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Gift Guide: The Vision One Computer Workstation

JP Mangalindan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Video Games, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide

The Vision One Computer Workstation (Gamer, Under $2,500)

There are desks, and then there's the V1 ($1,700 starting price), an uncompromising workstation aimed squarely at appeasing the ergonomic needs of the seasoned PC gamer. The standard and corner-room configurations come in 35 colors like solid blue, metallic silver, and "rainbo" -- yep, you read right -- with finishes that include racing stripes and even flames. An adjustable-height monitor stand holds up to three displays while padded elbow rests support your arms; four speaker uprights surround the user so that you're always in the sweet spot. Colors aside, the V1 customization options are plentiful, from the table tops down to chair. If you've got the extra cash, spring for the cushy leather Porsche seat. Why? Because you (and your back) deserve it.

Gift Guide: The Vision One Computer Workstation originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: Sonos ZonePlayer S5

JP Mangalindan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Home Audio, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide

Sonos ZonePlayer S5 (Homebody; Under $1,000)

Ideal someone who wants to play their PC's music in the kitchen, living room or other room without having to configure a complicated media extender, the compact all-in-one Sonos ZonePlayer S5 ($399) is by far the most affordable wireless networkable speaker system in the company's lineup, with high-performance audio that rivals Bose's SoundDock and a user-friendly interface that makes maneuvering around music collections a cinch. There are a number of options for controlling it - a PC, Mac or a Sonos CR200 remote will do - but we recommend downloading the free Controller app onto an iPhone or iPod Touch. That way, users can access their iTunes collection or the thousands of free, searchable radio stations, all while taking calls and texts uninterrupted. Adding other ZonePlayers to the mix allows users to play different songs in other parts of the house at varying volumes, simultaneously. How's that for options?

Gift Guide: Sonos ZonePlayer S5 originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Guide: Jabra Stone

Evan Shamoon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:52:00 EST

Filed under: Cell Phones, Peripherals, Mobile Phones, Holiday Gift Guide

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.)

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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Gift Guide: NVidia 3D Vision Kit

Evan Shamoon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Video Games, Windows Software, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide

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.

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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Gift Guide: Glide TV

Evan Shamoon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Home Video, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide

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.

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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Gift Guide: Intelligent Design Titanium Mouse

Matthew Zuras — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide

Intelligent Design Titanium Mouse (Style-o-Phile, under $2,500)

What do you get for the computer fiend who has everything? A diamond-encrusted motherboard, or a gilded monitor bezel? There's no need to be so flashy, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for generic crap, either. The Titanium Mouse by Intelligent Design (€800, or about $1,200) positively oozes class and minimalist cool. The body is made from high grade titanium and plastic resin, with a scroll wheel of neodymium. It'll run you quite a bit more than your standard pointing device -- about a thousand dollars more! -- but sometimes a plastic track ball just won't cut it. Unless you live in Holland, where the ID mouse was designed, you'll have to place your order directly through the Intelligent Design Web site.

Gift Guide: Intelligent Design Titanium Mouse originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classic Computer Keyboards Revisited

Tom Samiljan — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Editor's Picks, Slideshows, Peripherals, desktops

Okay, this is our last post from that Vintage Computer Festival, we promise, but we thought there was something kind of beautiful about all those retro keyboards we saw, especially after seeing them through the lens of Matthew McMullen Smith's camera. Take a look at the gallery below and let us know if you agree. (We call first dibs on the all-turquoise and PET computer keyboards!)

Gallery: Vintage Keyboards

Classic Computer Keyboards Revisited originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 LCD Monitors That Think Outside the Bezel

Chris Morris — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, Editor's Picks, Home Video, Peripherals, Back to School

Odds are your computer's monitor looks a lot like everyone else's. Well, we here at Switched like to break out of the status quo, and we've found 10 screens that do the same.

Continue reading 10 LCD Monitors That Think Outside the Bezel

10 LCD Monitors That Think Outside the Bezel originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100?

Mike Kobrin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, Advice, Editor's Picks, Reviews, Home Audio, Peripherals, desktops, Back to School, School Supplies

Question: I use my computer for most of my TV and movie watching and music listening, but my machine's built-in speakers sound bloody awful. I want a set of computer speakers that sounds good whether cranked up loud or turned down soft. And I don't want to spend a fortune.

Advice: The underpowered speakers built into laptops and desktops can suck the life out of any video or song. They're too small to handle bass, and not of a high enough quality to reproduce most of the detail and richness in the audio.

Continue reading What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100?

What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Split Stick: Two USB Drives in One

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Peripherals

Have you ever thought to yourself, "this two-gigabyte USB drive is okay... but how much cooler would it be if I taped two of them together!" No? Well neither have we, but apparently someone did, and gave birth to the Split Stick.

The Split Stick is a double-sided USB drive -- slide the button one way to expose the port for a two gigabyte flash drive, slide it the other to reveal the port for yet another two-gigabyte (GB) flash drive. It's a boon for the über-anal, who think that putting personal and work files in separate folders isn't nearly enough separation. Of course, you can divide it up any way you like -- videos on one side, music on the other; clean files on one side, dirty (if you catch our drift) stuff on the other. You identify which side is which by having custom text or icons laser etched on each end.

Continue reading Split Stick: Two USB Drives in One

Split Stick: Two USB Drives in One originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Earbuds Under $100?

Mike Kobrin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, Advice, Editor's Picks, iPod, iPhone, Reviews, Peripherals, Portable Audio, Handheld Devices

A reader asks: I travel and commute a lot, and I need a set of headphones for my iPod and laptop. Those white earbuds just don't cut it on a plane or subway - especially for blocking out noise. I like to watch action movies, so they need to have good bass for those Hollywood explosions. But I'm also a jazz fan.

Hey Reader: We're not crazy about stock earbuds, either, and we've tried just about every alternative on the market. While in-ear models from Etymotic and Shure are popular for their excellent noise blocking and über-clear sound, they are expensive -- and uncomfortable on long trips. Instead, we recommend an affordable set from Ultimate Ears, the MetroFi 220. For $79, you get full, crisp bass without sacrificing clarity in the middle and upper ranges -- making the headphones versatile enough for all kinds of movies and music.

The extremely compact earbuds look pretty snazzy, with shiny, titanium-colored accents and a red-tinted ring clearly marking the right-ear bud. You get three sizes of smooth silicon tips. That way, you can select the ones that go just far enough into your ear canals to stay put and block noise -- without tickling your cochlea. Their black, hard-plastic carrying case fits easily in your pocket. For an extra $10, Ultimate Ears also makes an iPhone-compatible version, the MetroFi 220vi, which features an inline mic and a call-answer button.

Best Earbuds Under $100? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peregrine Gaming Glove Turns Your Hand Into a Keyboard

Tim Stevens — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:03:00 EST

Filed under: Video Games, Peripherals

The keyboard is the most important interface a computer has, but despite decades of use, it really hasn't changed all that much. The latest product vying to replace it is the Peregrine glove, and, while we don't think it's the future of interacting with your PC or Mac, it could be a boon to gamers addicted to online RPGs.

Demonstrated to us at E3, the Peregrine is basically an elastic glove with some wires sewn into it at various points. Connecting one of those points to conductive patches on the palm and thumb creates an electrical circuit, which the glove's brain converts to a keypress. So, touch your thumb and forefinger together, and it might cast a spell in a role-playing game; touch your middle finger to your palm and it could heal you (or your in-game character, at least).

Continue reading Peregrine Gaming Glove Turns Your Hand Into a Keyboard

Peregrine Gaming Glove Turns Your Hand Into a Keyboard originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Be.Ez Sleeves Easily Add Flair to Your Netbook

Chad Mumm — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:23:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Editor's Picks, Peripherals, Notebooks

If you're looking to add a little flair to your new netbook, French brand be.ez (be easy) has just come out with a line of netbook protection gear. The LArobe Netbook sleeves come in 10-inch and 9-inch sizes to fit a range of computers and you have nine colors to choose from. While not exactly reinventing the wheel, these sleeves do give a little love to your ultra-portable... and, if you pick the lime green sleeve, at least you'll be able to spot it in a crowd. And did we say Mother's Day gift? We're saying it. [From: be.ez]

Be.Ez Sleeves Easily Add Flair to Your Netbook originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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13 Twitter No-No's

Warren Riddle — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:58:00 EST

Filed under: Advice, Digital Camera, Peripherals, Portable Audio, Web, Social Networking

The micro-blogging site Twitter, along with its 140-character-or-less messages known as "tweets," is continuing to earn daily references from media outlets, but to the uninitiated it can seem confusing, narcissistic and creepily voyeuristic. In reality, it serves as an instant and simple method of keeping in contact with family and friends, or for reading the latest news from favored writers, musicians and comedians.

PC mag, this week, released a list of "13 Twitter Dont's" to help inform newcomers and wary observers. They also offer tips to the annoying members who unceasingly tweet without concern for those of their followers who don't care what they may happen to be eating at that particular moment. Some of the tips seem self-explanatory ("Don't say anything that can get you fired," for instance), but, then again, many people need a constant reminder of that warning, too. Other tips provide insight into the language and abbreviations common on Twitter, and others demonstrate proper Twitter protocol ("Don't tweet more than 10 times a day"). So, read on. And when you're finished, and properly informed, you can follow our own Switched tweets right here. [From: PCMag.com]

Next >> 'Twitter 101: Tips and Tricks'

Continue reading 13 Twitter No-No's

13 Twitter No-No's originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Keyboard Aims to Cut Down on Germs

Peter Mychalcewycz — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Peripherals

A new keyboard design from Esterline has medical professionals and run-of-the-mill hypochondriacs jumping for joy.

The Medigenic Infection-Control Keyboard is the same size as a traditional keyboard, but differs from its germier predecessors in a few ways. Most importantly, the Medigenic features a flat, touch-type keyboard that is easily wiped down, thus aiding in the prevention of cross-contamination and general germ build-up. The "keys" themselves are really 3-D, graphical representations of regular keys. Audio and visual alerts notify the user when to sanitize the keyboard, which is a good thing, considering we tend to forget to do it. Further helping users to identify cruddy build-up, the keyboard features a backlighting system.

From what we can tell, this is a well designed piece of gadgetry, and, although we are sticking with our good ol' fashioned keyboards for the time being, we think this may just be a viable option come next flu season. [From: OhGizmo]

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New Keyboard Aims to Cut Down on Germs originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Check Out These Boob-Shaped Mouse Pads

Tim Stevens — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:14:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Peripherals

There are dozens of products designed to keep your body ergonomically sound while you sit at a desk every day. Few, though, are more fun (or less appropriate for the office) than these Japanese-anime-styled mousepads sporting some suitably voluptuous carpal tunnel-preventing love mounds. We're not sure how much additional explanation is needed here. [From: BuzzFeed]

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Check Out These Boob-Shaped Mouse Pads originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hershey's Releases Chocolate Gadgets (Well, Sort of)

Warren Riddle — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Peripherals

In a move destined to create an uproar among chocoholics and anyone else who suffers from chocohol abuse, Hershey has announced a partnership with Jazwares to release chocolate-themed gadgets, including USB drives, speakers and cameras.

The USB drives will not only come in the form of assorted Hershey's miniatures, including Krackel, Goodbar, and the old-fashioned chocolate bar, but also as Twizzlers and Bubble Yum. They will be available with 1 to 4 gigabytes of storage capacity, and will range in price from $14.99 to $29.99. The partnership will also release Jolly Rancher speakers and a Hershey's Kiss digital camera.

All of this begs only one question, though. How long until your company's IT guy has to clean chocolate out of someone's USB port?

Update: We just heard from our friends over at TUAW about these absurd Ice Pod (get it?) ice cream bars. [From: Walyou]

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Hershey's Releases Chocolate Gadgets (Well, Sort of) originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Laser Printers Hazardous to Health, Study Finds

Lee Bains — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Peripherals

According to a study recently conducted at the Queensland University of Technology, laser printers could stand alongside cigarettes and conventional automobiles as a producer of tiny, potentially harmful airborne particles, reports Australia's Courier-Mail. Lidia Morawska, who headed the study at the university's International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, said yesterday that the bonding of toner to paper was found to produce tiny particles that could be dangerous to human health.

"These particles deposit very deeply in the human respiratory system and can cause irritation which could lead to [cardiovascular] problems," she explained.

While there is still much to be learned about the printers' potential dangers (Morawska admits that there is no way for office workers to identify the level of a machine's particle emissions), she does encourage people to place printers in well-ventilated areas and to sit as far away from them as possible. [From: News.com.au via FOXNews]

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Laser Printers Hazardous to Health, Study Finds originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Keyboard for Blondes' Designed for the OMG Crowd

Peter Mychalcewycz — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:50:00 EST

Filed under: Computers, Peripherals, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

Simply put, we laughed our backsides off when we came across this new, blonde-tastic splash of bubblegum fun.

We are, of course, talking about the Keyboard For Blondes, a bright pink keyboard designed specifically for OMG enthusiasts. Though the color alone is enough to drive a 'Hills'-obsessed-daughter and her enabling mother wild, it is the fun details that won us over.

Though completely functional in the traditional sense, the $50 keyboard is also an instant-messaging fanatic's dream, with most keys doubling as self-contained quick messages. For example, if you press the "O" button while simultaneously holding down the "Smart Blonde Button" (shift key), OMG shows up on the screen. The "S" button is "SOS"(shoes on sale!) Seriously, how awesome is that?

Honestly, we won't do it any justice with words. You need to go to the Web site and experience it for yourself. [From: stylelist]

'Keyboard for Blondes' Designed for the OMG Crowd originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gift Tip: iFrogz Custom Headphones for iPhone/iPod

Kaiser Hwang — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:48:00 EST

Filed under: Audio/Video, iPod, iPhone, Peripherals, Portable Audio, Holiday Gift Guide 2008

If there's anyone who's raking in the iPhone cash besides Apple, it's the third-party accessory makers. From cases to speakers to, um, telescopes, there is no shortage of add-ons to tailor your iPhone to whatever your needs may be. ifrogz, a fairly well-known Apple accessory and custom-skin maker, hopes to take things to another level, though, with its customizable iPhone/iPod EarPollution headphones.

Starting with your choice of base headphone, you can then customize the color of the bands, side pieces, speakers, and cushions. Then, if you're feeling especially perky, ifrogz allows you to choose from one of a wide assortment of art patterns that overlay the outside shell of the headphones. Of course, if you choose the earbuds as a base, your customization options are more limited.

While the selection of prints isn't too shabby, letting people use their own photos for designs the way Pure Digital's Flip cameras do would surely broaden the headphones' appeal. Our only other issue? There doesn't appear to be a built-in mic or remote on any of the headphones, once again limiting the headphones' appeal, especially to iPhone users. Then again, even Apple's own headphones with mic and remote don't completely support the iPhone (the volume buttons won't work), so maybe the point is moot... [From: Walyou]

Gift Tip: iFrogz Custom Headphones for iPhone/iPod originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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