Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Question: I'm finally ready to move to Mac, especially with Apple's latest iMacs. I really like the design and simplicity. But which one should I get? I was thinking I should get the base model for $1199, but the big 27-incher is pretty tempting, too, even though it's another $500. Or should I spend the extra money and get the upgraded versions of the iMac? So confusing -- I thought Apple was easy! I'll be using it for a little bit of everything, but my high-end needs will include a little video editing, music writing, and graphic design with Photoshop.
Answer: Apple certainly likes to tout its simplicity and plug-and-play usability, but try telling that to someone switching to Mac for the first time. On the surface, it looks as though Apple has two new iMacs out: the 21.5-inch and 27-inch. Simple. Done. Right?

Not so much. Let's take a quick trip to Apple shopping land (otherwise known as store.apple.com).

Continue reading What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?

SwitchedWhat's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecreativefeaturesimacjusttellmewhattogettopMon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Best New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/best-new-bluetooth-headsets-for-your-phone/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/best-new-bluetooth-headsets-for-your-phone/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/30/best-new-bluetooth-headsets-for-your-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


A few years ago, Bluetooth headsets were rarely seen in public, and early adopters were accused of making both fashion and etiquette faux pas.

But the proliferating bans on driving while holding a phone, coupled with people's discovery of hands-free convenience, has rendered the devices standard-issue these days.

And headsets continue to improve in both sound quality and features. Most new devices utilize one or more noise-canceling technologies, such as dual microphones and voice optimization (which suppresses ambient noise for less distortion). Some headsets use a boom (which extends the microphone closer to the mouth), and better in-ear designs either eliminate the dorky ear loop altogether or relegate it to an optional add-on.

Some of these Bluetooth devices boast A2DP technology in order to wirelessly stream music from a phone. And designers are finally paying attention to fashion, not just functionality.

To help you find the best match for your ear, we've taken some of the newer Bluetooth headsets out for a test drive, using them on calls everywhere from noisy city streets to wireless-saturated offices and homes (where there's a lot of potential interference). We evaluated them on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent) for sound quality, ease of use (especially for tasks like pairing and answering calls on the fly), comfort, and aesthetics (you know, so you don't look like a 'Bluetool' while you're wearing it). Take a look at our favorites.

Continue reading Best New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone

SwitchedBest New Bluetooth Headsets for Your Phone originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetoothheadsetscellphonefeaturesheadsetmobileaccessoriestopWed, 30 Sep 2009 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Is 'The Beatles: Rock Band' Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/09/is-the-beatles-rock-band-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/09/is-the-beatles-rock-band-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/09/is-the-beatles-rock-band-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hype Check:

'The Beatles: Rock Band' (MTV Games/Harmonix)

What it is: A little band called The Beatles has joined forces with a little game called 'Rock Band' to create what is arguably the most highly anticipated music game to date. It includes 45 songs by the seminal British band, and a full-on visual overhaul to depict the Beatles' members and style. The game comes either bundled with Beatles-themed instrument controllers, or as a standalone game that can be played with any 'Rock Band'-compatible instruments.

Why it's different: You may not have noticed, but the Beatles' back catalog has never been released digitally -- no iTunes Store, no Amazon Music Store. And, of course, no Beatles song has ever been featured in a music game -- neither 'Rock Band,' nor 'Guitar Hero.' So, it's something of a coup that MTV and Harmonix (the game's publisher and developer, respectively), have scored approval to Rock-Band-ify the Fab Four's back catalog. The game was developed with creative input from Apple Corps (the Beatles' label), as well as with that of surviving band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Even the gameplay, though fundamentally the same as prior versions of 'Rock Band,' includes some new ideas, the three-part vocal harmony system being the most significant.


Continue reading Is 'The Beatles: Rock Band' Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs 'The Beatles: Rock Band' Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresharmonixhypecheckmtvmusicrockbandthe beatlesTheBeatlestopWed, 09 Sep 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[What Are the Best Budget Computer Speakers Under $100? ]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/28/what-are-the-best-budget-computer-speakers-under-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


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?

SwitchedWhat 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetfeatureshouseholdjusttellmewhattogetspeakersstudentstopFri, 28 Aug 2009 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the T-Mobile myTouch 3G the Google Phone to Beat?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/12/is-the-t-mobile-mytouch-3g-the-google-phone-to-beat/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/12/is-the-t-mobile-mytouch-3g-the-google-phone-to-beat/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/12/is-the-t-mobile-mytouch-3g-the-google-phone-to-beat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



What it is:

The myTouch 3G, the second Android smartphone (aka "Googlephone") to be introduced by T-Mobile, after the G1, is essentially a re-branded HTC Magic.


What's different about it?

Unlike the G1 (the first "Googlephone"), the myTouch opts for a touchscreen-based interface, dropping the physical keyboard. The Android 1.5 ("Cupcake") operating system and marketplace have come a long way (improved speed, more apps, better onscreen keyboard) since the G1 launched last year on T-Mobile.


What we like:

On the hardware front, HTC has built a sexier and sturdier phone, a marked improvement over the lackluster design and plastic feel of the G1 (perhaps a side-effect of removing the keyboard). The phone's molded shell doesn't pick up dirt like many next-gen smartphones, which is nice.

Continue reading Is the T-Mobile myTouch 3G the Google Phone to Beat?

SwitchedIs the T-Mobile myTouch 3G the Google Phone to Beat? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfeaturesgooglephonehypecheckmytouchmytouch3gsmartphonesmartphonestmobiletopWed, 12 Aug 2009 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[The Olympus E-P1 Is Sexy, But Is It Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/11/the-olympus-e-p1-is-sexy-but-is-it-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/11/the-olympus-e-p1-is-sexy-but-is-it-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/11/the-olympus-e-p1-is-sexy-but-is-it-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



What it is: The Olympus PEN E-P1 is the company's first Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera -- a miniaturized alternative to a digital SLR (DSLR) based on a tech standard developed in cooperation with Panasonic. The physical design and name are throwbacks to the half-frame film cameras Olympus produced from the '50s through the '80s. The E-P1, priced at $799, includes a 14-42-millimeter, f3.5-5.6 zoom lens (equivalent to 28-84 mm on a traditional film camera).

Why it's different: The E-P1's retro styling stands out among other DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras. The compact body is a result of the MFT system, which reduces bulk by forgoing an SLR's internal mirror and prism for through-the-lens viewing. The result is a camera significantly smaller and lighter than a DSLR, but with the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and the photo quality that comes from a large image sensor. The only other MFT cameras on the market are Panasonic's G1 and GH1, which boast similar size reductions, but have a traditional DSLR shape.

Continue reading The Olympus E-P1 Is Sexy, But Is It Worth the Hype?

SwitchedThe Olympus E-P1 Is Sexy, But Is It Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshypecheckmftmicro four thirdsMicroFourThirdsolympusolympus e-p1OlympusE-p1photographytopTue, 11 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyson D22 'Motorhead' Vacuum: Does It Live Up to Its Heavy Metal Name?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/10/dyson-d22-motorhead-vacuum-does-it-live-up-to-its-heavy-metal-name/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/10/dyson-d22-motorhead-vacuum-does-it-live-up-to-its-heavy-metal-name/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/10/dyson-d22-motorhead-vacuum-does-it-live-up-to-its-heavy-metal-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,



What it is: Those who still think a vacuum's a vacuum have yet to encounter Dyson. The funky-looking, English-engineered line of bag-less, suctioning masterpieces is a far cry from the clunkers lining the shelves of Bed, Bath & Beyond. (You'll even find several in modern art museums around the world.) The DC22 Motorhead is the newest addition to the line of Dyson canister models. It takes up a little over a square foot, weighs 18 pounds, and trails the user as he or she maneuvers the hose attachment of choice.

Why it's different: Canister-style vacuums are nothing new. But Dyson's DC22 is an attempt to match the power and performance of a much larger upright model. The company also added a new, small, lighter motor that boasts 88,000 spins per minute (way fast) while ditching standard carbon brushes (which release particles into the air).

Continue reading Dyson D22 'Motorhead' Vacuum: Does It Live Up to Its Heavy Metal Name?

SwitchedDyson D22 'Motorhead' Vacuum: Does It Live Up to Its Heavy Metal Name? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appliancesdesigndysonfeatureshouseholdhypehypechecktopvacuumvacuumcleanersMon, 10 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best Digital SLR Camera for Beginners?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/07/whats-the-best-digital-slr-camera-for-beginners/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/07/whats-the-best-digital-slr-camera-for-beginners/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/07/whats-the-best-digital-slr-camera-for-beginners/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Question: I see more and more people carrying digital SLRs these days. And when I look at the great photos, I understand why. I'd like to upgrade from my point-and-shoot, but the choices are overwhelming. What's a good beginner SLR that can also grow with me if I want to get more serious?

Advice: Our current favorite among beginner models is the Nikon D5000. It's not the cheapest -- even from Nikon -- but it has great room to grow. The D5000 is very similar to the company's pricier D90 camera and comes with one significant upgrade: An articulating, 2.7-inch LCD screen allows you to frame the photo while holding the camera above your head, down at your waist, or even facing towards you for a self-portrait. That gives it a leg up on Canon's Digital Rebel line of entry-level SLRs.

The LCD is especially handy when using the D5000's video-capture feature, since you don't have to hold the camera right up to your nose while shooting. The 720p HD movies it takes don't match the crisp images you can get with a dedicated high-def camcorder, but they make a fun supplement to the excellent 12-megapixel still photos.

Continue reading What's the Best Digital SLR Camera for Beginners?

SwitchedWhat's the Best Digital SLR Camera for Beginners? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d5000featuresjusttellmewhattogetnikonnikon d5000NikonD5000topFri, 07 Aug 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[17 Niche Dating Sites for Specialty Lovers]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/05/17-niche-dating-sites-for-specialty-lovers/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/05/17-niche-dating-sites-for-specialty-lovers/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/05/17-niche-dating-sites-for-specialty-lovers/#commentsFiled under: ,



There's somebody out there for everyone. And thanks to the Web, they are easier to find than ever. Today, online dating sites cater to any interest, vocation, hobby, fetish, and even shared disease. If you're single and very particular -- or you just want to peak at some of the weirder matchmaking services -- then check out our roundup of these unique dating sites.

Continue reading 17 Niche Dating Sites for Specialty Lovers

Switched17 Niche Dating Sites for Specialty Lovers originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datingfeaturesloverelationshipstopweirdWed, 05 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Question: I need a new digital camera. But since money is tight these days, I can't spend much over $100. Is there a camera around that price that's worth any money at all?

Our Advice: Yes. These days, most camera makers sell surprisingly capable point-and-shoots for just over $100. At that price, you won't get the latest and greatest photo technology. But you will get an inexpensive camera that takes good pictures and offers a useful array of automatic features. Our current favorite is Fujifilm's 10-megapixel Finepix J20, which you can pick up for about $120.

The J20 has a more compact, sturdy, and stylish design than many of its budget-priced competitors. And its 2.7-inch LCD provides a clear view in a wide range of lighting situations, from bright sunlight to dim interiors. It also produces impressively sharp and colorful images at ISO (light sensitivity) settings as high as 1600. That allows you to shoot without the flash in low light and still capture photos with minimal graininess. All those qualities lend the J20 versatility and easy portability, making it a good all-purpose snapshot camera.

Continue reading What's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100?

SwitchedWhat's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainsdigicamsfeaturesjusttellmewhattogetrecessionshoppingtopTue, 28 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Can't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help.]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/27/cant-organize-love-to-organize-either-way-evernote-can-help/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Switched Download: Evernote

Evernote

What it is: Evernote is a note-taking tool that lets you store information online and quickly reference it from any Web-connected computer or mobile phone. You can clip parts of Web pages, save text, images, or even hand-written notes. It's a place "in the cloud" to store anything you might need to recall at a later date -- be it a to-do list, meeting notes, Web research, a picture of that wine label you took while on vacation in Napa Valley, or even more sensitive data like difficult-to-remember network keys.

What we like about it: We love that you can use it from pretty much any computer or cell phone. While the Windows and Mac versions let you access and save notes offline to be uploaded the next time you are online, there are also dedicated Evernote apps for iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm's WebOS, and Windows Mobile, not to mention a separate mobile site for cell phones. The regular Web site has a slick interface that easily lets you create and save notes, tag them, and divide them up into separate notebooks. There's also a plug-in that lets you "clip" content from the Web with just one click and then automatically upload it to Evernote. As if all that weren't enough, you can also e-mail or tweet notes to Evernote, where they will automatically be added to your collection.

Continue reading Can't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help.

SwitchedCan't Organize? Love to Organize? Either Way, Evernote Can Help. originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudclutterevernotefeaturesfreenote takingNoteTakingorganizeproductivityswitcheddownloadtopMon, 27 Jul 2009 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the BlackBerry Curve 8900 Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/25/is-the-new-blackberry-curve-8900-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/25/is-the-new-blackberry-curve-8900-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/25/is-the-new-blackberry-curve-8900-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


BlackBerry Curve 8900

What it is: The 8900 is the next-generation version of the popular, easy-to-use, and versatile Curve line.

What's different about it? The original Curve 8300 was our favorite BlackBerry when it first came out because it was as full-featured as the more business-oriented BlackBerrys (like the 8800 series), but still had everything you needed to have fun with your phone (still camera, media player). The 8900 has that same satisfying combination, only in a more powerful, slimmer (2.36-inches) package - namely, a 3.2-megapixel camera, the new BlackBerry OS (which includes an improved browser that delivers fuller versions Web sites), a normal headset jack (so you can use your favorite headphones), and a camcorder.

What we like: Besides the souped-up features in a more affordable package, the Curve still has all the great specs that made the original Curve 8300 a winner - built-in Wi-Fi capability that enables seamless switchover to UMA Internet phone calls (on T-Mobile models) any time you hit a wireless hotspot, an easy to use media player, expandable memory, and the ability to read and edit office documents easily. It has has an even more spacious QWERTY keyboard than before, which is good enough to write lengthy business memos, documents (and articles!), not to mention read and respond to your e-mail regardless of whether you've got a mobile phone signal or not (while you're on an airplane, for example). Bonus: It'll work in most countries around the world since it runs on the globally popular GSM network (used by AT&T and T-Mobile).

Continue reading Is the BlackBerry Curve 8900 Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the BlackBerry Curve 8900 Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrycurveblackberrycurve8900curvefeatureshypechecksmartphonestopSat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the BlackBerry Tour Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/24/is-the-blackberry-tour-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/24/is-the-blackberry-tour-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/24/is-the-blackberry-tour-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



BlackBerry Tour

What it is: The latest and greatest CDMA BlackBerry device -- in other words, it runs on Sprint and Verizon Wireless's networks -- and quite possibly the best BlackBerry ever.

Why it's different: It seems as though it's been an eternity since a new QWERTY-keyboard-equipped BlackBerry has hit the market for CDMA customers. While our BlackBerry-toting GSM brethren with T-Mobile or AT&T plans have had later and more evolved devices (with larger, brighter, crisper screens, and more spacious keyboards), the rest of us have been stuck with older models (or annoying touchscreen Storms) on Verizon Wireless and Sprint for months. The Tour is the first next-generation BlackBerry for Verizon and Sprint customers that brings the hardware into the year 2009. It sports a better and more full-featured browser than its predecessors, the Curve 8330 and 8830 World Edition, a higher resolution camera (3-megapixels), and a faster processor.

Continue reading Is the BlackBerry Tour Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the BlackBerry Tour Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrytourfeatureshypechecksmartphonestoptourFri, 24 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the BlackBerry Bold Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/is-the-blackberry-bold-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/is-the-blackberry-bold-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/23/is-the-blackberry-bold-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,




BlackBerry Bold

What it is: A full-scale, sleek BlackBerry with a to-die for QWERTY keyboard and a one-of-a-kind vintage camera look -- textured faux-leather back, chunky silver accents -- that's drawn celebrity (think John Mayer) and power users alike.

Why it's different: The Bold is a chunkier affair than its newer sibling, the Tour (a CDMA phone for the Sprint and Verizon networks), which, as the newest BlackBerry, is even sleeker than the Bold. Still, the HSDPA, GSM Bold is a "world phone," if you will, while the Tour -- well, that one will work in beautifully in North America, but you'll find its performance and features reduced when using it internationally. The Bold also (unlike the Tour) boasts Wi-Fi -- great if you're always near a hotspot! And, you're trying to choose between the BlackBerry Storm and the Bold -- well, the obvious difference here is the keyboard.

Continue reading Is the BlackBerry Bold Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the BlackBerry Bold Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryboldboldhypechecksmartphonesThu, 23 Jul 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Earbuds Under $100?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/best-earbuds-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/best-earbuds-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/best-earbuds-under-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



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.

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioearbudsfeaturesheadphonesipodaccessoriesjusttellmewhattogettopTue, 21 Jul 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the Pacemaker DJ Machine Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/19/is-the-pacemaker-dj-machine-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/19/is-the-pacemaker-dj-machine-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/19/is-the-pacemaker-dj-machine-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , ,



What it is: The Pacemaker is a palm-sized DJ mixing station for digital music that provides an easy way to combine two stereo tracks, add effects, and generally get partygoers to work up a sweat.

Why it's different: Like the love child of an iPod and a traditional DJ setup, the Pacemaker is a first of its kind, to be sure. You load it with tracks from your computer in pretty much any format, including MP3, AAC, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, and AIFF. Songs play on each of two virtual turntables, and you cross-fade between them with a mixer control. (The Pacemaker's beat-matching function allows you to merge tunes with different tempos.) You can also spice things up with a host of effects, like echo-y reverb.

If you take the time to master it, jamming on the Pacemaker is an infinitely better way to rock a party than pressing "play" on an iPod (check out video here). And for aspiring DJ's, it's a great tool for sketching out (and practicing) your mixes. While the mechanism is different than using turntables, the essential logic of fitting songs together is the same.


Continue reading Is the Pacemaker DJ Machine Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the Pacemaker DJ Machine Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshypecheckpacemakertopFri, 19 Jun 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the Casio EX-S12 Camera With 'Dynamic Photo' Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/09/is-the-casio-ex-s12-camera-with-dynamic-photo-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/09/is-the-casio-ex-s12-camera-with-dynamic-photo-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/09/is-the-casio-ex-s12-camera-with-dynamic-photo-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Most point-and-shoot camera makers are marching in lock step -- all introducing features such as fancier face detection, higher light sensitivity, and larger LCD screens. Casio is playing along, but it's also adding more-powerful image processing -- allowing its cameras to capture photos in high-speed bursts, shoot slow-motion video, or track fast-moving subjects.

What it is: Casio's EX-S12 (and a sister models, the EX-Z400 and EX-Z270) use this extra processing power for a new function called Dynamic Photo that lets you cut a still subject, or even a stop-motion video clip, from one shot and insert it into another.

Why it's different: Cameras have been adding editing capabilities, such as removing red-eye but Casio is the first to put compositing -- making a new image with portions of other photos -- into a point-and-shoot.

Does it live up to the hype? Absolutely not. The prescribed process for creating these images with the EX-S12 is arduous, with a low success rate. And even when the tech works, the results are laughable.

Continue reading Is the Casio EX-S12 Camera With 'Dynamic Photo' Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the Casio EX-S12 Camera With 'Dynamic Photo' Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We recently had a chance to take our cameras and check out the new Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle, only the second one to hit the market and sure to please most Earth-loving urban hipsters. Our man Tim Stevens took the high-tech wunderbike to the streets of lower Manhattan for a little envy-inducing, 13.7-horsepower jaunt to your local Starbucks. For $11,995, you can terrorize your burg at a latté-foaming 50mph and look infinitely more hardcore than those tricks on a Vespa. It's the perfect complement to your faux-leather, vegan Heck's Angels jacket.

The bike is can be pre-ordered at the Enertia site (and will be available in early July at West Coast Best Buy stores, too). Check out Engadget for Tim's full review.

SwitchedHands On Review: Brammo Enertia Electric Motorcycle (Video) originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What it is: Hulu Desktop is a free, Flash-based application for Mac and Windows that plays video from the Hulu Web site, including full episodes and clips from ABC, Fox, and NBC television shows, plus a smattering of movies.

What we like about it: Hulu desktop brings a high level of polish to what was already a fantastic video site. Once you get the hang of the left-to-right organization, the interface is very easy and intuitive to navigate. You start by searching for a series, selecting from the most popular videos, or hitting up a cue of programs you've already built in this app or on Hulu's Web site. Then you click to the right to select an individual episode to watch.

The process if far more straightforward than scrolling around the Hulu.com site. And you don't even need to use the mouse. You can also navigate by simple keyboard shortcuts (directional arrows to move around menus, the space bar to pause, etc); or you can wield remote controls for the Apple Front Row or Windows Media Center applications. There are plenty of options during playback, such as fast-forwarding or rewinding the video by sliding along a timeline that pops up at the bottom of the screen. And multitaskers can reduce the currently playing video to a preview window while searching for new videos to play or add to the cue.

Continue reading Switched Download: Hulu Desktop Eases Up PC TV-Watching Experience

SwitchedSwitched Download: Hulu Desktop Eases Up PC TV-Watching Experience originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Question: We're taking a trip cross-country this summer, and I want to bring a video camera for some home movies. I've got a couple hundred bucks to spend but don't want to break the bank. I've seen a lot of these small, solid-state camcorders recently, and I'm wondering which one you recommend?

Hey Reader: We live in wonderful times. There are many styles of camcorders to choose from these days, and most companies have HD models for under $500. (Video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo make it easy to post HD clips right from a camera. But if you want to edit HD creations first, know that you'll need a pretty powerful PC.) For your price range, nothing beats the convenience of a pocket-sized camera like the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD, which delivers the goods while still being light on your wallet and incredibly easy to use.

Gone are the days of lugging around an unwieldy camcorder and box of tapes -- today's pocket camcorders record to solid-state hard drives and have hardly any moving parts. Not only does this eliminate tape jams, it also enables nearly instantaneous shooting, so you don't miss the moment when inspiration strikes.

Continue reading Best HD Camcorder Under $250

SwitchedBest HD Camcorder Under $250 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 29 May 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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