We’re all for a computer as a utilitarian work of art, but this concept seems a little ridiculous: a company called NISHI-KI has released a set of handmade keyboards, with each key done up as a part of a larger design. Sure, they look really pretty, and they’re certainly priced to match ($156 per 86 key instrument), but looking at them, we can’t help but think two things.

First, any keyboard, no matter how functional or how revolutionary, will take some time to learn properly. While you’re learning where to put your fingers so you don’t hit a Q instead of a W, for example, you’re going to need to look at the keyboard from time to time and reorient yourself, which brings us to our second point: these keyboards are quite soft on the eye, but most of them are almost impossible to read, particularly in low light. Your fancy new keyboard won’t look so pretty if you’ve tossed it against a wall in frustration because you can’t see what you’re doing.

From www.everythingusb.com

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The HP Officejet J6480 All-in-One ($199 direct) falls into the once-rare but increasingly common category of inexpensive all-in-ones (AIOs) that can serve double duty in the home and home office. Unlike its most direct competition, however, it isn’t limited to the lightest of light-duty printing, making it a potentially good fit for a small office or as a personal AIO. It also puts the J6480 head and shoulders above the competition.

For more information visit www.pcmag.com

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Gear4’s latest portable iPod speaker looks heavily reminiscent of the detachable part of the Duo, which launched last month. A big difference being that this speaker plays both iPods and other MP3 players and is considerably more affordable at £29.99.

The Street party III looks very slim with a simple and foldable design, so it would make a convenient travel or park lounging accessory. There’s the option to either charge it at home using the AC adapter, which also charges your iPod or MP3 player, or power up using AA batteries when you’re on the move.

For MP3 player use, you’re provided with a line in port and a 3.5mm audio cable, so this if you do happen to be travelling in a group, everyone can listen to their own tunes on one speaker.

From www.shinyshiny.tv

Not every room or budget can accommodate a mega-sized flat-panel HDTV. For folks with smaller spaces and wallets, there’s the Westinghouse PT-16H610S ($349 list). A compact 16-inch widescreen LCD TV, it can easily sit on a table, hang on a wall, or be mounted under a cabinet. Flexible placement options, however, are tempered by a weak video processor, which leaves standard-definition (SD) material rife with jagged-edge and flicker artifacts. A limited selection of video ports also limits this TV’s usefulness.

For more information visit www.pcmag.com

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Controlling the media on your computer can be a big hassle. AMEX’s little RM-mp1 Wireless USB remote packs in a USB remote control, laser pointer and touchpad to allow you to control most every aspect of your digital media on your computer from afar. The touchpad area allows you to navigate menus by controlling the mouse pointer just like you do with the track pad on your notebook.

The laser pointer allows you to… ummm… point to things not to mention the cat harassment possibilities presented in the home. The device connects to your computer via a wireless USB receiver and uses 2.4 GHz connectivity for range. Compatibility is with Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Vista. From just looking at the device the Logitech MX Air is a much sexier method of controlling the same media and if portability is your main concern the tiny little PCMCIA slot hiding Outel USB remote is infinitely more portable.

From www.everythingusb.com

TiVo is prepping a digital video recorder that would serve as a hub for an entire house, company chief Tom Rogers confirms at the D6 Conference. He notes that current TiVos are essentially limited and can’t record or offer content to more than one TV set in the home; the Wi-Fi adapter that lets the TiVo work remotely is only a part solution to the problem, Rogers says. Instead, TiVo is working to produce a version of its self-titled hubs that could give “whole-home” access, though the executive doesn’t provide more details.

The mention both hints at a potential advantage for TiVo over rival DVR makers, which are also usually tied to single TVs, and also gives the company greater reach as a digital media provider. Subscribers with a broadband Internet connection have access to podcasts and other Internet video features directly through a single TiVo, including Amazon Unbox movies and upcoming YouTube access.

From www.electronista.com

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Evergreen launches their new mini-speaker set, EG-MS221. Nothing really extraordinary, it is said that the speakers offers a cleaner sound in comparison with the PC accessories speakers (Passive method)… Well, it is just be a purely marketing ad. The specifications come with, an output power of 1.5W, with a frequency response of 110Hz-20000Hz, 1 .5’’ aluminum audio cones, and an impedance power of 4 Ω.

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From www.akihabaranews.com

Coming across like a cross between Nokia’s steely 6300 and 6233, the 7310 Classic has some pretty cool specs to ponder over. The Nokia 7310 Classic is a S40 powered phone, apparently it features a 3.2 megapixel camera, a 16 million color, 2.2 inch QCGA screen, built-in FM radio and music player, stereo Bluetooth A2DP, expandable memory, USB connectivity, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Since this official photo is doing the rounds on the Web right now, we can expect this phone to hit the stores soon.

From www.newlaunches.com

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Controlling the media on your computer can be a big hassle. AMEX’s little RM-mp1 Wireless USB remote packs in a USB remote control, laser pointer and touchpad to allow you to control most every aspect of your digital media on your computer from afar. The touchpad area allows you to navigate menus by controlling the mouse pointer just like you do with the track pad on your notebook.

The laser pointer allows you to… ummm… point to things not to mention the cat harassment possibilities presented in the home. The device connects to your computer via a wireless USB receiver and uses 2.4 GHz connectivity for range. Compatibility is with Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Vista. From just looking at the device the Logitech MX Air is a much sexier method of controlling the same media and if portability is your main concern the tiny little PCMCIA slot hiding Outel USB remote is infinitely more portable.

From www.everythingusb.com

Tiscali has designed a new electronic program guide for its TV subscribers.
The new tool enables viewers to locate on demand, catch up and broadcast programming, from within a huge library of content.
Searches can be carried out across a specific channel or all channels, as well as specifying broadcast only, on demand only, Catch Up TV or all of the above.
Users can look for programmes by title as well as by credits, including cast members and even by subject matter, using a SMS style text input.
Results are listed by title and relevance, displaying on demand content first, followed by scheduled programming, then Catch Up TV, as well as delivering other findings based on programme synopses and credits.
From that list viewers can set reminders, book recordings, add to favourites or navigate straight to that programme if it’s showing.
If the function is triggered from within a channel then users can continue to watch that programme in the quarter screen of the search area.
Tiscali TV is available to 10 million households across the UK and incorporates 80+ broadcast channels, Catch Up and on demand TV services.

From www.pocket-lint.co.uk

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