Czadowo - Fotki

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a webcam that’s exciting, but the Quickcam Pro 9000 makes me want to revisit that category of devices. Obviously image quality is key for a imaging device so Logitech went to Carl Zeiss, a name that you might have heard before, as their optics are used by Nokia in their N73 or Sony on many of their consumer cameras.

With a good lens, light comes in nicely but you also need a good sensor to actually capture that light correctly. Logitech included a 2Megapixel light sensor, which is quite better than most webcams. However, to get the best sharpness possible, Logitech has included an auto-focus (yes, just like the iSight, although a bit late). The auto-focus is better than Apple’s, according to Logitech. We haven’t done a side-by-side with our iSight, but we can say that the overall image quality is better.

Of course, Logitech has continually improved their software offering and the accompanying webcam utility allows user to apply image filtering effects in real-time. Our favorite one is the “old grainy film” effect that turns your webcast into a classic movie.

It ships in July for $99.99. Available at www.logitech.com

Its mounting system is different because users can clip it on the top of their laptop’s display, although I wonder how this is going to work with relatively thin displays like the one on my Vaio SZ? Full review coming soon…

Just like the Quickcam Pro 9000, the image quality is very good and you’ll be able to have fun with Logitech’s famous video effects, including 3D avatars that tracks your facial movement. It ships in July for $99.99. Available at www.logitech.com

The iPhone might not be out yet (just…one…more…day), but it is never too early to come out with accessories for it just like how Plantronics has done. The three headsets are known as the Upgrader UHS 302, 206, and 307. All three come with inline microphones with volume control as well as a switch that flips between music and calls. The 302 employs an over-the-ear design with clips, whereas the 306 and 307 use in-ear tips instead. Why not prep yourself for the iPhone onslaught by picking up one of these? After all, Plantronics does have a pretty good record when it comes to audio devices. Pricing details have not yet been determined.

Looks like Westerners are on the losing end again, with the iNavi G1 coming with everything but the kitchen sink. Not only does it look easy on the eye, the iNavi G1 comes with GPS navigation capability, rendering maps in 3D including the buildings, night sky, and mountains in the background. A geomagnetic sensor steps in whenever GPS signals are weak or nonexistent. Entertainment options include a DMB receiver, Picture-in-Picture capability, and support for a wide range of audio and video formats. The lack of a hard drive is compensated with an SD memory card slot and a USB port. Just when you think those are more than enough to keep you occupied (and happy), the iNavi G1 is also equipped with a karaoke machine - truly making this one of its kind in the world.

The Sony VAIO WA1 wireless boombox looks like a winner judging from its specifications, featuring compatibility with SonicStage, iTunes, Windows Media Player, as well as Internet radio stations. The WA1 works great if your home has a wireless network as it allows you to stream music sans wires from different rooms. Supported music formats include the dead ATRAC, MP3, WMA, and AAC. It’s internal battery provides up to four hours of continuous audio playback, while 128MB of RAM acts as the buffer. Other features include a touchscreen sensor, a five-line LCD display, an audio out port, and an S/PDIF digital out port. It will be released pretty soon for $350 each.

iRiver has certainly not let down consumers lately in terms of design, and the T60 is yet another example. Featuring a design that reminds me of a Tobleron candy bar, the T60 boasts a mini-joystick knob for music controls as well as a lovely display that is sized just right. Amazingly, the T60 is powered by a single AAA battery in an effort to turn it into a lightweight portable audio player. Unfortunately, the lack of USB power is cause for concern. Data transfer is achieved via a miniUSB port. The iRiver T60 retails for £99.00 - a price that could get you players with more features. Form over function? You decide.