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December 8, 2009 7:35 AM PST

Buy Picasa photo storage, get a free Eye-Fi card

by Rick Broida
  • 27 comments

It's a match made in heaven: the Eye-Fi card and Google's Picasa.

(Credit: Eye-Fi)

About a month ago, Google made some serious price cuts to its Picasa Web photo-storage service. For example, a mere $5 per year now buys you 20GB of online storage.

In other news, Eye-Fi memory cards are really cool. They wirelessly upload photos from your camera to your PC OR online storage service of choice--like, say, Picasa.

Right now, if you sign up for a 200GB Picasa account for $50, you'll get a 4GB Eye-Fi Home card for free.

That card, which works in most digital cameras, normally sells for $69.99, so here's another way to look at the deal: Buy a 4GB Eye-Fi Home for $50, and get 200GB of Picasa storage for free.

Either way, I think it's a smokin' offer. Picasa effectively gives you an online backup of your entire photo library, along with basic slideshow, sharing, and print services.

I'm also an Eye-Fi fan, as manually copying photos from card to PC--and then PC to Web service--is a huge hassle. This is a great gift item, in my opinion.

This is a while-supplies-last offer, and I suspect it'll sell out quickly. So grab it while you can!

Backup deal: If you've been eyeballing "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" (and what avid gamer hasn't?) but unable to stomach the $60 price tag, the Microsoft Store has it for just $41.99 shipped. That's the lowest price I've seen anywhere.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $59.99 - $75.00
View the latest prices for Eye-Fi Share (4GB)

On Sale Now: $77.99 - $103.81
View the latest prices for Eye-Fi Explore (4GB)

On Sale Now: $79.99 - $129.99
View the latest prices for Eye-Fi Explore (2GB)

On Sale Now: $49.99 - $83.99
View the latest prices for Eye-Fi Share (2GB)

On Sale Now: $119.99 - $174.99
View the latest prices for Eye-Fi Pro (4GB)

On Sale Now: $45.88 - $47.40
View the latest prices for Eye-Fi Home (2GB)

On Sale Now: $52.96 - $67.59
View the latest prices for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC)

On Sale Now: $58.99 - $59.99
View the latest prices for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3)

On Sale Now: $53.11 - $59.99
View the latest prices for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (XBox 360)

Originally posted at The Cheapskate
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
December 7, 2009 4:00 PM PST

Digital City Podcast 61: Peace in the Mac vs PC wars?

by Dan Ackerman
  • 1 comment

On this week's Digital City, we tackle one of the most contentious issues of our time -- Mac vs. PC -- as Dan offers an enlightened path to peace for both camps. We also hear about some free municipal Wi-Fi for the new Times Square pedestrian mall; a sweet TV/PS3 combo deal at Best Buy; and discuss the fate of the vaporware-like CrunchPad.

Later, Scott laments the lack of Microsoft synergy in the Zune gaming business model; we check out some new game releases, including Zelda: Spirit Tracks and The Saboteur; and debate the ethics of adding adults-only DLC to games.

Quick note: tune in next week for a chance to win a Zune HD!

Related links:
>>A modest proposal: Detente between Mac and PC laptop fans
>>Can Zune gaming compete?
>>Times Square gets free WiFi

>>Watch the Digital City live every Monday at 3pm EST on CNET Live!
>>Subscribe to Digital City on iTunes
>>Join the Digital City Facebook fan page
>>Need more? Follow Dan on Twitter! And Scott!

Listen now: Download today's podcast
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | iTunes (video) | RSS (audio) | RSS (video)


Originally posted at Digital City Podcast
December 3, 2009 11:42 AM PST

Get an Xbox 360 Wireless N Adapter for $79.99

by Rick Broida
  • 20 comments

The Xbox Wireless N Adapter is still overpriced, but at $79.99 it's slightly less outrageous.

(Credit: Newegg)

Microsoft has some nerve charging 100 bucks for its new Wireless N Xbox adapter, what with virtually identical Wi-Fi gear selling for as low as $20.

Yeah, I'm mad, and not just because today's earlier deal sold out in 27 seconds. (And then the backup deal went 27 seconds after that.) Well, OK, that's the main reason--but come on, Microsoft! $99.99?!

If you're really itching for one of these adapters, look to Newegg. It's got the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter for $79.99 shipped. Not a huge bargain, but the lowest price I've seen.

CNET hasn't reviewed it, but you can get some hands-on feedback from Gizmodo. Bottom line: It's way faster for video streaming, but doesn't offer much of an impact on gaming.

Of course, if you really want a cheap way out, you can turn a cheap router into an Xbox Wi-Fi adapter. Cheaper still, use your laptop's Wi-Fi connection to feed your Xbox.

Me, I'd love to have the Wireless N adapter for my 360. But it'll be a cold day on the sun before I drop $100 on one. Or, for that matter, $80. Get a clue, Microsoft.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $87.99 - $99.99
View the latest prices for Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter

Originally posted at The Cheapskate
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
December 2, 2009 5:00 AM PST

Print Magic for iPhone: Simple wireless printing

by Rick Broida
  • 6 comments

Print Magic can produce hard copies of text, photos, and Web pages.

The App Store offers a handful of solutions for transporting data from iPhone to printer, but few work as easily as Print Magic.

The $6.99 app makes it a cinch to print text, Web pages, and photos, all without wires: it connects via Wi-Fi to any printer on your network (or any shared printer on your Mac).

Well, almost any printer. While the app had no problem detecting my Brother HL-2170W laser printer and MFC-440CN multifunction, it couldn't figure out how to print to the latter.

Ideally, you should take Print Magic for a test drive before plunking down your 7 bucks. You can't just yet, but developer Wellala says a printer-testing trial version of the app was just submitted to Apple for review. Look for it in about two weeks.

Assuming you're able to print successfully, you'll definitely enjoy the results. You can print any text just by copying it to the iPhone (or iPod Touch) clipboard, then firing up the app and tapping Print.

Web pages work much the same way, except you copy the URL. As for photos, Print Magic provides direct access to your library--just tap the one you want to print.

The app doesn't support documents or e-mail attachments, but it's ideal for turning snapshots into prints, Web pages into real pages, and any copyable text into hard copy.

My only suggestion: wait for the trial version to make sure Print Magic can work its magic on your printer.

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
December 1, 2009 1:20 PM PST

Gimmicks are the new megapixels

by Rich Trenholm
  • 2 comments
Camera gimmicks (Credit: Crave UK)

In the year Olympus declared an end to the megapixel race, we've seen all kinds of exciting, innovative, and occasionally insane new digital cameras.

This new generation of cameras no longer relies on the myth of megapixels to seduce you: you're tech-savvy enough to know that more megapixels don't necessarily mean better pictures. These days manufacturers have to think outside the box to differentiate their products. Way, way outside the box.

From interchangeable lenses to built-in projectors, GPS, and Wi-Fi; from touch screens to extra screens to 3D pictures and transformed sensors, we run down the cameras with unique selling points, and decide if they're a stroke of genius or a hopeless gimmick.

Read more of "Gimmicks are the new megapixels: The new generation of unusual digital cameras" at Crave UK.

November 24, 2009 5:00 AM PST

Ditto Book: Custom e-readers for a niche market

by Sharon Vaknin
  • Post a comment

(Credit: Ditto Book)

Though Amazon and Barnes and Noble are grabbing headlines with e-readers aimed at consumers, Ditto Book--a CES 2010 exhibitor--is marketing its device for niche markets.

The $249 e-reader doesn't compete with Nook and Kindle specifications, as it is not wireless, has a 6-inch screen in four shades of gray, and doesn't support the standard ePub format yet.

Its focus is on customization; companies interested in ordering the e-reader in bulk can add a logo, brand name, color, and welcome screen. A unique option is to load the e-readers with bundled content.

Ditto is a subsidiary of Macrotron Systems, a Silicon Valley company that offers design, engineering, and manufacturing services. By targeting corporations, nonprofits, and possibly education agencies, the company might be able to stand alongside its larger competitors.

The device is also available to consumers, but customization requires a 250-unit minimum. According to business developer Hentry Jebasingam, Ditto Book's goal is to support many formats, including ePub within the next few months.

Originally posted at 30 Days of Innovation
Sharon Vaknin is the CNET Labs' go-to intern. When she's not testing MP3 players, blogging, or making the lab look presentable, she can be found playing computer games. Sharon formerly worked for Best Buy and is currently studying journalism at San Francisco State University. E-mail Sharon.
November 20, 2009 7:10 AM PST

Vizio interactive HDTVs delayed until January

by David Katzmaier
  • 9 comments

Shoppers anticipating the release of the Vizio VF552XVT will have to wait until after the holidays.

(Credit: CNET)

Remember when we crowed about Vizio's upcoming lineup of "Via"-branded TVs, citing a prodigious feature set that includes local dimming LED backlighting, interactive add-ons galore, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a QWERTY-equipped Bluetooth remote (pictured), all for an appropriately Vizio price?

Since then we've received lots of e-mails asking when the Via models would be available, and we dutifully repeated the same question to Vizio's reps. Now it's been answered: the company is officially pushing the Via models back until January 2010.

Vizio Bluetooth remote (Credit: Vizio)

Assuming Vizio can deliver even a passable interactive experience, we expect our eventual review of the "Via" 55-inch VF552XVT to brim with accolades despite the delay. That anticipation is based primarily on our recent review of the excellent VF551XVT (itself a past victim of a too-aggressive Vizio release date announcement). It's basically the same TV, minus the interactive doo-dads, and miraculously its lifespan prior to being replaced by its ... Read more

November 19, 2009 4:57 PM PST

Gadgettes Podcast 163: The Technology We're Thankful For Episode

by Jason Howell
  • Post a comment

Today's cornucopia of technology is perfect for when you travel to visit your family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Some tech makes getting there safer and capturing the moment easier. Other tech was meant for your escape from the in-laws.

Listen now: Download today's podcast



Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

... Read more
Originally posted at Gadgettes, the blog
November 19, 2009 10:04 AM PST

Next year's Flip will do Wi-Fi

by Lori Grunin
  • 13 comments

Flip MinoHD

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

According to Pocket-Lint, an unspecified Flip camcorder slated to ship in the first half of 2010 will incorporate Wi-Fi connectivity. That's unsurprising, given the recent acquisition of Flip's parent, Pure Digital, by networking giant Cisco. The site also says a Cisco spokesperson confirmed that "the new model will feature 'a large screen that slides to reveal the record and menu buttons underneath' allowing users to see what is going on when they are recording video."

How much you wanna bet this will be announced at CES (or just before) in January? I'm also curious how much Wi-Fi will add to the price; one of the main attractions of these models is their cheapness relative to more full-featured products. Plus, adding Wi-Fi generally means a partnership with a hot-spot provider for free uploads. Just wondering...

November 13, 2009 5:00 AM PST

Crave giveaway of the week: Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale

by David Carnoy
  • 1637 comments

(Credit: Withings)

For this week's installment of the weekly Crave giveaway, we're offering a high-tech health accessory, Withings' Wi-Fi Body Scale.

This thing not only automatically tracks and charts your weight (and the weights of up to seven other people in your household), but it records your lean and fat mass, and calculates body mass index (BMI). Plus, you can access your data (it's secure, of course) from any Web browser or Withings' iPhone app, WiScale. Better yet, you can even have the scale Tweet your weight loss (or gain) to all your Twitter followers. How awesome is that?

Normally, Withings' Wi-Fi scale would cost you about $160, but you have the chance to get it gratis.

So, how do you try to win this Wi-Fi scale? Let me enumerate the basic rules. Please read them carefully; there will be a test.

  • Register as a CNET user. Go to the top of this page and hit the "Join CNET" link to start the registration process. If you're already registered, no need
... Read more

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The name says it all. Crave is our blog about gorgeous gadgets and other crushworthy stuff. If you would like to contact Crave with a tip or comment, please write to: crave@cnet.com

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