Filed under: Peripherals

Well, wouldn’t you know it? That PlantSense prototype we peeked around this time two years ago has seemingly found the fundage to start up production, and at long last the revamped product is available for you to purchase. Now christened EasyBloom, this USB stake sensor analyzes important data when stuck in soil for 24 hours, after which it uploads the data to your PC (via USB) for determining whether or not a flower / tree / etc. should be planted there. Additionally, it can “diagnose what is wrong with an ailing plant,” and it can even dole out a recommended list of which plants would be suitable for your environment. Sure, $59.99 may seem like a lot of green to toss out for something such as this, but it sure beats purchasing new flora every fortnight after you murder yet another round.

EasyBloom USB stake sensor now shipping, plants celebrate originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

This day has been a long time coming, but Activision’s next iteration of the Guitar Hero cash cow franchise is officially available. Truth be told, the game (and requisite instruments) was sitting on a-many of store shelves yesterday, but there’s nothing like a formal announcement to really push you to take a few hours from work and rock out this evening. There’s a variety of bundles out there ranging from the game alone ($49.99 to $59.99), the game and a guitar ($89.99 to $99.99) and the full-on band kit ($179.99 to $189.99), so make sure you choose wisely when heading out to drop some dough.

Guitar Hero World Tour now rocking store shelves everywhere originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Desktops

Sony’s VAIO JS series, which was introduced at CEDIA alongside two larger siblings, is finally on sale and shipping… if you’re after the VGC-JS110J/S, that is. Sony’s initial plan was to have the full line out and about by “mid-October,” though just the bottom-end $999.99 model is currently ready to ship at Amazon. We’d expect the other variations to follow suit shortly, and if you’re still trying to make up your mind if this is the all-in-one for you, why not take a look at a review?

[Via ComputerMonger]

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Filed under: Desktops

Sony’s VAIO JS series, which was introduced at CEDIA alongside two larger siblings, is finally on sale and shipping… if you’re after the VGC-JS110J/S, that is. Sony’s initial plan was to have the full line out and about by “mid-October,” though just the bottom-end $999.99 model is currently ready to ship at Amazon. We’d expect the other variations to follow suit shortly, and if you’re still trying to make up your mind if this is the all-in-one for you, why not take a look at a review?

[Via ComputerMonger]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

C’mon, what iPhone 3G user who actually takes full advantage of that 3G radio hasn’t been disappointed with battery life at one point or another? And be honest, you’re also disappointed with the downright naff battery extenders floating around out there. Granted, mophie’s iPhone 3G Juice Pack isn’t the most elegant thing in the entire world, but the “sled” design sure beats adding an unwanted appendage onto your handset. The device — which is shipping today to those who pre-ordered early — will reportedly provide up to 350 additional hours of standby, up to 6 hours of 3G talk time (or 12 hours on 2G), another 6 hours of web surfing and a 458% boost in overall happiness. Hell, you’d pay $99.95 just for the latter, now wouldn’t you?

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Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Given that a PSP-3000 Ratchet & Clank Entertainment Pack managed to sneak out a few days back (and, you know, being that today’s the official launch day and all), you shouldn’t be too floored to hear that the altogether brighter PlayStation Portable is now available across North America. ‘Course, you’ll have to fork over $199.99 for the aforementioned bundle if you want it today — the less-frills black PSP-3000 kit (with just a 4GB Memory Stick) should be around next month.

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Filed under: Cellphones

It’s been a long time coming (isn’t it always with Sony Ericsson and AT&T?), but the January-announced W760 Walkman slider is finally hitting the US on contract. Announced today, the shakeable W760a will be available in AT&T locations, bringing with it 3G support, a 3.2-megapixel camera, AT&T Navigator and “full HTML web browsing.” In case you haven’t seen already, it’ll be available in red, black and silver motifs, with the latter hue being exclusive to RadioShack for a limited time. Check it as early as today for $129.99 (with a 2-year agreement) after mail-in rebate.

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Robots

After the whole Tickle Me Elmo craze a few years back, you just knew Fisher-Price was going to ride this wave until it simply couldn’t stay afloat any longer. Elmo Live!, hailed as the “most innovative and engaging Elmo toy ever,” will officially hit store shelves tomorrow (October 14th) for $59.99, though we suspect the first batch will be snapped up in no time flat. Of course, those of you intent on retaining your sanity probably pre-ordered a few months back, but for everyone else, your battle to get one of this year’s hottest holiday gifts starts in under 24 hours. For those wondering what’s so special about this fellow, he supposedly tells jokes and makes movements that “give kids the feeling that Elmo is alive in their own homes.” Whether that’s really a good thing, however, is totally up to you.

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Filed under: Laptops

Finally, a netbook with a name cute enough to fit the design. Averatec’s 10.2-inch Buddy is now on sale after becoming official late last month, and it’s in stock for shipment to boot. As a refresher, you’ll get a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, 802.11b/g WiFi, Ethernet, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, a WXGA panel, 4-in-1 multicard reader, three USB 2.0 ports and Windows XP Home running the show. Oh, and Averatec’s own e-store asserts that this 10.2-inch machine has a 12.1-inch LCD, but you know better than that. Yours now for $449.99.

[Via thegadgetsite]

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Filed under: Handhelds, Tablet PCs, Wireless

Go figure — Sprint goes live with its XOHM WiMAX service, and all of a sudden, the long-awaited Nokia N810 WiMAX edition pops in stock. Crazy, we know. After seeing this puppy announced (and in the flesh) way back in April of this year, it’s about time Nokia made it available to Americans with the cash to spare. As of right now, the 4.13-inch, QWERTY-packin’ Internet Tablet can be ordered for $493, and unless Nokia’s fibbing, it’s in stock for shipment. Hello 4G, we’re thrilled you’re here.

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Goodie! The long, excruciating wait for more information on Cowon’s exceptionally sleek O2 PMP is finally over, and two of the more important tidbits you could ever want to know have been revealed. The PMP, which supports a gaggle of file types including MP3, OGG FLAC, AAC, WMA, DivX, MPEG4 and WMV (just to fire off a few), will arrive with a 4.3-inch touchscreen, SDHC card slot, 8GB / 16GB / 32GB of internal capacity, an internal speaker, TV output (up to 720p), 10-band custom equalizer, 18-hours of battery life for audio playback (8-hours for video), optional T-DMB TV tuner / e-dictionary functionality and your choice of pink, black or white motifs. The real news? An October 13th ship date in South Korea along with prices ranging from ₩294,000 ($224) for the stripped-down 8GB edition to ₩399,000 ($305) for the 32GB edition with a DMB tuner. Yanks, sadly, will have to wait.

[Via iAudiophile, thanks Ang]

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Filed under: Desktops

Surely you remember the Atom-based Shuttle X27 barebones kit — you know, that cute little nettop case that was selling for $189 with its insides all hollow? For those with no time to fill it up, the full-fledged X2700N is now on tap. Boasting a 1.6GHz Intel Atom 230 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 120GB hard drive and a GMA950 integrated graphics set, this Linux-based box can be yours right now for $379.99. That’ll also buy you a dual-layer DVD writer, gigabit Ethernet port, 802.11b/g WiFi, a handful of ports (six USB, VGA, DVI, audio in / out) and a 1-year warranty. ‘Tis a shame it’s not housing one of those dual-core Atom 330s, huh?

[Via ComputerMonger]

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Filed under: Digital Cameras, Displays

Given that Digital Foci’s IMT-062 was getting a bit long in the tooth, we’d say it’s about time a suitable successor hit the streets. The IMT-063, or “The Executive” as its known around the office, is the outfit’s very latest Image Moments 6 digiframe, which features a 5.7-inch 640 x 480 display, LED backlighting, a two-tone chrome finish, 450MB of internal storage space, support for a multitude of card formats and USB 2.0 connectivity. Better still, the frame will also play back audio and video files, and the auto-rotate orientation sensor will keep your curious youngsters occupied for hours. Look for this one to leave the shipping dock next week for $149.

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Filed under: Laptops

Don’t hold out on us — we know good and well you’ve been eying HP’s bigger than big HDX 18 ever since it got real last month. For those unable to resist the urge to find out what life’s like with an 18-inch entertainment notebook gracing their lap (and likely the lap of the guy one cube over), you can order this sucker up right now. Yep, the HDX 18t Premium series gets going at $1,549.99, but it won’t take too many configuration tweaks to push that figure well over the $2k mark. Have fun!

[Via Laptoping]

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Transportation

We came for the car, we stayed for the promoter. Takara Tomy’s previously announced AeroSpider RC car, which mystically scales walls and cruises upside-down, is finally shipping this month in Japan. Cool though that may be, the real news here is the overgrown 4-year old used to show off just how amazing this minuscule vehicle truly is. Head on past the break to see what we mean — trust us, we wouldn’t lead you on like this for nothing.

[Thanks, Clyde]

Continue reading Takara Tomy’s wall-climbing AeroSpider RC car ships this month

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Filed under: Handhelds, Wireless

Is it really time to shine, BenQ, or are you just foolin’ again? Judging by a product page at Italy’s TIM website and a fresh report from the Italian branch of Tom’s Hardware, the S6 (or MID Aries2, or BenQ MID… gosh, we’re so confused!) is finally ready to order. The Atom-based MID impresses with built-in 3G capabilities, 512MB of RAM, a 2GB SSD, 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, WiFi / Bluetooth 2.0 and — just to really pound the message home / incite jealously — 7.2Mbps HSDPA. The current asking price sits at €429 ($626), and while the value proposition may be debatable, the amount of possibilities packed into a frame this small (6.2- x 3.5- x 0.86-inches) definitely isn’t. Let’s get these out to other nooks and crannies of the wide world, eh BenQ?

[Via UMPC Portal]

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

You already witnessed our unboxing and hands-on with Sling Media’s Slingbox PRO-HD, and if you’re anxious to know when you can grab one of your own, how’s about right now? Sling has revealed that its $299.99 high-def box can be purchased this very instant from its website and other B&M retailers, and for Canadians feeling a touch left out, take heart — you all will be able to purchase the unit “in the coming weeks” for $329.99.

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Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Wait, what’s this? Intel’s shipping the dual-core Atom 330? Despite reports that the 1.6GHz chip wouldn’t actually leave the dock until Q4, Intel itself has stepped up to ensure everyone that it’s getting ‘em out in Q3. The brief points out the obvious — you know, that the 330 was designed with nettops in mind — while also confirming that it boasts 1MB of L2 cache, an 8-watt TDP and support for DDR2 667. So yeah, let’s get these in some systems, shall we?

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Filed under: Robots

The Rovio — one of WowWee’s finest if we should say so ourselves — is finally ready to roam around domiciles and keep baddies at bay. First announced (and spotted) at CES 2008, this long-awaited robotic sentry is up for pre-order right now, and it comes packing a 640 x 480 webcam to stream back live video in MPEG4 format. Furthermore, it can snap stills, head out on a customized patrol route and avoid obstacles with its infrared sensor. Get ready — this sheriff’s rolling into your town next Friday for $299.95.

[Via Random-Good-Stuff, thanks Juergen]

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Filed under: Displays, Household

Remember those way swank Digital Message Centers we peeked at CES this year? At long last, Audiovox has begun shipping the audio-only DPF710K ($149.99), which sticks upside your fridge and provides a 7-inch display, a dry erase board, digital clock, Post-it pad and a LED message indicator for good measure. If you haven’t pieced it together, this thing seeks to simplify your family’s lives by providing a base for leaving photos and messages, and we’ll admit, it does have a smidgen of a Jetsons vibe to it. Those holding out for the video-capable DPF711K can lay down their $199.99 later this month. Nice hair, kiddo.

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