New Game World

FIFTH ANNUAL NGW CE-PC PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR

Spring Edition

Compiled by: Lee Danuff, Susan Davis, Richard Sherwin and Matt Larose

Just before Spring-Break and ready for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Graduation Day, the editors of New Game World’s Digital Newsroom have put together a wish list of some of the best products that we’ve seen during the many trade shows we’ve been attending.
These devices include existing best sellers in the consumer electronics, home computer, home networking, mobile electronics and productivity arenas, as well as several other award winners being launched in the next few months..

Part One

Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System

Squeezebox Duet consists of a multi-room Squeezebox Controller & charging stand, and a Squeezebox Receiver.

Listen to the music you love in any room in your home. Browse and play songs from your personal collection, online music services, and Internet radio. Enjoy clear, CD-quality audio in your home theater, the stereo in your bedroom, the mini system in the kitchen--anywhere you have audio gear.

Play All of Your Music from the Palm of Your Hand

The multi-room controller with 2.4-inch color display makes it easy to browse playlists, albums, artists, and more. Even search by name. Convenient scroll wheel, simple menus, and intuitive buttons make navigation a breeze.

Logitech Squeezebox Boom All-In-One Network Music Player with Integrated Speakers

The Logitech Squeezebox Boom is and all-in-one wireless network music player that combines Squeezebox functionality with an integrated amplifier and speakers, for clean, rich, vibrant music from your own collection as well as from the Internet anywhere in your home. Simply plug in your Squeezebox Boom player, follow the easy setup wizard instructions, and start listening to the music you love.

Intel Widgets Channel

The Internet is coming to TV in the form of widgets designed to complement the TV viewing experience. Widgets can span the full range of Internet services for premium video, infotainment, social networking and e-commerce.

Intel's new CE platform includes the Widget Channel, a software framework designed to help CE OEMs, content service providers (CSPs), Web developers and advertisers quickly and easily bring Internet services to TV.

 

Panasonic Plasma 50 Inch TV with Internet

Panasonic brings you the latest in cutting edge technology. With a 600hz Sub-Field Drive produces crisp, focused images for sports, dramatic action, and all other fast-moving scenes. The VIERA Image Viewer provides a better way to share your digital photos with friends and family. Another great feature is the VIERA Link, which lets you control all compatible audio and video devices via a single remote and helpful on-screen menus. 30,000:1 contrast ratio creates true blacks, crisp whites and outstanding overall picture quality. Enjoy razor sharp moving images, photos on the big screen, total control with one simple remote, incredibly deep blacks.

Sony home theater in a box

Sony's affordable HT-DDW670 includes the five-piece SE-VE67P speaker package with one center speaker and four satellite speakers, an SS-WMSP67 subwoofer, and the STR-K670P receiver. This receiver pumps 100 watts per channel x 5 channels and 100 additional watts to the subwoofer, for a powerful 600 total watts. This package offers up a host of options for creating sound that matches your taste and your programming.

The receiver is the heart of the HT-DDW670, accepting Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS signals, and delivering Digital Cinema Sound that turns your living room into a home theater. Center the improved eight-inch subwoofer and center speaker, then take advantage of the wall mount key holes on the satellite speakers to position the other four speakers around the room. This package will flood the room with rich, deep sound. The entire system is equipped with coax, mono, and speaker cable connectivity, making it easy to integrate your existing components and create a dynamic home theater environment.

 

Amazon Kindel 2

At 10.2 ounces, Kindle is lighter than a typical paperback and as thin as most magazines. Barely a third of an inch in profile, it fits perfectly in your hands and is as easy to hold and use as a book. When reading for long periods of time, people naturally shift positions and often like to read with one hand. Kindle's page-turning buttons are located on both sides, allowing you to read and turn pages comfortably with one hand from any position. The page-turn buttons flex inward to prevent any accidental page turns when picking up or handling Kindle. Its easy-to-use 5-way controller enables precise on-screen navigation for selecting text to highlight or looking up words. It’s wireless and ready to use right out of the box--no setup, no cables, no computer required.

 

Denon receivers

The AVR-3808CI is an addition to Denon's acclaimed three thousand series A/V receiver line features functions to take it well into the future of home theater including expanded connectivity with networking and Internet radio. Updated Audyssey audio processing has refined the calibration process producing better sound and room balance, even with difficult acoustical conditions. The AVR-3808CI now has HDMI v1.3a, which brings with it the new surround formats for HD decoding. Portable device hookup has also been improved for ease of use.

 

Polk Soundbar



The Polk SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater is a self-contained powered SurroundBar® SDA® loudspeaker and companion wireless powered subwoofer designed for anyone who's technologically insecure. And priced so it won't add to the national debt. It's an economical & smart way to upgrade your flat panel's built-in speakers to a much, much higher level of performance and enjoy all the benefits of a three-dimensional sound stage.

 

Sonos Whole House Audio System

Whether you're working out in the basement, cooking in the kitchen, or just relaxing on the living room couch, now you can listen to what you want, where you want. Sonos Multi-Room Music Systems make it easy to enjoy the songs stored on your computer, in any room of the house. The Sonos® Bundle 120 Wireless multi-room music system comes with 2 amplified players.

Canon Digital SLR

Pure Digital MinoHD Camcorder

MinoHD  offers all the signature Flip Video features including sleek design, simple user interface, flip-out USB arm, built-in editing and sharing software, plus stunningly crisp, clear HD-quality video... in the worlds smallest HD camcorder. It produces vibrant HD 720p (1280 x 720, 16:9 widescreen) video, built in 4 GB of memory and the ability to capture an hour of brilliant HD video, even in low-light situations. Plus, premier AAC audio means your videos will sound clearer than ever.

 

PURE Digital Flip Video Ultra Series F260 Camcorder

The Flip Video Ultra Series’ simple, one-touch recording and compact size make it the ideal choice for shooting video on the go. Capture memories as they happen - no fiddling around with memory cards, chargers or tapes, With four buttons, it’s simple to record, zoom, playback instantly or delete your videos. Flip Video’s internal flash memory holds up to 60 minutes of high-quality video. With 2GB of memory.

Maxtor OneTouch™ 4 Plus

What with storing more and more pictures, data and movies, who doesn’t need more storage space? A full-featured backup solution is Maxtor SafetyDrill™ for complete recovery of your PC hard drive's contents. Back up all your files with the touch of a button or automated scheduling. Featuring two levels of security against unauthorized use: Maxtor DrivePass™ and Encryption. Available in 1 TB, 750 GB & 500 GB  capacities. Arch rival Western Digital makes a network version of this reliable backup system

TiVo

OK, I admit it, I love, love, love my TiVo. Even my wife – an admitted techno-phobe – loves TiVo. We watch what we want, when we want. And it’s sooo easy and intuitive to use, even all the new features. Chose the model that best suits your needs:

TiVo Series2™ DT DVR

• Save up to 80 hours of shows at one time
• Record 2 shows at once
• Works with cable (with or without cable box); or satellite (with box)
• Does NOT support high definition TV

 

TiVo HD DVR

• Save up to 20 hours of HD programming (or 180 hours of standard definition) at one time
• Record two shows at once
• Works with cable and antenna; does NOT support satellite
• Use CableCARD decoders from your cable company to replace your cable box
• Supports high definition TV

 

TiVo HD XL DVR

• Save up to 150 hours of HD programming at a time***
• The largest capacity DVR available in the country
• THX® certified for premium audio and video quality
• Record two shows at once**
• Includes the premium programmable backlit remote control
• Works with cable and antenna; does NOT support satellite
• Use CableCARD decoders from your cable company to replace your cable box
• Supports high definition TV

 

VuDu

Having VUDU means never having to go to the video store again. With VuDu you can access over 13,000 movies and TV titles from all Hollywood studios and leading independent distributors directly from your HDTV, watch newly released movies the same day the DVD becomes available, even watch the trailer before you decide to rent or buy. You can choose between an instant-start HD movie and a higher quality HDX download, both offered at the same price, rent HD movies in native 1080p or SD movies up-scaled to 1080i/p resolution. You can access millions of free videos and photos from Internet sites like Pandora, YouTube, Flickr and Picasa as well free On-demand television and games. You can buy or rent movies. All with no monthly fee.

 
Sangean WFT-1 WiFi Component Tuner

Now you can select from over 16000 Internet Radio Stations from around the world, plus enjoy any of your local standard favorite FM stations using the WFT-1 built in FM Tuner with RDS, or upload your favorites or any internet station to your tuner for quick and easy access to your entertainment center or play your entire music collection from your computer. 20 station presets allow you to select 10 presets for FM and 10 for your Internet Stations. Wake to your favorite FM radio station or to a buzzer or you can even wake to your favorite internet radio station. Sleep Timer will turn your radio off at your preselected time. All you need is a broadband internet connection and a wired or wireless router. Large, easy to read 4 line display.  

Acer Netbook

Acer redefines mobile connectivity with the Aspire one, a notebook packed with fun and powerful computing features in a diminutive 8.9" form factor weighing as little as 2.2 lb. Aimed at business professionals, students and world travelers, it offers a choice of operating systems, wireless connectivity, Internet access, built-in webcam and the storage space needed for digital photos. Acer’s uses the highly touted Intel Atom chip and comes with all of Acer’s world renown tech and customer support.

Star Computer’s Netbook

Slightly lighter than the Acer and also soon available in a 10.2 inch version, the Star (they market and sell over 50 different netbooks and notebooks) is about $200 less than Acer.
Perfect for the student, traveler or family requiring a second or third notebook,   The Star Netbooks are Windows XP based and use an Intel Atom N270 system running at 1.6 ghz and feature 1GB of DDR2 Ram with a WGA 1024x600 display. The match the Acer models with a 160gb SATA hard drive with a 4 in 1 card reader and 3 USB 2.0 ports and a 1.3Mp webcam.

HP TouchSmart IQ500t series PC

Want simple, easy-touch access to information, social networks, music, photos, videos, e-mail, TV? The convenience of connecting via webcam? Check out the TouchSmart IQ500t series PC

• Get quick, easy touch-screen access to information, entertainment, and social networks
• Simplify access to photos, videos, music, and applications » IQ500t demoSlim, stylish, next-generation PC
• Plug and play with a single power cord
• Go wireless with the wireless keyboard and integrated WLAN
• Stow the keyboard when not in use to free up desk space
• Tilt the screen for maximum viewing comfort
• See your keyboard in the dark with the HP Ambient Light feature
• Chat with the built-in webcam and microphone
• Watch, pause, rewind, and record live TV with the dual-format NTSC and over-air ATSC high-def TV tuner
• Enjoy your favorite TV shows on the integrated 22" diagonal hi-def widescreen (also great for slide shows)
• Burn and watch personal videos with the built-in, slot-load SuperMulti DVD burner, or upgrade to a Blu-ray player

 

Dell Adamo Admire

Billed as the world’s thinnest laptop, the new compact laptop Adamo by Dell was apparently inspired by the MacBook Air. It has no optical reader and offers a 13-inch ultra-thin format thanks to an amazing glass screen, and is even thinner than the: only 16 mm thick. The ultra-thin screen with a 13.4-inche diagonal, is remarkable thanks to its reduced edges and its glass surface – and, to complete this note of elegance, the keyboard shows a metal finish. 

 

 

 

Dell Studio 15

At home or on the go, enjoy an HD experience with this customizable 15" HD widescreen laptop.

• Up to Intel®  CoreTM  2 Duo processors
• Genuine Windows Vista®  operating system
• Available in 7 colors & a unique pattern with 4 trim color options, or a selection of artist designs.

Sansa Clip

Clip it to your jeans. Clip it to your jacket. Clip it anywhere you want. This tiny, nearly weightless MP3 player still has big sound and a screen so you can sort through your music, FM radio stations and audible books with ease. It also has a built-in mic and is available in four fashionable colors.

 

Sansa Fuze

Listen, watch and play all day with 24 hours of battery life and room for up to 2000 songs with the new Sansa® Fuze™ from SanDisk®, your portable music machine with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of storage. Watch your favorite video clips on its 1.9" color screen. Jam to FM radio with 40 preset stations, play with the built-in voice recorder, and share your photos wherever you go. Choose from five electric colors. Long lasting battery life.

 

SanDisk Ultra II SD™ Memory Card

The SanDisk Ultra II SD card is fast and has minimum write and read speeds of 10/9 megabytes per second (MB/sec). SanDisk Ultra II SD card is best suited for host devices that can benefit from a quicker data transfer rate. SanDisk SDHC cards are fully compliant with the new SD Card Specification 2.00. Starting at 4GB, SanDisk SDHC cards is identical to the standard card in regards to performance and reliability, with much larger volume of data transfers. The SDHC cards are designed differently and use the FAT32 file systems. SDHC cards can only be recognized by SDHC host devices. Cards that are compliant with SDA Specification 2.00 will have the SDHC logo on the card.

. The SDHC cards guarantee a minimum sustained data transfer rate. There are three available speed classes – Class 2, Class 4, and Class 6.

 

SanDink microSD™ Memory Module

Incredibly small - just 11mm by 15mm and 1mm thick - SanDisk microSD cards meet the needs of next generation, feature-rich mobile phones and devices by delivering manufacturing and aftermarket flexibility, and easy transportability of end user data. Available in capacities from 64MB to 8GB.

 

Shure SE115 Sound Isolating Earphones

Designed for music lovers looking to upgrade the headphones included with their MP3 players, the compact SE115 is a perfect introduction to the stunning performance of Shure earphones. Evolved from earphone technology road-tested by pro musicians and perfected by Shure engineers, the compact SE115 delivers a warm, detailed audio listening experience that’s free from outside noise. Features 2nd Generation Dynamic driver to deliver detailed, warm, sound quality with improved bass. Comfortable sound isolating sleeves block over 90 percent of ambient noise.

Senheiser Over The Ear Pro Headphones

Designed for the professional who requires outstanding communication in their daily audio work. Regardless of the very noisy conditions you might be in, the HD 280 headphones help you get the job done by offering you excellent insulation from ambient noise with a linear, precise reproduction of the audio material. Comfort is also taken into consideration with the HD 280's. Soft, circumaural ear pads guarantee comfort over long periods of use. You can even replace all wearing parts if needed - single-sided coiled cable, ear pads & headband padding.

Targus 17” Deluxe Leather Laptop Case

The Deluxe 17" Leather Notebook Case is designed to accommodate larger screen notebooks. The removable mesh accessory pouch and divided, expandable file section provide added functionality and storage space while the nyflex-lined computer compartment protects your investment. The workstation includes pockets for a PDA, pens, business cards and other mobile necessities.

 

Targus Bluetooth® Laser Mouse for Mac®



The ultimate ease in wireless connectivity. Bluetooth technology liberates you from the need for a USB receiver, making connecting a breeze and preserving a port for your other devices. Laser technology with 1200 dpi delivers high-precision cursor movement on just about any surface. Featuring 4-way touch scroll for silky smooth navigation, using the latest touch sensitive technology, and dual programmable buttons for individualized one-click access to favorite functions, programs or AppleScripts®.

Targus Bluetooth® Presenter for Mac®

The Targus Bluetooth Presenter for Mac is the only wireless presenter dedicated to Mac users. Versatile and easy to use, it does double-duty as a presenter or cursor controller. Use it to remotely control your Keynote® or PowerPoint® presentation in Presenter mode; switch to Cursor mode to use like a mouse, for remote control of iPhoto®, Numbers® or other projected applications.

Targus Chill Mat™ for Mac®

The Targus Chill Mat™ for Mac® is designed to keep your Mac notebook cool and comfy in all the right places. Optimally positioned dual fans deliver a cool-down right where the most heat is generated and the soft, breathable mesh bottom provides cool comfort on your lap. Equally at home on your lap or desktop, the Chill Mat’s powerful yet quiet fans efficiently disperse heat and protect work surfaces from heat damage. Ergonomically angled and USB-powered for convenient, trouble-free typing. Generously accommodates all Mac notebooks up to 17”.

 

Logitech Laser Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for PC

Bluetooth® wireless technology: Enables dependable, cordless connectivity from up to 30 feet. This is the only Cordless Desktop® with a rechargeable MX™ Revolution hyper-fast scrolling laser mouse and a dynamic keyboard display. Provides extreme accuracy and flawless tracking on nearly any surface. Revolutionary scroll wheel lets you speed through long documents. Precise, click-to-click scrolling-- switch from rapid scrolling to click-to-click for navigating lists, slides, and images. Rapid charging stand eliminates the need to change batteries. An integrated LCD makes it easy to play music, use your calculator, receive incoming message notifications, and check the time and date.

Sculpted mouse: Fits your hand for ultimate comfort and control.

Comfortable keyboard: Offers a more natural typing experience.

Ion LP 2 CD Turntable

LP 2 CD is the fastest, easiest way to convert your vinyl records to CDs with none of the hassle of connecting a computer. Listen to your music in the car, at home, on your computer, or any place with a CD player. Play your album into LP 2 CD and record one or more CD copies in the internal CD burner. Or connect your computer and easily transfer your music to your iTunes, iPod, or MP3 player. Comes with software for fast, easy importing to your iTunes library. Just place your record on the turntable and insert a blank CD. Play your vinyl, hit the record button and that’s it.