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Gadget News


Tuesday, August 31, 2004

Sandisk Cruzer Titanium Review : EverythingUSB

And the praise just keeps streaming in for one the year's hottest Sandisk products, the Sandisk Cruzer Titanium USB Flash Drive. This time it's Everthing USB (www.everythingusb.com) who's writing how cool this little titanium-clad usb flash drive is! Here's a summary of what they said:

USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Titanium image and link

- "Best in class, no doubt!"
- "The Titanium Cruzer not as strong as Sandisk claims" said one reviewer after driving over his Sandisk Cruzer Titanium with his car...hmmm...
- "Is it fast? Oh my!"

Read the whole review at Everything USB! Thanks to Gizmodo for the heads-up!

Get your Sandisk Cruzer Titanium USB Flash Drive here at Mr.Gadget Australia!

Saturday, August 28, 2004

New USB Christmas trees on the way - What's the meaning behind the Christmas Tree anyways?

If you thought the USB Christmas Trees that we sold last year were cool, just wait till you see what we've got for you this year! Still powered by the USB port, our USB Christmas Trees actually look like evergreens although with plastic green leaves. The base also looks like an authentic wooden pot that is certain to bring back memories of days before titanium and alloys alike. What's similar are the different coloured lights...how can you have a Christmas Tree without lights! All-in-all a great Christmas gadget to have at home, at the office or at school.
Our first batch will arrive around the 20th of September. Click here to view USB Christmas Tree product information.

A great symbol to mark one of the greatest events the world will ever know - Jesus Christ's Birth.

Check out the picture that I took of my sample below:


USB Christmas Tree Image and link

Origin and Meaning of the Christmas Tree
Before putting these words to keyboard, I sat back and wondered "how did Christmas trees come about?" If you type Christmas tree in Google you're sure to find a whole swag of suggestions, but few of these are seem credible. However tonight as I was surfing, I happened across a Christmas tree article that actually had references! Good work Pastor Richard Bucher! Read his explanation of Christmas trees here:
http://users.rcn.com/tlclcms/chrtree.htm

Get your USB Christmas Tree at Mr.Gadget Australia!

Memory Stick O Memory Stick! Get them here at Mr.Gadget!

Tired of running out of space on your memory stick? Sick of having to ruthlessly delete photos because you've run out of room on your memory card? Despair no more! Mr.Gadget has Sandisk Memory Sticks at excellent prices so you can get that extra bit of memory you need. Especially with the holiday season and Christmas coming, you cannot go to that next engagement armed with nothing less than a 128MB Memory Stick Pro!

Sandisk phasing out standard Memory Sticks
Just an FYI, Sandisk are phasing out the normal Sandisk Memory Sticks and replacing these with the Sandisk Memory Stick Pro series. The prices of the Sandisk Memory Stick Pro have dropped so you can afford one of these for the same price of a standard memory stick! The difference between the two? Sandisk Memory Stick Pro cards have faster read and write time, so that means if you're using it in a digital camera, you'll be able to take shots and review them quicker. A quick note to say that Sony devices take Sandisk Memory Sticks with no problems!

Here's a list of links to the Sandisk Memory Stick range at Mr.Gadget Australia:

Sandisk Memory Stick:
standard memory stick with five year warranty.
- Memory Stick Sandisk 64MB
- Memory Stick Sandisk 128MB


Sandisk Memory Stick Pro: faster than standard memory sticks. Check device compatibility. Five year warranty.
Memory Stick Pro image
- Memory Stick Pro Sandisk 128MB
- Memory Stick Pro Sandisk 256MB
- Memory Stick Pro Sandisk 512MB
- Memory Stick Pro Sandisk 1GB
- Memory Stick Pro Sandisk 2GB

Sandisk Memory Stick Pro Ultra II: fastest memory stick with write and read speeds of up to 10MB per second. Lifetime warranty.
Memory Stick Pro Ultra II image
- Memory Stick Pro Ultra II Sandisk 256MB
- Memory Stick Pro Ultra II Sandisk 512MB
- Memory Stick Pro Ultra II Sandisk 1GB

Sandisk Memory Stick Duo: used in mobile phones and portable devices. Comes with an adapter so that it fits into any other memory stick device. Five year warranty.
Memory Stick Duo image
- Memory Stick Duo Sandisk 32MB
- Memory Stick Duo Sandisk 64MB
- Memory Stick Duo Sandisk 128MB

Sandisk Memory Stick Pro Duo: faster than standard memory stick duo cards. Also comes with an adapter so will work in any memory stick pro device. Five year warranty.
Memory Stick Pro Duo
- Memory Stick Pro Duo Sandisk 128MB
- Memory Stick Pro Duo Sandisk 256MB
- Memory Stick Pro Duo Sandisk 512MB

What is a Memory Stick?
Here's a definition that I found on Google:
"A memory format. A removable, chewing gum sized smartcard produced by Sony. Compatible with most of Sony's extensive portable digital range, but not with equipment produced by other manufacturers. Capacities range from 4MB to 128MB."
www.tiscali.co.uk

The definition above is a bit outdated now for two main reasons:
- Sandisk also produce memory sticks now
- the largest standard Sandisk Memory Stick is 256MB with memory select (has two inbuilt 128MB chips, so you can choose which one to write data to). Sandisk currently have a 2GB Memory Stick Pro.

Click here to see Memory Sticks at Mr.Gadget!

Friday, August 27, 2004

Boom! Crash! Compact Flash Card!?

We knew that compact flash memory cards were rugged and tough but surviving explosive blasts?! Well that's just what happened at the Mississippi River very recently as reported by Designtechnica.com. Check out the last photos captured by the indestructable compact flash card:


US$15,000 worth of equipment kaboomed

What kind of compact flash was it? It was a Sandisk 256MB Compact Flash! See I told you Sandisk make quality stuff! :)

Here's the link to the full story:
http://news.designtechnica.com/article5140.html

Thanks to Steve from www.dvd.net.au for the tip!

USB Car Charger Adapter : sold at Mr.Gadget!

Keep your USB devices powered-up with the USB Car Charger Adapter! This handy little gadget fits into standard car cigarette lighters. Gadgeteers with PocketPC or Palms that have USB charge cables can use this device to energise their PDAs.

People gadgety enough to have USB Massage Balls, USB Cup Warmers or USB Fans will also be able to enjoy these USB gadgets in the car thanks to the power provided by the USB Car Charger Adapter! (I just used the word "USB" 5 times in one sentence!).

Here's a picture of it that I took with my trusty Canon G3 camera yesterday:

USB Car Charger Adapter product image link

Get your USB Car Charger Adapter here at Mr.Gadget! (click here for product info)

It's all in the fine print...

Just got this email from a friend, quite cheeky...


Blueant Safe2Talk : Universal Plug and Go Handsfree

Blueant Safe2Talk: Easy Universal Plug and Go Handsfree
The universal do-it-yourself Blueant Safe2talk Handsfree enables safe and convenient handsfree communication, without breaking the law or your budget.

Blueant Safe2Talk product link

Powered through the vehicles cigarette lighter, the Blueant Safe2talk Handsfree is designed for a straight forward 5 minute installation.

The electronics and speaker are integrated within a neat and compact design on the Blueant Safe2Talk, providing you with excellent sound quality. The external directional microphone provides optimum sound resolution.

Simply change the connector in seconds
The kit is universal and provides the flexibility of different users using the same vehicle and handsfree kit, simply by changing the connector.

This feature also allows for substantial saving when upgrading mobile phone handsets.

Depending on your mobile phone, functions such as voice activation, one touch dialing, any key answer and auto answer allow you to communicate easily while leaving your hands free to operate the vehicle.

Features of the Blueant Safe2Talk Handsfree:
-GSM / CDMA compatible
-12-24 volt
-Excellent sound quality
-Easily transferable
-Compact design
-Optional Privacy Function
-High Quality external mic
-E4 Qualified
-24 month hardware warranty
-In car holder included
-Cigarette Lighter extension included

Blueant Safe2Talk Compatibility List:
NOKIA
- 3100, 3105, 3200, 5100, 6100, 6220, 6230, 6610, 6800, 7210, 7250i.- 6600, 1100, 2100, 3310, 3315, 3510, 5210, 8210, 8250, 8310.- 6310, 6310i, 6210, 6385 (CDMA).

SONY ERICSSON- T29, T39, T68, T200, T230, T300, T610, T630, P800, P900, Z200, Z600.SAMSUNG- E700, T400, T500, T100.- V200, X430.

SIEMENS- C55, C60, M55, MC60, S55, SL55.- C45, ME45. MOTOROLA- V60, V66, V70, T720, V525.- C350, E380. LG- 5300, 5400, 7100.

SHARP- GX10, GX20.- GX30.

Click here to order your own Blueant Safe2Talk Handsfree!

xD Picture Card : Cheap at Mr.Gadget!

Sandisk xD Picture Cards are more affordable than ever! Been waiting to update that over-used 16MB or 32MB xD picture card? Well now's the time at Mr.Gadget! We've reduced the prices of xD picture cards by up to $30!

The xD memory cards by Sandisk are compatible with any Fuji or Olympus digital camera that takes xD picture cards. Current Fuji and Olympus xD picture cards on the market are actually just rebranded Sandisk cards. Read here about it at DPReview:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0310/03103101sandiskfujifilmxd.asp

xD Picture Card Image and product link


Features of the xD Picture Card:

Connectivity and Compatibility
Compact and durable, the Sandisk xD-Picture Card is the ultimate reusable digital media. Besides offering compatibility with most manufacturers xD-compatible devices, it's the only xD card that supports the Panorama function found on most Olympus digital cameras. And it's just as easy using non-xD devices as well, thanks to a number of groundbreaking adapters that will be available including a CompactFlash Adapter, SmartMedia USB Reader/Writer, and PCMCIA/PC Card Adapter.

So Small, It's Huge
An exceptionally compact design means manufacturers will be able to deliver smaller, more stylish, and more powerful digital devices in the future.

Room for Growth
Designed with the most advanced storage technology available, the Sandisk xD-Picture Card system meets the memory capacity needs of today, while also being readily available to fulfill the increased memory
capacity needs of tomorrow.For a detailed look at the xD's storage capacities, view our Capacity Chart. (Flash required.)

Durable
Sandisk xD-Picture Cards were designed for maximum durability, so it’s easy to feel comfortable trusting them with important digital information.

Panorama Support
Sandisk xD-Picture Cards support the Panorama function found on most Olympus digital cameras.

List of xD Picture Cards at Mr.Gadget:

- xD Picture Card Sandisk 64MB
- xD Picture Card Sandisk 128MB
- xD Picture Card Sandisk 256MB
- xD Picture Card Sandisk 512MB

Thursday, August 26, 2004

USB Flash Drive price drop

USB Flash Drives have dropped in price! Mr.Gadget stocks the full range of Sandisk USB Flash Drives - Cruzer Minis and Cruzer Micro. These USB flash drives have been our best sellers and if you check out our Gadget Reviews, you'll see that our customers absolutely love the quality of the Sandisk USB Flash Drives. The capacity of the Sandisk USB flash drive range starts from 128MB up to 1GB! People generally use USB flash drives for storing work data, favourite photos, MP3s, and personal documents.

Here's a list of links to our Sandisk Cruzer USB Flash Drive range:

SANDISK CRUZER MINI USB FLASH DRIVES
Sandisk Cruzer Mini USB Flash Drive Image
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Mini 128MB
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Mini 256MB
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Mini 512MB
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Mini 1GB

SANDISK CRUZER MICRO USB FLASH DRIVES
Sandisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive Image
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Micro 128MB
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Micro 256MB
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Micro 512MB

SANDISK CRUZER TITANIUM USB FLASH DRIVE
- USB Flash Drive Sandisk Cruzer Titanium 512MB

Sandisk Cruzer Titanium USB Flash Drive Image


What's the difference between the Sandisk Cruzer Mini and the Sandisk Cruzer Micro?
There are three main differences between these USB Flash Drives:
1. The Sandisk Cruzer MICRO is smaller - it is approximate 2/3 size of the Sandisk Cruzer MINI.
2. The Sandisk Cruzer MICRO fits into the Sandisk MP3 Companion, whereas the Sandisk MINI does not.
3. The Sandisk Cruzer MICRO is more suited for putting on a keyring.

Compact Flash Sale On!

This morning we reduced the prices of our Compact Flash Memory Card range, especially those from Sandisk. It's amazing the way that memory cards, such as compact flash and SD cards have dropped in price the last couple of months. Word on the street is that reduction in memory card prices is a result of improved manufacturing techniques in Asia. This is excellent news for you the consumer as it means that you can now but larger capacity compact flash cards! Having bigger compact flash cards means that you won't have to be so picky about which pictures you keep stored when you're on holidays...hopefully allowing you to relax just that little bit more!

Compact flash at Mr.Gadget Australia

Check out our very competitive compact flash prices here at Mr.Gadget!

Below are links to the Sandisk Compact Flash Memory Card Range:
- Compact Flash 64MB Sandisk
- Compact Flash 128MB Sandisk
- Compact Flash 256B Sandisk
- Compact Flash 512MB Sandisk
- Compact Flash 1GB Sandisk
- Compact Flash 2GB Sandisk
- Compact Flash 4GB Sandisk

Sandisk Ultra II High-Speed Compact Flash Cards:
- Sandisk Ultra II Compact Flash 256MB
- Sandisk Ultra II Compact Flash 512MB
- Sandisk Ultra II Compact Flash 1GB
- Sandisk Ultra II Compact Flash 2GB

For those unfamiliar with what Compact Flash is, here's a concise definition that I found on Google:

"Data storage A standard for small-sized, non-volatile memory cards and other peripherals used in mobile computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and some MP3 players. Whilst only around 3x4cm in size (and only a few mm thick) compact flash memory cards are available in sizes of 128Mb+. IBM also now manufacture various "microdrive" hard disks to fit in compact flash (CF) slots, with a current maximum capacity of 1Gb."
www.nottingham.ac.uk/cyber/fullglos.html

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Petrol Scooter Chopper Mini Bike - Mr.Gadget's got em!

These Petrol Scooter Chopper Mini Bikes are so cool! I even got one myself since Save Direct were offering such great prices!

My shiny petrol scooter chopper mini bike took around 20 minutes to put together - this was just a matter of bolting together the fork to the main body and attaching the handle bars. One of the best features about this Chopper Petrol Scooter is that it has electronic ignition! Because my friend and I didn't read the instruction manual we spent 15 minutes trying to start this cool-two-wheeled-gadget...when I finally wised up, I read the part about the electric ignition and in seconds my Petrol Scooter Chopper was rearing to go! Talk about zippy! With it's 49cc engine, these little scooters can reach up to 50-60km an hour.

Petrol Scooter Chopper Mini Bike picture

For potential buyers, Mr.Gadget strongly recommends the following:
- always wear a helmet
- children should not ride without parental supervision
- always obey road rules

The other great feature about the Petrol Scooter Chopper Mini Bikes are that adults, like me, can ride them too! Everyone who've seen my Chopper wants one! Great for going around the block, to the Milkbar or wherever.

Features of the Petrol Scooter Chopper Mini Bike:
- 49cc Air cooled 2-stroke china engine
- Speedometer, battery gauge, turn signal indicator
- Push button electric start and pull start, w/keyed ignition
- Front and rear drum brakes
- Chain drive system
- Front and rear suspension system
- Sturdy body and steel frame
- Comfortable seat
- Large air-filled rubber 13" tires front & rear
- Tool kit- Centrifugal clutch
- Comes with a helmet

Definitely Mr.Gadget's favourite gadget of the year!

Available in BLUE, BLACK or BURGUNDY.

Get your Petrol Scooter Chopper Mini Bike at SaveDirect! They'll ship this to anywhere in Australia for only $42!

Athens Olympics : Aussies win gold in 4000m pursuit!

Congratulations again to the Aussie Men's 4000m Pursuit Team at the Athens Olympics! This was Australia's first gold medal for this Olympic event in 20 years!

Where do I get one of these bikes from? Do they have a USB plug? MP3 player? Bluetooth heart-beat transmitter?


(www.theage.com.au)

"Twenty years after Australia previously won an Olympic team pursuit gold medal, the quartet of Brad McGee, Luke Roberts, Graeme Brown and Brett Lancaster has propelled Australia to its greatest Olympic cycling gold-medal haul.

Never before has Australia won three cycling gold medals from a single Games, with the previous best return of two golds coming 52 years ago at the 1952 Helsinki Games."

- read more at www.theage.com.au.

Monday, August 23, 2004

O2 XDAII / iMate Foldable Keyboard - Road warriors check this out!

The o2 XDA II / iMate foldable keyboard has finally arrived at Mr.Gadget after six months of waiting. Was it worth the wait? Definitely.

The most appealing features about the o2 XDAII/iMate foldable keyboard are:

- Quality construction : not some el-cheapo-nasto you most often find at swap meets. The aluminium case shows that designers foresaw this gadgetron being knocked around in someone's jam-packed laptop bag/briefcase/hand bag/schoolbag.

- Power adapter : allows you to charge your o2 XDAII/iMate while pecking away.

- Nice-sized keys : not exactly full-size but sure close to it. I'm a touch typist (blame Carmen SanDiego and Transylvannia games) and I found it a joy to be typing on the o2 XDA II foldable keyboard. The keys are not cramped and function keys are placed in intuitive locations.

- Compact size : no-one would ever think that this was a full QWERTY keyboard. Folded-up it looks like a metal wallet or one of the "old-school" pocket organisers. It's small enough to fit in your shirt pocket and definitely will not take up too much space in that bag of yours. The make of the o2 XDA II /iMate foldable keyboard is very similar to that of the Palm Ultrathin Foldable Keyboard that I got two years ago. Whoever it is, they know what they're doing!

Get your o2 XDAII/iMate foldable keyboard at Mr.Gadget Australia!

o2 XDAII / iMate Stylus and Pen in one!

We've just received our first batch of o2 XDA II/ iMate Stylus Pens! These things are so handy in situations where you need a pen...why carry around a normal pen when you can have one inbuilt into your stylus?

Features of the o2 XDA II/iMate Stylus and Pen:

- Built-in Ball Pen for easy note taking
- Replaceable ink cartridge
- With a reset pin for resetting your PDA
- Classic original design, which fits perfectly into your PDA like the original
- Will not scratch your PDA screen

Get your o2 XDA II/ iMate Stylus Ball point Pen here at Mr.Gadget!


Sunday, August 22, 2004

Reduced Sized MultiMedia Card (RS-MMC) : Another new memory card

SANDISK SUPPLIES REDUCED SIZE MULTIMEDIACARDS (RSMMC) FOR SIEMENS S65 FULL-FEATURED MOBILE PHONE


Sunnyvale, CA, August 19, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced that it will supply Siemens Information and Communication Mobile of Germany, the world's fourth largest producer of mobile phones, with Reduced Size MultiMediaCards (RS-MMC) for sale with the new high-performance Siemens S65 handset.

At roughly half the size of a postage stamp, the SanDisk RS-MMC is one of the world's smallest flash memory form factors. A 32-megabyte RS-MMC will be bundled with sales of the Siemens mobile phones, which are expected to reach dealers in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America by October 1, 2004.

Sandisk RSMMC product information

"This represents a significant OEM design win for the RS-MMC flash memory form factor, which we recently introduced, and we're pleased that Siemens has decided to include our cards with this exciting new mobile phone," said Heinz H. Schulte, sales director for the mobile phone market segment in Europe. "The tiny size of the RS-MMC, coupled with its high capacity for storage, is well-suited to the demands of this advanced, full-featured handset." Siemens said that the S65 is the company's first mobile phone to have an integrated 1.3-megapixel still and video camera.Unveiled in March at the CeBIT 2004 trade show in Hannover, Germany, the Siemens S65 also comes with a full suite of business software, a large 65k TFT color screen, a speakerphone, Bluetooth wireless communication, instant messaging, and synchronization with Microsoft Outlook and IBM's Lotus Notes. The video recorder films at 15 frames per second and the video clips can be e-mailed, played back or stored on the RS-MMC card.

In late July, as part of its mobile products line, SanDisk began shipping retail versions of the RS-MMC in Europe and Asia. The card includes an extender, which allows it to adapt to a full-sized MultiMediaCard/Secure Digital slot. SanDisk's RS-MMC, measuring 24 by 18 by 1.4 mm, is about half the size of a standard MultiMediaCard. The company also offers 64MB and 128MB capacities for RS-MMC.

The market for mobile phones with flash memory card slots is projected to increase rapidly. Market research firm IDC is predicting that manufacturers will sell over 157 million such phones by the end of this year, and that by 2005 the number will reach 246 million. According to a report from Gartner, Inc., worldwide sales of all types of mobile phones totaled 153 million units for the first quarter of 2004, representing a record 34 percent increase over the first quarter of 2003. This robust market is prompting Gartner to predict that mobile phone sales will exceed 600 million units for 2004.

SanDisk, the world's largest supplier of flash memory data storage card products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, CA.

Thursday, August 19, 2004

IPAQ USB Synch 'n' Charge Retractable Cables are handy!

IPAQ owners: Ever hit the road with your IPAQ, then suddenly you realise that you've left your USB cradle at home!? Not able to charge or synchronise, you helplessly slowly watch the precious battery life drain away from your pocket PC , leaving you stranded, lonely and bored...Mummy! *sniff*


IPAQ USB Synch 'n' charge retractable charger product details

Have no fear! With the IPAQ Synch 'n' Charge USB Retractable Cable you'll be able to power-up wherever there's a free USB port. Measuring at a teeny-weeny 11cm, you'll be surprised at how it extends to full 1 metre! Forget about getting another bulky cradle, get this retractable USB synch/charger cable for your laptop bag.

Potential owners of this IPAQ USB synch/charger please take note: you MUST pull both ends of the cable at the SAME time for it to extend and retract properly. Failure to do so will result in the cable getting into a terrible (yet fixable) tangle.

Get yours at Mr.Gadget today: Click here for details of the IPAQ Synch 'n' Charge USB retractable Cable!

This IPAQ Synchronise and Charge USB Retractable Cable is compatible with the following IPAQ models: 19xx / 22xx / 38xx / 39xx / 41xx / 43xx.


Belkin Nostromo Speedpad N52 - We have them!

Built to conquer your enemy, the Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52 captures all the advantages of its critically acclaimed predecessor, the Belkin n50, and cranks up the juice with advanced options to dominate your game and virtually any application.

Belkin Nostromo Speedpad N52 product details here

It puts keyboard and gamepad functionality into one small and easy-to-use device, delivering more tools for customising your game than ever. Using feedback from hundreds of gamers, Belkin's engineers designed the Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52's intuitive action and versatility to give you easy access to your arsenal of deadly maneuvers. So start programming up to 104 functions now- and watch how fast you become dangerous - Belkin.

Main features of the Belkin Nostromo Speedpad n52:
- Has an extra row of keys (over the n50), with presets for select games
- Mouse wheel
- 14 programmable keyboard-style buttons PLUS 2 thumb buttons
- Stable base
- Adjustable, removable left-hand rest
- 3 status LEDs
- Includes Nostromo Array Software

Belkin Nostromo n52 Package Contents:
- Nostromo Speedpad n52
- User Manual
- Nostromo Array Programming Software

Check out Dave's review at Mtekk!
http://www.mtekk.com.au/browse/page858.html

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

o2 XDA II/iMate Battery stock here!

Click here to get your o2 XDA II/ iMate battery at Mr.Gadget!

Being an owner of an o2 XDA II/iMate has its advantages and disadvantages - one of the biggest disadvantages is battery life! Due to all the functionality loaded on this compact gadget it's not long till you see the flashing red LED light or get a message on the o2 XDAII/iMate screen signalling the need for a recharge. I use a bluetooth headset everyday and take the occasional picture - bluetooth itself is one of the biggest drainers of the o2 XDAII/iMate battery.

Thankfully as pointed out by our expert friends at www.mtekk.com.au there are tools out there to help with the battery life of the o2 XDA II/iMate. Programs like Pocket Bluetooth Tools make using bluetooth on your o2 XDAII/iMate more efficient with features such as turning off bluetooth in 3 minutes if no connection is made - this does wonders for battery standby time!

The other practical idea is to just get another o2 XDA II/iMate battery. These batteries are Lithium-Polymer which are the latest in battery technology. By getting another o2 XDA II/iMate standard battery you'll be able to get another 140 hours standby time or 3 hours talk-time. Standard o2 XDA II/iMate batteries fit perfectly into the extra battery slot that comes standard in o2 XDA II/iMate cradles.


Product information o2 XDAII/iMate Standard Battery

Despite being aftermarket batteries, our o2 XDA II/iMate batteries will have similar features as the original batteries. They are 1050mAh Lithium-Ion batteries with a one-year warranty that is equal to that of the original o2 versions. Once huge difference though will be the price; you'll save $30 off the RRP!

Our first o2 XDA II/iMate battery stock have arrived!

Click here to get your o2 XDA II/ iMate battery at Mr.Gadget!

Monday, August 16, 2004

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

So the Olympics have begun and boy have the Australians got off to a flying start. As of today, we're second in the world in terms of the medal tally! Well done!

We can tell how much Australians love sport because we've seen our Internet traffic drop over the last couple of days!

Even though I'm not Australian by birth (came here when I was 2), I still feel a great sense of loyalty towards the Aussie team...although you can imagine my emotions when the Philippines actually win something!?

Looking forward to seeing Thorpie take on the world in the 200m Freestyle...Thorpie! Thorpie! Thorpie!

Check out the full medal tally here (courtesy of The Age):
http://www.theage.com.au/olympics/medaltally/

SD Card Sale

SD Card Sale at Mr.Gadget! Toshiba SD Card (Secure Digital) prices have dropped! Finally the maker of quality notebooks, pocketPCs and other PC gadgetry has realized that there's also good money to be made in memory cards. Besides offering great prices, Toshiba SD Cards come with a 5-year warranty!

What is an SD Card?
For those who don't know what SD (secure digital) memory cards are, they are highly-sophisticated memory devices about the size of a postage stamp that put advanced digital storage technology quite literally at your fingertips.

SD cards are non-volatile, which means they do not require power to retain the information stored on them. They are solid-state devices, so they have no moving parts to skip or break down. SD memory cards offer an incredible combination of high storage capacity (only 32 MB & 64 MB in 2000, now with 2GB only months away), fast data transfer, great flexibility and excellent security. And of course, incredibly small size.

Of the Toshiba SD card range we currently have 128MB SD Card, 256MB SD Card and 512MB SD Card versions.

Click on the pictures below for more SD Card information:


SD Card Toshiba 128MB Product InformationSD Card Toshiba 256MB Product InformationSD Card Toshiba 512MB Product Information

Gadgeteers with digital cameras, MP3 players, pocketPCs and Palms...now's a good time to get some more memory!

Toshiba SD Card Product Links:

- SD Card 128MB Toshiba
- SD Card 256MB Toshiba
- SD Card 512MB Toshiba

Sandisk SD Card Product Links:

- SD Card 128MB Sandisk
- SD Card 256MB Sandisk
- SD Card 512MB Sandisk
- SD Card 1GB Sandisk


Web Hosting at Ilisys (www.ilisys.com.au)

I've been with Ilisys for more than 5 years now and this week reminded why I've stayed with these guys for so long. I had a problem with my Blogger publishing and these guys fixed it in a flash! If you're after a web host great prices, excellent support and intelligent advice check out Ilisys - you will not be disappointed!

Click below for Australia's Premier Web Host:
Mr.Gadget Web Hosting Powered by Ilisys

Saturday, August 07, 2004

Ok Flipper let's play!

Remember Flipper the TV show? I used to watch this as a child and was amazed at how intelligent this dolphin was. It would do everything from nudge boats to safety, knock guns out of poacher's hands with incredibly well-timed leaps, and warn Sandy and Bud whenever there was danger looming. Ah, the memories of the good ol' days...

One thing that also stuck in my mind about the show was how Bud and Sandy seemed so helpless in the water compared to Flipper. As good ol' Flip used to jump around, swim up from under them and basically run circles round the boys, I used to think if only we could move like that in the water...now we can with the help from the folk at Innespace.com!

Innespace have spent the last couple of years developing dolphin-like submersible watercraft with the intention of commercial and recreational use. Unlike conventional watercraft, these are positively buoyant vessels which use their forward momentum and the downward lift of their wings to literally fly below the water's surface.

Inventor Tom Rowe and his Dolphin, Noland 1 have worked hard to come up with the innovative vessel that is available to the public today. Their first tried and tested model, "Sweet Virgin Angel" is a fully functional show ready Bionic Dolphin, able to plane, dive, jump, barrel roll, and perform many other amazing acrobatic tricks. With a 110 horse power gasoline engine, this is not your average sight seeing submarine.

Innespace are currently working on their newest model, which is a two-seater. This is targeted for release in 2005. Interested in investing? Innespace are actually looking for sponsors - check out their website (www.innespace.com).

Thanks to Gadget Madness for pointing us to this cool story!


Use your Gameboy to tune your car

Yup, you heard it right, our friend's at Gizmodo talked with TurboXS who have made a revolutionary new gadget that transforms you average Ninentdo Gameboy Advance into a super-dooper, programmable, upgradeable, automotive performance tool for tuning, data loggin and diagnostics (what a mouthful!)!

Using TurboXS' TXS DTEC seems fairly simple. Looks like it's just a matter of plugging it into your Gameboy Advance. The preloaded software then allows you to tune your care by providing a Boost Gauge, Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge, Air Temperature Gauge and Tachometer. Apparently, future plug-n-play sensors will allow everything from Knock Indication to Vehicle Acceleration (i.e. G-Force)!

Read more about this at Turbo XS' website: http://www.turboxs.com/Dtec/dtec.shtml

Who said you couldn't be productive with the Gameboy!?

I can hear it now "...but Mum I need a Gameboy so I can help Dad with the car!"

If only there was a plug-in that would help kids with their homework...

Thursday, August 05, 2004

o2 XDA II/iMate Synch 'n' Charge USB Retractable Cables are in!

o2 XDA II/iMate owners: Ever hit the road with your XDA II/iMate, then suddenly you realise that you've left your USB cradle at home!? Not able to charge or synchronise, you helplessly slowly watch the precious battery life drain away from your pocket PC , leaving you stranded, lonely and bored...Mummy!

Have no fear! With the Wow o2 XDA II/iMate Synch 'n' Charge USB Retractable Cable you'll be able to power-up wherever there's a free USB port. Measuring at a teeny-weeny 11cm, you'll be surprised at how it extends to full 1 metre! Forget about getting another bulky cradle, get this retractable USB synch/charger cable for your laptop bag.

o2 XDAII/iMate USB Synch 'n' Charger Retractable Cable snapshot

Potential owners of this o2 XDA II/iMate USB synch/charger please take note: you MUST pull both ends of the cable at the SAME time for it to extend and retract properly. Failure to do so will result in the cable getting into a terrible (yet fixable) tangle.

Get yours at Mr.Gadget today:
Click here for details of the o2 XDA II/iMate Synch 'n' Charge USB retractable Cable!

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Talking Toonies: A fun companion for your mobile

Want to make talking on your mobile a bit more fun? Want a little buddy to keep you company?
Look no further than the Talking Toonies! These little cuddly critters are hilarious yet practical!


(picture of Pinky and Pandy the Talking Toonies)

Everspring Productions have created fluffy teddies that act as handsfree devices for your mobile. We were very fortunate to have two samples sent down under to test (Pandy and Pinky). Thank you Everspring!

Setting up the Talking Toonie was just a matter of plugging in your phone and installing 3 x AA batteries - took around 30 seconds (we tested out Pandy because we thought it was much more masculine than Pinky) . The Talking Toonies come with a whole host of adapters for many of today's phones. We quickly found one for our Nokia phone and plugged this in. This automatically triggered the headset profile on the mobile. Then came the test...I dialed the phone and within seconds the heart on the Talking Toonie began to pulsate with a red light, indicating that a phone call was coming in. My brother-in-law and I couldn't stop laughing - it was neat! He then pressed the answer button and we cracked up as we watched the Pandy the bear move its mouth and head as I spoke! It gave the impression that it was actually speaking but with my voice. Upon seeing this my brother-in-law, quickly asked if he could have Pinky for his girlfriend! I told him I'd think about it... :)

We both agree with Everspring that this will make a great gift for that person with a mobile - let's face it, today that's everyone!

There are nine Talking Toonies to choose from (see below). I've got a feeling that Deerie's going to be in demand in the next couple of months! Well done Everspring!

For more information click here:
http://www.espringusa.com/espringusa_web_site_1_005.htm

You can read more about the Talking Toonies at these famous gadget sites: Gadget Madness , Gizmodo and Stargeek.

Monday, August 02, 2004

Flash Memory Card Survives Coffee Dunk Test

BBC News reports that current flash memory cards are virtually indestructible. In their web article "Digital Memories Survive Extremes" they describe how five memory card formats survived being boiled, trampled, washed and dunked in coffee or cola.

Despite their tests findings, I strongly discourage experiments like these being conducted at home!

Check out the picture below of flash memory cards getting the spaghetti treatment!

The flash memory cards that were tested were: Compact Flash, Secure Digital (SD Memory Card), xD Picture Card, Memory Stick and Smartmedia.

Read the full article here.

Check out our range of flash memory cards by clicking here.

 
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