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June 29, 2009 2:56 PM PDT

Reasonably priced A2100 IS reasonably good

by Joshua Goldman
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The funny thing about the Canon PowerShot A2100 IS is that I like it more than its barely different predecessor, the A2000 IS for basically one reason: it's black instead of a boring two-tone gray.

The size and shape are the same. They both run on AA batteries. They both have bright 3-inch LCDs on back and a 6x zoom lens on front with optical image stabilization. Yet, the change from gray to black makes the camera look like it performs better. (Sadly, they both have fairly mixed performance.)

So if you don't care about the body color, why go with the A2100 for $50 more? Well it has Canon's Digic 4 processor for better face detection among other things, a 12-megapixel resolution compared to the A2000's 10 megapixels, and the A2100 has Canon's Smart Auto scene recognition.

However, both cameras take excellent photos regardless. (At least below ISO 200, that is.) It's just that you can do a little more cropping with the extra resolution on the A2100.

And it is black.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $336.99
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A2100 IS

May 18, 2009 9:01 PM PDT

Dell's Latitude 2100 brings Netbooks to schools

by Dan Ackerman
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Dell's sorta-rugged Latitude 2100 Netbook.

(Credit: Dell)

Aiming to bring small, low-cost laptops to schools, Dell has just announced the Latitude 2100, a Netbook specifically targeted to educational markets. We recently got a chance to take a brief hands-on look at the Latitude 2100--and we think its appeal will go far beyond the classroom.

Dell's Mobile Computing Station for storing and charging Netbooks.

(Credit: Dell)

The basic components are similar to what you'd find in almost any other Netbook--Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP--but the chassis of the Latitude 2100 is specifically designed with young users in mind. Somewhat thicker and heavier than typical consumer Netbooks, the system has a semi-rugged feel and a thick rubberized cover, along with an optional anti-microbial keyboard.

The entire package reminded us in some ways of the original Intel Classmate laptops, which were the first examples of Netbooks. One new feature that seems especially intriguing (but may tax the Intel Atom processor) is an optional touch screen.

To appeal specifically to educational buyers, the systems include a handful of unique features, including a small light on the back of the lid, called the Network Activity Light. It can interact with third-party software or simply turn on when students are surfing the Web (instead of working on classwork), which can help teachers keep track of the status of everyone in the classroom.

... Read more
February 17, 2009 8:00 PM PST

What's up with the latest A-series Canons?

by Joshua Goldman
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Click the image to view the full slide show

(Credit: Canon)

The spring 2009 Canon A-series cameras are here! OK, so maybe it's a little tough to get attention for Canon's "easy and fun" compacts, but those interested in cost-effective shooting will be interested in the refreshed cameras that feature more megapixels and improved image processing in two of the three announced Tuesday.

Sure, the A-series cameras aren't as ultracompact as the Digital Elphs, but if you don't need something incredibly portable these new models seem capable. Without further ado, here are the details on the A2100 IS, A1100 IS, and A480.

PowerShot A2100 IS:

  • 12.1-megapixel resolution
  • 6x optical zoom lens with image stabilization
  • 3.0-inch LCD
  • Digic 4 processor
  • Smart Auto mode automatic scene recognition
  • Powered by two AA batteries
  • Available in April at $249.99
  • Full specs
... Read more

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $336.99
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A2100 IS

On Sale Now: $129.00 - $192.00
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A1100 IS (blue)

On Sale Now: $125.95 - $192.00
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A1100 IS (gray)

On Sale Now: $129.00 - $155.00
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A1100 IS (green)

On Sale Now: $125.95 - $191.95
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A1100 IS (pink)

On Sale Now: $99.00 - $129.99
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A480 (black)

On Sale Now: $95.95 - $129.99
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A480 (blue)

On Sale Now: $95.95 - $130.00
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A480 (red)

On Sale Now: $95.95 - $130.00
View the latest prices for Canon PowerShot A480 (silver)

Originally posted at PMA 2009
August 26, 2008 5:00 AM PDT

Navigon 7200T GPS going for style and substance

by Bonnie Cha
  • 5 comments
Navigon 7200T

Navigon 7200T

(Credit: Navigon)

Having to compete with the likes of Garmin and TomTom is no easy task, but Navigon is hoping to woo some new customers with its latest portable navigation system. Today, the GPS manufacturer announced its new Navigon 7200T, a high-end in-car GPS that's out to win you with style and substance.

The Navigon 7200T is certainly a stunner as far as design. It largely keeps in line with the company's previous models, such as the Navigon 2100 Max, with its slim profile and black lacquered chassis. On the front, there's now a 4.3-inch, flat-panel touch screen and in addition to the standard 2D and 3D map views, you get 3D landmark views. The feature is similar to the 3D building renderings found on the HP iPaq 310 Travel Companion, but brings them to landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and Golden Gate Bridge. You also get the Reality View Pro and Lane Assistant Pro capabilities that provide a "photorealistic" 3D view of complicated intersections that show you which lane you should be in and what direction you will be turning.

Moving beyond appearances, the Navigon 7200T comes preloaded with maps of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and offers Zagat ratings and reviews of various points of interest. You get a number of advanced features, including text-to-speech functionality, a voice recognition system for address entry and more, free lifetime traffic alerts, and integrated Bluetooth.

Now, while the Navigon 7200T certainly looks good on paper, we're a little reluctant to get our hopes up since we haven't had the best real-world experiences with the company's GPS. The user interface isn't the most intuitive and there's been problems with sluggish performance. However, the 7200T is sporting a faster processor and new software, so perhaps this time will be different? Fingers crossed. The Navigon 7200t is expected to hit store shelves in October with a price tag of $499. We'll, of course, publish a hands-on review as soon as we can get a unit, so stay tuned.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $259.00
View the latest prices for Navigon 7200T

Originally posted at Miss Direction
September 26, 2007 9:18 PM PDT

Linksys bows two Vista-friendly Media Center Extenders

by John P. Falcone
  • 1 comment

Linksys DMA2100 and DMA2200

A pair of Linksys Digital Media Extenders will hit stores in November.

(Credit: Linksys)


Linksys is tossing its hat into the 2007 Media Center Extender ring with not one but two models. The DMA2100 is a small form factor MCE, while the larger DMA2200 offers a built-in upconverting DVD player. Both models attach to a standard or high-def TV to stream a variety of digital media--live and recorded TV, video files, music, and photos--from networked Media Center PCs located elsewhere in the home. Like the rival D-Link DSM-750, the Linksys models offer dual-band 802.11n wireless connectivity (for optimal streaming of HD video) and HDMI outputs. Interestingly, the DMA2200 has the same overall look and feel as the KiSS 1600, a European model from Linksys' European-based sub-brand.

Linksys is highlighting the software "plug-in" functionality of its Media Center Extenders, which will enable additional future features, such as DivX and XviD support, as well as interactivity with other networked devices in the home. But high prices will remain an obstacle to mass market adoption: The DMA2100 will retail for $300, while the DVD-enabled DMA2200 will cost $350. The latter price is the same cost as a 20GB Xbox 360. The Microsoft game console doesn't have built-in wireless, but it, too, can double as a full-fledged HD Media Center Extender--not to mention play games and HD video downloads from Xbox Live Marketplace. Both Linksys models will compete head-on with the Xbox--and Media Center Extenders from rival manufacturers--when they hit stores in November.

UPDATE (9/28/2007): Since this post was originally published, a Linksys spokesman contacted us to clarify that both the DMA2100 and 2200 will support the streaming of DivX and XviD videos straight out of the box--no additional downloads necessary.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $199.99
View the latest prices for Linksys Media Center Extender DMA2100

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