Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Switched Download: Foxit PDF Reader]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Switched Dowload: Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit PDF Reader

What it does:

Foxit is a replacement for that unfortunate staple of every computer user's life: Adobe Reader. Foxit reads and even edits PDFs -- those files that look exactly like original documents -- without the slowdown and crashes associated with Adobe's product.

What we like about it:

Foxit is about as close to perfect as a piece software can get: it opens and operates faster than Adobe's Reader, uses much less RAM, and packs more features into a download about a tenth the size.

In addition to reading PDFs, Foxit can perform basic editing tasks and lets you add notes to documents -- features Adobe charges several hundred dollars for in its Acrobat platform. Foxit even has some features that Adobe's professional application lacks, such as tabs for opening several PDFs in one window, and support for multimedia so you can actually play back audio and video in multimedia e-books.

What we don't like:

Our only problem with Foxit is that the latest versions are Windows-only. Mac and Linux users need love too.

Bottom line:

The existence of the fast, stable, and user-friendly Foxit makes you wonder why anyone would continue to use Adobe's bloated, crash-prone program. Get Foxit now and clicking links to PDF files will no longer prompt panic and cursing.

Download Foxit PDF Reader
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobefeaturesfoxitpdfswitched downloadSwitchedDownloadFri, 09 May 2008 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched Download: VLC Media Player]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/28/switched-download-vlc-media-player/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/28/switched-download-vlc-media-player/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/28/switched-download-vlc-media-player/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Download of the Week: VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player

What it does: The VLC Media Player does just what its name implies, and so much more. In addition to playing back video and audio, VLC can even be used to rip DVDs or stream video over a home network to watch on another computer in the house, or across the Internet.

What we like about it: First and foremost this free and open source media player is incredibly lightweight, which means it's fast. VLC is perfect for playing back any unprotected video file or taking a quick listen to a song when firing up iTunes and searching through your library is too much trouble.

VLC also makes quick work of the maze of media formats out there. OGG, MP3, WAV, MP4, AAC, DivX, AVI, WMV, MOV, even Flash Video (FLV) like those used on YouTube -- VLC will play them all. No need to open Quick Time for MOV files, Windows Media for WMVs, and iTunes for AAC.

If you do feel like tinkering ,VLC has more optiona than you could possibly imagine, some of which are easily leveraged for legally questionable ends. For example you can easily save streaming media from the Web by pasting the URL into VLC and checking off the Stream/Save option.

What we don't like: VLC won't work with any DRM-protected files. So many songs purchased through iTunes or movies downloaded from Amazon's Unbox store won't be playable. VLC can also be a bit confusing for those used to the pretty and uncluttered options available to users of iTunes and Windows Media Player. We strongly recommend spending a few minutes wandering around the menus and options to get acquainted with the app before jumping in. Also, it won't handle Real Media (.rm) media files, the type you'll find on some online radio stations, and, of course Real.com.

Bottom line: VLC could use a little spit and polish, but is still an essential tool for anyone who watches a lot of video on their computer or listens to audio in a multitude of formats. This one stop shop for media playback is quicker and more versatile than the market leaders such as iTunes, Windows Media Player or RealPlayer. MusicMatch. That said, you'll still need one of those market leader programs if you have any purchased content from iTunes, mobile music stores, or any of the music services such as Napster or Rhapdsody. The point of VLC is to play everything else without slowing down your computer.

Download VLC Media Player
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>switched downloadSwitchedDownloadvlcMon, 28 Apr 2008 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Where's My Electric Car? (Switched Podcast)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/wheres-my-electric-car-switched-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/wheres-my-electric-car-switched-podcast/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/wheres-my-electric-car-switched-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Switched Show Podcast

If high school students can get four-figure mileage figures from a gallon of gas, why do most cars sputter out before the 30-mile mark? PLUS: A pill-sized bulb outshines a street light, a man loses everything to a fake Craigslist ad and a (different) man accidentally kills his wife while installing satellite TV.

Listen Now (mp3)

Be among the first to hear the 'Switched Show' each week. Subscribe for Free with iTunes. (Or subscribe with your own podcast aggregator by using the Switched Show feed.)

Previous Podcasts:
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[HD-DVD Is Still Dead (This Week's Podcast)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/hd-dvd-its-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/hd-dvd-its-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/15/hd-dvd-its-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Switched Show Podcast

We're callin' it -- HD-DVD has lost the format war against Blu-Ray -- but that doesn't mean now isn't a great time to get a sweet deal on an HD-DVD player.

Plus: How to extend the battery life of your cell phone, how to fend off attackers with your cell phone and a definitive answer to how many of your cell phone calls suck (in terms of sound quality). OH! And Hello Kitty!

Listen Now (mp3)

Subscribe for Free (iTunes)

Previous Podcasts:
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Switched PodcastSwitchedPodcastFri, 15 Feb 2008 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[HD-DVD's Long Walk Back to the Locker Room of Shame]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/16/hd-dvds-long-walk-back-to-the-locker-room-of-shame/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/16/hd-dvds-long-walk-back-to-the-locker-room-of-shame/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/16/hd-dvds-long-walk-back-to-the-locker-room-of-shame/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now that everyone has declared BluRay the winner in the high-def war, what with Warner's announcement and Sony finally allowing adult films to be published on the format, I think it's important to take a look at HD-DVD's long walk back to the locker room after a game well-played.

It would be a mistake to say that HD-DVD will cease to exist tomorrow. In fact, expect to see just the opposite of that. HD-DVD continue on as an underground favorite format, much like Betamax did in the 70s and laser discs did in the 90s. Remember laser discs, the giant optical discs that came before DVD, the stuff of early home theater buffs who could tell you a thing or two about digital mastering way before half of Hollywood was even Bar Mitzvah'd? No? How about beta, the superior tape format that Sony wanted you to buy instead of VHS?

I originally thought HD-DVD was completely done for before the Consumer Electronics Show. Warner's Blu-Ray-exclusive announcement and the HD-DVD group's decision to back out of their keynote made it sound like they would go away with a whimper. On the final day of the conference, however, I took one last walk by the HD-DVD booth just to see what was up. After all, I'm a sucker for a good heartbreak story.

"So I looked on bestbuy.com this morning," began the booth attendant, speaking to three half-asleep attendees who, by my estimation, were there more for the chair rest than the presentation. "You can now buy an HD-DVD drive for $179. That also comes with ten free discs. Ten free discs! That easily makes HD-DVD the best deal in high definition."

The guy had a point. Think about it -- for $179, you can get a high-end HD-DVD player that will also upscale your regular DVDs to high-definition resolution. It will also play your Super-Audio CDs. You also get ten free HD-DVD discs. Go try to buy ten new regular-definition DVDs for $179 -- I dare you. That evening I was ordering an HD-DVD drive from bestbuy.com. Call me a vulture if you will, but I'll be enjoying this winter in high-def heaven. Heck - I might even cancel my Netflix account for a few months and save another $50 or so.

That closing value on the HD-DVD format really is hard to beat. Even if another HD-DVD title never comes out, the closing cost of the format -- along with its hardware -- is easily worth the cost to anyone with a high-definition television. Is it an investment for the far future? Not so much, but most of us who already have home theaters and high-definition televisions aren't exactly known for our electronics long-term investment acumen -- we'll all have new TVs, receivers, and speakers in a few years anyway.

Anyway, with Apple's new iTunes Movie Rentals and NetFlix opening up the "View It Now" service to unlimited views, disc-based movies' days are numbered.

Enjoy the fire sale. I know I will.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080papplebluraybreaking+newshddvditunesnetflixsonytoptoshibaWed, 16 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Headphones for the Gym]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/11/30/the-best-headphones-for-the-gym/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/30/the-best-headphones-for-the-gym/http://www.switched.com/2007/11/30/the-best-headphones-for-the-gym/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

It's the holiday season and we're all eating a bit more. Unfortunately, going to the gym is such a drag that the only way to make time pass (and exercise more bearable) is to blast some tunes while we work out. Unfortunately, many of the headphones we like to wear on the street (because they're stylish), at home (because they're audiophile-quality), or while we travel (because they block out airplane cabin noise) just don't cut it on the treadmill. Headphones have a tendency to fall off our heads while we jog, for example, or just hurt out ears. But have no fear: We put five highly-touted, gym-friendly headphones to the test by taking them with us on some recent workouts. Here's what we found.



H2O Sport Headphones

The only over-the-ear pair of headphones we tested, the H2O Sport is a pretty good option for budget-conscious athletes: For 30 bucks, these things actually provide decent bass response and get plenty loud. The neckwrap helps keep the headphones in place while you get your sweat on, and the coiled cord conveniently retracts to three feet (six feet when extended). That said, the plastic construction is a bit chintzy, and the cord feels like it might rip if you tug it too hard. The phones are a bit bulky and feel like they may give out after a year or so, but until then, they'll definitely get the job done whle you work out.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newsearbudsgym gadgetsGymGadgetsheadphonesHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuidesports gadgetsSportsGadgetstopworkout gadgetsWorkoutGadgetsFri, 30 Nov 2007 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Resize Your Photos For E-Mail]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/10/09/how-to-resize-your-photos-for-e-mail/http://www.switched.com/2007/10/09/how-to-resize-your-photos-for-e-mail/http://www.switched.com/2007/10/09/how-to-resize-your-photos-for-e-mail/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



You know all of those extra megapixels you shelled out for when you bought your digital camera? Well, while the higher picture quality will certainly come in handy for running off prints of your more frame-worthy snaps, the bloated file sizes of your photos can be an e-mail killer. Most of the time, the photos coming off of our cameras are a few megabytes each, at least . Chain a couple of those together in an e-mail and it's likely your message will be too big to go through. If it does go through, you run the risk of annoying friends and family who are forced to spend time downloading the photos. What to do? Watch our simple tutorial on resizing photos for e-mail and you'll be spreading the memories in no time.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital cameraDigitalCameramegapixelphotossummeradviceTue, 09 Oct 2007 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What to Get: Home Theater]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/10/06/just-tell-me-what-to-get-home-theater/http://www.switched.com/2007/10/06/just-tell-me-what-to-get-home-theater/http://www.switched.com/2007/10/06/just-tell-me-what-to-get-home-theater/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're asked all the time what constitutes a great, but affordable home theater package. Unfortunately, 'affordable' can mean very different things to different people. So, we've put together two excellent home theater set-ups for two different budgets, both of which are still firmly planted in the realm of reality. In other words, you probably won't need a winning lottery ticket to afford the payments on them.

For the budget-conscious buyer:
VIZIO VX37L 37-inch LCD TV

VIZIO VX37L 37-inch LCD TV
At just $799 for a top-notch LCD, you really can't beat VIZIO. Though you might not be familiar with the name, the company has been making some noise lately for offering high-quality sets priced with real people in mind. On this LCD, you get two HDMI inputs for connecting video sources with just one cable for picture and sound -- a nice feature at such a low price. The resolution tops out at 720p, but at this size that's all you'll need for HDTV broadcasts, DVDs and gaming. (More on 720p versus 1080p here.)

Panasonic SC-PT950 Wireless Home Theater

Panasonic SC-PT950 Wireless Home Theater
When putting together a home theater, hardcore audiophiles will tell you to handpick your components and speakers separately. But, that quickly gets expensive and time-consuming. All-in-one systems, or HTIBs (Home Theater In a Box), on the other hand, give you everything you need in one convenient package - like this Panasonic kit, which includes a receiver, amplifier, five-disc DVD changer and speakers. In addition to an included iPod dock and the ability to up-convert DVDs to true 1080p resolution, the $440 system also boasts the convenience and easy setup of a wireless back speaker.

TOTAL: $1,240
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newsflat screenFlatScreenhome theaterHomeTheaterlcdplasmaspeakerssurround soundSurroundSoundtopSat, 06 Oct 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What To Get: Digital Camera Under $300 for Vacation]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/09/27/just-tell-me-what-to-get-digital-camera-under-300-for-vacation/http://www.switched.com/2007/09/27/just-tell-me-what-to-get-digital-camera-under-300-for-vacation/http://www.switched.com/2007/09/27/just-tell-me-what-to-get-digital-camera-under-300-for-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33
A reader writes: I'm getting ready to go on vacation, and I want to bring along a small point-and-shoot digital camera. Thing is, I want the thing to be able to do a little bit of everything, so I'm willing to spend around $300. I'm mostly concerned about picture quality, fast movement, and lots of flexibility in terms of lighting situations as I'll be taking pictures both during the day and at night, inside and outside.

Hey reader: There are plenty of $300 point-and-shoot digital cameras out there, so we understand your confusion. Sounds like you need a feature-packed camera that won't break the wallet -- or the fanny pack -- for your vacation.

We recently got to play around with Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-FX33 camera, and despite the crazy confusing name, it's a great little unit. It's super small, has a big 2.5-inch screen and has plenty of scene modes for all your vacation-taking needs.

One thing that really sets this one apart is how easy it is to use. If you want to turn off the flash, just push a button. If you want to take a picture inside and don't want to think about the flash and ISO settings, just put the camera in auto mode and it will adjust everything for you. All that said, if you're a bit of a camera geek like we are, you can manually set just about everything.

What makes this camera stand out is Panasonic's use of 28mm Leica optics, which are some of the best lenses in the biz. Typically, Leica lenses are only available in much more expensive cameras.

Outside of that, this camera has all the standard features you would want in this price range. It does 8.1 megapixels, has a wide 28mm lens, uses inexpensive SD cards, does 4x optical zoom, has a macro setting (for close-up pictures of flowers and what-not), a widescreen video mode and this it's pretty quick when you need to take multiple pictures. Finally, for fashionistas, the Lumix comes in an assortment of colors: black, silver, blue, and the brown seen above.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fx33just tell me what to getJustTellMeWhatToGetlumixpanasonicpoint and shootPointAndShoottell me what to getTellMeWhatToGetvacationThu, 27 Sep 2007 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Clean a Keyboard Spill]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/08/31/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-spill/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/31/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-spill/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/31/how-to-clean-a-keyboard-spill/#commentsFiled under: , , ,




Eat enough lunches at your desk and you're bound to spill something on your keyboard -- we know this all too well. Luckily, we also know how to fix this problem. Learn how to deal with anything from water to coffee or soda in the video above.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newsfixkeyboardLaptop How-TosLaptopHow-tosrepairspilltopFri, 31 Aug 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Rescue a Wet Laptop]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/08/21/how-to-rescue-a-wet-laptop/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/21/how-to-rescue-a-wet-laptop/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/21/how-to-rescue-a-wet-laptop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



You've just spilled your afternoon coffee all over your laptop. What you do in the next couple of seconds could be the difference between a speedy recovery and the laptop graveyard. In the above video, you'll find the emergency rescue steps you need to take right this moment.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokenhelplaptopLaptop How-TosLaptopHow-tosruinedsavesummeradvicewarrantywaterwetTue, 21 Aug 2007 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Must-Have Dorm Room Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/08/10/10-must-have-dorm-room-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/10/10-must-have-dorm-room-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/10/10-must-have-dorm-room-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not too long ago, all it took to put together the coolest room on your dormitory floor was a black light, a Led Zeppelin poster and one of those crappy 13-inch TV/VCR combos. But on the teched-out college campus of today, it'll take a lot more than those old relics to impress your new floormates. Luckily, we've but together a shopping list of the ultimate gadgets for pimping a dorm room. Some are designed for fun, some are for work, and some are for both. Most of our recommendations are priced to be kind to your bottom line, though we couldn't resist throwing in a couple of bigger ticket must-haves.

Lexmark Z1420 Wireless PrinterLexmark Z1420 Wireless Printer

At only $79, the Z1420 is cheaper than most of the books you'll be required to shell out for this semester. And, it's got you covered whether you need to print out a text-heavy term paper you bought from the Internet or run off a dozen full color photos of your naked, passed out roommate to blanket the dorm hallways with. The best part is, no wires! The printer can join any wireless network you've created to allow you, and anyone else on your network, to print without being directly connected. Of course, if you're old school and don't happen to have a wireless network, the Z1420 can also function as a normal USB printer. That's assuming you're not so old school that you're still rocking the Brother word processor.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back to schoolBackToSchoolfeaturesFri, 10 Aug 2007 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Hook Up Your New HDTV]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/08/07/how-to-hook-up-your-new-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/07/how-to-hook-up-your-new-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2007/08/07/how-to-hook-up-your-new-hdtv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Now that you've shelled out for a nice new HDTV, it's time to learn how to get the best possible sound and video out of it. Switched explains just what all of those inputs on the back of your set are for, how to connect them, and which ones will maximize your home theater experience.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newscablecablesHDMIhdtvhigh definitionHighDefinitiontopTue, 07 Aug 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Max Out Your Laptop's Battery Life]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/07/18/max-out-your-laptops-battery-life/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/18/max-out-your-laptops-battery-life/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/18/max-out-your-laptops-battery-life/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Whether you're traveling for business or playing Solitaire on the beach, long lasting laptop life is a must. Here's how to squeeze the most juice out of your notebook's power store.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybreaking newsextendlaptopLaptop How-TosLaptopHow-toslifenotebookplugpowersummeradvicetopWed, 18 Jul 2007 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Max Out Your iPhone's Battery Life]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/07/11/max-out-your-iphones-battery-life/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/11/max-out-your-iphones-battery-life/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/11/max-out-your-iphones-battery-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Follow these easy tips to squeeze the most juice out of your iPhone's power cell.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryiphoneWed, 11 Jul 2007 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best Video Games of the Week]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/07/09/gaming-this-weekend-7-6-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/09/gaming-this-weekend-7-6-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/09/gaming-this-weekend-7-6-07/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Bigs baseball
We'll be at E3 this week -- that's the media summit for the people who make the games (not us) to meet with the people who write about the games (us) to get us all excited about what's coming out in the next year for you. It's really not as complex as it sounds -- just look for some hands-on updates of all the games you can't wait for, and some you didn't even know were coming out. In the meantime, here are some games you may want to check out this weekend:

'The Bigs'
If you're not a big fan of 40-minute games, watching pitch counts, and flipping your way through endless pages of franchise mode, 'The Bigs' may be the baseball game your looking for. This is no baseball simulation -- it's baseball on steroids (in a good way, not in a controversial way). A turbo meter allows you to throw 110MPH pitches that leave jet-like contrails, collisions at the plate look more like WWE matches, and home runs turn baseballs into fireworks. Plus, mini-games for both batting and fielding will keep you occupied when you don't have the time (or desire) to play 5+ innings.

'The Darkness'
We spent a good week wit this new shooter/sci-fi/supernatural/New York City crime drama experience, and we're quite pleased. It's a perfect combination of shooting, sneaking, storytelling, and straight up gore. While this one is suitable for only the most mature of gamers, it's a rewarding experience that gamers should definitely give a go. So if you're over 18, check this one out -- we're pretty sure you won't be disappointed.

'Grand Theft Auto IV'
For those of you jonesing for a return to Liberty City, your wait is almost over. In the meantime, Rockstar Games was nice enough to put up a new trailer for the upcoming sandbox crime craziness. Salivate over next-gen graphics, a huge setting, and what appears to be some seriously improved game mechanics. We can't wait.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutothe bigsthe darknessTheBigsTheDarknessMon, 09 Jul 2007 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming This Weekend: 6.21.07]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/06/22/gaming-this-weekend-6-21-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/06/22/gaming-this-weekend-6-21-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/06/22/gaming-this-weekend-6-21-07/#commentsFiled under: ,

Clive Barker's Jericho
'Clive Barker's Jericho' Hands-On
Our luck ran thick this week, as we got a chance to sit down with author/guru/artist Clive Barker to see his upcoming horror shooter 'Jericho'. This game has you working your way through time -- in reverse -- to uncover some pretty creepy, scary, evil mysteries. The story, penned by Barker, is already creepy, and the game is being built from the ground up by Spanish developer Mercury Steam. From what we saw, this will be a scare fest that horror fans will not want to miss. Expect 'Jericho' to land sometime in September (we've been told the end of that month). We'll have an interview with Clive coming soon as well.

'BioShock'
If you didn't see it yet, we got a chance to try this "genetically enhanced" first person shooter this week. See all the waterlogged details here.

'MotorStorm' Downloadable Content & Patches
For those of you who are bored with the scant play modes in Motorstorm for the PS3, your prayers have been (sort of) answered. Sony has released a new Time Attack mode for the offroad racer. This mode pits you not against other racers, but against time. Get the best lap time and move your way to the top of the online charts. You can also upload and download "ghost cars" to see how top players maneuvered the tracks. The update also fixes some bugs and random online crashes. It also contains an update to the online lobby that allows you to browse the status of rooms without actually entering them.

Out This Week
  • 'DiRT' (Xbox 360): The anticipated rally racer for the Xbox 360 finally hit shelves this week. Reviews are mixed, but rally fans should be into this one. Look for a hands-on from us next week.
  • 'Sim City DS' (Nintendo DS): As if the Nintendo handheld wasn't addictive enough, they went and released one of the most addictive games for the portable monster. Kiss your social life goodbye.
  • 'The Sims: Pet Stories' (PC): If you're tired of simming the lives of people, you can now sim the lives of pets. Sims fans will not be disappointed in this one. Non-Sims fans should move along.
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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaming this weekendGamingThisWeekendFri, 22 Jun 2007 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What to Get: A Sub-$200 Cam]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/06/15/just-tell-me-what-to-get-a-sub-200-cam/http://www.switched.com/2007/06/15/just-tell-me-what-to-get-a-sub-200-cam/http://www.switched.com/2007/06/15/just-tell-me-what-to-get-a-sub-200-cam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Just Tell Me What to Get: A Sub-$200 Cam
A reader writes: I'm in the market for a new digital camera, but I don't want to spend more than $200. I don't care much about fancy add-ons like video -- I just want something that takes great pictures. And, it would be great if the camera fit in my pocket, too. Just tell me what to get!

Hey reader: Just about every major brand sells a camera for under $200, though none of the ones we tested were perfect. Our favorite is the Sony Cybershot DSCW55, which retails in most places for around $190. It's a compact, attractive, 7.2-megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD, which is fairly generous at this price point. The camera turns on and off quickly and didn't bother us with long shutter lag. The DSCW55 also has an optical viewfinder, something that's difficult to find on cameras of this size -- even the more expensive ones. The viewfinder is priceless on very bright days when it's impossible to make out the image on an LCD -- we were grateful to have it on a trip to the beach -- and turning off the LCD conserves battery power if you don't want to re-charge on a week long vacation.

Most importantly, the DSCW55's images were among the best of the cameras we tried. Like all digital cameras these days, the DSCW55 comes with a lot of modes: for nighttime shooting, landscapes, portraits, video with sound, even snowy weather. But at this price range, cameras work best when you don't ask them to work too hard: The camera is at its most reliable in point-and-shoot mode, both with and without flash.

That's not to say that this is a perfect camera. All the cameras we tried were in the 7- to 8-megapixel range, but we found that you probably won't want to zoom in on their images like you might with 7-megapixel images from a pro-grade digital SLR, or even a point-and-shoot with a larger lens. Though our images were in focus, none were quite as sharp as we'd like. And though we felt that this Sony model led the pack, we wouldn't bring it on safari to Africa (especially since it only has a 3x optical zoom) or rely on it for those very special occasions where we're trying to get an image large enough to hang above the fireplace. For everything else, the Sony DSCW55 is more than serviceable: It's what we'd get if you gave us $200 to spend on a digital camera.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>summeradviceFri, 15 Jun 2007 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming This Weekend 6.1.07]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/06/01/gaming-this-weekend-6-1-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/06/01/gaming-this-weekend-6-1-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/06/01/gaming-this-weekend-6-1-07/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mario Party 8
Mario Party 8
The latest multi-player mayhem from Nintendo dropped this week in the form of Mario Party 8 for the Wii. This version is more of the same, which, in this case, is a good thing. The pseudo board game starring all the N regulars allows up to four players to gather around the Wii to collect stars, play minigames, and compete for end-of-the-board glory with the Wii remote. The learning curve is low, too, so don't hesitate to invite your non-gaming friends.

Forza 2
Driving sim fans with Xbox 360s have a huge game to hoot over this week with Forza 2. This super-realistic racing simulator starts you off with a basic car, but as you win races and build up funds, you can add racing components, tune your ride, win more races, and ultimately buy yourself a Ferarri (or whatever supercar makes your blood boil). If you really want to get into this one, though, pick up Microsoft's Xbox 360 force-feedback racing wheel, complete with pedals.

Bioshock Footage
We can't get enough footage of this upcoming game from 2k Games. This first-person shooter is apparently doing amazing things not only with lighting but also game design. Be sure to check out the footage and get ready for what looks to be one of the hottest upcoming games of the summer. We're more excited about this than Halo 3. Warning: this will most likely be a mature audiences-only game when it comes out, and the footage reflects that.

PSP's New Software
When the PS3 was bumped to software version 1.8 last week, people noted the system's new ability to utilize Location Free over the Internet. This technology would allow PSP users to play back content from their PS3's virtually anywhere they have an Internet connection. Problem was that the PSP wasn't updated to enable the tech. That all changed late this week, so if you have a hankering for video on the go from your PS3, update your PSP to 3.5.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What To Get: Bedroom TV]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/30/just-tell-me-what-to-get-bedroom-tv/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/30/just-tell-me-what-to-get-bedroom-tv/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/30/just-tell-me-what-to-get-bedroom-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Syntax Olevia BrillianA reader writes: I just redid my bedroom and I'm aching to get rid of a bulky 20-inch TV that just doesn't look right in the new setup. Since I won't be watching TV all the time, I'm not terribly concerned about picture quality, but I would like to be able to get a wall-mounted HDTV and a somewhat decent picture out of it. I also don't want to spend more than $600. Just tell me what to get!

Hey reader: We love crisp HDTV in bed just like anyone, but we also know a good deal when we see one. That's why we're fans of the Syntax-Brillian Olevia 32-inch LCD TV. It's a slim flat-panel LCD HDTV that will mount on your wall and give you access to all of your cable or satellite company's HDTV programming. What's more, it comes in an attractive, low-profile case and looks good in any recently-remodeled bedroom (our significant others don't mind it, so it passes that test).

The Olevia sports all the latest inputs, so you should be future proof for a good while. It has 1 HDMI input (the latest & greatest), a VGA input (for computers), a component input (for older HDTV sources), and a composite input (for things like VCRs and game consoles).

Keep in mind that if you want to wall-mount this TV, you'll spend around another $70-80 for a bracket, although it does come with a table stand. In addition, don't expect the super amazing picture quality that you would find on bigger name brands (extremely accurate colors, contrast, even brightness), but you'll be hard-pressed to find any major problems for basic bedroom viewing. Extra bedroom-friendly features include an alarm clock, sleep timer, and headphone jack. At around $525 (street price) you should be easily under $600 by the time you're installed. Good luck!

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 30 May 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Q&A: Getting Tunes Off of an iPod (PC)]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/25/tech-qanda-getting-tunes-off-of-an-ipod-pc/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/25/tech-qanda-getting-tunes-off-of-an-ipod-pc/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/25/tech-qanda-getting-tunes-off-of-an-ipod-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tech Q&A: Getting Tunes Off of an iPod (PC)
Last week, we helped a reader get his music files from his iPod back onto his Mac after a hard drive meltdown. Of course, we should have guessed that another reader would write in wondering how she could do the same trick on a PC. As it turns out, it's even easier on Windows (did we really just say that?).

Connect your iPod to your PC, wait for iTunes to start up, then right-click the iPod icon in the left-hand menu pane. Select 'iPod Options' and check the 'Enable Disk Use' box.

Now your iPod will be visible as a disk when you double-click on 'My Computer' on your desktop. Double-click the iPod disk icon, which will open up as a folder. Go to 'Tools,' 'Folder Options' and click on the 'View' tab. Click the 'Show hidden files and folders' button and then click 'OK.'

We've just told Windows to show us all of the files and folders that it normally doesn't show because they're of no use to the user. In your iPod folder, you'll now see some new folders that weren't there a second ago. Open the 'iPod_Control' folder, then the 'Music' folder. Your music files are inside all of those strangely numbered subfolders.

Simply copy all of these subfolders, or just the contents of each, over to a new folder on your desktop and you're done!

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newstopFri, 25 May 2007 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Attack of the Clones]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/21/attack-of-the-clones/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/21/attack-of-the-clones/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/21/attack-of-the-clones/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

For every product out there in the marketplace, a similar product stands by its side jockeying for the same consumer dollars. Coke has its Pepsi, McDonald's has its Burger King and the United States has its Canada. Yes, good-natured competition is what makes our economy go 'round. But, in the world of consumer electronics, some companies fight dirty, plagiarizing the designs and ideas of direct competitors. In some cases, the copying is outright theft -- particularly in China, where American patent lawsuits are largely unsuccessful. For your entertainment pleasure, Switched presents this list of the 10 greatest copycat gadgets.
Attack of the Clones
Meizu miniOne
No sooner than two weeks after Steve Jobs officially put the cell phone world on notice with the unveiling of the iPhone did this doppelganger on the left creep out of China. If the Meizu miniOne somehow slips past Apple's stable of lawyers, it's said to be on track to launch at the end of 2007 in China. It'll be stacked with a 720 x 480 display, a three-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. And unlike the iPhone, the miniOne will run on ultra-fast 3G cellular data networks.

The phone's maker, Meizu -- guilty of ripping off Apple designs in the past -- claims to have announced its own touchscreen super-phone days before the iPhone announcement. But as Engadget reported, the miniOne -- originally known as the M8 -- was a very different looking phone at the time of the announcement, and was subsequently given a quick nip/tuck to transform it into this flagrant iPhone clone.

Spotted at Engadget
Next >>
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecopyfeaturesiphonejobsknockoffminionephoneMon, 21 May 2007 09:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming This Weekend: 5.18.07]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/18/gaming-this-weekend-5-18-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/18/gaming-this-weekend-5-18-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/18/gaming-this-weekend-5-18-07/#commentsFiled under: ,

MLB 07 The Show PS3What a week of gaming news! First the 'Halo 3' beta goes up, down, and up again and then Sony dumps a boat load of amazing upcoming games on us. What more could we ask for?

'MLB07: The Show'
Sony's first-party baseball game finally hits the PS3 this week, and the wait was definitely worth it. With crisp graphics, solid game play, and a thorough franchise mode, 'MLB07' finally gives PS3-owning baseball fans the hardball heavyweight they've been waiting for. Check it out and get your fix of some SIXAXIS-friendly baseball. And, yes, Boston fans, Dice-K is on the Sox's roster.

'Halo 3' Beta
Surely you've heard about the 'Halo 3' beta, both the good and the bad. This week (and now until June 10), millions of lucky people are testing out this massively popular shooter form Bungie, due September 25. If you're one of the lucky ones, enjoy the crazy weekend and take out some blues (or reds) for us.

Sony's Mega Announcements
Those who thought that the PS3 didn't have any must-have exclusive titles were sent to the quiet corner this week when Sony demonstrated more than 30 upcoming games in San Diego at Sony's Gamer's Day event. Titles we can't wait for include 'Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction', 'Warhawk', 'LittleBigPlanet', 'Uncharted: Drake's Fortune', 'Heavenly Sword', 'SOCOM Confrontation' and the trippy-looking 'Folklore'. Good stuff ahead for PS3 owners, no doubt.

Coming Next Week
Next week looks like it's going to be a bit of a wallet-buster with a couple of titles we're looking forward to, so you may want to save your money if you're not a huge baseball fan. 'Odin Sphere' for the PS2 comes out on May 22nd, combining RPG and 2-D, old-school side-scrolling elements in what looks to be an instant cult hit. In addition, 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End' brings action-adventure of the finest kind to virtually all consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, PC, and Nintendo DS).
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360baseballgaming this weekendGamingThisWeekendhalohalo 3Halo3microsoftnintendosonywiiFri, 18 May 2007 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Q&A: Getting Tunes Off of an iPod]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/15/tech-qanda-getting-tunes-off-of-an-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/15/tech-qanda-getting-tunes-off-of-an-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/15/tech-qanda-getting-tunes-off-of-an-ipod/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Getting Tunes off of an iPodA reader writes: "Help! My Mac recently bit the dust and required a new hard drive. I had most of my data backed up - everything except my iTunes library. I've got all my songs on my iPod, but no way to get them back onto my hard drive. Is there a way to get them off so I don't have to re-rip and re-buy everything?"

Hey reader: Fortunately, this can easily be done, and without having to download a hack program. The first thing to do is to connect your iPod to your Mac. Once iTunes detects your iPod, it'll ask you if you want to sync up with your iTunes library. You don't. This is a fresh install of iTunes with no library, so doing this will delete all of your jams. Go to 'iTunes Preferences,' 'iPod Options' and check the 'Enable Disk Use' box. Under 'Advanced,' check the 'Keep iTunes Music folder organized' and 'Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library' boxes.

Next, you want to open the Terminal program located in the 'Utilities' folder under 'Applications.' Terminal is a way of accessing the underlying operating system that powers OSX. In Terminal, type, "defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE" and press return. Next, type, "killall Finder" and press return. The first command displays your computer's hidden system files that work in the background, but have no real use to you (or, that Apple doesn't want you touching). The second command closes all open Finder windows so that the next one you open will have the hidden files displayed.

Now, click the iPod icon on your desktop and find the previously invisible 'Music' folder. Inside that are some strangely named folders holding strangely named music files. These are your tunes. Copy the 'Music' folder onto your desktop and rename it something like, 'Pod Recover.' Now, simply go through each of these folders and drag its contents into iTunes. iTunes will automatically change the funky names back to something more recognizable like, 'The Humpty Dance.'

The last bit of cleanup is to tell OSX to return to hiding hidden files. Back in Terminal, type, "defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE" and press return. Next, type, "killall Finder" and press return. It's as simple as that!

Related Links:
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 15 May 2007 08:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming This Weekend 05.11.07]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/11/gaming-this-weekend-05-11-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/11/gaming-this-weekend-05-11-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/11/gaming-this-weekend-05-11-07/#commentsFiled under: ,

Calling All Cars
This was a good week for gaming news and previews. We got early looks at both 'Halo 3' and 'Enemy Territory: Quake Wars'. Each game is looking fantastic, and we can't wait to have both at home for some serious shooter action. We promise more info on both as their respective release dates approach. Until then, we have some new games for you to check out along with an interesting news bit (courtesy of our friends at Joystiq) from the gaming world that we just had to share.

Calling All Cars
The moment has arrived - Calling All Cars (screenshot above), the frenetic downloadable game from Playstation Network, is finally available. This multiplayer hoot has you capturing criminals and dropping them in prisons in what can only be described as wacky online battles. This game, directed by God Of War creator David Jaffe, has been on our wait list for months, and it's finally here. Don't miss it if you have a PS3.

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
Xbox 360 owners can finally get down to Real-time Strategy (RTS) action in this latest installment. With a new epic story, 35 single player mission, and online play over Xbox Live, your free time may be in jeopardy with this new title. Online play via Live features four modes: Siege, Capture the Flag, Capture & Hold, and King of the Hill. It also supports the Xbox 360 Vision Camera. Apologize to your significant other now -- this one is addictive.

Oh, No He Didn't!
Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo's creator of Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend Of Zelda (the list goes on), told Entertainment Weekly that he could make Halo. The thing is, he says, he just chooses not to. This gutsy quote created a bit of a stir in the gaming community this week, and the fanboy comments are worth a read.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miyamotonintendoplaystationxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 11 May 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What to Get: Home Network]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-home-network/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-home-network/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-home-network/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Apple Airport Extreme Base Station
A reader writes: My wife just got a new laptop through work, which means we now have two computers in the house. I want to set up a wireless network so we can split our cable Internet connection, but I don't want any hassle. The last time I set one up was a few years ago, and I remember it being a total headache. What's your advice for getting a Wi-Fi network up and running quickly and painlessly?

Hey reader: This one is a no brainer -- go with the new Apple Airport Extreme Base Station. Apple is religious when it comes making its products easy to use, and that piousness most definitely extends to its wireless networking router.

Available for both Mac and PC, the Base Station is a snap to set up. You simply plug it in and connect it to your cable modem with a network cable. Then, insert the install disc into your computer and follow the simple instructions, which take you though stuff like naming your network, naming your base station and setting up encryption. Unlike a lot of routers out there, the super-secure WPA2 encryption is activated by default. That's it: You've got a secure wireless network up and running.

But easy set-up isn't all the Airport Extreme Base Station has going for it. Apple has equipped the unit with 802.11n wireless technology, which is up to five times faster and boasts twice the range of previous wireless standards. Don't worry if your computer's Wi-Fi chip isn't 802.11n, you'll still be able to use the Airport Extreme Base Station -- just not at top speed.

Wait, there's more! The coolest feature is the built-in USB 2.0 port. Plug in a printer and now both computers can use it. Or, connect an external hard drive so you and the missus can share files.

We've dealt with our fair share of complicated network set-ups in the past, and take our word for it: Nothing comes even close to being as blissfully easy to use as the Airport Extreme.

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11airportappleencryptionwi-fiwirelessFri, 11 May 2007 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Mom Tech for Mother's Day]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-6/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-6/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-6/#commentsFiled under: , ,

More Room on Mom's Tivo DVR for TV Shows


Mother's Day Wish #6
More Room on Mom's Tivo DVR for TV Shows


Dear Evan,

What I'd really like for Mother's Day is more space on our DVR without buying a whole new box. Any ideas?

Love,
Mom


Dear Mom,

I've got the perfect solution, but I'm going to need to borrow your Tivo for a couple of weeks so I can send it to WeaKnees.com, a service that will trick out your existing unit with up to 1800 hours of additional TV-show capacity (I just have to make sure you have a TiVo or DIRECTV TiVo DVR, not the kind from the cable company). To save a little money -- upgrades start at $119 -- I may just get you one of WeakKnees's hard-drive upgrade kits and install it on your Tivo myself.

Now you won't miss another episode of Oprah or Desperate Housewives again.

Love,
Evan


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 08 May 2007 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Mom Tech for Mother's Day]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-5/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-5/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-5/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Less Clutter in the Kitchen



Mother's Day Wish #5
An All-in-One Microwave/Convection Oven

Dear Terrence,

More than anything I just want to reduce clutter in the kitchen and make cooking a little easier. Aunt Jeanie has a convection oven and a microwave in one unit mounted above the stove. Something like that would be nice, then I could get rid of that aging thing with the dial that is taking up precious counter space in my kitchen now.

Love,
Mom


Dear Mom,

I'm glad you picked the most expensive item you could think of. Now, in addition to the $700-plus GE Profile microwave/convection oven, you'll also receive the gift of family togetherness when I have to move back in after spending my rent on your Mother's Day present.

This unit will mount neatly over the stove so you can throw out grandma's old microwave from the '70s and reclaim your counter space. It also has a host of neat features to make your life in the kitchen a little easier. For example, it will automatically adjust time and power settings based on food moisture levels, as well as automatically convert standard oven temperatures to the appropriate convection settings. It even has a washable, reusable grease and smoke trap that should satisfy the conservationist in you.

Though, for the sake of the rest of the family, I feel like I should just get you some gift certificates for take-out. Happy Mother's Day!

Love,
Terrence


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 08 May 2007 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mom Tech for Mother's Day]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-4/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-4/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mother's Day Wish #4
An Easy-to-Use Camera That Fits in Mom's Pocket

Dear Tom,

I finally figured out how to use your Dad's camera. It's fantastic. I love that I can just delete bad photos on the fly - can you imagine what I would have done when you and your brother were kids? So I'd like my own camera, but something easy to use. Also, I hate flash - it makes people look horrible and it's rude. I'd like something small enough to put anywhere, in my purse or coat pocket.

Love,
Mom


Dear Mom,

I have the perfect camera for you, the Olympus FE-240 ($249). It may not be most distinctive camera, design-wise, but, like most Olympus cameras, it's one of the easiest to use. You can easily switch between auto, scene, and viewing modes by just flipping the dial on the top.

As for scene modes - presets optimized for different lighting situations - the Olympus has a full 16 of them. You're the best cook I know, so I bet you'll appreciate the "Cuisine" mode, which is preset to shoot the details and colors of food, close-up. Other scene modes include "Night," "Portrait," and "Available Light." If you can't figure out which scene mode to use, try the built-in tutorial.

Don't want to use the flash? No problem, the camera's Bright Capture technology enhances pictures in low light, without flash (perfect for the candlelit dinner parties you like to have). And you don't even have to worry about keeping the camera still anymore - the FE-240's image stabilization feature means the picture will come out clear, even if it shakes a little.

Lastly, this camera is less than an inch thick (.79-inches, to be exact), so it'll definitely fit in your coat pocket.

I can't wait to see the amazing pictures you'll take with this!

Love,
Tom

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 08 May 2007 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Mom Tech for Mother's Day]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-3/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-3/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mother's Day Wish #3
An MP3 Player

Tim,

My wish would be for something to let me listen to music when I'm out walking the dogs or when I'm sitting at my desk at work. I have that old yellow Walkman, but it's hard to find anything on tape these days, and it's kind of big anyway. Something small would be nice, but don't spend too much.

Love,
Mom


Mom,

The Walkman was super-cool in the '80s (especially that yellow Sports model), but there's a reason my sister left it behind when she went off to college. The cassette tape is dead and portable CD players are more trouble than they're worth these days. What I'm getting you is an MP3 player, and Creative's new ZEN Stone ($39) sounds like the perfect model, since it even comes in bright yellow like the Walkman! The ZEN Stone will store a few hours of your favorite Christmas carols and Bing Crosby CDs (the included software will help you easily convert these tunes for the player). It's smaller than a credit-card, too, so carrying it around won't be a problem -- just make sure you keep it away from the dogs. You saw what they did to my cell phone.

Love,
Tim



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 08 May 2007 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mom Tech for Mother's Day]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-2/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-2/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/08/mom-tech-for-mothers-day-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Converting LPs to MP3s
Mother's Day Wish #2
Something to Get My Old Records Onto My iPod

Dear Tom,

I figured out how to get my CDs onto my iPod -- that wasn't so scary. But, what about all of my old vinyl? I'd love to listen to those old Allman Brothers and Joni Mitchell records of mine in the car or on a jog. How do I do that?

Love,
Mom


Dear Mom,

You've got two options. The first is this: I can give you an iTunes gift certificate so you can repurchase all of your old music for you through the iTunes store. Since you've got about 50 records, I'm going to give you a $200 gift certificate, which is enough to convert about half your collection (the other half will come on your birthday).

The second option -- and one that will let you do your whole vinyl collection now -- is for me to get you a turntable with a USB connection you can plug into the computer. According to NPR, sales of vinyl are are actually up 10 percent in the first quarter of 2007, so it's not just former hippies like you that are hungry for this kind of technology. A model like the Stanton T.90 is a little too DJ-centric for your needs, so I can get you the $200 Ion Audio iTTTUSB10. Plug it in and the included software lets you easily convert your old jams into iPod-friendly MP3s. It supports 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records and has line-level outputs for connecting to the home stereo. It even comes with a retro-looking dust cover so you and Dad can pretend it's the '70s again.

Love,

Tom

Related Links:


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 08 May 2007 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming This Weekend 5.4.07]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/04/gaming-this-weekend-5-4-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/04/gaming-this-weekend-5-4-07/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/04/gaming-this-weekend-5-4-07/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spider-Man 3
This was a slow week for new game releases, most likely due to the arrival of a web-slinging leotarded teen in 'Spider Man 3'. When such a highly-anticipated game-and-movie combo like 'Spider Man 3' comes out, competitors tend to hide under rocks for at least weeks. Despite that, we uncovered a few things you can check out this weekend. Some are newer than others, but have no fear -- your weekend is looking good.

'Spider Man 3'
Just in time for the movie release, the newest 'Spider Man' movie-game tie-in, 'Spider Man 3: The Game,' comes out for virtually all consoles. Of course, each version is slightly different. The PS3 version sports some SIXAXIS motion control and the Wii gets some Wii Remote control extras (albeit without the oh-so pretty graphics). Unfortunately, the early reviews for this title aren't stellar, but Spidey fans should be sufficiently pleased.

'Catan' on Xbox Live Arcade
Board gamers rejoiced this week when Microsoft offered 'Catan' for download from Xbox Live Arcade. This game, based on the board game 'Settlers of Catan', allows players to battle for island resources online or against computer-controlled opponents. It's heavily strategy-oriented, turn-based and immensely fun for those who like board games -- your inner nerd will love you for this one. It will run you 800 Live Points, or about $10.

360 Elite
Speaking of the Xbox 360, the 360 Elite finally came out last weekend. This bigger, badder, darker version of the 360 sports HDMI and a download-friendly 120 gigabyte hard drive. If you're looking for an upgrade