Ultra Cool Gadgets

Garmin’s nüvi 265WT improves upon its 200-series predecessors by adding free real-time traffic updates from Navteq (for the life of the device) as well as Bluetooth connectivity to your cell phone. Other significant improvements in the 2×5 series include a predictive technology that provides faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen with more information, terrain maps, and an exciting new photo navigation feature. The 265WT provides complete maps for North America and the handy Text-to-Speech feature, so you get turn-by-turn spoken directions with the real names of streets (e.g. “turn left in 50 feet at Nebraska Way”, rather than merely “turn left in 50 feet”).
The nüvi 2×5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot. All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. The 265WT also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you.
Important Product Information: This device features a “screen lock” feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2×5 and 7×5 Garmin units. If you slide the “Power” key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device.

Technical Details

- Bright 4.3-inch diagonal color touchscreen; 480 x 272 pixels, WQVGA TFT display with white backlight.
- Sleek, ultra-thin design fits easily in pocket.
- Preloaded with City Navigator North America NT.
- Supports Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling when paired with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones.
- NOTE: Model number on the box is 265WT because the traffic receiver is included; however, the model number on the device itself is 265W as the “T” in 265WT refers to the additional component

Customer Feedback

I have owned quite a few GPS units all including Phone, Laptop and Dedicated. Flat out before I even get started the Garmin Nuvi 265WT is the best I have ever owned.
Good response to finger input, and while the unit is overall much better quality than the MIO, I really do miss the MIO’s ability to have an info pane down the last third of the screen and the map on the first two thirds of it when desired. But there’s some of that info available in the data bubbles on the bottom and top so I’ll survive.

Product Features
Multimedia station puts your Droid at a good angle for watching music and video.
This cable can both Sync & Charge your media over a USB connection without the need for a wall charger.
USB connector allows for high speed data transfer between your media and a PC.
Displays photos and movies, plays music, shows weather and time, and works as an alarm clock.

Customer feedback:

1. I really wanted this for my Droid, and its good quality. When you place your Droid in this Charging Cradle/”Multimedia Station”, it charges you battery and magnets activate a Multimedia mode on your phone, allowing you to brows photos, listen to music, and work with your alarm clock right on your nightstand. Not owning an iPod, I can’t tell you how much I love having all mp3′s and so forth available right next to my bed. This is a lovely product.

Pros and Cons:
1) The magnets override your lock feature, which may be a security issue for some.
2) The Droid won’t fit in the cradle with any kind of body armor/silicone/hard plastic case attached around it. You’ll have to take this off when you want to use the cradle.
3) The Multimedia mode has a built-in “dimmer” switch for night time use, but I personally find even that setting emits too much light in my room, and that makes me crazy. If you don’t have an issue with things emitting light while you sleep, this is a non-issue for you.
4) The cord that comes with the cradle is the same as comes with the phone- its VERY short. I had to use a USB extension cable to get from an outlet to my nightstand.

I really like this though- the problems I have all me.

2. I ordered the Motorola Droid Multimedia Station on the Droid’s release day because I thought it was a cool idea. I didn’t see it in person until it was delivered to my door and the geek in me loves it!

PROS:
- Nice build quality
- Non-skid base
- Turns your Droid into an alarm clock and weather station
- Sync your data via USB cable
- Just plain cool looking

CONS:
- Will not work with cases
- Somewhat expensive

The latest email-optimized device from the Nokia E-eries, the sleek and slender Nokia E71 makes it easy to stay on top of your email inbox with a full QWERTY keyboard and support for corporate communication via Microsoft Exchange. It’s ready to run on 3G networks here in the U.S. (850/1900 MHz UMTS/HSDPA), enabling fast downloads and streaming multimedia while on the go. It also includes integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) for accessing open networks at work, at home, and on the road from a variety of wireless hotspots.
Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 8 GB), built-in A-GPS and Nokia Maps application, and up to 10.5 hours of talk time on standard GSM networks.
The Nokia E71 comes fully equipped for easy-to-install and easy-to-use professional and personal email. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded. You’ll enjoy reliable real-time access to your email, calendar, contacts and tasks, as well as be able to download attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint or PDF files directly to the device.

Product Features:
This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported. It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint.
Quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and US 3G compatibility via 850/1900 UMTS/HSDPA plus GPRS/EDGE capabilities
Access to corporate communication via Microsoft Exchange; full QWERTY keyboard; 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder; stereo Bluetooth; GPS with Nokia Maps; Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g); MicroSD expansion
Up to 10.5 hours of GSM talk time, up to 400+ hours (17 days) of standby time
What’s in the Box: handset, battery, charger, connectivity cable, headset, Eseries lanyard, Eseries pouch, user guide, quick start guide, and other documentation

Combining a 3-inch wide VGA display and a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 enables you to work efficiently while on the move (thanks to its Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system) as well as enjoy your favorite entertainment–from music to video. It features a unique customizable paneled desktop that lets you quickly access the applications and functions you use the most. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), assisted GPS, a large 400 MB internal memory that can be expanded via MicroSD memory cards, FM radio in addition to Windows Media digital audio/video player, and up to 10 hours of talk time (on GSM networks).
This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). It also offers tri-band 3G HSDPA network compatibility (900/1900/2100 MHz). When paired with a compatible 3G network that uses HSDPA 900/1900/2100 MHz connectivity (such as in Europe and Asia), you’ll enjoy a high-speed connection offering a variety of feature-rich wireless services–from data connectivity to your office to multimedia streaming, and take advantage of simultaneous voice and data services. In the United States and foreign territories where 900/1900/2100 MHz 3G networks are not available, you’ll continue to receive data service via EDGE network (depending on network compatibility).

Other features include:

3.2-megapixel camera with flash can capture video at up to VGA resolution (at 30 frames per second)
Built-in GPS receiver along with A-GPS for added accuracy via the cellular network
Secondary camera for making video calls (requires compatible network)
Music formats: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eACC+, WMA (including protected WMA)
PC synchronization: SyncML, ActiveSync
Speakerphone
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PAN (personal area networking), SPP (serial port profile)