Forthcoming - Olympus E-PL1 Review in-depth
Friday, February 05, 2010
A couple of days ago, I brought you news of the new Olympus Pen E-PL1 digital camera. To say that this new era in digital photography excites me is an understatement. The exciting news for me (and yourselves) that I can now confirm that I will be bringing you a series of in-depth reviews of the E-PL1 Double Zoom Kit.
Labels: Digital Photography, News
Uniea U-Suit Premium Case Review
If you want a high quality case for your iPhone, that hardly adds any bulk to the beautiful design, check out the Uniea U-Suit Premium Case. This wonderful case is compatible with the Apple iPhone 3G & 3GS.
Supplied by: Uniea
Labels: Apple iPhone, Reviews
Forthcoming - Apple iPad Review
A little snippet of news, to keep you all updated. The Apple iPad is causing a lot of buzz in the tech world at the moment and rightly so. It has had a mixed reception so far, but how can anyone really pass judgement until they review it first hand. Well, I wanted to let you know that I will be bringing you a review in March of one of the first batch of iPad Wi-Fi versions to hit the UK. Keep an eye on the Geekanoids website and of course the Geekanoids YouTube Channel for a really in-depth series of videos. I will be testing it with a Mi-Fi wireless dongle too and then some comparisons with the 3G version late April too. In the meantime check out my hands-off impressions.
Labels: Apple News
Sanyo VPC-SH1 - HD Camcorder with Style
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Big news on the HD camcorder front. The second half of February should see the UK availability of the VPC-SH1 HD Dual Camera. I am bringing you this news early, as I am uber excited that I will be bringing you a series of reviews covering the product features and performance. This will be followed by my regular reviews being recorded with the SH1 so you get a good idea of what sort of picture and sound it delivers.
Labels: Camcorder, Digital Photography, News
HP Storageworks X510 Data Vault (Q2050A) - First Look
HP Storageworks X510 Data Vault (Q2050A) - First Look. This superb device allows you to centrally store all your content. With some great features for streaming, photo sharing and backing up your important files, you need to check this out.
Manufacturer website: HP UK
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals, Reviews
Motorola Dext Mobile Phone Review
The Motorola Dext offers up the Google Android OS, with Motorola's Blur software to make things look all swanky. This could be your ideal social networking mobile.
Supplied by: Motorola
Labels: Mobile Phones, Reviews
Joby Gorillatorch Torch Review
If you need a torch that has multiple uses and can hold itself in awkward places, then the Joby Gorillatorch could be just what you've been looking for.
Supplied by: Joby
WildCharge Cordless Charging Mat Review
Charge your devices in style, without wires. Wow, now this is getting interesting.
Olympus Announce new
E-PL1
Wow, this is fantastic news from Olympus. I am so excited about this one, rest assured, some way or another I will bring you a full review of this new camera. Press release as follows...
In today’s world you’ve got to give the people what they want. And they’re going to want the new Olympus E-PL1. Not only does it deliver extraordinary digital images, it’s the perfect tool for anyone who hesitated to buy SLRs because they find them too complicated. The possibilities are virtually endless with this easy to use retro look model. With great features like HD movie shooting and impressive Art Filters, you too can take exceptional pictures. Its 100% stabilised body even lets you shoot blur-free with all lenses. Combining SLR performance and a lightweight design, PEN lets you create exciting, innovative shots, preserving those moments in life you want captured forever. The ultimate democratising force in quality photography, the E-PL1 is available from March 2010 at a retail price of just £549 for the single lens kit and £699 for the twin zoom kit.
The high-tech mirrorless construction of the PEN means it’s small and easy to use, yet it produces ‘big camera’ results. That’s the genius of the E-PL1, now fine-tuned with these new features:
- Easy to understand, non-technical Live Guide with simple direct control over key image effects
- Direct one touch video button
- Convenient integrated flash
- 4 bold colours to choose from: black, white, champagne, red
- 6 intriguing Art Filters for stills and movies
- E-PL1 plus 14-42 Single Zoom kit £549
- E-PL1 plus 14-42 plus MMF-1 E System adapter and 40-150 E-TeleZoom (total range 28-300mm equivalent) £699
A hybrid of SLR performance embodying the latest technologies and compact comfort, PEN constitutes a new class of camera. The E-PL1 with integrated flash houses a 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, producing beautiful, razor-sharp photos and HD movies, and the TruePic V engine guarantees superior image quality at up to ISO 3200. Mechanical in-camera image stabilisation provides shake protection of up to 3 EV, effective regardless which lens you decide to use. The high definition AVI format movie option is available at 30fps and 1280x720p resolution – recording up to 7 minutes of film in a single shot. And all this top drawer technology comes in a neat pocket-sized camera.
Helping you take your best photos the new Live Guide speaks plain language, making it easier than ever to change difficult SLR camera effects like depth of field. These can then be monitored on the 2.7” HyperCrystal LCD. i-Enhance, for example, makes sure all colours in your picture spectrum are vivid and rich. It is automatically applied in conjunction with i-Auto mode, which recognises what kind of scene or subject you’re taking and adjusts settings accordingly, or can be used alone. And e-Portrait gives your subjects a quick facelift by glossing over impurities. With the abundance of supportive features and excellent technology, feeling like a pro is a given.
Labels: Digital Photography, News
Olympus Announce
µ TOUGH-8010 and µ TOUGH-6020
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, so the saying goes. And that’s certainly true of the Olympus µ TOUGH-8010 and µ TOUGH-6020. Whether you soak them, drop them, or freeze them, these 14 Megapixel action cameras just keep on performing, taking outstanding pictures and HD movies. Up to 5x wide zoom brings you right to where the action is, and the built-in Dual Image Stabilisation helps during fast-paced chaotic shoots. These tough cookies can store even more with up to 2GB internal memory, and you can intuitively surf through your albums using the new [ib] software.
The Olympus µ TOUGH-8010 and µ TOUGH-6020 – main features:
- Shockproof to 2m**, waterproof to 10m***, crushproof to 100kg**** freezeproof to -10°C and scratchproof (µ TOUGH-6020: shockproof to 1.5m**, waterproof to 5m*** and freezeproof to -10°C)
- 5x wide optical zoom (28-140mm*)
- Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
- HD movie recording and HDMI technology
- 14 Megapixels
- 2GB internal memory (µ TOUGH-6020: 1GB) and SD***** Card compatible
- Photo Surfing and [ib] software
- Improved TAP Control Menu
- 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD (230,000 dots)
- Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
- Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking
- Magic Filters
- Manometer (µ TOUGH-8010 only)
- In-Camera Manual
- USB charging
- Available in Platinum Silver and Midnight Black (µ TOUGH-8010) or in Midnight Black, Candy Pink, Steel Blue, and Cosmic Green (µ TOUGH-6020)
* Equivalent to a 35mm camera
** Equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions)
*** According to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8
**** According to Olympus test conditions
***** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association
Labels: Digital Photography, News
Olympus Announce SP-800UZ and SP-600UZ
Scaling new heights in the compact market, Olympus proudly presents the latest from their ultra-zoom camera series. Equipped with a staggering 30x wide optical zoom covering a 28-840mm* focal length, the 14 Megapixel SP-800UZ makes other contenders pale in comparison. Whether snapping photos or trying out the new HD movie shooting option, a colossal internal memory of 2GB gives you the freedom to capture more. The 3” LCD displays in 16:9 format, which makes sharing the fruits of your labour with friends even more enjoyable. Little sister SP-600UZ also has built-in Dual Image Stabilisation, rendering clean, sharp images. The new [ib] software allows you to effortlessly tag your photos while browsing your albums gets simpler with Photo Surfing.
- 30x wide optical zoom (28-840mm*) (SP-600UZ: 15x, 28-420mm*)
- Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
- High-speed 10fps sequence shooting HD movie recording and HDMI technology
- 14 Megapixels (SP-600UZ: 12 Megapixels)
- 2GB internal memory (SP-600UZ: 1GB) and SD Card compatible**
- Photo Surfing and [ib] software
- 3” LCD with 16:9 wide format (230,000 dots) (SP-600UZ: 2.7” LCD (230,000 dots))
- Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
- Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking
- Magic Filters, Beauty Mode, In-Camera Panorama
- Built-in flash In-Camera Manual
- USB charging (SP-800UZ only)
Labels: Digital Photography, News
Four Best Cases from Griffin Technology
Thursday, January 21, 2010
I invited manufacturers to send me their four best cases for the iPod touch (2nd or 3rd gen). Griffin Technology kindly sent me their iClear, Wave Case, elan Form Graphite & elan Form Metal. Check out the review of all four cases.
Supplied by: Griffin Technology
Labels: iPod Touch, Reviews
Sharp WriteView EL-W506B Calculator Review
If you have to tax your brain on a daily basis with complicated maths, then the Sharp WriteView EL-W506B Scientific Calculator could be what you are looking for.
Supplied by: Sharp UK
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
HTC Tattoo Mobile Phone Review
The HTC Tattoo Mobile Phone offers a compact package with the Google Android operating system. All this with HTC adding their Sense UI to the package. Check out the review.
Supplied by: HTC
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Labels: Mobile Phones, Reviews
Macally IceCase Review
A nice clear acrylic case for the 5th Gen iPod Nano, check out this review of the Macally IceCase.
Supplied by: Macally
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Labels: Apple iPod, Reviews
Guitar Hero 5 Review on the Sony PS3
The next in the Guitar Hero series from Activision. We take a look at Guitar Hero 5 in this review on the Sony PS3.
Supplied by: Activision UK
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Belkin Portable Hard Drive Case Review
If you use a laptop and a portable hard drive, then you should check out this review of the Belkin Portable Hard Drive Case - F8N158EA001.
Supplied by: Belkin
Labels: Mac Accessories, PC Accessories, Reviews
Macally Optimo Wireless Optical Mouse Review
The Macally Optimo Wireless Optical Mouse... nicely designed, compact and a smooth performer.
Supplied by: Macally
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Labels: Mac Peripherals, Reviews
Ring Automotive Cyba-lite Orion Flashlight Review
The Ring Automotive Cyba-lite Orion Flashlight is a tiny device with a big light output. Ideal for the pocket or emergency light in your car... check out the review.
Supplied by: Ring Automotive
Canon Pixma MP640 All-in-one Printer Set-up Guide
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
In this video I guide you through setting up the Canon Pixma MP640.
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals
Speck Products TwoZip Case Review
Labels: Mac Accessories, PC Accessories
Sharp HTSB200 2.1 Channel Sound Bar
If you are looking for an alternative to having loads of speakers in your lounge, with the mess of wires that come with them... then check this out.
Product: Sharp HTSB200 2.1 Channel Sound Bar
Price: £129.99
Supplied by: Sharp UK
Contact: 0800 262 958
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Labels: Home Theatre, Reviews
In search of a NetBook Sleeve that Works!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
For many years I have been coveting my Apple goodies. Often wrapping them up in cotton wool, or if the fluffy stuff runs out, then I get myself a sleeve. I have tried and tested many MacBook and MacBook Pro sleeves over the years, from the likes of Macally and CaseMate to name just a couple. I can remember ordering my first MacBook Pro case about a month before even owning the laptop itself.
However, when it comes to these tiny little NetBooks they more often than not come with a sleeve in the box. A recent purchase of one for my daughter revealed that the included sleeve is indeed free. In this case free, really meant worthless, as it offered little or no protection. I hadn't pre-ordered one either, because I thought the manufacturer (Toshiba) would have at least thought about the type of market they are selling into. In my opinion a high percentage of these NetBooks will be accompany the young student to school (as in this case too) and as such they will get thrown into school bags, bumped around for the school day and generally not really well cared for. So my task this weekend was to find an alternative. There are plenty to choose from, but I have settled on ordering a Be.ez LA Robe after reading a review on iGadget Life, it looks like a nice little pouch offering up a decent amount of styling, mixed with a nice degree of styling too. Maybe now my daughters little netbook will last more than a couple of months between being summoned to their IT room for repair.
Wacom Bamboo Fun Pen & Touch Graphics Tablet Review
Touch finally comes to the desktop computer, courtesy of the Wacom Bamboo Fun Pen & Touch Graphics Tablet.
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals
A to Play Offers Up An Alternative View
Whilst doing my weekend surfing, I stumbled across 'A to Play' a new website that offers up some no-nonsense writing on alternative media. I liked what I read, including this interesting review of a recent Top Gear Special. It is not often that I spend much time on one website, often flitting between numerous news, rumour and Mac orientated destinations, but 'A to Play' had me reading for quite a while. The Top Gear article and recent Bayonetta review have a nice writing style, so credit is definitely due. If you want an alternative read, then check them out.
Labels: Opinion
Sharp TU-TV322H Digital TV Recorder Review
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Sharp TU-TV322H Digital TV Recorder has Freeview built in. This smart looking unit really does deliver on its promise. Check out the full review below.
Product: Sharp TU-TV322H Digital TV Recorder with Freeview
Price: £169.99
Supplied by: Sharp UK
Contact: 0800 262 958
Labels: Gadgets, Home Theatre, Reviews
Ranieri Communications Interview Me Me Me!
Friday, January 08, 2010
The guys and gals at Ranieri Communications are a great bunch. They help me out with review product, so that I can bring you, my readers and viewers some great content. Alongside the main website in their blog, which has some great information on it... please do check it out. Recently, they also interviewed me, so if you want to know some background info on the geek that brings you Geekanoids, you can check it out here.
Labels: General News
Asus SDRW-08D1S-U Portable DVD Writer Review
Friday, December 18, 2009
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals, Reviews
Win an Amazon Kindle 2 or Sony PRS-600 eBook Reader
Labels: General News
Macally MetroClear Case Review
Need a cool case for your 2nd or 3rd generation iPod touch. Let the beauty of your Apple device show through.
Labels: iPod Touch, Reviews
Micro Black & Speed V2 Scooters Review
Polaroid PoGo Printer Review
Check out TestFreaks for more reviews of this product.
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals, Reviews
Knomo Tokyo Slim Laptop Shoulder Bag Review
Labels: Mac Accessories, PC Accessories, Reviews
Sharp EL-T100WB Brain Trainer Calculator Review
Belkin RockStar Review - for iPod & MP3 Players
Labels: Apple iPod, MP3 accessories, Reviews
XMI X-Mini Max II Portable Speakers Review
Labels: Apple iPod, MP3 accessories, Reviews
Pixelmator Review
Looking for alternative image editing application for Mac OS X... look no further.
Labels: Mac Software, Reviews
Griffin PowerBlock Dual Universal USB Charger Review
Labels: Apple iPod, Reviews
My New Mac - Snow Leopard Edition Book Review
Sony PSP Go Review - White UK Version
Macally mCase Review for 5th Gen iPod Nano
Labels: Apple iPod, Reviews
Konica Minolta Magicolor 1650 EN Colour Laser Printer Review
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals, Reviews
DJ Hero Renegade Edition Review
Uniea Omniverse Laptop Pouch Review
Labels: Mac Accessories, Reviews
Amazon UK Turning Away Custom in Recession?
Thursday, December 03, 2009
It is not often that I use the Geekanoids website as a sounding board to air my own frustration. However, I experienced such a shocking series of events over the past few months, that I felt obliged to share it with you.
Over the course of many years, I have personally shopped with Amazon UK. Ordering many personal items and gifts for friends and family. They always proved to have a great selection of products and very competitive pricing. This is still true to this day. During 2009 I experienced a few problems with orders. Without going into two much detail, one item did not perform as described, another came through with missing components and then later developed a fault and another was delivered damaged. At the time this did not bother me. Amazon UK have great customer service, so each time I contacted them with the confidence that they would sort the problem out. To their credit, they did. The customer service representatives were always polite, apologetic, and sorted out the return of said items.
What was not made clear to me was that the readily offered helpfulness and returns, meant that my account was flagged. Someone in their Executive Customer Relations Department was watching me! To my surprise I received an email saying that my account was under review. The email read... "there is a highly irregular amount of refunds created on your account. As a responsible business, we are unable to allow this situation to persist. If the situation does not improve we will have no option but to reconsider our business relationship. We will continue to monitor the orders on a regular basis." I chose to ignore this email, as I was never returning items if there was not a genuine problem with the item. Three months passed and I had continued to order from the company more gifts and items, which all came through as expected and stayed in my possession.
To my surprise I then received another email at the beginning of November. This email contained a shorter introduction, but the same harsh statement as the previous one. I did not deem the second email was at all justified, so responded asking why my account was still under review. The response that I received yesterday was not what I expected. Without running the email here quote for quote, it basically informed me that my account was now closed. I am no longer welcome as a Amazon UK customer. They also strongly advise me against trying to open another account.
Distance Selling Regulations... I am no expert, but the email also said that if I did order from them in the future, they would accept no returns and issue no future refunds. Take note Trading Standards and Watchdog... I am sure you would have something to say about the stance Amazon have taken in this statement, "If you were to open a new account, the same will result and it will also be closed. In the event that you attempt to do so, we will not accept the return of any additional orders, nor will we issue further refunds in connection with any future orders."
Labels: Opinion
Introducing… Video Store from PlayStation
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Introducing the exciting new Video Delivery Service from PlayStation Network. Available from November 19th on PS3 & PSP. http://videostore.uk.playstation.com/
Labels: Gaming
Asus UL Series Laptop Preview - UL30 UL50AG & UL50VG
This is my preview of the Asus UL Series Laptops. Available from 22nd October 2009 at a range of high street and online retailers, the pricing will be £599 inc VAT (13.3 UL30), £699 inc VAT (15.6 UL50AG) and £799 (15.6 UL50VG with dedicated graphics).
Labels: Opinion, PC Hardware
Altec Lansing inMotion MAX Speaker System Review
The Altec Lansing inMotion MAX is a really nice iPod & iPhone Speaker System. Take a look at the nice styling and well thought out design in the video review below.
Product: Altec Lansing inMotion MAX
Price: £149.95 : $178
Supplied by: Altec Lansing
Contact: +44 (0)870 458 0011
Labels: Apple iPhone, Apple iPod, Reviews
Steve Jobs Windows 7 Party Box unboxing
Steve Jobs (well a look-a-like) gets an unexpected Windows 7 Party Box delivered to him. He is so excited with the thought of holding a party, so after this unboxing he will be busy putting together his guest list in time for his party next week.
Labels: Opinion, PC Software
Nokia N900 Hands On @ Nokia World - Internet Tablet Preview
My review of the Nokia N900 will come later in the year. Before my review of this device, I give you a preview look of the device in action at Nokia World 2009. Finally this device can make voice calls!
Labels: Mobile Phones, Opinion
Twelve South BookArc Laptop Stand Review
If you need more desk space and use your MacBook Pro with an external monitor, then you need to watch this review of Twelve South's BookArc Laptop Stand.
Product: Twelve South BookArc Laptop Stand
Price: £38.95 : $49.95
Supplied by: Twelve South
Contact: 1-800-858-1276
Labels: Mac Peripherals, Reviews
BumpTop 3D Desktop with Multi Touch Gestures
BumpTop is an intuitive piece of software that offers a 3D Desktop with Multi Touch Gestures. Currently only available for Windows XP, Vista and 7, you need to show your support, as the company are looking for feedback to see if there is enough demand for a Mac OS X version.
Check out the features at http://bumptop.com/
Labels: Mac Software, Opinion, PC Software
Nokia N900 focus group gets spooky!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Released footage recorded during a focus group for the new Nokia N900. The full footage is avaliable at www.maemoproject.com
Labels: Mobile Phones
Modern Warfare 2 – The most-anticipated game of the year
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Modern Warfare 2 – The most-anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time.
Labels: Gaming
Uniea U-Suit Premium Case Review for 2G iPod touch
Thursday, November 05, 2009
If you own an iPod touch, then you need to carry it in style. The Uniea U-Suit Premium case offers up a quality solution to your needs. Check out the review to see how it measures up.
Product: Uniea U-Suit Premium Case for 2G iPod touch
Price: £16 : $34.95
Supplied by: Uniea
Contact email
Labels: iPod Touch, Reviews
Sapus Tongue Lite Review for iPhone & iPod touch
If you want a fun game for your iPhone or iPod touch, you could do a lot worse than this. I just cannot get that tune out of my head !
Labels: Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, Reviews
Olympus u7010 Digital Camera Review
With so many digital cameras on the market nowadays, manufacturers really have to stand out from the crowd. The Olypmus u7010 does just that with superior build and image quality. Check out the video review below.
Product: Olympus u7010 Digital Camera
Supplied by: Olympus UK
Contact:+44 (0)1923 831100
Labels: Digital Photography, Reviews
The Authors
Dave
Dave has been in the graphic design industry for 14 years. Long time reviewer of technology related products, he is Owner/Editor of Geekanoids.
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This site covers all the latest Macintosh, technology & gadget related news. We also bring our readers thorough, unbiased reviews of computer software, hardware & peripherals, with some alternative products thrown into the mix.
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You can email us with news, tips, or comments to geekanoids@gmail.com. This blog is published and maintained by Wiki Design.