Category Archives: toys & gadgets

nice toys for geeks

Pinnacle pctv high definition mini USB stick for MAC OS X and Windows

Posted on by

Pctv HD Mini Stick31dy6ve4ril_sl500_aa280_

Yet another truly amazing gadget the Pinnacle pctv hd mini stick brings TV in High Definition HD to your PC and Mac.

Product Description
Pinnacle PCTV HD mini Stick is an ultra-compact, USB-powered TV tuner that’s the perfect match for super-slim laptops. The integrated signal booster improves reception sensitivity even if the signal isn’t strong. The easy-to-use TV Center Pro software lets you watch, TimeShift and record TV. You can enjoy TV in full-screen mode or in a scalable window while using other applications. PCTV HD mini Stick comes with a mini remote control and high-gain telescopic antenna. Take it with you on your travels. Record the game, grab your favorite sitcom episodes or catch the late-night thriller, Pinnacle PCTV HD mini Stick makes it happen. VideoSpin is an editing software application that lets you edit home movies, mix in photos and music, and add titles and transitions, and more! It even comes with a one-click upload to YouTube. TV antenna input (F- connector/Coaxial) Recording Formats MPEG-1/2 DivX MPEG-4 – compatible with Sony PSP or Apple iPod (Trial Version) Ultra-compact HDTV tuner stick with super-strong reception Watch free HDTV on your PC – no service fees Supports both digital over-the-air TV (ATSC1) and unencrypted digital cable TV (ClearQAM2) Turns your PC into a PVR with TimeShifting – pause, rewind TV Automatically record shows to your hard drive in MPEG-1/2 or DivX4 formats, or direct-to-DVD System Requirements – Windows XP or Windows Vista (32 bit) with latest service pack, Intel Pentium 4 2.8-GHz, Pentium M 1.7-GHz, equivalent AMD Athlon 64 processor or higher, 512MB RAM, Free USB 2.0 port Sound/graphics controller with support for DirectX 9 or higher Hard drive, 1GB free space (20GB recommended for TV recording) CD drive (DVD burner required for DVD recording), and Internet connection for registration/activation

Canon EOS 5D Mark II – Digital SLR Camera

Posted on by
1

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

I do own a Canon D400 but as its Christmas time and whilst I’m really pleased with it I do consider getting me this one as a BIG treat… HD video man!

High Performance for High Expectation
Canon’s update to the wildly popular full frame EOS 5D is here, and it’s better than ever. The EOS 5D Mark II has a stunning 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a vast ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600), plus EOS technologies like Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral Illumination Correction. It supports Live View shooting, Live View HD videos, and more. It can shoot up to 3.9 fps, has 9 AF points plus 6 AF assist points, a new 98% coverage viewfinder, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) and a rugged build. Full-frame shooters rejoice!

Manufacturer Description

Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.

Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps — for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism.

The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1-megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full-frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available — from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.

Other improvements to the EOS 5D include:

* Addition of Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, with a new Fluorine coating on the low-pass filter
* Larger 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, a 170-degree angle of view and anti-reflective coatings
* Improved menu system including Quick Control Screen for more direct access to common settings
* Automatic peripheral illumination correction, utilizing detailed EF lens information to optimize JPEG images straight out of the camera
* Magnesium alloy construction with additional environmental protection
* UDMA memory card compatibility

EOS 5D Mark II Highlights

New CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark II’s newly designed full-frame 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor features ISO sensitivity from 100-6400, expandable to 50, 12,800 and 25,600. Large 6.4µm2 pixels have been redesigned to capture more light and yield a better signal to noise ratio to ensure lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The full frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film. This means that wide-angle lenses stay wide, without the change in angle of view associated with smaller sensor cameras. As well as benefiting from finer control over depth of field, photographers moving up to the EOS 5D Mark II’s full frame format will find the newly designed wide, bright 98 percent coverage viewfinder on a joy to work with.

New DIGIC 4 processor
A new DIGIC 4 processor combined with 14-bit analogue to digital conversion provides smooth gradations in mono-tonal areas such as skies, and highly accurate color rendition. As well as HD movie shooting, DIGIC 4’s high speed provides for long uninterrupted continuous bursts of large JPEGs, near-instant start-up times and immediate and fast review after shooting. DIGIC 4 also provides for improved noise reduction algorithms, complementing the already low-noise images from the EOS 5D Mark II’s CMOS sensor.

HD video capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is Canon’s first DSLR to incorporate full HD 1920×1080 video capture. Once filming is started from Live View mode, photographers can fire off either single of continuous stills, with video capture continuing after the final frame is captured.

See everything
A new 3.0-inch VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170 degree angle-of-view, providing plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. The screen brightness can automatically adjust to suit viewing conditions, extending battery life in low light and improving viewing in bright conditions. A new dedicated Live View button switches modes to display a real-time image on the LCD. This allows EOS 5D Mark II photographers to enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles. Simple connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.

Precision focus and metering
A 9-point auto focus system is supported by 6 additional invisible Assist AF points, located inside the spot-metering circle to optimise subject tracking performance in AI SERVO AF mode. For accurate exposure readings in tricky lighting conditions, the spot metering circle covers just 3.5 percent of the frame.

Control
The EOS 5D Mark II’s redesigned menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode allows photographers to cede control of key settings to the camera, while retaining control over creative variables such background blur, drive mode and image brightness. Custom user settings allow photographers to switch between two completely different camera setups. This is ideal for changing quickly between two different environments, such as switching from working inside a church without flash to outdoors with fill-flash at a wedding.

Product Description
Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly-designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames. Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps — for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism. The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1-megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available — from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Top 10 Presents to make a Geek Happy

Posted on by
8

Pleo

Pleo Dinosaur – A UGOBE Life Form

Pleo, a one week-old baby Camarasaurus dinosaur, is a robotic marvel and the newest member of your family! Pleo interacts with you – moving organically, expressing emotion, autonomously exploring and responding to the world around him. On the Pleoworld.com companion site, owners can connect, find training tips and download new enhancements for their pet dino. Pleo’s sophisticated sensory system has devices that enable him to hear, to see, to sense touch, and to detect objects: a color camera, sound sensors, two infrared sensors, 14 motors, over 100 gears, eight touch sensors, and an orientation sensor.

Air Hogs Havoc Heli

Air Hogs Havoc Heli – Colors May Vary

With the world’s record for the smallest remote-controlled helicopter, the Air Hogs Havoc Heli goes where no other flying object can. Recommended for ages eight and up, this incredible little R/C heli from Spinmaster is easy and fun for kids of all ages — even grown up ones.
The Havoc Heli has twin rotors for stability and four-way control for flying in any direction with accuracy — up, down, under, over, left, right, forward and backward. Like a real helicopter, the Havoc can hover in one spot. It even manuevers through the toughest of obstacles. Intended for indoor use, the helicopter operates outdoors with zero wind conditions, and can fly up to 100 feet high in the air. The Havoc Heli is also equipped with a flashing blue LED light for night flying.


Synology NAS Disk Station DS207+ High Performance 2-Bay Network Storage

Synology NAS Disk Station DS207+ High Performance 2-Bay Network Storage

DS207 is designed with Windows ADS authentication, USB printer sharing, dynamic website hosting, and data backup. The ultra-high-density file storing capability gives business users the freedom to store twice as much data. With the RAID 1 protection, DS207 can further prevent data loss from inevitable disaster.


Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung adds a Touch of Color to a blazing-fast 4ms response time and rich connectivity features to redefine the role HDTVs play in the home with its forward-looking Series 6 (A650) and Series 7 (A750) LCD HDTVs. Utilizing the award-winning technologies found in all Samsung HDTVs, Series 6 and 7 HDTVs deliver unparalleled picture quality and enhanced connectivity and networking capabilities that create a true entertainment hub for any home. Series 7 takes networking and multimedia management to a whole new level. Consumers can easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through a side-mounted USB 2.0, turning their LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect their MP3 players for a dynamic audio experience.

Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation)

Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation)

The iPod touch has always been an amazing iPod. And with its groundbreaking technologies–including a Multi-Touch screen, the accelerometer, and 3D graphics–and access to hundreds of games, iPod touch puts an amazing gaming experience in the palm of your hand. It comes in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB models with new volume controls and a built-in speaker. Play hours of music. Create a Genius Playlist of songs that go great together. Watch a movie. Surf the web. View rich HTML email. Find your location and get directions with Google Maps. Browse YouTube videos. And shop the App Store for games and applications.


LEGO Star Wars Motorized Walking AT-AT

LEGO Star Wars Motorized Walking AT-AT

Motorized action straight from the Star Wars¿ movies! Behold the power of the Empire! For the first time ever, the ultimate Motorized Walking AT-AT is ready to crush the Rebel Alliance at your command. Thanks to the new Power Functions System, the mighty All-Terrain Armored Transport really walks forward or backward into battle!

Behold the power of the Empire! For the first time ever, the ultimate motorized Walking AT-AT is ready to crush the Rebel Alliance at your command. Thanks to the new Power Functions System, the mighty All-Terrain Armored Transport really walks forward or backward into battle. Features an opening cockpit and rotating laser cannons, along with a handle on top that allows for easy transport. Includes AT-AT pilot, General Veers, Snowtrooper and Luke Skywalker figures. Requires six “AA” batteries, not included. Measures 22.5″W x 15″H. 1,137 pieces.

Rubik’s Cube

Rubik’s Cube

The date is 1974. The place is Budapest, Hungary. Erno Rubik, an admirer of geometry and 3-D forms creates the world’s most perfect — and addictive — puzzle. More than three decades later the Rubik’s cube is still one of the best selling brainteasers. Whether it was full size or the smaller keychain version almost every child had this puzzle by in 1980 when it found worldwide success. Elementary school kids were seen solving it with their feet on “That’s Incredible!”, conspiracy theorists believed it was an Eastern bloc tactic to distract American youth from getting an education, and Cubaholics Anonymous was formally established to help cure the compulsive need to solve it.


Dilbert 2009 Page Per Day Calendar

Dilbert 2009 Page Per Day Calendar

Wally practices work avoidance as if it’s some New Age religion, Alice resorts to violent measures to relieve stress, and Dilbert remains cluelessly above it all. Throw in a boss who manages via buzzwords, and you have the main players in the favorite strip among office dwellers everywhere: Dilbert. It’s a cast of characters all too familiar to most, which accounts for no small part of its amazing success. It seems that everyone knows, has worked with, or unknowingly is a Dilbert type.


Wired (1-year) MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

Wired (1-year)

Wired readers want to know how technology is changing the world, and they’re interested in big, relevant ideas, even if those ideas challenge their assumptions—or blow their minds. Wired readers are generally familiar with computers and the Internet, but this is definitely not a computer magazine—Wired won’t teach you how to upgrade your RAM. Instead, it’s a magazine about science, art, adventure, online culture, business, philosophy … and bright shiny beautiful gadgets. Each month, more than 2 million smart, savvy readers come to Wired for clean, clear writing with a wry twist.

Call of Duty: World at War XBOX360

Call of Duty: World at War

Call of Duty: World at War from Activision for the Xbox 360 completely changes the rules of engagement by redefining World War II gameplay. In this edition, players are thrust into the final, tension-filled battles against a new, ferocious enemy in the most dangerous and suspenseful action ever seen in a WWII title. Building on the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare engine, this installment promises to immerse players in gritty, chaotic combat. You’ll have to band together to survive harrowing and climactic battles that defined WWII and led to the demise of the Axis powers.