Ultra Cool Gadgets

The first generation Slingbox was a big step forward for so-called “place shifting” technology, a device that allowed you to view incoming TV signals on any TV computer in your home, or on any Internet-connected PC around the world. Sling Media is now introducing the successors to this groundbreaking product. Now there are three Slingboxes to choose from, each with features that make it easier than ever to bring your TV and other media with you wherever you roam. Choose from the Slingbox Tuner, AV, and Pro models depending on your entertainment needs.
The Slingbox Pro ensures that you can watch all of your favorite home theater entertainment anywhere you go, with the ability to watch and control up to three standard definition and one high definition video (via component connection) devices. Using an Internet connected computer or compatible mobile phone (with purchase of SlingPlayer Mobile software), you can watch and control your home TV, DVR, basic cable, digital cable box, or satellite receiver anywhere around your home or around the globe. With a Slingbox Pro you will never be separated from your favorite TV shows, sports broadcasts, breaking news stories, digital video recordings, or video on demand. The Slingbox Pro also includes the free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location, in or out of the home.

Technical Details:
- Redirects the TV signal to the computer of your choice–providing high quality video, no matter the distance
- SlingStream technology delivers up to a 400 percent video quality improvement over the original Slingbox
- Connects to digital cable box, DVR, satellite receiver, DVD players, video/security camera, or any NTSC component HD, S-video, or composite video source
- Includes free Slingbox Finder service to locate a Slingbox from any network location
- Watch and control your home TV, DVR, basic cable, digital cable box, or satellite receiver anywhere around your home or around the globe

Customer feedback:

1. Installation was quick and painless, but what about the real question: How’s the streaming video quality? Well, on my home PC, which obviously has an advantage since it’s on the same network as the Slingbox, I can get great streaming video. But that’s no real challenge.
So I went over to a friend’s house, where there’s a kinda miserable DSL connection, installed the Slingbox player, and fired it up…And guess what? After about 30 seconds, where the slingbox player was adjusting the compression/resolution in order to provide stutter free playback, the picture was rock solid. Better than anything I’ve EVER experienced with video from any web server. And it stayed rock solid. W-O-W! I’m sold. This product is for real. What a great product.

2. The MAC OS X client works like a charm, despite being in Beta. On a Core Duo MacBook Pro, the OS X client is quicker than the WinXP client running on similar Core Duo Dell hardware (E1705). Very nice. Being able to customize the button interface and swap interfaces between Mac and PC (to suit what cable channels you commonly watch) is a nice touch as well.
Lacking any Pocket PC hardware, I can’t tell you how well the handheld client runs (are you listening Sling? My Blackberry feels left out!) although the friend that recommended this product to me has connected to my Sling over the internet with his handheld HP. I’m done here. Nice product, some extra features like 802.11 would be nice, not having to spend an extra 50 bucks on a proprietary HD cable would be nicer still. Despite that, I’m a happy camper.

The Slingbox SOLO allows you to watch and control your favorite TV source from anywhere in the world on your laptop or mobile phone. So now nothing can come between you and your DVR, digital cable, satellite receiver, or DVD player. The Slingbox SOLO not only allows you to watch your home television anywhere, but it also allows you to watch any cable subscriptions, special programming, or sports packages you may have–at no extra cost. If it’s on your home TV, it’s on your computer and phone–with no monthly fees. With the Slingbox SOLO, you can watch all your favorites wherever you see fit.

Features:

- Watch your HDTV anywhere on your laptop or mobile phone.
- No monthly fees.
- Watch and control a high-definition or standard definition A/V device, such as a DVR, cable set top box, satellite receiver or DVD player.
- Full set of pass-through connections for easy integration with virtually any A/V device.
- On screen remote control. Every feature that’s available on your TV remote control is accessible through the included SlingPlayer software for your Windows or Mac laptop. This means you can view your electronic program guide (EPG), change the channels, queue a recording on your DVR, or even watch pay-per-view movies.
- Clip+Sling ready. Use your Slingbox to clip segments of your favorite TV programs and share them with friends and family online.
- Mobile phone compatibility. SlingPlayer Mobile software lets you watch and control your TV and all of its programming on compatible Windows Mobile, Symbian or Palm mobile phones. Separate download required.
- Crisp video streaming. SlingStream is the innovative streaming technology that ensures you receive the clearest picture possible at any given location.
- Supports over 5,000 A/V devices.
- Broadband internet connection w/router required.
- Supports Windows XP/Vista, Mac and Windows Mobile, Symbian or Palm OS-based mobile devices.

Customer feedback:

1. I have spent the last couple hours playing with the new Slingbox Solo. In comparison to the Slingbox pro I like this new model better. It is about 1/2 the size and does not need an extra dongle for HD video. The software to setup the device is very easy and very fast. Video quality on a home network is superb. Internet is not bad but depends on how much upstream bandwidth you have available.
The only gripe I have with it is the unit does not come with any component cables. This however is a small gripe. Overall this device is well worth the money if you like watching TV. Hopefully slingmedia will come out with an iPhone client soon.

2. The technology works! Using a Sprint Air card I was able to keep tuned into my TV while driving in the country. This is probably the worst case scenario for remote reception. I was only getting about 100K download speed with occasional dropouts. No other streamer that I have tested would work under these conditions.
I was running 320-240 res under these conditions. With faster more stable connection you can run higher. At home on my home network I run 640×480 resolution with a maximum stream rate of 6000Kbps with Near CD quality Audio. It works! It works! It Works!!

The essential center of your entertainment system. Say “Goodbye” to the wasted time and endless frustration of multiple remotes controlling multiple devices, and say hello to one single, easy-to-use device with a cool new shape. The Harmony 1000 remote control, with its engaging and logical interface, simplifies even the most complex programming functions. Logitech’s patented Smart State technology® makes it possible to seamlessly control up to 15 separate components with just one touch. Programming your HDTV? The Harmony 1000’s color display makes it easy to control even the aspect ratio and sound modes. And, you can do it all without direct line-of-sight, since the Harmony sends both infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF).

Technical Details

* Simply touch one icon and the Harmony remote will power on all the necessary components
* Large, color icons and backlit buttons ensure an entirely new level of ease and functionality
* Simply connect the Harmony 1000 to your computer, and the wizard guides you through the entire set-up process
* No need to worry about power with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The handy recharging stand ensures that the unit is always powered up and easy to find
* Control everything from HDTVs to PVR/DVRs, from laser discs to VCRs, even lighting controls! Logitech’s online database now includes 4500+ brands and 150,000+ IR devices

Customer feedback:

1. I purchased this remote seeking a simple operation. I received it and it worked great after my son programed it. I was actually surprised how simple the operation is.

2. This is a great product. Does everything Logitech claims it does, no hassle, easy setup, and a beautiful piece of industrial engineering.

The color touch screen and sculpted buttons, organized into logical zones with backlighting, give you easy, one-touch access to your home entertainment – even in the dark. Just one press and you’re watching a DVD or your favorite TV channel. The ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand, and because it’s rechargeable, you won’t need to worry about buying new batteries. With support for more than 5,000 brands, you can control home-entertainment devices that you own today or will buy tomorrow. Our online software guides you through setup, and our live customer support team is available if you need help.
One-touch, activity-based control provides any member of the family with easy access to home entertainment. The color touch screen has buttons that “think” like you do. All you need to do is choose the activity that you want. Want to watch TV? Play a DVD? Listen to the radio? Just press a single button, and the Harmony remote will do the work for you.

Technical Details
- Easy Internet-based setup
- Dedicated on-screen activity buttons
- Color LCD touch screen
- Contoured backlit buttons
- Can learn IR codes from existing remote controls

Customer feedback:

1. Using Logitech’s Harmony One universal remote control, I can’t help but hear Queen’s “I’m In Love With My Car” playing in my head. That may be overstating the appeal of this device a bit, but not by much. I haven’t been this impressed with a technological gadget since the Flip video camera. The concept of a universal remote control that replaces the various “factory” remotes that come with most home entertainment devices isn’t new, but Logitech takes it to a whole new level with this device.
The Harmony One remote includes the remote control unit, a rechargeable battery, charging station with power adapter, USB cable, and a CD that is used to program the device. Setup is extremely user-friendly. Once you have the software installed, you’re asked to provide the make and models of the devices you want to control, as well as a few questions on how those devices are used. The software then programs the remote accordingly. The total setup time is roughly 30 minutes, and doesn’t require any significant computer skills.

2. I’m a 62 yr old great-grandmother, with a reasonable, but by no means expert, knowledge of computers and electronic equipment. I purchased the Harmony One Universal Remote yesterday from Best Buy. I buy tons of stuff from Amazon, but was in a bit of a hurry to get this up and going.
I have a not too complicated Home Theater setup: a 50″ LG Plasma TV, Sony DVD/VHS combo, Sony AV Receiver, and Sony 5-disc CD changer, and an HD Motorola ATT U-Verse receiver . Up until today, I (and worse, my grandchildren) had to use a minimum of 3 remotes to simply watch a DVD (TV, DVD player, and AV sound), etc.
I had absolutely no problems getting this remote setup and working with ALL of my equipment. The software instructions were excellent. Until this remote, I did not have a remote, except the original “commander”, that would work well with the DVD/VHS combo player.

The essential center of your entertainment system. Say “Goodbye” to the wasted time and endless frustration of multiple remotes controlling multiple devices, and say hello to one single, easy-to-use device with a cool new shape. The Harmony 1000 remote control, with its engaging and logical interface, simplifies even the most complex programming functions. Logitech’s patented Smart State technology makes it possible to seamlessly control up to 15 separate components with just one touch. Programming your HDTV? The Harmony 1000’s color display makes it easy to control even the aspect ratio and sound modes. And, you can do it all without direct line-of-sight, since the Harmony sends both infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF).
Just connect your Harmony remote to your computer and the Web wizard walks you step-by-step through a simple set up. Enter in your model numbers for your components, then answer a few easy questions about how you “Watch TV” or “Watch a DVD” You’ll be controlling even the most complex system without any of the hassles of elaborate macro-programming. The Harmony Remote is the world’s only remote with Smart State Technology activity control. Just press one of the Activity buttons, such as “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music,” and your Harmony Remote automatically sets up your entertainment system, without you ever having to program a “macro.”

Technical Details
- Simply touch one icon and the Harmony remote will power on all the necessary components
- Large, color icons and backlit buttons ensure an entirely new level of ease and functionality
- Simply connect the Harmony 1000 to your computer, and the wizard guides you through the entire set-up process
- No need to worry about power with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The handy recharging stand ensures that the unit is always powered up and easy to find
- Control everything from HDTVs to PVR/DVRs, from laser discs to VCRs, even lighting controls! Logitech’s online database now includes 4500+ brands and 150,000+ IR devices

Customer feedback:

1. Ive used logitech products for a long time… I have never been disappointed and this is no exception…
Do you really need this remote? No you dont! but if you are reading this you are probably like me (kind of a showoff)…. and if you already spent 3000+ on your home theater get this! The remote itself performs very well, but the screen is very suceptible to getting all smudgy…. I also had to buy an invisible shield for it (www.invisibleshield.com)

2. I held off reviewing the Harmony 1000 until I was satisfied I made all my needed adjustments for my equipment. I read all kinds of reviews about the Harmony 1000 and held off for the right price then I figured I was satisfied with the price. Now I had to determine if the mix of reviews were correct. The remote was shipped in a timely manner, so thanks Amazon. I installed the software on my computer (I had to create an account with Logitech)then I started the configuration. Once I copied all the SN’s from each component it was a breeze to set up and the picture slide show is cool. However the only bug I usually see is when I select watch TV, PC, DVD, or video game it sometimes does not switch the television to the correct source. Other than that minor bug it is a great way to get rid of all those remotes and save on batteries.

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.

A remote control for the situation where you love your camera, but realize the need for a remote control (a remote control helps in situations where you want to be at some distance from the camera, or want to take a self-portrait).

Technical Details

* Slim wireless remote instantly triggers shutter without disturbing camera
* Ideal for subjects that are difficult to approach or for minimizing vibrations
* Includes pouch
* For use with Nikon D70, N65, N75, F65, Pronea S, Nuvis S, Lite Touch 110s, and 130 ED cameras
* Also used as replacement or spare for Nikon Coolpix 8400 and 8800

Customer feedback:

1. It works well with a N75 and a Nikon Pronea APS SLR (my tests) and is compatible with several other Nikon cameras. The range is acceptable and it comes with batteries pre-installed. There is no documentation, but it is a no-brainer. It also comes with a little fabric case that you can thread through your camera neck strap for safekeeping. Nikon should really include this sub ten dollar part with their high end cameras. I am sure that most users would have appreciated it even if it added a little more in price to a D70.
2. This remote is one of the best accessories I have purchased for my camera gear. It is almost essential for anyone serious about their photography, as it eliminates camera shake caused by pressing the shutter release. I have also enjoyed it for travel, because I can mount the camera on a tripod and set the camera on the 2 sec. delay, and take a picture of my family without worrying about some stranger running off with my camera. I have also found that the remote will work at distances of over 60 ft! While I have yet to find a use for using the remote at such a distance, I still think it is pretty cool.

Snap together colorful circuits to build an amazing light-and-sound, radio-controlled rover. Have fun building your own RC Snap Rover using the colorful Snap Circuits parts that come with this kit. There is no soldering required as all the parts snap together with ease. Once completed, you will be able to navigate your surroundings with the easy-to-use Snap Rover remote control.
Customer reviews:
1. We bought this for our 6 year old grandson. He has another smaller set and absolutely loves it. By following picture instruction he can quickly assemble electronic circuitry that actually performs a task. It encourages him to experiment and gives him a sense of accomplishiment. It’s like an electronic erector set that was so popular when I was a kid. Very good desigh and sturdily built, even the case is compartmentalized for neat storeage.
2. This product is excellent… far more than a toy, it’s a learning experience that challenges a child, yet does not frustrate. Many levels of activity are possible with snap circuits, and the 8 year old for whom it was purchased loved it, along with his parents and brother and sisters! Superior in every way..

Product features:

* 30+ parts snap together with ease
* No soldering or advanced assembly experience required
* Navigates with easy-to-use wireless remote control
* Features working headlights, sidelights and horn
* Colorful moving gears
* More than 20 creative building projects
* Includes a full-color instruction manual
* Can run up to 3 rovers at the same time
* Multi-function, wireless remote control, Left and right turning control