Jochem Prins » Gadgets

The iPhone vs the old phones

Jochem — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:28:41 +0000

Just came across this funny movie about the iPhone’s attitude…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4/TZ5 announced

Jochem — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:45:26 +0000

I’ve been looking for a new camera for a while now. It’s probably a well-known dillema: will I buy one now or wait till a new version comes out? The problem with technology and gadgets is that there will always be a new version with improved features within a year after you’ve bought yours. So, at a certain moment you should just decide to buy one. Easier said than done, I know.

I considered buying the Panasonic DMC-TZ3, which I think is an excellent camera for a very competitive price. I did realise however that the camera has been on the market for almost a year. So, chances are good that a followup will be announced early 2008. Every once in a while I googled for DMC-TZ4 (which I thought would be a logical name for the TZ3 successor). Finally, when I asked google again today, I found Panasonic’s announcement of the TZ4 and TZ5!

The specs of these compact ultra-zoom cameras are pretty impressive:

Lumix DMC-TZ4

8.1 effective Megapixel CCD
F3.3-4.9, 10X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 – 280 mm
Optical image stabilization
Compact body (by ultra zoom standards)
2.5″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels with auto brightness adjustment
Uses new Venus Engine IV image processor
Point-and-shoot operation
New Intelligent Exposure mode brightens over and underexposed areas of
photos automatically
Intelligent (auto) scene selection mode
Records widescreen movies at 848 x 480 (30 fps) with sound
50MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/MMC card slot
Comes in silver and black
Uses proprietary li-ion battery; 330 shots per charge
USB 2.0 High Speed supported
Shipping in late March for $299

Lumix DMC-TZ5 is differs from the TZ4 with:

9.1 effective Megapixel CCD
3-inch LCD display with 460,000 pixels
Digital Redeye Correction removes redeye while photos are taken
Can record movies at 1280 x 720 / 30 fps (720p) with sound
300 shots per charge
Comes in blue, black, and silver
Priced at $349

The TZ5 is high on my wishlist. Both models will be available in late March 2008.

Got myself a Picooz

Jochem — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 22:43:16 +0000

Just got myself a Picooz! A what? A tiny RC helicopter which, I think, is very funny to play around with during the holidays. Check this:

Now you want one too don’t you?
I’ll let you know if this tiny gadget is as much fun as it seems to be.

MIT Sketch Understanding System

Jochem — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:40:18 +0000

Great new tool developed at MIT:

This thesis proposal has a detailed explanation.

Logitech diNovo Edge

Jochem — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 22:05:48 +0000

Just found a new gadget which is directly on top of my wishlist! Eventually a keyboard that will look nice in your living room: Logitech’s diNovo Edge.

It uses Bluetooth, which gives you extended range over RF keyboards, so controlling a media center PC from your couch should not be a problem. Logitech also integrated a touchpad so a mouse isn’t necessary anymore. The new keyboard uses recharchable batteries which automatically charge when you put it on the charching stand. Perfect.

I do have one problem: the price. The diNovo Edge will be available next month for approximately 200 dollars. Hopefully Santa is in a good mood this year…

Engadget has a hands-on review online.

Fujitsu turntable PC

Jochem — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 01:16:30 +0000

Fujitsu presented a few prototype PC designs at the Ceatec 2007. One of their ideas, a turntable PC, looks really cool!

The Turn Table PC represents one possibility for a home entertainment PC that can switch between being used as a notebook computer or as a digital turntable, allowing DJs to scratch and spin digital media files. Nice!!