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GadgetSpeak has close to 5,000 product reviews and other articles. You can use this page to find others opinions on anything from mobile phones to computers to the latest kitchen appliance

 
It hardly seems like yesterday when I took a look at the Ricoh CX3 compact digital camera. Actually it was more like four months ago but that hardly gives the company enough time to develop and manufacture a new model. Yet here we are with the latest offering from Ricoh. Not surprisingly this new product is entitles CX4.
637004 LEXMARK Genesis S815 MFP color A

Lexmark Genesis S815

This is a completely different shape for a Multi Function unit. It is Multi Function as not only does it print, scan and copy but should you still need the facility it can also be used as a Fax machine. The shape is higher rather than wider.
So in height, width and depth order the Lexmark Genesis S815 measures 43x38x30cm. It has a shiny black front, silver grey sides and matt black for the rest. It comes with four inks the black being larger than the three colours. Once you have used the machines touch screen to set location you install the inks. Next add some paper and you are ready to print a test page.
I have been a regular user of a Dymo labelling device for many years. While fine for simple tasks, this device was unsuitable for more complicated labels. Fortunately Dymo manufacture a product that is capable of carrying out this type of task.
While it is possible to produce labels of various types using your main printer, it can sometimes be a little fiddly.  You need to get the settings and positioning just right plus often your main printer, whether it is a laser or inkjet, can be busy performing other important jobs.  An alternative solution would be to have a dedicated label printer on hand to carry out the task of running off address and other kinds of labels when required.
Are the adventure-style games of yesteryear about to make a comeback? This next title obviously feels it is a possibility.
Not quite an iPad but still a lovely piece of kit. The screen is that much smaller but of course it will fit in a larger pocket that – unless it’s a poacher’s one – the iPad will not, it is however an office on the move as even without wireless you still have mobile.
For the Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tablet weight is perhaps the most important statistic, well it's 380grams and it measures 12x18.6x1cm; the viewable screen is 9x15.5 cm. If you have a wireless connection around your home/work then it’s just a case of entering your password once and from then on all the time it’s on you are in contact. There are of course thousands of ‘apps’ available. The top has a 3.
Adding to its range of products for the iPod family and Mac and PC users, iLuv has released a set of earphones that come with a lead that claims not to tangle.
Inanimate objects are, by definition, meant to be inanimate.  These types of objects are not supposed to take on a life of their own and move from where you are 100% certain you placed them or get themselves entangled with any other inanimate items that happen to be in close proximity.
635059 nero video premium edit software multimedi

Nero Video Premium HD

This is described as the ‘Ultimate HD Video Editing Solution’ some will purchase it just for the codec that allows you to play Blu-ray movies on your Blu-ray drive in your PC or Notebook as without something like this you cannot.
However there is far more to this product than that feature – as nice as it is – you really can put together a movie and add soundtracks etc and then burn your output to a vast range of optical media, however you will need time. Starting with the 27 minutes to complete the installation - on a reasonably fast notebook – this comes in two parts with a reboot after the nine pieces of Microsoft software installed taking .
I remember getting these tiny speakers early last summer but for a multitude of reasons it was 2011 before they got tested. The earbuds are from Altec Lansing more normally known for their speakers so a good match?
I think most will know the Altec Lansing heritage in speakers so their ability to produce speakers is without doubt. The box says designed for iPod, iPhone and iPad but they will work with anything that outputs to a 3.5mm jack. The lead is 1.35metres in length. It has a gold plated 3.5mm jack (with the three bands) the earbuds are the silicon type that fit snugly in the ear to reduce external sounds, other sizes are provided to suit most ear canal sizes.
When you hear mention of the name “Air Force” then your thoughts will probably gravitate towards that branch of the armed forces that operates in the sky. However in this case the subject matter is more land-based as it deals with the force of air rather than the force that rules the air. This “Air Force” is a cordless vacuum cleaner from Rowenta.
On the face of it very like the professional notebook that I recently reviewed from Samsung however despite having USB3 ports gone is the non reflective screen and back has come the normal shiny black that shows fingermarks.
The Samsung RF510 Notebook is 38x25x3.5cm the latter is the height at the back – with case closed – this reduces to 2cm at the front. The lid opens to around 60 degrees beyond vertical. The viewable screen is 34x19.5cm giving the notional 15.6 inch measurement. The back of the unit has no connections, the left side has the DC power input, VGA outlet, Ethernet, HDMI out, two USB3 ports and the 3.5mm microphone and earbud/headset ports.
Bringing together the various elements of your home entertainment facilities is a task that can be carried out by a media streamer unit. Acting as a centralised hub, this type of device can link together such items as a television, computer, digital recorder, MP3 player and other types of media peripherals while also including Internet, network and storage access in the mix.
With a title not too dissimilar to that of a film many regard as a classic, Mumbo Jumbo has released a game that combines hidden object game play with a degree of detection skills. The game is Unlikely Suspects.
In this game you are cast in the role of a detective who has to undertake a series of cases to find the guilty party from a list of 16 criminals.  Each of your cases begins with a telephone call giving you details of the victim and location of the crime scene.  A tabbed screen gives you access to the different elements that make up your investigation.  These tabs cover Suspects, Map, Weapons, Notes and Accuse.
635057 pogoplug pro external hdd hard disk driv

PogoPlug Pro

My first joy on opening the box was that it was not P I N K (the original PogoPlug was) this was a far more normal black. So what can the PogoPlug Pro do – apart from save your eyes – that the original PogoPlug cannot.
They have a way of making you make them aware of your PogoPlug as the box has just an Ethernet lead, a power lead and the PogoPlug a single multi language sheet just says go to the PogoPlug website. By clicking on ‘Activate PogoPlug’ you get illustrations to show you how to set it up a total of six screen and all is completed. Using a PogoPlug to access your files from anywhere in the world is just a matter of entering a username and password.
Give your fingers a rest and instead use your voice to communicate with your computer by using the latest software from Nuance.
The Brother MFC-J6510DW all-in-one multifunction printer, copier, scanner and fax is an important machine in the company’s professional MFP range. Its ability to handle A3 size documents which, although not an everyday requirement, is a feature which many offices would find extremely useful.
As can be expected of a machine which can handle A3-sized documents, it is quite large. It weighs 15.8kg and needs 590mm of desk space and is 489mm front/back depth. This increases to 690mm when the paper tray is loaded with A3 paper and so projects forward. Nevertheless, with its black finish, it blends easily into an office environment. As well as USB 2, it has 10/100 Ethernet and IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless interfaces so that it provides a full range of business connectivity.
635055 Samsung ST100 Digital Camer

Samsung ST100 Digital Camera

The Samsung ST100 Digital Camera is small enough to fit into almost any pocket but it also has one of the largest TFT screens around. It is totally touchscreen in operation so those who have been brought up on touch will certainly enjoy using this camera.
The Samsung ST100 Digital Camera measures 10x6x2cm and weights only 155grams. The face has the lens and the flash both are in the same plain with the flash central on the unit and the lens towards the right edge. It uses a periscope type device inside the camera to zoom as the lens never visually moves in or out. The right side has an anchor point for a wrist strap, the left side just say 14.2MP the resolution.
The first is a good way to listen with some rather nice earbuds multi sized from Shure. The second a really small TV aerial that can give reception in places without a roof or loft aerial, best of all its easy to move with the TV this from OneForAll.
A somewhat unusual shape when compared to other such buds the bud doubles back on itself making it as wide as it is long at 2cm and up to 1cm thick. The next 8cm of lead is near rigid there is then another 30cm of lead until the lead becomes one, in this length you can control how much hangs separated or becomes joined. Then a further 1.2metres to the gold plated 3.5mm jack plug that turns 90degrees to fit into whatever you use with them.
634156 kodak play touch compact digital HD camcorde

Kodak Playtouch

It was not until I started checking out this next product that I realised that my computer system box had a face.
While perhaps not the first name you think of with regards to digital photography (although those of my generation grew up using this company’s photographic products), Kodak still has much to offer.  Take, for instance, the company’s latest pocket-size camcorder appropriately entitled the Kodak Playtouch.  Available in a choice of Smoke Gaze (Black), Chrome, Cabana (Orange) or Spa Blue (Teal), the Playtouch offers a range of features including full 1080p HD capability.
635056 Audyssey Audio Speaker Dock iPod iPhon

Audyssey Audio Dock

This on the face of it looks like a rather posh iPod dock, it has rather nice speakers and good sound. Pick it up and you will probably wish you hadn’t as it is heavy. So what other features make this Audyssey dock stand out?
It is a maximum of 9cm wide in the centre and 5cm at the front while the back is only just over 3cm, it is 23cm tall and 28cm deep. As far as most iPod docks go they are light this one certainly isn’t down to its speakers. It has no obvious controls when off, just a sleek slate grey object. Plug in the 1.8metre mains lead (yes mains lead not power adapter) and a volume indicator shows in small while lights up the front while a play pause touch control is on the front top edge.
Keeping your computer running at its optimum capacity can be time consuming and often frustrating unless, of course, you hand the task over to experts.
Iolo technologies is a long established company operating in the field of utility and performance enhancing software for the PC market.  Identified by the American Business Awards as the fastest-growing US Company in both 2009 and 2010, iolo technologies has just released the latest version of its flagship product.  This is System Mechanic 10 which offers to take over the performance management aspect of your computer system.
Travelling to Paris and moving back in time, you can insert yourself into a tale of murder and kidnapping from the pen of Edgar Allan Poe.
First published in 1841, Edgar Allan Poe’s macabre tale of Murder in the Rue Morgue has been the inspiration for a number of projects.  The latest of these projects forms part of Big Fish Games Dark Tales series which is currently available from Focus Multimedia.  Not surprisingly this product is entitled Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder in the Rue Morgue. The game belongs to the Hidden Object Adventure genre as the player joins C.
This is quite a sleek All In One unit from Epson. As it can be wireless then the ‘lounge police’ become less effective as it could live in a cupboard or even behind the sofa as once up and running only a power lead will be needed.
The measures 43x34x16cm, add another 15cm to the 34cm depth for the paper output to be fully extended as well as raising the display area to 45degrees and add say 10cm to the 16cm height to add or remove anything from the flatbed. Few USB units come with a USB lead, this does and you will need it once to setup the initial connection between the unit and the PC you install the software on even if you choose the wireless option, or course for USB you need it all the time.
It is time to visit America’s Midwest in the 1930s and test your skill at with-drawing cash from banks where you have no accounts.
John Herbert Dillinger Jr. was born on the 22 June, 1903.  By the time of his violent death on 22 July, 1934, he had become “Public Enemy Number One” in the eyes of the US Justice Department while to some others he was regarded as a folk hero.
Networking your Computers & Devices Step by Step from the Microsoft Press is a guide to networking a Windows 7 PC with one or more other PCs. As well as networking with other Windows 7 machines, this book also covers networking with Windows XP, and Mac or Linux-based machines as well as sharing printers, devices and files across the home network.
Today there are a growing number of homes with two or more PCs. They frequently talk to the Internet via the same broadband router but, all too often, they don’t talk to each other. This Microsoft book written by Ciprian Adrian Rusen takes one through the necessary steps to set up a network commencing with actually setting up the broadband router. This included the wireless settings.
Having recently reviewed the Pocket Edition from Sony this Touch Edition came soon after, but, in between was another E-Book but that one did not have electronic ink and was smaller, so here the largest of the three recent offerings.
The PRS-650 that I have here is black, matt black so it does not show fingermarks. It is 17x11.5.8cm and the viewable screen is 12.3x9.3cm giving the notional 6inch measurement, the Pocket Edition was 5inch. First as I am confused by the word ‘Touch’ in relation to the reader lets find a definition. It seems to be stroke or pat. The reason I mention this is that the Pocket Edition recently reviewed had a number of touch features.
633855 worx dlite wx125 12V electric dril

Worx DIY Tools

With three weeks over Christmas and New Year with no events or conferences I am sad to say that DIY finally got to the top of the list, so two new tools from Worx finally got a good test and jobs were completed with ease.
Having removed the outer cardboard cover a nice solid plastic box with two catches holds the tool. Flip the catches and nothing happens further examination reveals one of those nasty plastic ties through a loop so out with the industrial scissors and I am in. The tool itself is close to 30cm long and has a hard wired mains lead coming from the rear of the unit, the mains lead is 3metres and the total weight of the tool is a not insubstantial 1.725kilos. However it is extremely powerful.
With a name like BookBox you should have a good idea that the product in question will be meant to act as a digital library depository as it allows you to store and read your collection of ebooks. And you would be correct. However this BookBox does not limit its functionality to the sole task of being an ebook reader but more on these additional features a little later.
The BookBox is a View Quest product that is currently available from HMV stores.  It arrives in a brightly colourful box that should appeal to the targeted youth market.  Opening the box reveals the main BookBox unit, USB lead and appropriate three-pin mains plugs, protective case and a mini Instructional Manual. As this device is meant to be portable, it should fit easily into a pocket and this is definitely the case.
633854 Pioneer XHM50K Hifi System CD DAB iPod Doc

Pioneer X-HM50-k

The box says it’s a CD Receiver System, I call it an audio unit or dare I use the words ‘Hi-Fi’ unit. Apart from playing CDs it has DAB and FM Radio and of course an iPod dock, there is also another feature to read on.
A rectangular black box that easily sits on a shelf, it is 34x21.5x10cm however the iPod flap lifts from the top so you need to perhaps double the last figure the height. My 9cm tall Nano actually requires an extra 8cm so measure your own iPod and then take a cm off the height to see the required clearance as it tilts back slightly. The front of the unit has two buttons to the left and one large button to the right of the 12x1.5cm two line display.
As well as some imaginative colour naming, Sony Ericsson sometimes takes the same approach when naming its devices. One example is the Zylo.
Typing the word “zylo” into your search engine should produce numerous hits covering many different subject matters.  However, in this case, the only Zylo we are interested in is  that of a mobile phone from Sony Ericsson.  The Zylo is a quad-band handset that will work on any GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 network plus Class 10 GPRS and EDGE. Available in a choice of Metal Black or Pearly Rose, this mobile phone is a slider handset.
Simple in its game play but very addictive, the Bejeweled franchise continues. The latest version is Bejeweled 3.
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