Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Top 7 Holiday E-Cards]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/top-7-holiday-e-cards/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/top-7-holiday-e-cards/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/top-7-holiday-e-cards/#commentsFiled under: ,

'Tis the season to spread holiday cheer by inserting photos into ridiculous cartoons (after you've finished shopping, of course)! Here are the top 7 options that you can use to keep things fresh, because friends, family, coworkers, and all of your targets deserve a uniquely festive brand of e-spoofing.


What are these crazy foreigners doing? Dive in and find out...
Next >>

SwitchedTop 7 Holiday E-Cards originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideMon, 24 Dec 2007 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Holiday Deals: Free Vudu, Books, and Other Gadget-Buy Extras]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/24/holiday-deals-free-vudu-books-and-other-gadget-buy-extras/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Vudu


You're buying so many tech gifts this year, so wouldn't it be nice of those companies actually gave you a present in addition to their products? Yes, we thought so, too.

We saw an interesting deal between Sharp and new video-on-demand service Vudu, where the purchase of a new Aquos LCD display gets you a free Vudu set-top box and $50 in download credit. You'll put that to good use, for sure.

But instead of melting your brain on all that video, wouldn't it be nice if you actually read a book now and then? Click your way to Sony's site, where you'll find a deal that will put 100 classic books in your hands when you buy one of its Readers, a competitor to the Amazon Kindle. The books offered include such classics as Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn' and H.G. Wells' 'The Time Machine.'

Finally, if you're looking for an audio experience, buying the Microsoft Zune will garner you a $20 gift card from Best Buy or $15 in downloads from Amazon.com.

Let's see, that's video, words, music... looks like we've covered our bases.



Related links:

SwitchedHoliday Deals: Free Vudu, Books, and Other Gadget-Buy Extras originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday DealsHoliday Gift GuideHolidayDealsHolidayGiftGuidesony-reader zune vudu sharp aquos microsoft amazon best-buySony-readerZuneVuduSharpAquosMicrosoftAmazonBest-buyMon, 24 Dec 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Computer Monitor Pick: Samsung Syncmaster 245T]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/our-computer-monitor-pick-samsung-syncmaster-245t/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/our-computer-monitor-pick-samsung-syncmaster-245t/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/our-computer-monitor-pick-samsung-syncmaster-245t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It's crisp. It's colorful. It's widescreen and it swivels. Plus, the Samsung Syncmaster 245T has HDMI inputs in addition to standard DVI and analog inputs. A 24", better-than-1080p TV, computer monitor and swivel head all for $800? Looks sweet to us.

Related Links:

SwitchedOur Computer Monitor Pick: Samsung Syncmaster 245T originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>switchedvideoSun, 23 Dec 2007 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Tech Toys for Tots]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/top-tech-toys-for-tots-1/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/top-tech-toys-for-tots-1/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/top-tech-toys-for-tots-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Smart Cycle

Parenting is hard enough without having to come up with the best gift ideas. You're bombarded by TV ads, which don't really tell you enough, and your child deserves a present that's cool, that's tech, and that maybe ISN'T EXACTLY THE SAME gift that all his or her little classmates will be getting this year.

Here at Switched, we asked our inner child -- and an actual tech-lovin' Mom -- to help us compile a list of the best tech toys for tots. Here's what we found...

Smart Cycle

The Smart Cycle (Mattel, $99.99) is a physical arcade game that connects easily to your TV. Just pop in a supported game cartridge and your child will happily pedal away, burning up all types of energy and leaving you free to pay some bills or start dinner. Cartridges focus on areas such as learning, discoveries, games and races -- and, of course, there are multiple levels that wee ones can can move up as they get better. Smart Cycle also teaches upper and lowercase letters, numbers and counting, spelling, problem-solving, shapes, matching and spatial reasoning.

SwitchedTop Tech Toys for Tots originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideMattel Smart-Cycle Smart Cycle kids kid toy TV game exercise leaMattelSmart-cycleSmartCycleKidsKidToyTvGameExerciseLearningTeachTech ToysTechToysToysSun, 23 Dec 2007 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[For the Traveler: Samsung P2, a Real iPod Killer]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/for-the-traveler-samsung-p2-a-real-ipod-killer/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/for-the-traveler-samsung-p2-a-real-ipod-killer/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/for-the-traveler-samsung-p2-a-real-ipod-killer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,




Samsung P2
$250, samsungusa.com

Most so-called iPod-killers hardly live up to the name, much less Apple's digital audio player, but Samsung's P2 is pretty darn close. The size of a pack of Dentyne, and yet boasting a three-inch, 16:9 touchscreen, the P2 is a perfect alternative for iTunes haters, or just somebody who's got a lot of WMA or cell-phone-music-store-purchased tunes on their PCs. The elegant and kinetic onscreen interface is playful and surprisingly responsive, which makes browsing for everything from pictures and non-iTunes songs (Napster, Rhapsody, and the like) to TV shows purchased from Amazon Unbox and Wal-Mart a pleasurable cinch. Oh, and volume goes up to 11.

SwitchedFor the Traveler: Samsung P2, a Real iPod Killer originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideiPod KillersIpodKillersSamsung P2SamsungP2Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[For the Music Hound: Sony HD Radio]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/f/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/f/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Sony HD Radio
$200

Sick of the same-old, same-old chart-based tunes and endless ads you hear on the radio? You're missing the party, or the talk-orgy, that's happening on HD radio, which is the technology that allows more than one programming feed to broadcast on the same FM frequency. Provided you have an HD radio such as this minimalist cherry wood and black mesh speaker tabletop model from Sony, you can essentially quadruple the amount of broadcasts - and the variety of music genres or talk-radio programs - that are normally available to you on a standard FM radio.

From SonyStyle.

SwitchedFor the Music Hound: Sony HD Radio originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HD RadioHdRadioHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideSun, 23 Dec 2007 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[For the Video Hound: Vudu]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-vudu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Vudu
$399, vudu.com

About as big as a Mac Mini, the Vudu box gives you access to over 5,000 movies for rent or purchase. Vudu uses the same peer-to-peer technology that pirates use to illegally swap movies online, but for good purposes like letting you watch a movie instantly even though it's not done downloading. The service just started offering HD movies you'd actually want to watch - like the 'Bourne Ultimatum' - but the mostly standard definition (SD) movies on offer still look stunning since the box upscales video to quasi-HD quality, while the ergonomic remote is the most responsive to come along since Tivo.

SwitchedFor the Video Hound: Vudu originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideVuduSun, 23 Dec 2007 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Boynq Abibi]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-boynq-abibi/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-boynq-abibi/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/gift-guide-boynq-abibi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Boynq Alibi (Style maven, $100 and under)

Want to get your college-bound, studying-abroad, jet-setting son or daughter to actually video-chat with you? Try getting them a webcam -- particularly one that looks as fresh as Boynq's Alibi. Though its primary function is video, the unit doubles as a speaker as well: While it's only able to crank out five watts, it sounds better than your laptop's internal speakers. The camera is able to angle itself 25 degrees left and right, and and it even rotates 300 degrees, allowing you to record video of most of a room without having to move the body of the webcam itself. Aside from its look, the design is full of nice touches: Rather than a volume knob, the Alibi has a tall ring around its body, which you slide to adjust volume. Oh, and coolest of all? The camera head pops up when in use, and hibernates into its plastic body when idle. Comes in four purdy colors.

Price: $59.99

From Boynq

SwitchedGift Guide: Boynq Abibi originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideSun, 23 Dec 2007 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Is YouTube Beating the Networks in the Ratings?]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/is-youtube-beating-the-networks-in-the-ratings/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/is-youtube-beating-the-networks-in-the-ratings/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/is-youtube-beating-the-networks-in-the-ratings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Switched Show Podcast

It's the worst nightmare for the networks: YouTube beating broadcast television in the ratings. Recent polls suggest it's that's already happening, but our most recent Switched Show (listen here; direct link to mp3) suggests we're not so sure -- and that we've got some strong opinions on the subject of how you'll watch television in the not so distant future. PLUS: We read our personal tech wishlists for the holidays. Don't forget to subscribe to the Switched Show for FREE.

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SwitchedIs YouTube Beating the Networks in the Ratings? originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newspodcastswitchedvideotopSun, 23 Dec 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Attn Procrastinators: Same-day Tech Delivery Through Dec. 24 in NYC]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/new-york-metro-gets-same-day-tech-delivery-through-dec-24/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/new-york-metro-gets-same-day-tech-delivery-through-dec-24/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/23/new-york-metro-gets-same-day-tech-delivery-through-dec-24/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

etronics.com

Brooklyn-based Etronics knows you didn't plan ahead. It knows you wrote a reminder to yourself but misplaced it. It knows you meant well. Really. It did. That's why, if you're lucky enough to live in or near the five boroughs of New York City, you can purchase a cool toy from them by 3 p.m. on December 24 and still get it delivered that very day. Yes, it's true.

We don't mean to encourage bad planning on your part but with enablers like this what's any self-respecting true procrastinator to do? We say wait until the last minute and give it a whirl.

A flat fee of $25 covers the delivery charge -- and that includes delivery of heavy items, like TVs, or really huge gaming accessories (example only -- they don't really sell these).

Of course you could always go for a gift card -- or even an online gift certificate -- but all that does is reveal how little effort you put into getting a present. So we say get something with real heft. And don't worry -- your secret is safe with us.

One last note: In a quick look at what they have available, we saw a lot of "Out Of Stock" items, so your procrastination may still have gotten the best of you.

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SwitchedAttn Procrastinators: Same-day Tech Delivery Through Dec. 24 in NYC originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gift last-minute etronics retail deliveryGiftLast-minuteEtronicsRetailDeliverySun, 23 Dec 2007 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Home Theater in One Piece (ok, two): Boston Acoustics TV2]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/22/home-theater-in-one-ok-two-piece-boston-acoustics-tv2/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/22/home-theater-in-one-ok-two-piece-boston-acoustics-tv2/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/22/home-theater-in-one-ok-two-piece-boston-acoustics-tv2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Surround sound home theater systems sound awesome, but all those wires and speakers can clutter a small room. The TV2 from Boston Acoustics might not deliver surround sound, but it does pack much more punch than your TV's built-in speakers as our very own Tom Samiljan demonstrates here.

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SwitchedHome Theater in One Piece (ok, two): Boston Acoustics TV2 originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>switchedvideoSat, 22 Dec 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Dog Listens to Your iPod, Dances, and Seeks Attention]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/robot-dog-listens-to-your-ipod-dances-seeks-attention/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/robot-dog-listens-to-your-ipod-dances-seeks-attention/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/robot-dog-listens-to-your-ipod-dances-seeks-attention/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Finally, a gift for the child who wants a puppy, a stereo and a robot for Christmas: The iDog Amp'd, quite possibly the strangest iPod accessory we've seen since the iCan't-keep-making-i-jokes-anymore.

SwitchedRobot Dog Listens to Your iPod, Dances, and Seeks Attention originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideiPod AccessoriesIpodAccessoriesswitchedvideoFri, 21 Dec 2007 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Gateway One: a Windows PC Dressed Like a Mac]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/gateway-one-a-windows-pc-dressed-like-a-mac/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/gateway-one-a-windows-pc-dressed-like-a-mac/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/gateway-one-a-windows-pc-dressed-like-a-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Finally, an all-in-one Windows PC with some style sense. Check out the video for more on the Gateway One.

SwitchedGateway One: a Windows PC Dressed Like a Mac originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-one PCsAll-in-onePcsGatewayHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideswitchedvideoFri, 21 Dec 2007 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[B&W Zeppelin -- the Best iPod Dock We've Tried]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/bandw-zeppelin-the-best-ipod-dock-weve-tried/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/bandw-zeppelin-the-best-ipod-dock-weve-tried/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/bandw-zeppelin-the-best-ipod-dock-weve-tried/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

It may look a little strange, but the $600 B&W Zeppelin sounds perfect and sets a new standard for acoustics and ergonomics in the all-in-one iPod dock category.

SwitchedB&W Zeppelin -- the Best iPod Dock We've Tried originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideiPod dockiPod docksIpodDockIpodDockssummerreviewsswitchedvideoFri, 21 Dec 2007 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Eco-Friendly, Solar-Powered Christmas Lights]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/eco-friendly-solar-powered-christmas-lights/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/eco-friendly-solar-powered-christmas-lights/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/eco-friendly-solar-powered-christmas-lights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Eco-Friendly Solar-Powered LED Lights
Looking for a way to spread a little holiday cheer without expanding your carbon footprint? Many are switching over to LED lights this season to save electricity, even NYC's Rockefeller Center. But, you can go even further. Check out these solar-powered, LED Christmas lights, which will light up your holiday season -- even if you're living completely off the grid.

The $30 set from Hammacher Schlemmer includes 50 lights and a rechargeable base station. The base holds two rechargeable AA batteries, which it juices up during the day. At night the lights will glow for upwards of eight hours -- assuming of course the thing didn't get buried in the snow the day before. They're the perfect way to show your true holiday color: green (even though the lights themselves are blueish white).

From Shiny Shiny

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SwitchedEco-Friendly, Solar-Powered Christmas Lights originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LEDSolarFri, 21 Dec 2007 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Best TV Pick: Pioneer Kuro Elite 50-Inch Plasma HDTV]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/our-best-tv-pick-pioneer-kuro-elite-50-inch-plasma-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/our-best-tv-pick-pioneer-kuro-elite-50-inch-plasma-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/our-best-tv-pick-pioneer-kuro-elite-50-inch-plasma-hdtv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

For the videophile who's been really, really good this year, there's no better way to say "I love, but I'd like you to stop talking so much" than by giving the top-of-the-line Pioneer Kuro Elite 50-inch PDP-5010FD. With picture quality so pristine that, from 3.5-feet you can see the film grain -- but not the pixels -- this TV will leave anyone speachless.

SwitchedOur Best TV Pick: Pioneer Kuro Elite 50-Inch Plasma HDTV originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flat panelsflat-panelsFlatPanelsHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuidePioneerPioneer KuroPioneerKuroplasmaplasmasswitchedvideoFri, 21 Dec 2007 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Palm Centro Mixes Business with a Little Pleasure]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/palm-centro-mixes-business-with-a-little-pleasure/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/palm-centro-mixes-business-with-a-little-pleasure/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/palm-centro-mixes-business-with-a-little-pleasure/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Once upon a time, you were a nobody if you didn't have a Palm-powered PDA holstered beneath your power suit. With BlackBerrys and iPhones getting all the glory, can Palm's new Centro compete? Josh Fruhlinger reports.

SwitchedPalm Centro Mixes Business with a Little Pleasure originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideiphone killersiphone-killersIphoneKillersPalmPalm CentroPalmCentrosmart phonesSmartPhonesswitchedvideotopFri, 21 Dec 2007 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't Snub the Sony E-Reader -- We Actually Like It]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/dont-snub-the-sony-e-reader-we-actually-like-it/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/dont-snub-the-sony-e-reader-we-actually-like-it/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/21/dont-snub-the-sony-e-reader-we-actually-like-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Sure, the Amazon Kindle -- the electronic book reader with the easy-on-the-eyes, glare-free E-Ink screen -- may have stolen all the hype this holiday season, but it's sold out and going for $1,000 or more on eBay. So what's a gift giver who wants to wow an avid reader to do? Well, we've been playing around with both portable-book-reading devices and think that the Sony Reader is a fine alternative -- it's slim with a brushed-metal body, making it sleeker and sturdier in that quality-Sony-gadget kind-of-way than the cheesy-feeling plastic Kindle (plus, the Reader comes with a nice leather case). The Reader's screen is actually easier to read, and the pages turn faster than the Kindle. Sure, you need to sync the Reader with a computer to get new content, and only about 45,000 books are available from Sony Connect versus the Kindle's direct-to-device content downloads and 90,000-book library, but Sony's also only charging about $299 for the thing (about $100 less than the Kindle). Plus, Sony is offering $100 of free classics '(War and Peace,' 'Madame Bovary,' and the like) to anyone who buys the Reader before January 31st. Regardless, the traveler in your life will love that they can carry 160 books in this 9-ounce, 1/3-inch thick thing.

From Sony Style

SwitchedDon't Snub the Sony E-Reader -- We Actually Like It originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-readerselectronic book readersElectronicBookReadersHolidashHoliday Gift GuideHolidayGiftGuideSony ReaderSonyReaderFri, 21 Dec 2007 07:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What To Get: Digital Camera Under $300]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/20/just-tell-me-what-to-get-digital-camera-under-300/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/20/just-tell-me-what-to-get-digital-camera-under-300/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/20/just-tell-me-what-to-get-digital-camera-under-300/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33
A reader writes: I'm getting ready to go on vacation for the holidays, 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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SwitchedJust Tell Me What To Get: Digital Camera Under $300 originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Closing Its Rear-Projection Television Line]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/12/20/sony-closing-its-rear-projection-television-line/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/20/sony-closing-its-rear-projection-television-line/http://www.switched.com/2007/12/20/sony-closing-its-rear-projection-television-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sony Killing Off Rear Projection Television LineLCD (liquid crystal display) high-definition televisions have taken the HDTV market by storm. When they started to go mainstream nearly a decade ago they were expensive and couldn't match the picture quality of the rear-projection or plasma sets of the day. These days, though, they're inexpensive, efficient, look great, and are super-lightweight. All that has combined to give them huge popularity among consumers. LCD's popularity is so clear that Sony is getting out of the rear-projection television (RPTV) market, focusing entirely on LCD televisions.

Sony already ditched their plasma production line this time three years ago to focus on LCD and rear-projection. That the company is focusing solely on LCD is an indicator of just how dominant the technology has become. The problems that plagued early sets, such as poor contrast ratios and dull colors when viewed from an angle, have been all but eliminated. Meanwhile, other TV manufacturers like Toshiba and Philips have also ditched rear-projection televisions. RPTV's rely on an internal bulb to beam an image onto the back of a plastic screen. Rear-projection televisions are even cheaper than LCDs inch-for-inch, but they can't match the form of the one- or two-inch-thin flat-panel displays, a feature many shoppers find appealing.

If you were in the market for one of Sony's SXRD rear-projection sets, better hurry up and pull the trigger while you still can. Or, you could just save your pennies for a few more years until OLED televisions get cheap enough to kill off LCDs.

From Engadget.

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SwitchedSony Closing Its Rear-Projection Television Line originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rptvsonyThu, 20 Dec 2007 11:32:00 EST