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January 7, 2010 8:11 AM PST

CES: Canon SLRs get new wireless transmitters

by Stephen Shankland
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The WFT-E5A for the EOS 7D is one of three new Canon SLR accessories that brings new wireless photo transfer and remote control abilities to Canon SLRs.

The WFT-E5A for the EOS 7D is one of three new Canon SLR accessories that brings new wireless photo transfer and remote control abilities to Canon SLRs.

(Credit: Canon USA)

Canon on Thursday announced three new wireless photo transfer accessories for its higher-end digital SLR models, adding the ability to simultaneously shoot with 10 linked cameras and other new features.

The wireless file transmitter devices, which mount to the SLR camera bodies, are the WFT-E2 II A, available this quarter for the EOS-1D Mark IV; the WFT-E4 II A, available now for the EOS 5D Mark II; and the WFT-E5A, available now for the EOS 7D. Each transmitter costs $700--more than an entire lower-end SLR and lens--but provides a variety of options to connect devices to the cameras and to link them to the outside world over a network.

One new feature is called Camera Linking, which lets up to 10 cameras take the same shot, which can be useful for capturing the same moment from different perspectives. Seen advertisements where it looks like the ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog

Originally posted at 2010 CES
January 6, 2010 12:18 PM PST

CES: Tech accessories for graffiti lovers

by Jasmine France
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(Credit: iWave)

LAS VEGAS--Despite my jaded, bitter facade, there are times when I am easily impressed. Now is one of those times. A new, graffiti-inspired line from iWave is turning my head, and all the company did was splash a flashy exterior on to some otherwise pretty standard products.

The products in the Urban Collection include iPod/iPhone cases, earbuds, headphones, and speakers, which range in price from $9.99 to $39.99. Such budget pricing doesn't bode well for sound quality, but they sure do look purty! I'm especially fond of the speakers pictured above. Look for them on virtual shelves in Q2 of this year.

Originally posted at 2010 CES
January 6, 2010 5:00 AM PST

CES: BlackBerry Presenter lets you leave the laptop at home

by Bonnie Cha
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BlackBerry Presenter

BlackBerry Presenter

(Credit: RIM)

LAS VEGAS--On Wednesday, Research In Motion debuted a new accessory called the BlackBerry Presenter that allows you to make PowerPoint presentations right from your smartphone.

Designed for on-the-go professionals, the BlackBerry Presenter is a small (3.4 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.9 inch) hub that provides connections for hooking up your BlackBerry to a projector or monitor via VGA or S-Video (cables not included) port. It also supports 24 animation and 55 transition styles of PowerPoint 2003 and 2007, and you can even set the time between transitions.

The BlackBerry Presenter is not compatible with the BlackBerry Curve 8300 or BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8200 series but should work with any other models running BlackBerry software v4.6 or higher. The accessory will be available from ShopBlackBerry.com later this month for $199 and will be available at other retail stores and authorized dealers in February.

Originally posted at 2010 CES
December 26, 2009 12:00 PM PST

Best hardware and software add-ons for your PC

by Justin Yu
  • 1 comment

Samsung SyncMaster XL2370

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Each holiday season, millions of computers celebrate the holidays isolated and unappreciated for all the hard work they do throughout the year. Whether you just unwrapped a new PC or you're just looking to upgrade your old standby Windows XP or Mac G5 computer, we have the perfect accessories to complement your system.

From replacement keyboards and mice to reduce typing fatigue to aftermarket monitors that increase your workspace and external hard drives for more storage space, these peripherals are a simple and cost-effective way to show your PC the love it deserves.

Accessories
Best Printers
Best Storage Drives
Best Keyboards
Best Mice
Best LCD Monitors
Best Computer Speakers

Related Resources:
Windows Starter Kit
Security Starter Kit
Mac Starter Kit

December 26, 2009 4:00 AM PST

So you've got a Zune...now what?

by Jasmine France
  • 34 comments

'Tis the season for tunes, and I'm willing to bet that at least a few lucky readers got their hands on a shiny new Zune HD recently. Getting acquainted with this excellent MP3 player will be entertainment enough for some, but there are some possible frustrations that may need to be overcome, and there's more fun to be had beyond the initial features of the device. No matter what the case may be, we've got you covered with a slew of useful articles designed to help Zune HD owners. I've rounded up some of the key points below for easy reference.

  • Phase out the iPod: Hey, it may not happen every day, but considering all the iPods sold in the past, there's a good chance that some of you are now migrating from Apple's player to the Zune HD. And that's not as simple as it sounds, thanks to the need to change your primary music management software. Luckily, CNET's resident Zune expert Donald Bell is here to help with his article on how to switch from an iPod to a Zune
  • Pack it full of music: Really, the best way to fully enjoy the Zune HD is to get a Zune Pass for $15 per month. The music subscription will allow you to stream and download from the Zune Marketplace's catalog with abandon, creating as many custom playlists as you like and getting recommendations through the Zune Social. You can try it out for free for 14 days to see if you like it. (A credit card is required.)
  • Replace those stock earbuds: The Zune is capable of providing top-notch audio quality, but you're not going to get it from the earbuds that are included in the package. Be sure to peruse CNET's best headphones list to find a new pair that's up for the task.
  • Deck out your player: The iPod isn't the only MP3 player that has an array of third-party extras readily available for purchase. Several accessories makers have put out speakers, cases, and more for the Zune family. If you want to enhance to Zune HD, make sure you check out our roundup of accessories for the Zune.
  • Load up some apps: Although the Zune HD has been a bit slow out of the gate when it comes to applications, there is a handful available that may be worth your while depending on what kind of user you are. Most recently, Twitter announced an app for the player, and there are a handful of games including checkers and bowling. For the entire list, check out Zune.net.

December 26, 2009 12:01 AM PST

So you got an iPhone, now what?

by Kent German
  • 9 comments

Time to play with your new toy.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

If an iPhone awaited you under the tree this Christmas, we understand if you're a bit excited. Reception woes aside, the iPhone is a remarkable device in many respects. It offers a great multimedia experience, efficient e-mail integration, a spiffy Web browser, and thousands of third-party apps that do everything from helping you choose a seat on an airplane to guiding your way to the airport. And now that it has multimedia messaging, we're no longer waiting for any basic cell phone features. Granted, those pesky network issues won't go away soon, but you may get lucky and have no problems. And even if you do, at least you have a shiny new gadget, right?

If you've never used an iPhone before, getting started can be a bit overwhelming. With so many apps and accessories available, it's not easy to separate the wheat from the chaff. And even if you're a veteran iPhone user who's graduating to the newest model, exercising discretion, particularly when purchasing apps, is wise. You might say, "It's just 99 cents!" but 99 cents multiplied scores of times can result in a hefty iTunes bill. ... Read More

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas
December 16, 2009 3:17 PM PST

Five point-and-shoot must-have accessories

by Joshua Goldman
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A little pouch can go a long way toward protecting your investment.

(Credit: Kata)

Most consumer electronics require at least a couple of extra purchases for improving performance or extending their usefulness. Point-and-shoot cameras are no different, as manufacturers tend to cut out accessories to keep product costs as low as possible. Fortunately, most accessories for compact cameras are reasonably inexpensive, making post-purchase costs pretty small.

That said, here's a quick list of five essential items you'll want to consider picking up to get the most from your new digital camera.

  1. Batteries
    I admit that while I've told several people over the years to be safe and buy the camera manufacturer's rechargeable batteries, I've always bought cheap aftermarket batteries off of eBay for myself. Though I've never had a problem, I can't say you won't. Plus, there is a chance that using a third-party battery will void the camera warranty, so be sure to check the terms for your model.

    Regardless of what you go with, you'll want to get at least one backup battery pack. If you're using a camera running on AA-size batteries, buy good ones designed for power-demanding electronics. Even better, buy some NiMH rechargeables and only use alkaline or lithium ion batteries when you need them.

  2. Case
    Point-and-shoot cameras don't come with cases anymore. That's a real shame considering that the large LCDs and shiny finishes used on current models are particularly scratch-prone. A nice simple slip case such as the M-Rock Milan is enough to keep a camera protected from scuffs while bouncing around in a handbag or backpack. If you want something with more protection and storage though, look for bags like the Kata DF-404 or Lowepro Apex 30 AW
    ... Read More
December 15, 2009 2:36 PM PST

Must-have video game console accessories

by Jeff Bakalar
  • 19 comments

So you've finally purchased a gaming console and you've already loaded up on some of the best games. In order to get the most out of your hardware, we recommend checking out some of our top-rated must-have accessories.

It's a safe bet that you'll need at least one extra controller, but there are also plenty of first- and third-party items that will complement the system of your choice. Whether it's rechargeable battery packs, controller attachments, or HDMI cables, you're definitely going to want to take a look at what we recommend for each video game console.

Click on your gaming console below for our top picks:

December 8, 2009 6:55 PM PST

Targus laptop docking station is gateway to peripheral pleasures

by Joshua Goldman
  • 2 comments

On lower-priced laptops and Netbooks, something typically sacrificed is the ability to link up with an external display through anything but a VGA output. With the Targus USB 2.0 Docking Station with Video (aka the ACP51US) it doesn't even matter what, if any, display output your notebook or Netbook has, though.

Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7 systems, the wedge-shaped dock uses DisplayLink technology to connect to an external monitor up to a resolution of 2,048x1,152 pixels. A single USB 2.0 port on your laptop is all that's needed to add an external monitor, up to four USB devices, Ethernet, speakers, and a mic. Two of the four USB ports are powered, too, in case you need an always-on option for charging a couple USB devices like your cell phone or MP3 player.

This kind of connectivity doesn't come cheaply, however. The docking station will set you back roughly $160.

December 3, 2009 3:21 PM PST

X-Mini Max II speakers: Put these in your box and wrap it

by Jasmine France
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Portable speakers for your MP3 player are easy enough to come by, but the smaller of these often suffer from problematic audio. Every once in a while, though, we come across a supercompact speaker that surprises us. The X-Mini Max II Capsule Speaker is one such model, featuring an innovative, travel-friendly design and surprisingly good sound quality for just $49.95. One thing's for sure: we wouldn't complain if we found one of these under our tree this year.

Read the X-Mini Max II review.

Originally posted at iPod accessories
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