(Credit:
Hercules)
It's hard enough keeping track of every Netbook manufacturer nowadays, but that's not stopping Hercules from getting in the game. The relatively obscure maker of Webcams and DJ rigs has made some low-profile Netbooks in Europe previously, but has decided that now's the time to release a U.S. Netbook of its very own--with Windows 7, no less.
Preloaded with Windows 7 Starter (the hobbled, less desirable version of 7), the somewhat chunky eCafe EC-1000W Netbook is slightly notable for two reasons: it has a 250GB hard drive, as opposed to the 160GB Netbook standard, and it prominently offers 50GB of free online storage to customers of the eCafe EC-1000W.
Free online storage is, in fact, offered by many computer manufacturers, but isn't always so strongly marketed. Does online cloud storage being thrown in make any difference to you, or do you already get plenty of it from elsewhere (Google, for instance)?
And as far as the increase in hard drive space, thank goodness. 160GB feels a little stifling nowadays. Hercules also throws in a few custom e-mail and Webcam software programs to go with the package. Otherwise, expect 1GB of RAM, a 10.1-inch 1024x600 screen, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and that same old Atom N270 chestnut, available at the end of October for $399. Windows 7 bandwagon, anyone?
(Credit:
Hercules)
For this week's installment of the weekly Crave giveaway, we're offering up the Hercules ePlug 200 Duo. The product is an Ethernet-to-powerline adapter set, and it's ideal for anyone who wants to extend a home network into another room of the house without running extra wires or setting up complicated wireless bridges. Just plug one of the ePlug units into the electrical socket near your router, and put the other one near the destination device (a game console, DVR, set-top box, or any other networked product), and you should be good to go.
Normally, this package would cost around $150, but you have the chance to get the whole thing gratis.
So, how do you try to win a free Hercules ePlug 200 Duo package? 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 to register again.
- Leave a comment below. You can leave whatever comment you want. If it's funny or insightful it won't help you win, but we're trying to have fun here, so anything entertaining is appreciated.
- Leave only one comment. You may enter this specific giveaway only once. If you enter more than one comment, you will be automatically disqualified.
- The winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Hercules ePlug 200 Duo (which consists of separate source and destination modules). Approximate retail value is $150.
- If you are chosen, you will be notified via e-mail. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
- Entries can be submitted until Monday, August 31, at noon EDT.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENT OF ONE OF THE 50 UNITED STATES OR D.C., 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AT DATE OF ENTRY INTO SWEEPSTAKES. VOID IN PUERTO RICO, ALL U.S. TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS AND WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Sweepstakes ends at 12 PM EDT on August 31, 2009. See official rules for details.
Good luck.
(Credit:
Mobigrips)
Technology might be the only medium where smaller is always better, but it's starting to get ridiculous. I'm worried that my next cell phone is going to be the size of a sunflower seed. There's got to be a point where we finally decide that things need to start getting bigger, and Mobigrip thinks that now is as good a time as any.
Mobigrips, also known as "device leashes," aren't exactly at the forefront of tech innovation; it's essentially a circular hunk of plastic with adhesive on the back and a lanyard attached to one side. If you tend to drop or lose your tiny devices, the idea is that you can "install" a Mobigrip and physically tether your finger to your mobile phone, MP3 player, remote control, dog, boyfriend, or whatever object you deem utterly forgettable. The Mobigrips exude the same universal appeal as the Hercules Hook or the classic Bedazzler. They're $10 a pop (about $5 too much, in my opinion) and come in a wide assortment of colors; you can even customize them with a personal design or even...a corporate logo! Finally, a give(throw)away to replace the infamous fold-up LCD calculator!
The USB-powered DJ Console Rmx is tough enough to survive a gig at the Thunderdome.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Being a DJ can be an expensive and confusing proposition. Going the traditional route of turntables and vinyl offers simplicity and street credibility, but it also means back-breaking record crates, an investment in turntable needles, and the constant fear of warped or scratched records. A laptop-based DJ rig solves these problems, but with the movement still in its infancy, there's lots of confusion over what products to buy, and each choice comes with its own set of hurdles to overcome.
There's no perfect solution for every digital DJ, but we were impressed by the Hercules DJ Console Rmx's unique combination of professional features and entry-level price. The DJ Console Rmx isn't for tech sissies, however, since you'll want to replace its bundled software right off the bat. Still, for $350, you get a four-channel USB audio card, microphone input, RCA and quarter-inch inputs and outputs, dual jog wheels, and an all-metal construction that could survive more than a few tumbles in the DJ booth.
To learn more about the Hercules DJ Console Rmx, check out our full review.
It doesn't get any truer to old-school disco than this--and that's not a bad thing in the least. Andy Butler and a trio of vocalists--most notably the legendary Antony--have truly formed something special with this bridge between the earliest days of Chicago house and the late '70s club scene in New York.
(Credit:
Hercules)
We think it's somewhat cheeky for a product to call itself "Hercules," especially when it's only a Webcam. It's kind of like Bill Gates wearing a Conan the Barbarian costume for Halloween. Nevertheless, we do admit that we're intrigued by the design of the latest product to bear the name.
The "Deluxe Optical Glass Webcam" has kind of a steampunk feel to it, with a glass lens that looks like something you might see on Captain Nemo's Nautilus. Yet its thorougly modern features include a 3x zoom, 1.3-megapixel resolution, a headset and a microphone, all for around $40, according to Shiny Shiny. Not exactly Victorian prices, but not bad either for a gadget that doubles as a Jules Verne prop.
What is going on here? Are stoned ravers remotely igniting the people behind them on fire?
I've just finished reviewing this Hercules Mobile DJ product, and I must say that for $99, it's actually pretty fun. Still, the package design is hilariously bad. It's like someone dropped some bad acid right before opening up Photoshop.
The Hercules Mobile DJ MP3 is nowhere near a professional-quality digital DJ solution, but at this price, it's not meant to be. It's meant for the stoned pyromaniac teenagers pictured on the box. The package comes with a wireless iPod-white DJ interface, a USB wireless receiver that connects to your computer, and MP3 DJ software that works surprisingly well.
- prev
- 1
- next
