Ultra Cool Gadgets

Games are meant to be experienced in surround sound. Hear your enemies sneaking up behind you or listen for the action in every direction. The G51 brings your games to life with 360 degree urround sound. The G51 is the first G-series speakers, designed specifically for gamers. Besides delivering an immersive surround-sound experience and thunderous bass, it is equipped with gamer inspired features including the weighted, non-skid control pod, independent, easy-to-access mic and audio mute controls, and customizable satellite speakers. In short, the G51 is authentic gaming equipment!
With 155 watts of total RMS (root mean square) power, the G51 speaker system is optimized to deliver high-performance audio experiences. The ported, down-firing subwoofer rumbles with every explosion.

Technical Specifications

* Total RMS power: 155 watts RMS
Satellites: 20 watts RMS x 4 (into 8 ohms, @ 1 kHz, @ 10% THD)
Center channel: 19 watts RMS (into 8 ohms, @ 1 KHz, @ 10% THD)
Subwoofer: 56 watts RMS (into 2 ohms, @ 100 Hz, @ 10% THD)
* Total peak power: 310 watts
* Frequency response: 36 Hz–20 KHz
* Subwoofer crossover frequency: 150 Hz
* Drivers:
Satellites: (2) 2-inch laser-tuned drivers
Subwoofer: Down-firing 5.25-inch high-excursion driver
* Speaker dimensions (H x W x D, inches)
Satellites: 4.2 x 5.6 x 8.5
Center channel: 8.0 x 3.9 x 5.6
Subwoofer: 7.7 x 10.4 x 13.1
* Enclosure: Bass reflex enclosure with tuned port
* Inputs: 6-channel direct, stereo RCA
* Precision control pod:
Non-skid silicone feet
Master volume control
Subwoofer, center, and surround level controls
Matrix surround sound music and gaming modes
Independent audio and microphone mute controls
Headset jack (microphone and headphone)
* Signal-to-noise ratio: >94 dB, A-weighted

Customer feedback:

1. With some relucatance I ordered the G51. I set them up yesterday, and so far I’m very pleased with them. The soul-searing hiss present on the z-680 is mercifully gone, and the system sounds excellent. The bass is sufficient without being overpowering (provided you turn it down a notch or two from the default setting), and the control pod is sensibly sized and sports a great, logically laid out interface. Mids and highs are perfectly acceptable for a relatively cheap computer speaker set. The matrix mode works surprisingly well (though I think it’s likely nothing that revolutionary, just a re-imaging if their existing stero x2 mode) for both games and music.

2. Before this I used a 2.1 system, and thought it was pretty good. Well, the G51 blew it away with its’ smooth audio that envelops you and adds a powerful and unique audio experience to any system. It sounded great in games, and music takes on a whole new dimension. I watched some TV shows on my Slingbox and the G51 made my room sound like a professional audio entertainment room.
The controller makes it easy to adjust the volume as well as the individual channel volumes (surround, center, bass). It also provides convenient microphone and headphone jacks at your fingertips. The mute button is also a handy addition to the control panel. The G51 has ample speaker cables, but a little extra length on both the front and rears would be welcome. Even better, if they could make this system wireless - it would really open up speaker placement options.

Listen to FM radio on your iPod and control everything with a convenient wired remote. You also get a set of earphones with a shorter cable that’s a perfect fit for the remote. Compatible with iPod nano and iPod with video. Just plug in your iPod Radio Remote and select “Radio” from the main iPod menu. Tuning takes place right there in the color display with your Click Wheel, just as you’d set a classic analog radio. Easily mark a favorite station for quick access later, and switch between favorite stations using either the iPod or the remote.
If you’re listening to a station that supports the Radio Data System (RDS) standard, you can even see song title/artist or radio station information in the iPod display. The iPod Radio Remote supports FM stations from 87.5 to 107.9MHz (in both the US and European standards) and 76 to 90MHz (the Japanese standard). You can switch between the different standards when traveling.
With the wired remote, you can control slideshow, video and music playback Ñ adjust volume, skip forward/back within a playlist — plus switch between radio stations and turn the radio on or off, even if your iPod is in your pocket or backpack. Clip the remote to your lapel, shirt or collar for easy access, and activate the hold switch to eliminate unwanted button presses.

Technical Details

* Compatibility: iPod nano 1G, 2G; iPod 5G, 5.5G
* Plug in and select “Radio” from the main iPod menu; tuning takes place in the color display with your Click Wheel
* Easily mark a favorite station for quick access later, and switch between favorite stations using either the iPod or the remote
* Supports FM stations from 87.5 to 107.9MHz; wired remote controls slideshow, video and music playback, volume, playlists and radio controls
* Clip remote to your collar for easy access and activate the hold switch to eliminate unwanted button presses; no extra batteries required

Customer feedback:

1. First of all, the remote works very well and is perfect to clip on your jacket so as you walk around you don’t keep having to reach into the pocket for the player to change tracks or pause. It’s perfectly sized, although with my wrap-around headphones it adds length to the cord I have to rein in, but clipping in cord length into the lapel keeps it in control.
As for the performance of the FM radio, it compares evenly with my radio-only Sony Walkman, the reception is great, and it can pick up distant stations well, something I was looking at closely since I’m between two radio markets (Milwaukee and Green Bay) 100 miles apart from each other. Setting up stations was painless and quick, though an option to order the stations according to popularity instead of frequency could make for a better listening experience. The sound on FM is better on the same headphones than that of the Walkman, and tuning into stations not on preset is a breeze with the “analog dial”, so much better than the digital tuning on most portable stereos today.

2. I am not giving this five stars only because the price is a bit steep. I had to get this because I thought I lost my Apple earbuds and this was the only way that Apple will sell you a replacement pair.
I thought the radio option was nice but I didn’t buy an iPod to listen to the radio–although it’s there if you need it (the sound quality for FM radio is much lower than my 224Kpbs Mp3 songs.) Second, I thought the extra wire/cable length got me a bit irritated and made me wish I had not lost the original earbuds.
A week later I am happy I bought this product. It is an A+ remote control. I keep the iPod secure in a pocket or pouch or armband (for the gym). I start a playlist and then use the stop/play, forward and volume up/down button without having to take the iPod out of a secure location and expose to a sandy beach (deadly) or a gym environment.

This affordable, high quality Wall/Travel Charger for iPod is available from Power Accessories, which is dedicated to providing you with high quality iPod accessories at affordable prices. How do we do it? We cut out the middleman and sell directly to you, so there are no dealer markups and no sales commissions. This affordable, high quality Wall/Travel Charger for iPod charges your iPod safely and quickly from any electrical outlet and is ideal for use at home, work and during travel. This Wall/Travel Charger for iPod is designed specifically for all iPod models with a dock connector: iPod Video, iPod Nano, iPod Photo, iPod Mini, iPod U2, iPod 3G, and iPod 4G. At only $4.95, this high quality and affordable Wall/Travel Charger for iPod is a cost-saving alternative to the Apple iPod USB Power Adapter, starting at $29 combined with the Apple iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0, starting at $19, for a total of $48. This Wall/Travel Charger for iPod features a LED power indicator. It supports AC input voltage from 100V to 240V and has a compact design and a coiled cord making it space efficient. This Charger for iPod can also be used when traveling abroad with an adapter. This Charger for iPod looks great with your iPod.

Technical Details

* High quality, cost-saving alternative to the $29 Apple iPod USB Power Adapter
* Available from Power Accessories, dedicated to providing you with high quality iPod accessories at affordable prices
* Plug your iPod into any electrical outlet! No need for your PC or MAC to charge your iPod!
* Designed specifically for iPod with a dock connector: iPod Video, Nano, Photo, Mini, U2, 3G & 4G
* This lightweight charger makes it easy to travel with. Features LED power indicator

Customer feedback:

1. I bought it when the price was $4.95 (plus $6.00 s&h). It was still 1/3 less than Apple’s charger. I have used it for about 6 months without any problems at all. I have not timed it, but it seems to charge my Nano (1G) in about 2-3 hours or less. I am not sure if this works with Nano 2G and Video iPod 5G, but at $0.97, you can buy one and if it doesn’t work, give it to a friend who has an older iPod. I plan on buying another just to have a second. Great buy.

2. I travel constantly for work, so bought a few of these - one to live in the suitcase, one to have in the office, and a couple of spares. In the office, I don’t have iTunes on my computer, so I can use the charger to play my iPod all day long over the folding travel speaker setup that I have and then still be able to use the iPod for the commute home & back to work. Great - would highly recommend!

The PCMCIA Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook opens a new era of possibilities for the notebook user. This sound card delivers features previously only available to PC users but now available to notebook users (even those that are highly mobile). This is achieved by combining crystal clear audio with advanced, hardware-accelerated features all in a tiny PCMCIA format card! For instance it delivers THX certified 24-bit ADVANCED HD audio quality playback with incredible 104dB SNR, allowing for audiophile quality playback with support for DVD-Audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz and Windows Media 9: 24-bit multi-channel audio format.
The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook also provides encompassing 7.1 surround sound for Dolby Digital EX as well as DTS-ES supported DVD movies; any DirectSound3D games and CMSS 3D virtualized 7.1 stereo music. Gamers will love the hardware accelerated EAX 4.0 ADVANCED HD that not only brings games to life, but delivers maximum performance! Musicians will also enjoy true 24-bit recording and low latency ASIO support for the ultimate audio recording platform. Notebook audio just got very, very interesting!

Technical Details

* Superior Home Theater sound quality for all your music, movies, and games
* Rich, high-fidelity, 24-bit audio with 256 times the clarity of your basic notebook sound
* Enjoy music, movies and games in virtual surround on headphones or full surround on 5.1 or 7.1 speakers
* Make your digital music sound dramatically better with EAX ADVANCED HD Music Tools
* Experience game sound effects so realistic that you’ll feel like you are actually in the game

Customer feedback:

1. most new laptops come with Good Enough sound quality. Most speaker systems will Fake high quality. Don’t be hasty and buy a card before you’ve tested your laptop with your speakers. If it isn’t good enough, then look at something like this. But it’s so much cheaper to get the right soundcard integrated in the first place… what kind of laptop are you buying anyway if you’re willing to spend 99bucks on audio for it, but not willing to fork it out in the first place?

2. This is my second card, the first was stepped on by a youngster. I have a very high end laptop, but the sound is terrible. Using this card and decent pair of headphones does the trick. Good quality and easily installs. I think creative did a good job with this product.

Running out of audio jacks? Now, with ICUSBAUDIO, you can add headsets and microphones to your computer without the need to unplug other devices! Compliant with USB 2.0 and USB audio device specification 1.0, this USB to audio adapter couldn’t be any simpler to install. Compatible with Windows 98SE and up, as well as Mac OS 9.x and later, ICUSBAUDIO integrates into any computer environment, providing superb sound quality and convenience that can’t be matched. The StarTech ICUSBAUDIO USB 2.0 to Audio Adapter turns a USB port to audio jacks and lets you to add headsets and microphones to your computer without needing to unplug other devices. The adapter is USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 compliant and supports the USB audio device specification 1.0. Installation is as simple as plugging it in and the sound quality it outstanding.

Technical Details

* Adapter turns USB port into two audio jacks
* Supports the USB audio device specification 1.0
* Compliant with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1
* Compatible with Windows 98SE and up, and Mac OS 9.x and later

Customer feedback:

1. I have a Dell laptop (Precision M20) with pretty poor sound quality - lots of background noise and hiss no matter how I adjust the volume. I often like to listen to headphones both at work and at home to avoid distractions, but the poor sound quality of the built in sound card made the experience barely tolerable. I took a chance on this StarTech product and have been very impressed. I just plugged it into an unused USB port and after about a minute Windows XP had found a driver (did not have to use the included CD) and told me it was ready to go. I plugged in my headphones and immediately began to enjoy great sound. It also has a mic port which I have not used. Also included is a short 6″ USB extension cable which may be handy in some applications. Very happy with the purchase.

2. I ordered this for my Acer laptop when the built in sound-card broke. The adapter itself is too big to fit into a USB port without blocking access to another, but they realized this and included a small USB extension cord, which is convenient & completely solves the problem. I’m running Vista, and upon plugging the device in, it was recognized automatically without the need for any manual driver installation. The reports from other reviews about it being rather loud are true, but I noticed no distortion and was able to get it to a perfectly reasonable level. I had no issues with audio latency either.

Manufacturers have made it increasingly easy to connect a host of FireWire and USB devices to your computer, but often at the expense of the microphone port and other jacks. Enter the Griffin iMic audio adapter, an affordable USB device that lets users connect microphones, speakers, cassette decks, and virtually any other audio source to their Macs and PCs for recording or playback. Among its many uses are recording voices or instruments for home movies, turning your laptop into a DJ studio, or converting your LPs and cassettes into MP3s or CDs. The iMic includes two 1/8-inch mini-jack ports (one mic/line-level input and one speaker output), along with an RCA-to-miniplug adapter for connecting audio components such as phonographs. Thanks to a small toggle switch on the unit, the microphone input can handle both mic-level recording and line-level signals. In addition, the iMic works with most recording software, and even comes with a CD-ROM loaded with Final Vinyl for Macintosh (for recording LPs), along with trial versions of several other applications.

Technical Details

* USB audio adapter for connecting microphones, phonographs, cassette decks, and other sources to your computer
* Records voices or instruments or converts LPs and cassettes to MP3s and CDs
* 1/8-inch input jack offers both mic and line-level signals
* 1/8-inch output jack connects to headphones or speakers for playback
* Easy to set up and use; compatible with USB-equipped Macs and PCs

Customer feedback:

1. This device is a totally plug-n-play way of adding sound input capability to your Mac. It plugs into a spare USB port and accepts a mini mono mic/line input. G4 Macs, among others, come with a line in audio jack, but they have no mic input and can’t amplify a mic enough to make it audible. So, if you want to use an unpowered mic for direct sound-in to your mac, this is a cost-effective way to go!
The driver came installed with Jaguar, so there was no installing to do - I plugged it into the USB port and the Mac OS immediately recognized it. It shows up in the ‘Sound’ pane of System Preferences and is easy to select. There’s a handy level meter there, so you can twiddle the amplification just right. I’ve used it for a couple months to DJ my live internet radio broadcast, which goes out over the “airwaves” as a 56K internet stream. I’m using it with a cheap Radio Shack combo phones/mic headset (nine bucks), and the sound quality is totally adequate. I’d agree with the manufacturer, though, that you oughtn’t expect to use this for studio-quality sound; although I can’t discern any distortion or hiss from the peripheral over my cheap speakers or headphones.

2. I’ve dubbed bunches of LPs and tapes using this thing. I don’t need it now that my new eMac has an audio-in port, but on my old iBook it’s been great. Plugs right into the USB port and gives me just the right amount of gain for recording my old Lps and tapes. Using Sound Studio, all I do is hit record, clean it up afterward, mark the points between songs and then throw the whole kadoodle into iTunes. Couldn’t be simpler. Uses very little power so I can plug it into my keyboard. The only caution I would give is not to let the computer sleep while using iMic — waking it seems to create a little buzz in the recording.

A new class of desktop speakers made for the discerning listener who knows good audio. The Creative GigaWorks T20 is a powerful speaker system that’s made for desktop performance like no other. Featuring quality components such as cloth dome tweeters, stylized woven glass fibre cone drivers and BasXPort technology, the GigaWorks T20 is set to deliver unparalleled performance that will change your perception of desktop speakers. Enjoy its polished looks and Creative’s world-renowned quality audio playback.
The GigaWorks T20 Stereo PC MP3 Speaker System contains an expressive tweeter and a high performance midrange driver made from high-tech woven glass fiber. High quality, component-style controls and up-front access to the headphone output and MP3 player input make the T20 a great choice for demanding gaming and music enthusiasts.

Technical Details

* Model: 51MF1545AA001
* Item Package Quantity: 1
* Device Type: PC multimedia speakers
* Form Factor: Desktop
* Speaker Connectivity: Wired
* Speaker Amplification Type: Active
* Speaker Power: 2 x 14 Watts RMS
* Total System Power: 28 Watts RMS
* Speaker Controls: Bass, Treble, Volume, On/Of

Customer feedback:

1. These little speakers can put out an awesome amount of clear accurate sound, and they look great and feel very sturdy. Treble in particular is excellent, and the alleged Bass Xport technology must have something to it, as bass is more than adequate. The separate bass and treble knobs may or may not appeal; to some, they offer more control, to others the added circuitry distorts the signal and gives an added area of complexity in the design that may fail. The portability is excellent. The only real problem is that Creative is so secretive about the wattage and driver size, out of unnecessary concern that buyers may avoid getting these because of a few watts or a half inch. These sound great, look good, and the size to sound ratio is impressive. Four stars.

2. Pros
+ Nice looks and high quality cables
+ Extra cable
+ Nice adapter for RCA inputs (TV, receiver, etc.)
+ Decent low-end range and base with above average mid-range
+ Nice more sturdy housing with good controls

Cons:
- Only average high-range sound
- Bass XPorts on top will collect dust
- Creative reputation is not stellar
- Cost is near the Klipsch Promedia set

The High Fidelity Travel Companion For Your ZEN V or ZEN V Plus — Expand your music enjoyment with TravelSound ZEN V Simply plug in your ZEN V or ZEN V Plus MP3 player and get the best of both worlds - high fidelity audio and ease of portability. Indulge in a world of clear and detailed audio, courtesy of the four premium 36mm full range NeoTitanium micro drivers. This one-piece system also lets you dock and charge your MP3 player simultaneously. Packed with an extensive range of features such as dual power options, wireless infrared remote, wide stereo effect and clear FM radio reception (for ZEN V Plus only), get ready to take it outdoors and impress your friends at any party. Don’t limit the great sound to your ZEN V — connect any MP3 player, CD player or other audio device.

Customer feedback:

1. No matter how convenient it is to have a portable music player, there are times when you want to be able to listen to music “normally.” The Travelsound Zen V is the way to do so with the Creative Zen V and Zen V Plus players. It’s very small, attractive, easy to hook up, and simple to operate. (You may have to update the firmware on your player, but the download is free on Creative’s website, and the process takes just a few minutes.) There are lots of nice features. It runs on either 4 AA batteries or an included AC adapter. There’s a USB input, an auxiliary line-in input, and a subwoofer output on the back. The manual is pretty minimal, but it covers the basic operation. The remote control is surprisingly convenient, but it is very small, and there’s no on-board storage pocket or clip for it. Of course, the most important aspect of any speaker system is the sound quality. The Travelsound Sen V is outstanding! It’s amazing to hear the crisp sound from such a tiny system fill up a room. Obviously, you don’t get booming bass from such small speakers, but the bass is very good nonetheless.

2. After researching and finding good reviews for the Creative Zen V plus (at the time I bought it an iPod with similar features and size cost twice as much) I bought one and have loved it. A portable MP3 player is great if you’re in a position where it’s convenient to wear earplugs/phones, but the Travelsound makes the Zen V great pretty much all the time and everywhere. The sound from this little system is fantastic for 4W. You’re not going to rattle the windows at those decibels, but if you need your music that loud you’ve already suffered hearing damage! The Travelsound makes me able to carry our music on cookouts, tailgating, to the pool. I play it in my office and I bring it with me when I do surgery in the O.R. (At my facility a “permanent” stereo set up in the OR will be quickly stolen - the Travelsound with my handy little Zen makes me able to set up good sound, then carry it with me for safekeeping.)

It’s so easy. TravelDock 900 lets you connect your MP3 player - such as the Creative MuVo & Zen Micro. Share your music with everyone. Comparatively small like a pair of sunglasses case, this ultra-portable speaker comes complete with a stylish classic white finish. With premium NeoTitanium micro drivers to deliver stunning playback, show off your music collection with these fashionable travel speakers you won’t want to hide away. So let the party begin and enjoy your music wherever you are. Ingeniously designed, TravelDock 900 speakers are protected when you are on the move, and flip open conveniently for use. Ideal for travel. TravelDock 900 features an extremely efficient digital amplifier that gives you up to 32 hours playback on 4 AAA batteries.

Product Description:

# Lightweight, portable speaker system
# Fold-away headphone jack connects directly to iPod Shuffle, Zen Nano and other MP3 players
# Line-in connection to virtually any audio device: CD players, laptop PCs, etc.
# Clamshell design opens for listening; closes for driver protection
# Dedicated iPod Shuffle port for charging while listening to music
# High-fidelity, neo-titanium drivers
# Superior clarity and detailed sound
# Built-in amplifier delivers 4 total watts of power
# Battery life: up to 35 hours
# Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved. UL is the worldwide trusted source for product complianc

Customer feedback:

1. Very impressive, especially for their relatively small size. I travel quite a bit and like to listen to music (iPod) or home town radio (web) in my hotel room. These speakers are perfect for that! The bass is lacking, but that is expected in a very small speaker system. Nice highs, good midrange and enough volume to play at moderate levels in even the largest hotel room. I recommend them for anyone who wants to listen to their music/news without having to wear headphones all the time.

2. I bought this because it was very inexpensive— and I did not expect much - just something for hotel rooms, etc… but it actually sounds really great! The sound won’t rock a party or fill a room- but if you are looking for something to travel with - this is a winner!

The Zalman ZM-RSSC External USB 5.1 Sound Card is small and compact, and connects to your computer via a USB interface. Installation is plug-and-play, making it a cinch to use. It supports both optical and coaxial digital outputs along with analog 5.1 channel outputs. Front, rear, and center/subwoofer output channels all have independent level adjustments. (For digital output, volume can be controlled by a volume control on the speaker.) A built-in amplifier provides full sound and ease of use, outputting at 0.6W per channel. The card features the Sonix 5.1 Sound chipset and offers a 16-bit sampling rate at up to 48kHz.

Technical Details

* Device Type - Sound card
* Interface Type - USB
* Sound Output Mode - Sonix 5.1 Sound
* Max Speakers Qty - 5.1 channel

Customer feedback:

1. Really nice product. The only annoying thing is the red light. Though is to let you know the card is working, it shouldnt be too flashy. Besides that, the software and the controls are easy to use. Recommended for any notebook user that wish to have good quality 5.1 sound with their system without expending money on a expensive pcmcia(pc card) or express card sound card(that actually requires another adapter for the card to be able to use 5.1 speakers, so yeah, too expensive). This will work on any desktop computer as well, but you can get a better internal sound card at the same price or less. Anyways, newer desktop computers already come with integrated 5.1 sound card, so is not really necessary to add one.

2. If you’re looking for a cheap sound card that works and that you don’t have to install then this is the one. There is a slight lag when the sound card initially receives data which only lasts for half a second or so due to the USB connection. It works great for movies, songs, and games. It is a good buy.