties-beach-bums-and/ http://www.switched.com/2010/07/12/best-portable-outdoor-speakers-for-pool-parties-beach-bums-and/#comments Best Portable Outdoor Speakers
Summer is a time for outdoor parties, wherever possible -- be it the beach, rooftop, courtyard or front stoop. And with traditional boomboxes having gone the way of the dodo, you'll need something else to blast your digital music. We've rounded up some of our favorite portable speaker options on the market. All are iPod and iPhone compatible (with shielded speakers to prevent interference), have AUX-in to support any MP3 player with a headphone jack, and are battery powered, enabling you to load it on your ten-speed, and be the life of the pool party.

Continue reading Best Portable Outdoor Speakers for Pool Parties, Beach Bums and More

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Best Portable Outdoor Speakers for Pool Parties, Beach Bums and More originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alteclancinginmotionAltecLansingaudioboschboschpb360boseBoseSounddockfeaturesgrace digital audioGraceDigitalAudioGraceEcoExtremeihomeihomeip46logitechLogitechPure-fiAnytimeoutdoor speakersOutdoorSpeakersphilipsphilipsfidelioDS7550speakerstop Evan Shamoon Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:40:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The Best iPhone 4 Cases Reviewed]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/06/29/the-best-iphone-4-cases-reviewed/ http://www.switched.com/2010/06/29/the-best-iphone-4-cases-reviewed/ http://www.switched.com/2010/06/29/the-best-iphone-4-cases-reviewed/#comments Apple iPhone 4 Cases
Every version of the iPhone has its idiosyncrasies, but the most recent incarnation tops them all. "You're holding it wrong" has essentially been Cupertino's answer to those customers experiencing lost reception and dropped calls. The only consistent workaround, it seems, is to use an iPhone case, which prevents you from touching the phone in all the wrong places, and thus from losing reception. (Apple should have included its Bumper case with the phone, rather than charge $30 for a few scraps of plastic, but so it is.) The iPhone 4 more or less demands a case, and here are some of the best on the market today.

Continue reading The Best iPhone 4 Cases Reviewed

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The Best iPhone 4 Cases Reviewed originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> accessoriesAppleBumperBallisticHcBelkinArmbandsCasemateArtistSeriesfeaturesGriffinRevealGroveBambooifrogziphoneIphone4Iphone4CasesIphone4StealtharmorlexanSpeckGeometrictopUnitedSgpLeatherPouch Evan Shamoon Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:10:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Essential DSLR Accessories for Shooting Oscar-Worthy HD Video]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/05/24/essential-dslr-accessories-for-shooting-oscar-worthy-hd-video/ http://www.switched.com/2010/05/24/essential-dslr-accessories-for-shooting-oscar-worthy-hd-video/ http://www.switched.com/2010/05/24/essential-dslr-accessories-for-shooting-oscar-worthy-hd-video/#comments Canon 7D rig
Shooting video with digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II, 7D and T2i can produce some pretty fantastic results -- as a quick tour around Vimeo, or a viewing of films by Vincent Laforet or Philip Bloom will illustrate. But high-quality video doesn't shoot itself, and achieving superb results with a DSLR isn't as simple as pressing "record." Not only do you need to master the art of manually focusing on your intended subjects (as do professional cinematographers), but you'll also need to think about other issues like audio recording (a separate recorder being ideal) and stabilization (since video tends to pick up even the slightest camera shake) to make your production really shine. We'll focus on the Canon line for the purposes of this feature, but many of the points apply to other DSLR cameras, as well.

Continue reading Essential DSLR Accessories for Shooting Oscar-Worthy HD Video

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Essential DSLR Accessories for Shooting Oscar-Worthy HD Video originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 May 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ballhead xBallheadXblue mikeyBlueMikeycameracamerascanondslrdslr accessoriesdslr videoDslrAccessoriesDslrLensDslrVideofeaturesgorillapodgorilliapodhd dslrHdDslrluma loopLumaLoopmanfrottopluraleyesstabilizationSteadicamtoptripodvideovocaswhite balance lens capWhiteBalanceLensCapzacutozfinder Evan Shamoon Mon, 24 May 2010 15:20:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[The Best iPad Cases Reviewed, For Bibliophiles and Ballers]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/04/14/11-best-ipad-cases-reviewed/ http://www.switched.com/2010/04/14/11-best-ipad-cases-reviewed/ http://www.switched.com/2010/04/14/11-best-ipad-cases-reviewed/#comments ipad cases
Apple's newest wundergadget is many things: e-reader, photo viewer and supreme opportunity for retail catharsis. But the iPad is, in fact, still a computer: a hard slab of metal and glass that doesn't exactly warm the cockles of one's heart (and palms). It's a bit heavy, a little delicate and because of its slick surface, not terribly comfortable when you're trying to hold it with one hand. For those using it for any sort of heavy-duty typing, combining the iPad with a wireless keyboard presents its own set issues (the angle of the screen on your desk, to name one).

We'd argue that your choice of iPad case is a significant one: for something that's going to go on the road, into work and even to bed with you -- as it's jostled, passed around and gripped along the way -- the appropriate case becomes a key part of the tablet experience. Here are 11 great options for holding and toting your new best friend.

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The Best iPad Cases Reviewed, For Bibliophiles and Ballers originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> accessoriesappleapple ipadAppleIpadbelkinblythe kingBlytheKingBOOKcloakcolcasacdodocasedrawcaseetsyfeatureshard candyHard graftHardCandyHardGraftincaseipadjanine king designsJanineKingDesignslistpixelsheildpixelsleevequirkyspecktempletopvajavers Evan Shamoon Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Hype Check: Nintendo DSi XL Is Bigger, Boring but Somehow Better]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/hype-check-nintendo-dsi-xl-is-bigger-boring-but-somehow-better/ http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/hype-check-nintendo-dsi-xl-is-bigger-boring-but-somehow-better/ http://www.switched.com/2010/03/31/hype-check-nintendo-dsi-xl-is-bigger-boring-but-somehow-better/#comments

What it is

The DSi XL is the latest in Nintendo's DS line -- a line that is now four models deep, each one incrementally better than the one before it. The XL is, as its name might imply, a bigger version of the DSi; the screen is about an inch bigger than that of its sibling (4.3-inch diagonal, as opposed to the DSi's 3.25 inches), and the console itself is accordingly bigger and heavier. It has been available in Japan since late last year, but just hit U.S. store shelves this past weekend.

Why it's different


In many ways, actually, it's not different at all. While the XL's screen is bigger than that of the DSi, it's not significantly better or brighter. Nearly everything else about the two platforms is identical: front- and back-facing low-res cameras, 256 MB of onboard flash memory (and support for SD cards), and built-in Wi-Fi. This is, quite simply, the DSi XL.

Gallery: Nintendo DSi XL

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Hype Check: Nintendo DSi XL Is Bigger, Boring but Somehow Better originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 3dsfeaturesHypeChecknintendoNintendo3dsNintendoDsNintendoDsiNintendoDsiXlreviewstopvideo gamesVideoGames Evan Shamoon Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[DSLR Packs Put to Task, Rounding Up the High-Tech to the Highly Mobile]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/02/16/dslr-packs-put-to-task-rounding-up-the-high-tech-to-the-highly/ http://www.switched.com/2010/02/16/dslr-packs-put-to-task-rounding-up-the-high-tech-to-the-highly/ http://www.switched.com/2010/02/16/dslr-packs-put-to-task-rounding-up-the-high-tech-to-the-highly/#comments
So, you've got your digital SLR, and you've got your lenses. And perhaps by now you've realized that carrying all of this gear is in and of itself a rather serious endeavor.

When it comes to camera bags, every photographer has his or her own needs. There are so many variables, from where you're going to be shooting, to what kind of bag best suits your frame. There are the questions of comfort, class, and, of course, functionality.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of camera bags; some manufacturers make hundreds of different models, ranging from bags that fit a single camera and lens, to bags that fit every piece of gear you own. Get through this list, though, and we're confident you'll have a better idea of what you need and where you should go to get it.

Continue reading DSLR Packs Put to Task, Rounding Up the High-Tech to the Highly Mobile

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DSLR Packs Put to Task, Rounding Up the High-Tech to the Highly Mobile originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> builtbuilt cargo camera bagBuiltCargoCameraBagburtonburton zoom pack 28lBurtonZoomPack28lcamerasclassified 250 awClassified250Awcrumplercrumpler 5 million dollar homeCrumpler5MillionDollarHomedslrfeaturesincaseincase sling packIncaseSlingPackkatakata 3n1-11Kata3n1-11lowepronaneunaneu K4LNaneuK4lslrtamractamrac adventure 9TamracAdventure9top Evan Shamoon Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Rockets Plus Christmas Tree Equals YouTube Genius]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/01/10/rockets-plus-christmas-tree-equals-youtube-genius/ http://www.switched.com/2010/01/10/rockets-plus-christmas-tree-equals-youtube-genius/ http://www.switched.com/2010/01/10/rockets-plus-christmas-tree-equals-youtube-genius/#comments In what may be the single most American Christmas idea in the history of Christmas ideas, some dudes have successfully blasted their Christmas tree into space. Or toward it, at least.

By affixing 32 SD D-12-0 class engines (read: "large rockets") wired in parallel to the tree, and hooking up a car battery to supply the power, these guys have created quite the spectacle. "All very simple," according to the creators.

And while you may be worried about the carbon footprint of said project, their argument is that this was just a proactive way of recycling a tree that would've otherwise ended up in the trash. Video after the jump. [From: Christmas Tree Rocketry: The Art of Science and Holiday Recycling, via: MakeZine]

Continue reading Rockets Plus Christmas Tree Equals YouTube Genius

Rockets Plus Christmas Tree Equals YouTube Genius originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> christmasrockettop Evan Shamoon Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Games We're Looking Forward to in 2010]]> http://www.switched.com/2010/01/04/games-were-looking-forward-to-in-2010/ http://www.switched.com/2010/01/04/games-were-looking-forward-to-in-2010/ http://www.switched.com/2010/01/04/games-were-looking-forward-to-in-2010/#comments The holidays are over. The food has all been eaten, the alcohol drunk, and surely, by now, all those new video games beaten. But fear not! The year 2010 is here, and a slew of post-holiday releases will keep your thumbs sore well into the new year. Here are our picks for what to look out for in 2010.

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Games We're Looking Forward to in 2010 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alan wakeAlanWakebattlefield bad company 2BattlefieldBadCompany2bayonettadead rising 2DeadRising2diablo iiiDiabloIiifeaturesfinal fantasy xiiiFinalFantasyXiiigaminggod of war iiiGodOfWarIiiheavy rainHeavyRainlost planet 2LostPlanet2mass effect 2MassEffect2nintendoquantic dreamQuanticDreamsin and punishment 2SinAndPunishment2starcraft 2Starcraft2super mario galaxy 2SuperMarioGalaxy2tom clancys splinter cell convictionTomClancysSplinterCellConvictiontopubisoftworld of warcraft: cataclysmWorldOfWarcraft:Cataclysm Evan Shamoon Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Need a Silent Night? Doze Deep With These Dreamy Devices]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/12/22/need-a-silent-night-doze-deep-with-these-dreamy-devices/ http://www.switched.com/2009/12/22/need-a-silent-night-doze-deep-with-these-dreamy-devices/ http://www.switched.com/2009/12/22/need-a-silent-night-doze-deep-with-these-dreamy-devices/#comments One of the downsides to technological industriousness is, undoubtedly, the nonstop whirlwind of data that is quickly turning us into ADD-addled, multitasking, frazzled shells of people. We regularly check sports scores, while microwaving dinner, while listening to music, while talking on the phone, while watching television, while shopping online for a new pair of sneakers. And this 24/7 media onslaught can lead to some very poor sleep habits, particularly for those of us heavily engaged with all things digital. So what's a geek to do? Fight technology with technology. Here are six gadgets that will help get some more rapid eye movement into your life.

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Need a Silent Night? Doze Deep With These Dreamy Devices originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> addapplefeatureshggiphonelightsleepersleepsleepingsleeptrackertopverilux twilight ultra blue light therapy systemVeriluxTwilightUltraBlueLightTherapySystemzeo Evan Shamoon Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Blue Microphones Mikey]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-blue-microphones-mikey/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-blue-microphones-mikey/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-blue-microphones-mikey/#comments
Blue Microphones Mikey (Creative, Under $100)

For those who like to get creative with sound, Blue Mikey ($79.99) is an excellent addition to your potable digital tool belt. Essentially a mic that plugs into the bottom of your iPhone or iPod, Mikey lets you capture anything from live music to lectures. You interface with the hardware as you would the iPhone's built-in mic; you can either use Apple's own voice recorder, or download some more feature-packed options as Fire and FourTrack. Since it uses your iPhone as its "computer," the Blue Mikey is infinitely smaller than most digital recorders out there (for better or worse, it's also very light). The mic is directional, and a switch on the back lets you choose between different gain levels, depending on the sound source. Field recording has never been so convenient.

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Gift Guide: Blue Microphones Mikey originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> accessorieshgghgg-100hgg-creativemicrophonesmics Evan Shamoon Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Dyson Limited Edition DC25 Blueprint]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/03/gift-guide-dyson-limited-edition-dc25-blueprint/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/03/gift-guide-dyson-limited-edition-dc25-blueprint/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/03/gift-guide-dyson-limited-edition-dc25-blueprint/#comments
Dyson Limited Edition DC25 Blueprint (Homebody, Under $1000)

Vacuum cleaners are like eyeglasses and headphones -- when you buy one, it's worth paying for quality (particularly if you live with a dog and/or significant other that sheds regularly). And once you use a "serious" vacuum cleaner, it's tough to go back. Dyson's Limited Edition DC25 Blueprint ($529.99) is arguably the nicest looking Dyson yet; the combination of stormtrooper-white shiny plastic, future-industrial lines, and a purple trim is truly a sight to behold. Under the hood sits Dyson's Root Cyclone and Ball technologies, and it comes with a bonus FlatOut head, which is ideal for getting underneath low furniture and appliances. It's still expensive, but surprisingly in line with the other DC25 models. If you or someone you know is having a midlife crisis, this thing is a much better investment than a sports car.

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Gift Guide: Dyson Limited Edition DC25 Blueprint originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> designdysonhgghgg-1000hgg-homebodylimitededitionvacuumvacuumcleanervacuumcleaners Evan Shamoon Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Is 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype?]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/#comments

HYPE CHECK

'DJ Hero'

What it is: Until now, rock-and-roll has dominated the rhythm-action gaming charts. 'Rock Band' and 'Guitar Hero' both provide amazing experiences for guitars-and-drums jams, but don't really address either hip hop or dance music (i.e., electronic music). Activision has tried to remedy this situation with its newest 'Hero' game, aptly titled 'DJ Hero.' Just as 'Guitar Hero' attempts to reproduce the feeling of playing in a band, 'DJ Hero' attempts to do the same for club-centric live mixing.

Why it's different: The work of a DJ is fundamentally different from that of a traditional musician. Like 'Guitar Hero,' 'DJ Hero' comes with its own hardware. The custom controller includes a free-spinning turntable with three colored buttons on one side, along with a crossfader, a knob for effects, and a button that glows when you go into "Euphoria mode" (more on that later). Though made of plastic, the controller actually feels solid, as though it could take a beating, and the feel of the turntable and mixer are spot-on. Although the buttons can be awkward to push while scratching (particularly the one on the inside), the hardware -- unlike the guitar games -- generally does a good job of making you feel like an actual DJ (or, at least, what we'd imagine it feels like to be a DJ). Oh, and it's remarkably devoid of logos, making it a surprisingly classy addition to your living room hardware lineup.

Continue reading Is 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype?

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Is 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> activisiondj heroDjHerofeatureshgghypecheckmusictopvideogames Evan Shamoon Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:19:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Jabra Stone]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-jabra-stone/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-jabra-stone/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-jabra-stone/#comments
Jabra Stone (Style-o-Phile, Under $250)

The Jabra Stone ($129.99) is the first significant step for the notorious Bluetooth headset in some time. The design effectively removes the annoying "boom" of other headsets off of your face/ear; in fact, it can actually be concealed under longish hair, should you so desire. The excellent sound quality, good battery life, and slick charger (when charging, it looks like a flat, rounded stone) make this one of the best Bluetooth headsets money can buy, particularly for the self-conscious headset wearers out there. (Unless you have very small ears, that is: the design of the earpiece is such that it's not adjustable, meaning it can be difficult to prevent from falling off.)

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Gift Guide: Jabra Stone originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bluetoothbluetoothheadsetbluetoothheadsetshgghgg-250hgg-style-o-philejabrajabrastonemobileaccessories Evan Shamoon Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Alienware Area 51 ALX Gaming PC]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-alienware-area-51-alx-gaming-pc/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-alienware-area-51-alx-gaming-pc/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-alienware-area-51-alx-gaming-pc/#comments
Alienware Area 51 ALX Gaming PC (Gamer, Cost No Object)

If you're trying to keep up with the Joneses in PC gaming, Alienware's Area 51 Gaming PC ($3,999 and up) is tough to beat. Housed inside one of the company's trademark love-'em-or-hate-'em "futuristic" cases, this rig is decked out with some of the best components money can buy: Intel Core i7 975 Extreme processors, your choice of ATI CrossFireX or NVidia SLI graphics graphics cards (making it great for the 3-D gaming with Nvidia's 3-D Vision Kit), and plenty of memory to keep things running smoothly). Oh, and it uses a fancy liquid cooling system to keep all this stuff from melting down inside. it's a hefty price to pay, certainly -- fully tricked out, this thing will set you back nearly as much as a small car, but the benchmarks are right up there near the head of the pack. And hey, you can't shoot nasty, earth-hating aliens with a Hyundai Accent, can you?

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Gift Guide: Alienware Area 51 ALX Gaming PC originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alienwarearea51gamingpcgamingpcshgghgg-cnohgg-gamerluxury Evan Shamoon Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:14:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: NVidia 3D Vision Kit]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/#comments
NVidia 3-D Vision Kit (Gamer, Under $250)

"3-D gaming" is one of those terms that gets bandied about quite a bit these days. And while the experience is best experienced in movie theaters, the home alternatives are finally starting to proliferate. Arguably the best option out there is NVidia's 3-D Vision Kit ($199), which connects to your PC, and displays your compatible games in three glorious dimensions (the list includes such award winners as 'Resident Evil 5,' 'Left 4 Dead,' and 'Batman: Arkham Asylum'). You'll need a high-speed 120 Hz-monitor, HDTV or projector to properly view the games, and an 8800 GT graphics card or better. While the stereoscopic goggles are a bit goofy, the gaming experience provided is quite unlike any you've ever experienced: You'll literally try to reach out and touch the graphics.

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Gift Guide: NVidia 3D Vision Kit originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 3-D3D3Dgaminghgghgg-250hgg-gamernvidia Evan Shamoon Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Scribblenauts]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-scribblenauts/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-scribblenauts/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-scribblenauts/#comments
Scribblenauts (Gamer, Under $50)

Scribblenauts ($29.99) is one of those games that gets people talking. Essentially a puzzle game at its core, the experience involves inputting words (via either handwriting recognition or an onscreen keyboard) to outfit your character with different objects to solve the problem at hand. A flamethrower may be the easiest way to burn through some impassably thick brush, while a net may let you catch an intimidating shark. The game's vocabulary is rather staggering; input nearly anything you can think of and watch it manifest before you in two-dimensional glory. When your friend starts complaining about the lack of innovation in video games, hand them your copy of Scribblenauts and say, "Play this."

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Gift Guide: Scribblenauts originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> dsgameshgghgg-50hgg-gamernintendonintendodsscribblenauts Evan Shamoon Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:41:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Glide TV]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-glide-tv/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-glide-tv/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-glide-tv/#comments
Glide TV (Homebody, Under $250)

More and more of us are watching video content from a notebook computer connected to our television sets, but efficiently interfacing with this content has proven to be something of a challenge. Keyboards and mice can be cumbersome and unwieldy (not to mention completely unusable when there's no flat surface to place them on). So what's an off-the-grid, digital content maven to do? The GlideTV Navigator ($150) makes searching for and through your content into a truly intuitive, almost fun, experience. It's expensive for a remote, for sure, but if money isn't a problem, then your couch potato won't be disappointed, as this is a superbly designed, highly functional remote for your living room Mac or PC, or even PlayStation 3. In fact, it's probably the most elegant solution to the decades-old problem of remote-controlling your media PC yet.

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Gift Guide: Glide TV originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> glidetvhgghgg-250hgg-homebodyhouseholdremoteremotecontrolremotes Evan Shamoon Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:37:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Videophone Touch AiGuru SV1T]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-videophone-touch-aiguru-sv1t/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-videophone-touch-aiguru-sv1t/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-videophone-touch-aiguru-sv1t/#comments
Videophone Touch AiGuru SV1T (Novice, Under $500)

For the grandparent who has neither the time nor the interest in learning to use a computer, the ASUS Videophone Touch ($299) makes an amazing gift. Essentially, the all-in-one device allows the user to make unlimited video Skype calls, without using a computer or other hardware. The 7-inch touchscreen, built-in camera, and speaker make the whole process incredibly straightforward; assuming they have an available Wi-Fi or Ethernet Internet connection (which could be your bonus gift), you simply set up their contacts once and it's smooth sailing from there on out, thanks to an intuitive icon-based interface. Nothing quite matches the intimacy of seeing your parents or grandparents (or, for tech-savvy seniors, your grandchildren) face-to-face, of course, but video chat makes a much better alternative than the standard telephone.

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Gift Guide: Videophone Touch AiGuru SV1T originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> asushgghgg-500hgg-noviceskypevideophonevoip Evan Shamoon Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:34:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: HP Beats Laptop]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-hp-beats-laptop/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-hp-beats-laptop/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-hp-beats-laptop/#comments
HP Beats Laptop (Media Hound, Under $2,500)

It's rare that a PC laptop makes even Mac owners look twice, but look twice at the above photo. See? The 15-inch black-and-red stunna -- essentially an HP Envy with a Beats by Dr. Dre veneer -- has a lot in common with the MacBook Pro, actually: the chiclet keyboard, the buttonless, multitouch trackpad, the slim, bezel-etched design, even the $2,299 (and up) price tag. But it's the 1.6GHz Intel Core i7-720QM processor, ATI Mobility Radeon graphics card, networking-optimized Windows 7, and great screen that make this a multimedia powerhouse ideal for playing music, movies, and pictures while on the go or at home. Yes, the 'Beats' brand may be mostly a marketing gimmick, but it does mean that the system also comes with a pair of Beats Solo by Dr. Dre headphones ($199 on their own), an audio interface with two stereo outputs and ultra-loud output level, which makes it good for producing or performing music live. For those who produce their own music -- or trendsetters who want a distinctive-looking PC -- the $2,229 Beats Laptop is tough to beat.

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Gift Guide: HP Beats Laptop originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> beatsbeatsbydrdrehgghgg-2500hgg-mediahoundhphpenvystyle Evan Shamoon Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:23:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Seagate FreeAgent Theater+]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-seagate-freeagent-theater/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-seagate-freeagent-theater/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-seagate-freeagent-theater/#comments Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ (Media Hound, under $250)

You've got a hard drive full of movies and television, but playing these digital files where they're meant to be played -- on your living room TV/receiver setup, rather than your computer -- can be tricky business. Though its interface is light years behind that of Apple TV, the FreeAgent Theater+ ($150) excels in flexibility: The device can play nearly any file you throw at it (WMV, AVI, MP4, MKV, and VOB, to name just a few). Also, 720p and 1080p files play back without a hitch, and the device even makes sense of complicated folder hierarchies and file names. Media hounds will be best served by putting all of their content on an accompanying Seagate FreeAgent hard drive (which plugs into the device), but for overall bang for the buck (especially for folks with loads of downloaded movies and TV), it's still a great value.

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Gift Guide: Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hgghgg-250hgg-mediahound Evan Shamoon Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-withings-wifi-body-scale/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-withings-wifi-body-scale/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-withings-wifi-body-scale/#comments
Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale (Sports Fan, Under $250)

Self-improvement, body-opmtimization technology is coming at us fast and furious, and the Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale is one of the best implementations yet. It's a simple concept: Set up your online profile, and every time you weigh yourself on the scale, your weight and body mass is sent via your Wi-Fi connection to your online account. This means that weight and body fat levels can be tracked over time, which is rather fascinating to see, particularly when you start taking notes on what you're eating on particular days, what you're stressed out about, etc (all of which you can do online). The best part is that it all just works: Setup is super simple, thanks to smart hardware and a user-friendly Web interface. Multiple people can track themselves simultaneously, too; the thing is smart enough to actually know who is standing on the scale each time. So, the Withings Wi-Fi scale may be an ideal gift for the fitness obsessed and/or diet-prone in your life, but at least you'll be able to use it, too (assuming you live in the same place).

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Gift Guide: Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> diethgghgg-250hgg-sportsfanhouseholdscalescaleswi-fiwifiwirelesswithings Evan Shamoon Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:51:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Wacom Bamboo Pen + Touch]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-wacom-bamboo-pen-touch/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-wacom-bamboo-pen-touch/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-wacom-bamboo-pen-touch/#comments Wacom Bamboo Pen + Touch (Creative, Under $100)

Wacom has long been the de facto purveyor of pen tablets for both Mac and PC, and the Bamboo Pen and Touch may be its sweetest option yet. This $99 job plugs into any computer's USB port and effectively lets your beloved creative effectively draw with a cordless, battery-free, and pressure-sensitive stylus. This plastic drawing area on this newest rendition does a great job of replicating the friction and feel of paper, while the "Touch" factor adds MacBook- and iPhone-style gesturing (two fingers down to scroll, pull apart to zoom) functionality to boot. Plus, the intuitive software and small footprint means the creative flow won't be interrupted.

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Gift Guide: Wacom Bamboo Pen + Touch originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hgghgg-100hgg-creativepentablets Evan Shamoon Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:48:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Moshi Voice-Controlled Alarm Clock]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-moshi-voice-controlled-alarm-clock/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-moshi-voice-controlled-alarm-clock/ http://www.switched.com/2009/11/01/gift-guide-moshi-voice-controlled-alarm-clock/#comments
Moshi IVR Alarm Clock (Homebody, Under $50)

Even vampires know that there's really no good way to wake up out of a deep slumber, but Moshi is trying to help late sleepers make a go of it. The Moshi IVR Alarm Clock ($49.99) is, somewhat surprisingly, the first alarm clock that responds to voice commands. Saying "Hello Moshi" starts things off, and then users simply speak to the device, using commands like Set Time, Set Alarm, Turn Off Alarm, and, of course, the all-important SNOOZE. Plus, it provides a humanized machine for folks who woke up on the wrong side of the bed to direct their anger towards (rather than a pillow/mattress/significant other).

Gift Guide: Moshi Voice-Controlled Alarm Clock originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alarmalarmclockshgghgg-50hgg-homebodyhouseholdmoshivoiceactvatedvoicecontrolled Evan Shamoon Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:48:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: Mobia Treadmill]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-mobia-treadmill/ http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-mobia-treadmill/ http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-mobia-treadmill/#comments
Mobia Treadmill (Sports Fan, Under $5000)

Particularly for those without an extra room in the house, exercise equipment can be a rather serious commitment -- large machines in the middle of the living room do not a serene environment make. Enter the Mobia treadmill, designed by renowned studio Frog Design. The nicest looking treadmill you're going to find is also forward-thinking in terms of the workout: It combines the forward motion of a treadmill, the stepping motion of a stair stepper, and the low-impact benefits of an elliptical machine for a low-impact exercise session. It will cost you an arm and both legs, but if it means years of regular exercise for the active loved ones in your life, then the $2,000 you'll need to plunk down for this baby is well worth the investment.

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Gift Guide: Mobia Treadmill originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hgghgg-2500hgg-sportsfan Evan Shamoon Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:59:00 EST Switched <![CDATA[Gift Guide: PlayStation 3 Slim]]> http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-playstation-3-slim/ http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-playstation-3-slim/ http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/gift-guide-playstation-3-slim/#comments
PlayStation 3 Slim (Gamer, Under $500)

If you've been holding off on buying a PlayStation 3 (PS3) for one of many reasons -- it's too expensive, it's too big, it looks too much like a George Foreman Grill -- then you may have run out of excuses with the PS3 Slim. This smaller, lighter, quieter, and more energy-efficient hardware comes in at a perfectly manageable $300, and the beautiful matte design won't bother than non-gaming aesthetes in your house (nor will the Blu-ray functionality, of course). Like more recent iterations of the PS3, it won't play your PlayStation 2 (PS2) games, but that's a small price to pay; it comes with a 120-gigabyte (GB) hard drive and a Wireless DualShock 3 controller, which means you'll be gaming right out of the box. (As long as you buy a game with it, that is.)

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Gift Guide: PlayStation 3 Slim originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hgghgg-500hgg-gamer Evan Shamoon Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:51:00 EST Switched