Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs Sony A6100

Canon EOS M6 Mark II camera with the Sony A6100 camera. We have roughly $100 difference in the cost of both the camera and now it’s time to take a look at the specs difference between the two.

Camera	Canon M6 Mark II		Sony A6100
Camera Format	APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor)		APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor)
Pixels	Actual: 34.4 Megapixel Effective: 32.5 Megapixel		Actual: 25 Megapixel Effective: 24.2 Megapixel
Maximum Resolution	6960 x 4640		6000 x 4000
Aspect Ratio	1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9		1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Sensor Type	CMOS		CMOS
Sensor Size	22.3 x 14.9 mm		23.5 x 15.6 mm
Image File Format	JPEG, RAW		JPEG, RAW
Bit Depth	14-Bit		14-Bit
Image Stabilization	Digital (Video Only)		None

1. Sensor Resolution

We have compared the sensor of the cameras, and from the specs comparison it’s very clear that Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera carry a higher resolution sensor of 32 megapixel whereas with Sony a6100 camera we have a 24 megapixel aps-c CMOS sensor. More resolution allows you to recompose your images while editing. But of-course it also have some downside…

2. Large Photodiodes inside Sony

Technically speaking the sensor area of Sony is slightly larger compared to Canon, slightly larger sensor area and bit broad (15.28µm2 vs 10.29µm2) photodiodes inside the sensor will result in better light sensitivity and more dynamic range.

3. Canon in-Camera image stabilization in Video Mode

One of the most noticeable things in the table above is Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera has digital video image stabilization, which will sure help you when you are creating content while walking. Canon camera based digital image stabilization synchronised with the optical image stabilization of lens. And as a result  you will get more stabilized footage compared to the Sony a6100 camera, where we have to depend upon the OSS. (lens based optical image stabilization system only).

4. Exposure control

Camera	Canon EOS M6 Mark II		Sony A6100
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 51200)		Auto, 100 to 32000 (Extended: 100 to 51200)
Shutter Speed	Mechanical Shutter 1/4000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode Electronic Shutter 1/16000 to 30 Second		Mechanical Shutter 1/4000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode 1/4000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode
Metering Method	Center-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Partial, Spot		Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot
Exposure Modes	Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority		Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation	-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)		-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Metering Range	-2 to 20 EV		-2 to 20 EV
White Balance	Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Shade, Tungsten		Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
Continuous Shooting	Up to 14 fps at 32.5 MP for up to 23 Exposures (Raw) Up to 14 fps at 32.5 MP for up to 54 Exposures (JPEG) Up to 30 fps at 18 MP		Up to 11 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 33 Exposures (Raw) Up to 11 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 77 Exposures (JPEG) Up to 8 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 6 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 3 fps at 24.2 MP
Interval Recording	Yes		2/5/10-Second Delay
Self-Timer	2/10-Second Delay

5. ISO Range

We can clearly see Sony A6100 camera gives us a bit more standard ISO range compared to the Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera. However, the expandable ISO range of both the camera is almost same.

6. 48% larger pixel area Sony A6100 Sensor

At the same time due to the nature of high resolution sensor we have a bit more complex structure of photodiodes in Canon M6 Mark II with less light capturing area and for sure, as a result we get poor low light performance from EOS M6 Mark II when compared to the Sony A6100 camera. However, the difference is not to big, literally we will have 1 stop of ISO difference between the two which can be further compensate by Built-in IS feature and by the use of bright aperture lenses.
We will update you soon once we get the high ISO test results of both the camera, we do believe Sony will going to perform better when compared to Canon in low light environment.

7. Exposure compensation

Sony A6100 camera gives us a bit more range in exposure compensation compared to Canon M6 Mark II. At the same time the white balance modes options in Sony is slightly more compared to Canon.

8. Continuous shooting

Sony failed to impress us when we talk about continuous shooting speed. Despite having a low resolution sensor Sony continuous shooting speed is less compared to the Canon M6 Mark II, with a 32 megapixel resolution the Canon M6 mark 2 camera is able to grab 14 frames per second upto 23 exposure in raw and 54 exposure in JPEG mode.
Sony A6100 camera  limited to 11 frames per second after 33 exposure in raw-mode and  77 exposure in JPEG mode. So, Canon used more powerful Digic 8 Image processing unit in the Canon EOS M6 mark II camera compared to the Sony A6100 camera Bionz X image processor.
If you are a sports photographer then of-course you should move along with the Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera, where you are getting extra frames with higher resolution.

9. Video mode

Camera	Canon EOS M6 Mark II		Sony A6100
Recording Modes	MP4/H.264 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p HD (1280 x 720) at 50p/59.94p		XAVC S UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p/100p/119.88p [60 to 100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [50 Mb/s] AVCHD Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50i/59.94i/59.94p [17 to 28 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes	4:2:2 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 25p/29.97p		4:2:2 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/50i/50p/59.94i/59.94p
Recording Limit	Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds		Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds
Video Encoding	NTSC/PAL		NTSC/PAL
Audio Recording	Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input (Stereo)		Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input (Stereo)
Audio File Format	AAC LC		AAC LC, AC3, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo)

10. Video Mode

let’s talk about the video mode of both the camera. Canon EOS M6 mark II camera and Sony A6100 camera features 4K  (3840 x 2160) video recording mode up to 30 minutes. At the same time we are getting digital image stabilization in canon which synchronizes with the lens based optical image stabilization system to give better stable footage. No digital image stabilization available in Sony A6100 camera.

11. No 4K Crop issues in Canon EOS M6 Mark II camera

like in earlier Canon cameras we were suffering from crop is issues, fortunately with Canon M6 Mark II camera canon does full sensor readout and we don’t have to suffer from any crop is issue in the M6 mark 2 camera. Although it’s not oversampled 4K video as of Sony.
More or less the video mode of both camera are same, and literally where are getting additional digital image stabilization with Canon M6 mark 2 camera. So it will going to be bit more favourable to us while we are creating like content on the go.
Additional features include 180 degree tilting touch screen in both the camera and both camera offers use external microphone for better audio quality input.

12. Auto Focus

Camera	Canon EOS M6 Mark II		Sony A6100
Focus Type	Auto and Manual Focus		Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode	Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)		Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Autofocus Points	Phase Detection: 5481		Phase Detection: 425 Contrast Detection: 425
Autofocus Sensitivity	-5 to +18 EV		-2 to +20 EV

13. AF Performance of both the camera

let’s talk about the autofocusing performance of both the camera, we all know that Sony does a better job when we track eyes of the subject or the face. But at the same time canon claims that there Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera arrived with more than 5400 autofocusing points on sensor. And if we talk about AF points then of course Sony A6100 camera is limited to 425 phase AF points +  425 contrast detect AF points.
Both camera features industry leading autofocusing system, so you won’t going to face any issues while you are capturing a still short or recording videos with the cameras.

14. AF sensitivity 

Autofocus sensitivity range of Canon EOS M6 mark II camera is better in low light compared to the Sony A6💯 camera. Autofocusing performance of Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera will going to be a bit more better in low light situation compared to the Sonye 6100 camera.

15. Display

Camera	Canon M6 Mark II	Sony A6100
Viewfinder Type		Electronic (OLED)
Viewfinder Size		0.39″
Viewfinder Resolution		1,440,000 Dot
Viewfinder Eye Point		23 mm
Viewfinder Coverage		100%
Viewfinder Magnification		Approx. 0.7x
Diopter Adjustment		-4 to +3
Monitor Size	3″ 180° Tilting Touchscreen LCD	3″ 180° Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Monitor Resolution	1,040,000 Dot	921,600 Dot
Monitor Type	3″	180° Tilting Touchscreen LCD

With Sony A6100 camera we are getting display screen as well as viewfinder. Canon EOS M6 Mark II features slightly higher resolution display unit, but you have to buy optional viewfinder.

16. Connectivity and memory

Camera	Canon M6 Mark II		Sony A6100
Memory Card Slot	Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)		Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I)
Connectivity	USB Type-C (USB 2.0), HDMI D (Micro)		3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), Micro-B (USB 2.0)
Wireless	Bluetooth Wi-Fi		Wi-Fi Bluetooth
GPS	None		None

Both camera have single card slot and uses WiFi and Bluetooth for connectivity.

17. Physical

Camera	Canon EOS M6 Mark II			Sony A6100
Battery	1 x LP-E17 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1040 mAh (Approx. 305 Shots)			1 x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh (Approx. 420 Shots)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	4.71 x 2.76 x 1.94″ / 119.6 x 70 x 49.2 mm			4.72 x 2.63 x 2.34″ / 120 x 66.9 x 59.4 mm
Weight	14.39 oz / 408 g			0.87 lb / 396 g (Body with Battery and Memory)

Canon fast image processor grabs a bit more extra power, you are getting approx 305 shots in single charge and Sony A6100 camera offers you to capture 420 shots in single charge. My recommendation is, If you are planning to record 4K videos with your camera you should buy extra battery packs with your camera.

18. Conclusion

Both the camera shoots 4K and with Canon you are getting additional Digital Image stabilization when you needed, but you have to face slight crop when u are using Dual IS.
Canon M6 Mark II camera features higher resolution sensor, faster image processor with high burst rate compared to Sony A6100 and more than 5K AF points on sensor, the AF sensitivity of Canon EOS M6 Mark II camera is better than of Sony A6100. On the other side we have Sony A6100 with better low-light performance and better Auto eye or face tracking feature.
Versatility: With EF-M to EF-S adapter you can literally use all Canon lenses, so with EOS M6 mark II camera you have a huge range of lenses, at the same time Canon lenses are more affordable than of Sony’s.
Video: Sony A6100 downsamples 6K file to create 4K video and in turn you get better details with more DR. So, if you do too much editing with your videos (recovery shadow details.. etc) than go with A6100, for causal editors Canon EOS M6 Mark II is enough.

Sony Ericsson Zylo

This phone was launch at the same time as the SE Spiro and that model has a 3.5mm port, so what gives? The Spiro does not have the features as good as the Zylo, so why on earth would Sony Ericsson put a 3.5mm port there instead of the Zylo? Anyway, back to its design, on the right side is the volume toggle and camera button. Sliding the Zylo up and down was not a problem and it certainly feels solid enough.

The camera found on the Zylo is neither fantastic nor terrible. A 3.2 megapixel shooter is just about as basic as it gets these days. Pictures in daylight turned out beautifully but night time shot were quite terrible, even more so due to the absence of a flash. For best results, keep your hand steady because it isn’t that fast altogether. Its video player is about as basic as the camera too.

It’s a pity it has no Wi-Fi since everyone loves going on to Facebook and Twitter. But there’s always 3G for that. As with most SE phones these days, you can snap pics and post on Picasa and Flickr, plus, watching Youtube videos on its 2.6 inch screen isn’t a bad idea too.

Battery life is nothing to shout about. I managed two days under full usage. This slider comes in three interestingly named colors, namely Jazz Black, Chacha Silver and Swing Pink. Connectivity wise, everything is there, save the pre-mentioned Wi-Fi. Internal memory in this phone is at 260MB but it is expandable up to 16GB with a microSD card slot.

Overall, there a few nice features on this phone, but some spoilers just ruin the whole magic of it. If you are looking for a new phone with good music features and decent in day-to-day usage, then you should check out the Zylo.

Pros : Audio qulity, MicroSD up to 16GB, Human curvature design

Cons : Lacks 3.5mm jack, Lousy keypad

Sony Ericsson Zylo Specifications :

Size : 103 x 52 x 11.5 mm

Weight : 115g

Display : Scratch resistant 2.6 inch TFT screen

Input : Keypad

Camera : 3.2 Megapixel / No Flash

Connectivity : HSDPA/3G/EDGE/GPRS/Bluetooth/USB/MicroSD
Search Amazon.com for Sony Ericsson Zylo

Sony NEX-3 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras

Sony NEX-3 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras

Olympus was the first of the lot to bring Micro Four Thirds system to the world, followed by Panasonic and then Samsung with its own mirrorless SLR system. As one of the largest electronics company in the world, it’s only fair that Sony also want to tap into the large compact user crowd and this it did with unveiling of its highly anticipated Sony NEX range of mirrorless SLRs. Using Sony’s proprietary interchangeable lens system in a body as small as its Cyber-shot range, Sony has managed to roll out the world’s smallest mirrorless SLR ever.


I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting for something like this since its prototype was unveiled a few months ago. The NEX-3 was introduced alongside its sibling, the NEX-5 and the main differences are their bodies and that the NEX-5 shoots in 1080iP. The NEX-3 is built with polycarbonate body while the NEX-5 has a magnesium alloy body.

To be honest, I really like the NEX-3, firstly because it also comes in white and red whereas the NEX-5 only comes in silver. The review unit I got comes with the 18-200mm lens and 16mm F2.8 pancake lens. I find that the pancake lens does an awesome job of wide shots up-close while the zoom lens gives you more control over creative shots. The NEX series acts as a ‘bridge’ to DSLRs for compact users and it comes with shooting tips to optimize photography results.

The only gripe I had was with the auto focus, which couldn’t ‘lock’ onto the subject if you half press and release the shutter the second time. This not only happens with the Sony NEX-3 but for most mirrorless compacts as well, I find.

With HDR mode, Sweep Panorama, Anti Motion Blur and many other artistic effects for creative, edgy look, the NEX-3 is never short of capabilities and it goes beyond just point-and-shoot. It incorporates the simplicity and size of a compact but uses the performance and capabilities of a DSLR. Personally, I was contemplating to get a DSLR but after just one-night with the NEX-3, I realize that this too can be a complement or possible replacement for DSLRs in the future.

Vuvuzela - South African Horn in your choice of colors

Vuvuzela - South African Horn in your choice of colors. Even you not in South African you still can have it. Amazon sell in many colors. This is the horn of choice for soccer fans in the stadiums in South Africa. It kind of sounds like an elephant and is a great way to show your support for your on-field heroes.

Bento 3 Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

Bento 3 now includes iPhoto integration, security options, multi-user sharing, and much more!
Choose from 35 pre-designed templates included with Bento, download and import templates from others who share your passion, or design your own custom forms using beautiful themes designed by Mac artists.
Bento links directly to the Address Book and iCal information you already have on your Mac to display your contacts and calendars in new and exciting ways. Add places to store important details about each person, event, or task, including related files, photos, and emails. Plus, changes you make in Bento are reflected in Address Book and iCal so your MobileMe account, your iPhone, and your iPod touch will be in sync.
Now you can easily share your contact lists, project plans, event details, and other Bento libraries with up to 5 Bento users on your local area network. Choose which libraries you want to share, and if you want to allow adding, deleting, and updating of information, or limit access to viewing only. Even add a password if you like. Now your family and friends, classmates, and coworkers will always be informed and up to date.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
This telephoto zoom lens is designed with Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology while retaining compactness and lightness, in response to demands of photographers. This high zoom ratio lens is equivalent to a focal length of 88-400mm in the 35mm format (when used on Canon EOS cameras compatible with EF-S lenses), and the image stabilizer effect equivalent to a shutter speed about 4 stops faster than the same size lens without Image Stabilizer. In other words, if the slowest shutter speed you could formerly hold a 250mm lens steadily was 1/250th of a second, with Canon's 4-stop stabilization correction, you could hand-hold at shutter speeds as slow as 1/15th of a second. It also uses a UD-glass lens element to correct chromatic aberration for excellent image quality throughout the zoom range. This new EF-S telephoto lens with great features delivers excellent performance at an affordable price for all photographers.
Incorporating Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology, this Canon 55-250mm telephoto zoom lens captures long distance, low-light shots far better than many comparable lenses, helping you photograph the far-off action of athletes or zoom in for an intimate portrait with a blurred background. The high-zoom-ratio lens is equivalent to a focal length of 88-400mm in the 35mm format (when used on Canon EOS cameras compatible with EF-S lenses). More significantly, the image stabilizer effect creates an equivalent shutter speed of roughly four stops faster than the same size lens without an image stabilizer. In other words, if the slowest shutter speed you can hold a 250mm lens steadily is normally 1/250th of a second, this Canon lens will let you hand-hold shutter speeds as slow as 1/15th of a second. The lens also boasts a UD-glass lens element to correct chromatic aberration to create excellent image quality throughout the zoom range. Delivering an excellent performance at an affordable price for all photographers, the 55-250mm lens carries a one-year warranty.

Specifications

* Focal length: 55-250mm
* Maximum aperture: f/4 to f/5.6
* Lens construction: 12 elements in 10 groups, including one UD-glass element
* Diagonal angle of view: 27 degrees (at 50 feet) to 6 degrees (at 15 feet), with APS-C image sensors
* Focus adjustment: DC motor, gear-driven (front focusing design)
* Closest focusing distance: 3.6 feet (0.31x maximum close-up magnification)
* Filter size: 58mm
* Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.3 inches long
* Weight: 13.8 ounces
* Warranty: 1 year

Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710 Keyboard

 Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710 Keyboard
If you don’t want the hassle and possible mess of having a wired desktop setup, you might want to check out the Logitech Wireless Desktop MK710. Designed to maintain a hassle-free environment as much as possible, this desktop offers battery life for up to three years to both the keyboard and mouse. It includes the Logitech Unifying receiver, which you can add other compatible wireless mouse or other keyboards without multiple USB receivers. To add to it, the keyboard features the Logitech Incurve keys that cradle the user’s fingers and a cushioned palm rest gives more comfort. The mouse even has hyper-fast scrolling for quick, easy document browsing. Topping it off is an integrated LCD dashboard for showing the keyboard’s statuses. That’s convenience for you.

Canon EOS 550D (European EOS Rebel T2i) 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera Made in Japan (Body)

Canon EOS 550D
The new flagship of the EOS Rebel line, Canon EOS 550D (EOS Rebel T2i) brings professional EOS features into an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR that's a joy to use. Featuring a class-leading 18.0-megapixel CMOS image sensor and increased light sensitivity for low light photography, the EOS Rebel 550D (EOS Rebel T2i) also has an advanced HD Movie mode for gorgeous Full HD movies. Able to capture up to 3.7 frames per second, it's ready to go the minute it's picked up. Advanced Live View, a new wide-area screen, plus features like Canon's brilliant Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant photos and movies, easily. With some of the most advanced features of any digital SLR, it's simply the best Rebel Canon has ever created.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz

The phone has surprisingly much more compact design, especially when compared to the Satio; the screen has been bumped down to 3.2 inches, and while it might look a little bland, the curvaceous design and its size make it both very pocket-able and sleek in looks. The bottom of the screen houses the menu, answer and decline call buttons, while the lock button is relegated to the same as the power, with the camera function keys situated to the right side. Everything is within reach of fingers.
This leaves us now to the camera, located at the back of the phone. It takes images at 8.1-megapixels, and overall the picture quality pretty decent, with great colors in daylight shot and commendable noise reduction with darker shots. Like the Satio, the camera is jam packed with enough features to build a compact camera. It has smile detection, image stabilizing, geo-tagging and picture blogging features, making it as deliciously wholesome.
Even better is the video camera function that allows for video captured at 720p with continuous autofocus, something we don’t normally see outside of digital cameras. Image quality is just as decent, though with notable noise in dark shots.
The phone functionalities, however, take a backseat to the camera. The one big gripe with it is its somewhat problematic touch screen interface. The Vivaz utilizes a resistive touch screen over an S60 interface; it works alright when browsing and selecting large icons, but when it comes to scrolling with the scroll bar or managing through the keypad, the imprecise touch coupled with the unfriendly user interface just keeps aggravating.
Still, with a wholesome array of connectivity options like Wi-Fi and 3G, the phone can function pretty overall.
As a camera phone, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz does what it does best. It’s just unfortunate that the finicky user interface mars the entire package, but if you can live through that, this phone won’t disappoint.
Pros : Compact design, Excellent camera, HD recording
Cons : Annoying user interface, No xenon flash
Sony Ericcson Vivaz Specifications :
Frequency : 3G, HSPA (900/2100MHz), Quad-band GSM, GPRS, EDGE
Screen : 3.2 inch Color 16:9 HD touchscreen (TFT) at 360 x 630 resolution
Connectivity : Bluetooth, USB2.0, Wi-Fi
Others : 8.1 megapixels color camera
Dimensions : 107 x 52 x 12.5 mm
Weight : 97 g

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema

Ever since the creation of Skype and Youtube, tech-savvy people will find an excuse to use a webcam. Everyday videos are uploaded to Youtube – be it from professionals to webcam videos. Having a webcam that delivers clear pictures and videos has become an important aspect when purchasing one. Of course, you can use webcams to do other things as well but we’ll leave that up to your imagination. If you fall into one of the many categories of webcam users, let us introduce you to the nifty Microsoft LifeCam Cinema.

It boasts of being the first consumer webcam with 720pm high definition (HD) sensor, which delivers widescreen video at 16:9 at up to 30 frames per second. We can attest to its HD quality – our video quality was beyond clear and we were pleased that we didn’t look pixilated as we move around. The price is simply too good to pass up for the feature it provides.

The LifeCam Cinema is equipped with Auto Focus and ClearFrame Technology. It is no wonder that videos are crisp and smooth when we were testing it. It is coupled with a digital noise-cancelling microphone and a flexible attachment – giving you the flexibility to video-conference or record in any environment (as long as you have a PC or laptop, of course).

Our only grumble with the Auto Focus function is that sometimes when we move ever-so-slightly (left, right, front, back, you name it), the webcam readjusts its focus. We think it is a tad bit too sensitive to the movement.

Modular BeagleBoard touchscreen gadgets

Alarm Clock Tea Maker

This has to be the strangest combination gadget ever and yet I could see it becoming very handy.  Instead of waking up to an obnoxious beep, you could wake up to that beep noise and quickly recover with a nice hot cup of tea.  Of course maybe you should keep away from the chamomile, it’s probably best not to do anything that might help you fall back to sleep.

If you like instant coffee instead of tea, it can do that as well.  Should you be a tea fan though it’ll require 2 of your favorite tea bags and your own cup and saucer set.  You just put either your mix or tea bags into the teapot the night before and fill up the Teasmade with cold water.  A few minutes before the alarm it’ll boil the water and then the alarm will go off after the water is finished.  You can purchase it for £59.99 or about $88 through

Cruz Tablets and eReaders: Style and Utility You Can Afford

The new Cruz Tablet and Cruz Reader bring utility and style within everybody’s reach. Priced at a little less than $300 and $200, respectively, these new devices feature the latest technologies. Both come with a 7-inch colored capacitive touch screen, USB connectivity, and a slot for SB card. What’s more is that they feature an 800 MHz processor, the Google Android 2.1 operating system, and Flash 10.1. How’s that for feature-packed and techie?
And when it comes to style, you’ll surely love the sleekness of these Cruz gadgets. The tablet comes with a docking station, enabling the device to double as a digital photo frame. It’s also equipped with a 2-megapixel webcam in front. There will also be a Cruz market app store available, from which you can download all your needed ebooks and other software.
Although not yet in the market, word has it that the Cruz tablets and eReaders will reach stores sometime in July. While waiting for their availability, you may want to take a look at other Velocity Micro devices: office and home work stations, notebooks, and even home theater entertainment systems. You can find a Velocity Micro desktop at Amazon, together with other products from the said company.

The ‘Switch’ is an awesome modular pocket knife

Imagine being in a situation where you desperately need a particular tool and even your trusty multi-tool or pocket knife fails to provide the gadget you need. Or perhaps you are the type of person that likes the idea of a pocket knife with different tools, but doesn’t care for carrying a really thick pocket knife around. If only there was a pocket knife that let’s you carry only the tools you want and even lets you interchange them for whatever situation you can anticipate. As luck would have it, now there is.

The Switch is a modular pocket knife that lets you customize the kind of tools you want to carry by allowing you to add or subtract gadgets thanks to the pocket knife’s interchangeable design. You can choose from up to 18 different attachments and the three interchangeable axles even let you change the amount of attachments you want to carry; from 2 tools up to 13 at a time. There is even a 1GB USB Memory Stick attachment for those computer geek file transfer emergencies.
Sound like the kind of multi-tool you want in your pocket? If so, you can preorder the Switch right now for only $68.

2010 Intel Core vPro processor family

The platform based on the 2010 Intel Core vPro processor family includes the new Intel Q57 Express chipset, and new Intel 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection for notebooks and Intel 82578DM Network Connection for desktop PCs.

The processors are based on Intel’s award-winning Nehalem microarchitecture and manufactured on Intel’s groundbreaking new 32-nanometer process. Intel has integrated high-definition graphics in its processors for the first time, and incorporated Intel’s second-generation high-k metal gate transistors that help increase computing speed and battery life.

The 2010 Intel Core i7 processors and Core i5 processors feature Intel Turbo Boost Technology and Intel Hyper-Threading Technology for adaptive, smarter computing. Intel Turbo Boost Technology automatically adjusts the speed of the processor when it senses a workload change – faster when the user, for example, is multitasking or watching a video, and slower, more energy-efficiently when the worker goes for coffee and only background applications are running.

Jabra Cruiser wireless speakerphone

Noise Blackout technology involves a dual microphone system which is capable of removing virtually all street and traffic sounds while optimizing voice quality simultaneously to make sure you get your message across in a crystal clear manner. Of course, this does not guarantee that the person on the receiving end will follow through with whatever instructions you provide since that is out of Jabra’s hand, but at least it does do away with the excuse of the line “being not clear” during a conversation. The Cruiser is able to bring superior audio quality in a sleek design alongside in-car convenience that makes it possible to keep both hands on the wheel while discussing about a multi-million dollar deal.
Another interesting aspect of its proprietary Noise Blackout technology would be the ability to identify the direction of various sounds, where among them include traffic and backseat chatter. This technology helps to reduce only surrounding noise without distorting a user’s voice. With Multiuse connectivity, you can hook up the Jabra Cruiser to a couple of Bluetooth-enabled devices, and they are not limited to just cellphones but can also encompass smartphones and MP3 players among others. The inclusion of a built-in FM transmitter makes it possible to store both calls as well as MP3 files on a mobile device, where you can play it back on the Jabra Cruiser via a vehicle’s stereo system later on. Interested? The Jabra Cruiser comes with a price tag of $99.99.

Lenovo U1 netbook with removable tablet

Lenovo’s U1 has a lot to brag about as it is both a tablet and a notebook. The tablet is 1.6 pounds with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 512MB DDR1 RAM, and 16GB SSD. The dock itself is 3.8 pounds with Intel Core2 Duo U4100 processor, 4GB DDR3 RAM, and 128GB SSD. 

The Solar Powered Dragonfly Kit

Lawn ornaments are still found in a great deal of yards, yet slowly they’re changing.  It used to be you could watch them change as soon as there was a strong breeze.  However, instead of these dragonflies flapping their wings with the wind, they are powered by the sun.  Thankfully, they do still keep their power source eco-friendly, but in a slightly more hi-tech way.

These solar powered dragonflies come in a set of two.  Their textured wings make an attempt to make realistic movements.  You’ll have to do some assembling yourself, but you won’t have to use any glue.  You just snap together or screw parts of the dragonfly together.  It does require a hobby knife, a side cutter and other basic tools.  You can purchase the kit for $34.05 through Amazon

Speaker Bot plays your MP3 player

Despite all of the conspiracy theories that robots will someday take over the world, you can’t help but love this robot. He’s completely harmless, all he does is play your favorite music all day long. He may have a permanently goofy expression on his face, but at least he has his uses. Plus he’s made out of new and old parts, which means you’d be giving new use for old discarded electronics.

These robots ship out worldwide and are assembled in New York by Lipson Robotics. In order to power the speaker, you can use the power adapter and plug it into the wall, use batteries or plug it into the USB port on your computer. He even comes branded with a metal nameplate to declare the robots origins (Lipson Robotics
). The speaker will work with any MP3 player and can be purchased for $550 from Etsy.

Nikon’s new Coolpix L20 and its 10.0 effective megapixels

Nikon Coolpix L20 10MP Digital Camera with 3.6 Optical Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Deep Red)

Capture and share your favorite memories with Nikon’s new Coolpix L20 and its 10.0 effective megapixels, 3.6x zoom and a bright, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD screen. Motion Detection automatically detects subject movement and adjusts the shutter speed and ISO to compensate for camera shake and minimize image blur. The camera’s Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector simplifies your picture-taking experience by letting camera automatically select the best setting to get great pictures. Nikon’s Smart Portrait System combines four different technologies that will fix red-eye, detect faces, fire the shutter when your subject smiles and warn you if they blink, to get you great portraits.

Coolpix L20 Highlights

10.0-megapixel resolution for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches

3.6x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens gets you close to the action

Huge, bright 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD makes it easy to view and share pictures

Motion Detection automatically controls shutter speed and ISO settings to compensate for camera shake and subject movement

Adjusts up to ISO 1600 to keep shooting even in lower light

Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector simplifies your picture-taking experience by letting the camera automatically select the best setting to get great pictures

Nikon’s Smart Portrait System:

• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera. You may never see red-eye again
• Enhanced Face-Priority AF - Nikon’s face-finding technology that automatically focuses on up to 12 faces
• Smile Mode automatically releases the shutter when your subject smiles
• Blink Warning displays a warning message, should the camera detect your subject has blinked
• D-Lighting rescues dark or backlit images by improving brightness and detail where needed

Product Description

The Coolpix L20 is a great camera for beginners just getting started in digital photography. Easy to use and fully featured the Coolpix L20 will delight it's users with great pictures, fun features and a huge 3.0-inch display at a surprisingly affordable price.