The new DV700TZ has a 3X optical and 8X digital zoom along with a 7.0 megapixel CCD sensor, a 2.5-inch swivel LCD screen, and a maximum resolution of 720 x 480 at broadcast-quality 30 frames-per-second.  Video can be stored on the camera’s internal 64MB memory drive, or on a removable SD memory card.

The DV700TZ also works as a digital still camera for JPEG images up to 3680 x 2448 resolution usung its fixed focus lens (f=8.22, F2.8 to F4.7). Also it has user-selectable normal and macro focus range, five-mode white balance settings, variable shutter speeds (1/2000 to 2 sec), and a built-in IGBT type flash system with four modes. Toss in a a built-in MP3 music player with speaker and earphones, a WAV-format digital voice recorder, and a webcam for on-line video chat you end up with a almost the kitchen sink.

The DV700TZ comes with software for editing video and photos. Also included are the ussual suspects like a recharging cradle, rechargeable lit-ion battery, USB cable, AV cable, universal power adapter, stereo headphones, carrying pouch and strap. MSRP is $299.99.

http://www.mustek.com

Microsoft Corp. unveiled Windows Mobile 6, the newest version of its mobile software platform. Improving usability and adding support for Microsoft Office features previously available only on PCs. Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 looks to meet the needs of work and life while on the go, all with a single device. Yeah; But I was getting that already with my Windows Moble 5 device I thought. This looks a lot better.

However they do claim Better-looking e-mail, Ease of viewing and editing of Office system documents, E-mail management and setup with fewer clicks, Synchronization with Windows Vista, Smart calendar bar,
Web search, e-mail, instant messaging (IM) and blogging all together, and Contacts with context.

The BlackBerry 8800 is the thinnest BlackBerry handset yet and is equipped with a full, highly tactile QWERTY keyboard and RIM’s user-friendly trackball navigation system, it also includes built-in GPS (Global Positioning System), multimedia features and a microSD expandable memory slot.

With the large, bright, high resolution (320 x 240) landscape display, images appear vivid and crisp for viewing emails, attachments, pictures, videos, web pages, business applications and games. Built-in light sensing technology automatically adjusts the screen, keyboard and trackball brightness for optimized visibility in various lighting environments.

The BlackBerry 8800 also comes with a media player and stereo headset jack. Its expandable memory capability allows users to store their favorite music and videos on a microSD card to enjoy while on the go.

The BlackBerry 8800 will be available from a variety of carriers worldwide beginning in February 2007. http://www.blackberry8800.com

After you have equipped your iPod or MP3 player with the latest speakers, headphones, and carrying case, there is little else to do than enjoy many hours of musical entertainment, unless you like a little visual reflection from your music.  In the spirit of the 70’s and disco clubs, Farm Fresh has released the Lightcast.  The Lightcast is a small light box that syncs with your music and projects multicolored lights that move to the beat of your favorite songs.

The Lightcast is a small (approximately 7.5” diameter by 3” tall) console that contains a curved, mirrored surface and 33 colored LED lights.  The console can be positioned on a table to project onto the ceiling, tilted with the built-in stand to project at an angle, or hung on a wall as a light-box.  You can even hand it from the ceiling to project down onto the floor.  Two mirror and lens attachments are included that attach to the adjustable projection arm to focus and modify the light.  The only control on the console is a Sensitivity Adjustment Knob that will adjust how the console reacts to the music.

Read our full review of the Lightcast from Farm Fresh / Uncle Milton Industries

With everyone making MP3 players, including most of the companies that manufacture the flash memory players depend on, it is not surprising that Kingston has finally produced their own MP3/MP4 portable player.  Kingston is one of the world leading manufacturers of RAM and Flash memory and their new K-PEX 100 (Kingston Personal Entertainment Experience) is a solid entry into the 1GB/2GB Media Player market.

Read our full review of the Kingston K-PEX 100 Personal Media Player

The Samsung BlackJack is simply the best Windows Mobile Smartphone I have ever used.

The Backjack sold by Cingular Wireless now the new at&t brings UMTS/HSDPA to the table...basically DSL/Broadband speeds to you and me. What I have found is that I really don’t use my laptop as much since the BackJack has live push mail, large display, and a QWERTY keyboard. I tossed in a 2 Gig MicroSD Card and sync up my music and TV shows from my Media Center so I can take them with me. Even the 2MP camera gets some use and with all this heavy lifting the BlackJack maintains its sleek super model-esque profile.

What really makes the unit shine is the thoughtful list of applications Samsung and Cingular Wireless now the new at&t included with the BackJack. They didn’t opt for the regular Microsoft Mobile Smartphone app load, they went much further and included a slew of productive tools that really rounds out the phone with just about everything you could ever need.

--Bill Landon

I am just trying to catch up with reviews after CES and Vegas. Updates should start to come in soon.

Thanks,
Bill