Objects of Desire 2
Okay, so we had more objects of desire than we knew what to do
with. Here are some which we couldn't fit into the magazine...
 Fuji-whizz!
This new megapixel camera from Fuji is really very cool. It's got high
enough resolution (2.3 megapixels in modern digi-photo jargon) to rival even
35mm transparencies, and yet it's totally digital. Plus, if it wasn't for the
huge LCD screen on the back, you might mistake it for an old camera as it
has wonderful retro look. It looks like a 1950s digital camera, in fact.
FUJI MX-2900 Digital Camera (1,120 EUR)
www.fuji.co.uk
 Look
Ma, no balls!
The Microsoft Intellimouse
Explorer is the first ball-free mouse from Microsoft. The unit uses the
texture of the table to track the movement of the mouse across the surface.
No need for mouse mats though, which is a shame, as mouse mats are usually
tasteful and appropriate design statements… Actually no, we’re better
off without them.
Microsoft Intellimouse
Explorer (55 EUR)
www.microsoft.com
 Pocket
Film School
Camcorders come in all sizes (see the Sony PC3) but few pack as much punch
as the Canon MV20. It has optical image stabilisation, the same as its big
brothers the XL-1 and the new XM-1. Optical is better than digital, so they
say. It has an 48x digital zoom, which means you can pretty much get close
to the action from a couple of streets away. There are digital video effects
too, and it has the feel of a real camera rather than a walkman.
Canon MV20 camcorder (1,384 EUR)
www.canon.co.uk
 Pocket
Cinema Club
Although the Sony kit is really nice and very VR style high tech, the very
best way to watch DVD on the hoof is to use the little flip-top Panasonic
units like the new DVD L50. There’s virtual surround sound, a built in
wide screen LCD screen, and power for up to 6 hours. Coool.
Panasonic DVD L50 (1,280 EUR)
www.panasonic.co.uk
 Hand
Canon
An APS (drop-in film and widescreen modes!) single-lens reflex camera, with
vertical-travel focal-plane shutter, built-in motor drive, built-in flash,
and built-in magnetic data recording IX functions but which takes the Canon
EF lens series. Cooool! If you have to take pictures on film rather than
digitally, then this has to be at least one of the tools of choice.
Canon EOS IX7
www.canon.co.uk
 Pocket
Rocket
The Rocket e-Book is about to be launched in Germany, but it will soon
be sweeping the rest of Europe. Already successful in the US, the device can
store up to 100,000 pages of information (with a RAM upgrade) and already
you can buy e-Book versions of modern books from Barnes and Noble and BOL in
the US. The wave of the future for just $199.
Rocket e-Book (200 EUR)
www.rocket-ebook.com
www.rocket-ebook.de
 Non-virtual
Java
The Advanced Thermoblock System (ATS) heats water in 35-40 seconds and the
Ultra Aroma System "ensures excellent coffee extraction through
pre-brewing". Includes a built-in grinder but accommodates ground
coffee for freshly brewed coffee in seconds. Choice for normal or extra
strength espresso. What's not to like?
Krups "Orchestro" Coffee Maker (800 EUR)
store.yahoo.com/krupsonline/kruporfulpum.html
 Ultimate
Pocket PC
The HP Jornada 430se not only looks really cool but it is also
really powerful too. For a start, you can listen to your favorite MP3 songs
in stereo with the included MP3 player software and earphones. When you play
MP3s, the screen can be turned off to conserve battery life. With a modem
attached, the Jornada offers full e-mail capabilities, and allows you to e-mail digital photos to business associates, family, and
friends after editing them.
HP Jornada 430se (595 EUR)
www.hp.com
Top of the page
Back to main article
|
