Samsung is slowly but surely maturing in the world of camcorders and digital cameras with the recent introduction of the HMX-U20 as well as the HMX-U15. Both of these models will build on the success of the Samsung HMX-U10, where one is able to experience new features and functionality which includes a built-in USB connection, a true 3x optical zoom for the HMX-U20. Both the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are equipped with high-performing 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensors that go a long way in capturing stunning, 1,920 x 1,080 full HD resolution video at 30 fps in the H.264 format. Apart from that, you can also use either device to shoot still images if that is your cup of tea, with the HMX-U20 capturing 10-megapixel digital still images, while the HMX-U15 does slightly better at 14-megapixels. Basically, this is a two-in-one digital imaging solution, doing away with the need for a dedicated digital camera, although some others might still prefer the flexibility and quality of a more powerful compact digital camera or DSLR. Hyper Digital Image Stabilization has been thrown in to produce blur-free video, with the HMX-U20 adding a true 3x optical zoom to get up close and personal with a subject of your choice from afar. Apart from that, Samsung allows you to get more creative with time lapse recording, letting you program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, five, 10 or 30 seconds. Both models also sport a built-in, swing-out style USB connection that makes it a snap to connect to a computer when it comes to data transfer, doing away with the need to carry yet another USB cable. In addition, both camcorders can be charged when plugged into a powered USB port, which also eliminates the need for a separate charger when traveling. Since the world is moving into high definition these days, HDMI connectivity is also included for you to have seamless connectivity with your spanking new HDTV. Both devices rely on the SDHC memory card format to store all recorded video. The Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 will be released this spring for $229.99 and $249.99, respectively.
More Samsung HMX HD Camcorders
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Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD) is one of the pioneers in the industry to bring small form factor enterprise-class and mobile hard disk drives (HDDs) to the market, and they relied on their expertise by unveiling a new high-capacity, high-performance, power-efficient small form factor product line which will target enterprise applications. Capable of holding up to 600GB of storage space in its high end range, the new MBF family will represent the industry’s highest-capacity 2.5″ enterprise-class HDD which boasts Toshiba’s first enterprise-class self-encrypting drive (SED) offering. The new MBF series is capable of demonstrating the successful integration of Toshiba and Fujitsu’s HDD business last year, where it underlines Toshiba’s capability and commitment to consolidating their leadership in the enterprise segment. This series is more than capable of meeting the exacting standards of the enterprise market with 10,025 RPM spin speed and a 6Gb/s SAS interface which is great for action in mid-range volume servers, mainstream storage arrays, blade and rack-mount servers and other business-critical, power-conscious, data-intensive applications. Apart from that, Toshiba has not forgotten about being green, thanks to its inherent lower power consumption which reduces power consumption up to 28%, thanks to a new enhanced power condition state that allows the hard drive to spin at a lower RPM when it remains idle. Selected models of the MBF series do come with an option of drive-based encryption that was specially designed to the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) Enterprise Security Subsystem Class specification. Basically, it means that you don’t have to worry (too much) about your data being hacked into, leaving you with peaceful nights of sweet slumber whenever you are away from work. The MBF product line will come in 300GB, 450GB and 600GB capacities as they ship in volume this April 2010, where samples are already available for design development. If you’ve been thinking about a new HDD but not sure where to start, these aim to please on every level and may well just be worth the wait until April.
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Nikon is at it yet again with another digital camera for the masses – the Nikon Coolpix S8000 is the latest in the Coolpix range which proves the age old adage of not judging a book by its cover. After all, it comes with a slim and slender body that is actually capable of holding a powerful and versatile 10x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens which will no doubt deliver extremely sharp, crisp images regardless of whether you shoot an image from far off or from a close up. In order to remove blur at any focal length, the S8000 is equipped with a 4-way Image Stabilization System and ISO settings to 3200, alongside the ability to record HD movies (720p) at 30 frames per second (fps) with stereo sound. Not only that, you can instantly preview your snapped photos thanks to its 921k pixel Clear Color Display LCD right there and then. The Nikon Coolpix S8000
is a 14.2-megapixel shooter which also comes with a new feature known as Creative Slider, where it will make it a snap to adjust brightness, saturation and color tone in-camera thanks to the Rotary Multi Selector. As for the Advanced Flash Control, this feature allows users to create more natural-looking flash shots by utilizing higher ISO settings and faster shutter speeds in low light as well as apply Multi-area Auto Backlight Compensation for even exposures. Apart from that, the S8000 is also more than capable of snapping fast moving objects thanks to its improved Sport Continuous Mode, enabling high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 4 fps for 45 frames (at 3-megapixel resolution), while a fast start-up time and a quick shutter-release time ensures you will never miss a crucial moment. Similar to a fighter jet, the S8000 can also acquire the subject and lock focus using Subject Tracking, although no missiles will be fired, just the shutter button. Expect to pick up the Coolpix S8000 sometime this month for $299 in black, red, bronze and champagne silver colors, a sleek color range that will cater to the elite style, even if you don’t have the elite budget.
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Sony Ericsson takes the high road with their latest cellphone to be announced which will be part of their GreenHeart portfolio – we’re talking about the Sony Ericsson Aspen. Sounds like some sort of high end resort, doesn’t it? That’s kind of the point. Well, this eco-minded smartphone will run on the much maligned Windows Mobile platform, but comes with an added twist – it has the latest Windows Mobile 6.5.3 version which brings a slew of improvements and updates. The Sony Ericsson Aspen is positioned as a business smartphone with green credentials, boasting multi-tasking capability with a touch experience and QWERTY keyboard which is more than handy to get those text messages and emails sent out in double quick time. Apart from that, you can organize and adapt panels to change during the day while using Slide View for quick access to common features. Viewing and editing office files is a snap thanks to its one touch operation, either that or you can always fall back on its navigation keys if you’re a sucker for something more traditional. The QWERTY keyboard supposedly allows fast and easy typing, while setting up your email account(s) is a painless affair for a portable maximized messaging experience.
All your phone’s data can be secured thanks to the Microsoft MyPhone service which is capable of remotely erasing phone data when the handset is reported as lost or stolen. The latest version of Windows Mobile 6.5.3 will also see it being way more stable than its predecessors, speeding up proceedings while giving you a much more satisfactory user experience. They say that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, which is why the Aspen balances the work aspect with some fun features such as a Media Browser and PlayNow functionality, offering quick access to social networks as well as your array of media files. a-GPS support is also built in to help you find your way around, while Google Maps ensure you won’t get lost in an unfamiliar place. It also comes with a 3.2-megapixel camera that can capture impromptu moments at decent quality, boasting a self-timer, smart contrast, multishot capability and a 4x digital zoom. No word on pricing, but the Sony Ericsson Aspen come in Iconic Black and White Silver colors in selected markets from the second quarter which in layman’s terms, is just a couple months away.
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