Sci Tech Today has reviewed LG VX9800 Smartphone. Measuring 4.57 x 1.97 x 1.0 inches and weighing 5.19 ounces, Verizon's new "LG the V," as the wireless carrier calls it, sports a 1.75-inch color screen on the outside that displays a plethora of icons and other information pertaining to phone operations: time, date, signal strength, battery life, and caller ID. Turning the phone around reveals a highly capable 1.3-megapixel camera, with built-in flash and 4x zoom, that can double as a business-card scanner.

The LG VX9800 is the latest smartphone from Verizon Wireless to feature Evolution Data-Optimized (EVDO) capability, which means potentially blazing download speeds. But this new handset's main claim to fame is its ability to play both streaming video clips and music tracks. And it does it on a device that is appealing to both the eye and the ear.

Under the hood, the LG VX9800 incorporates a multimedia-enhanced chipset from Qualcomm; a Bluetooth radio; 128 MB of user-accessible flash memory; and a MiniSD memory-card slot. A five-way navigational control to the right of the keyboard enables you to quickly and easily select the more frequently used smartphone menus.

The handset integrates a full-duplex speakerphone, voice-command recognition software, a speed dialer, and a voice memo recorder.

Rating:8/10

http://www.sci-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=002000865Z5W

PhoneScoop has reviewed T-Mobile MDA Smartphone.T-Mobile could have been satisfied just selling the MDA to the road warriors who spend more time on the road than in the office. The MDA has just about every feature those users need... and more, in a package smaller than past Pocket PC phones and even smaller than competitors like the Sidekick II. However, T-Mobile took care to include extra software and interface flourishes designed to make the MDA easier for the average person to use.

Despite T-Mobile's best efforts, you'll still have to deal with the occasional crash or hidden functions that are common to all Windows Mobile devices, but for day-to-day use, a little courage is all it takes to get the MDA working.

The MDA is surprisingly compact. While it is larger than even the biggest flip phone, it still is much smaller than your average PDA phone. Rounded corners and edges, and a sides that bow out ever so slightly, disguise the fact that the MDA is simply a rectangle slightly less than an inch thick. Those slight curves make a pleasant difference in how the MDA fits in your hand. The overall size allows it to sit in the palm nicely, and the rounded corners and edges allow you to grip the device comfortably. Because the MDA has a simple, compact shape it also fits into pockets easily. It barely even creates a bulge when shoved into tight fitting pants.

Looking at the MDA while closed, it is not obvious that the top slides sideways to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. Without any cues to indicate that the phone slides open or where it slides, it is difficult to remember which direction the phone opens. After over a week of use, we still found ourselves trying to slide the phone open in the wrong direction.

To use the keyboard, the MDA is turned 90 degrees and held horizontally. The MDA's rounded edges make it one of the most comfortable phones to use with a QWERTY keyboard. It is both easy and comfortable to wrap your hand from the base of your thumb to your index finger around each side of the phone. Part of weight rests on your fingers supporting the MDA from beneath while the rest with the open screen resting on top of your index fingers.

Rating:7/10

http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/review_htc_wizard/

TechDigest has reviewed LG Chocolate Mobile Phone. If you haven’t heard the hype already, the Chocolate is being sold as the next fashion sensation in the mobile phone world. LG has every right be optimistic having already sold 300,000 Chocolate handsets in Korea, receiving general all-round approval for its slim, black, sliding design complemented by extremely slick, glowing red buttons.

It boasts a generally pretty standard set of features: a 2”, 256k colour display, 1.3 megapixel camera and 128MB memory. The pleasant surprises come in the form of its smaller than expected dimensions (9.5 x 4.8 x 1.5cm) and particularly light weight (approximately 85g). But no phone is perfect and so we must get on to the handset’s admittedly few failings. One annoyance is that you end up getting greasy paw prints all over the front screen; this polished surface also looks like it has the potential to scratch easily, although we haven’t managed to do so yet.

The internal memory seems a little bit limited at 128MB; normally manufacturers tend to stick MP3 support on as an afterthought but the Chocolate is actually better than most. The sound quality is pretty impressive but what really appeals the most to us is the 3.5mm headphone socket attached to smart, matching remote. Digital audio support (MP3, WMA, AAC) and playback quality is surprisingly good but we can’t help but wish for a little more capacity, maybe even a card slot.

Rating:8/10

http://www.techdigest.tv/2006/05/lg_chocolate_ph.html

ePhotoZine has reviewed Ricoh Caplio R4 Camera.There are smaller compacts than the Ricoh Caplio R4 available, but none which pack such a useful lens and impressive set of features into them. The camera is about the same size as a packet of cigarettes and fits my hand perfectly, with controls well enough laid out to operate with one hand. On the downside, my fingers did keep covering up the flash at first, although I could live with this. As soon as I realised the problem I adjusted my grip. The flash is positioned as far from the lens as possible to help prevent red-eye.

Five different autofocus modes can be found in the menu including, multi-AF, spot AF, MF, snap and infinity focus. The default setting is multi-AF and this locks on quickly when the shutter button is lightly pressed. A slightly gritty noise is made when focusing, but this was something I soon got used to.The controls are very simple on the R4, without being too basic. On the top is the shutter button and a switch for the CCD anti-shake system. Located on the back are the zoom control, the menu button and the adjust button. I especially like the adjust button feature, it puts all the most commonly used menu features a few button presses away. The ISO, sensitivity, exposure compensation, and white balance are all easily adjusted within this menu.

Rating:8/10

http://www.ephotozine.com/equipment/tests/testdetail.cfm?test_id=433

ImagingResource has reviewed Panasonic Lumix® DMC-LS2 Digital Camera. recent years and while most of the attention has been focused on high-end models with all their bells and whistles, the category that's actually reaped most of the rewards has been the low-end. Who could imagine five years ago that you could get a pretty decent 5 or 6-megapixel digital camera with substantial features for a suggested retail of under $200? Panasonic's solid new Lumix DMC-LS2 is certainly a camera that falls into the new high-low-end category, a space shared by such recent models as the 5 megapixel Canon A530 and 6 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-S600.

With a five-megapixel CCD, a 3x zoom and a new 1-point high speed Autofocus option, the LS2 has plenty of functionality while still listing for less than $200. Where it sets itself apart from cameras like the Canon A530 and Sony S600 is that the LS2 offers Panasonic's mega-helpful MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), which is great for reducing blur from handshake. The LS2 is the only camera in its price range to offer optical image stabilization, which is certainly a strong selling point. Though it doesn't dazzle with its design--the camera is basically a slightly rounded silver brick--it's not unattractive to look at either. And although image quality on the LS2 is not going to blow you away, printing daylight shots of up to even 8x10 sizes will still produce solid results. What more could you really ask for in a digital camera that only sets you back two bills?

Rating:9/10

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/LS2/LS2A.HTM

ImagingResource has reviewed Canon EOS-5D Digital Camera. In many respects, the Canon 5D is exactly the camera that many photographers have been asking for since the Canon D30 was first introduced in 2000. It has a full frame sensor, high resolution and a fairly light/compact body. At a street price of about $3000.00, it's far more affordable than past Canon full-frame cameras and about the same cost as the D30 was when it was first introduced. In many respects, it probably has the best price/performance ratio of any Canon DSLR introduced so far.

The 2.5" LCD on this camera is an absolute pleasure to use. I spent many years looking at the ground glasses of view cameras and looking at an image in a large LCD is somewhat reminiscent of that experience. The LCD screen on the 5D is much better, and thus much more useful, than the one on my 1Ds.

Rating:9/10

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E5D/E5DA13.HTM

Notebook Review has reviewed Dell Inspiron E1705 PC Notebook. The Inspiron e1705, Dell's "e for entertainment" desktop replacement notebook computer featuring Intel's Yonah dual core processor, has been available for several months, and is essentially identical to another Dell model, the Inspiron 9400, which is available on the Dell business website. The e1705 under review here is large and powerful, and though available through the business site in its 9400 incarnation, has a decidedly non-business feel.

The built-in sound is actually pretty good for a notebook. This was never a primary concern, but I'm glad to be able to listen comfortably to music or the radio while I work, or watch a DVD without having to use headphones or external speakers.With no power savings features enabled, the 6-cell battery ran for one hour and 57 minutes before I received a warning that only 10% of the battery's full charge remained. I didn't expect much more than this with the small battery. Unless some unanticipated occasion to rely on the battery arrives, I probably won't bother trying to squeeze out more time.

The e1705 is better than expected and quite a bargain for a powerful desktop replacement notebook. After two weeks of regular use and testing, I'm comfortable with this notebook as my primary computer. The e1705 is the best performing computer I've ever used, thanks to the Yonah T2500 CPU. The 1440x900 resolution works well for me, and despite the very minor backlighting issue mentioned above, the screen is nice and comfortable. What I want more than anything from a computer is comfortable usability, which boils down to input devices, display and performance. On all three counts, the e1705, as configured, easily meets my needs.

Rating:9/10

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2923&review=Dell+Inspiron+e1705

CNet has reviewed HP Photosmart R927 Digital Camera. With a 3X, f/2.8-to-f/5, 35mm-to-105mm zoom lens (35mm equivalent) and a compact, silver-metal body, the attractive R927 looks like standard fare for today's digital point-and-shoot market. But as much as we like its sleek curves, some of its buttons are awkwardly placed. For example, the flash and macro controls are on top of the camera, making one-handed shooting more difficult.

The good thing about HP Photosmart R927 Digital Camera is its extensive help menus and features for beginners; oversize LCD; attractive and sturdy. But unfortunately it gives poor image quality and sluggish performance.
Overall, with its big 3-inch LCD and a menu system full of helpful tips, the HP Photosmart R927 is a decent camera for someone new to digital cameras or to photography in general. Pixel-peepers looking for the best image quality, though, should steer clear.

Rating:7/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/HP_Photosmart_R927/4505-6501_7-31638296.html?tag=pdtl-list

CNet has reviewed Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H2 Digital Camera. The H2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor with a 12X 36mm-to-432mm (35mm equivalent) image-stabilized Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, a 6-megapixel Super HAD CCD sensor, and a 2-inch LCD in a body that's small enough to fit in a fanny pack, should you be so fashion unconscious as to wear one. Slightly smaller than the littlest dSLRs, such as Pentax's *ist DL, the H2's one-pound body is logically designed.

For those keeping score, that makes this screen a half inch smaller than the H1's. The Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H2 is mostly comfortable to use, but I accidentally hit the menu button a number of times during field tests, and the raised dots that add grip for your thumb irritated mine after prolonged use.

the H1. It takes 2.6 seconds to power up the H2 and take the first picture. Time between shots is about average for its class at 1.5 seconds, though it remarkably remains about the same when using flash. Burst mode captures up to 7 fine-quality JPEGs at about 1.5fps. At VGA resolution, the maximum number of shots jumps to 100, but the speed remains the same.

Rating:8/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Cyber_Shot_DSC_H2/4505-6501_7-31703776-2.html?tag=sub

CNet has reviewed Netgear RangeMax WN511B adapter. For users who want a new adapter pronto, the Netgear WPNT511 provides especially fast maximum and mixed-mode throughput, while the Belkin Pre-N PC Card includes a more well-balanced mix of short- and long-range speed. (Keep in mind, though, that MIMO-based adapters that were released prior to this Draft N spec use proprietary technology and may not show such good performance when mixed with networking products from other vendors.

Overall, the Netgear WN511B adapter outperformed Linksys's WPC300N Draft N adapter, but it is by no means a killer product. We're still not sold on the performances of the Draft N networking products we've tested so far, and we have a few more to check out. Our recommendation is to be patient and wait to see future iterations of Draft N products.

Rating:6/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/Netgear_RangeMax_WN511B_adapter/4505-3380_7-31841161-2.html?tag=sub

CNet has reviewed Kodak EasyShare V610 Digital Camera. With the EasyShare V610, Kodak takes its innovative dual-lens camera design to its logical conclusion. The company pairs a typical compact-camera 38mm-to-114mm zoom lens with a second 130mm-to-380mm lens, for an effective 10X optical zoom range; a gap remains between 114mm and 130mm. Unlike most big zoom cameras, the 6-megapixel Kodak EasyShare V610 is small and made mostly for snapshooters, so it doesn't include manual exposure controls.

The good thing about Kodak EasyShare V610 is its Small size for 10X optical zoom; innovative dual-lens design; plenty of scene modes; in-camera panorama stitching. Unfortunately, it offers average image quality; no image stabilization; few manual controls; no manual white balance. Overall, As one of the only pocketable cameras with a 10X zoom lens, the Kodak EasyShare V610 is on the cutting edge of design; we just wish the image quality were better.

Rating:7/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/Kodak_EasyShare_V610/4505-6501_7-31813552.html?tag=pdtl-list

CNet has reviewed Sony SDM-S205FB (Black) 20.1" LCD Monitor. The Sony SDM-S205FB is a superior 20-inch LCD made for high-end business users. We were impressed by the display's near-flawless performance, though for its $599 price (Sony originally released this monitor with a $699 price), we're disappointed at the lack of landscape/portrait pivoting abilities and the basic assortment of inputs.

The good part about Sony SDM-S205FB is excellent image quality; classy design; stable base; good range of adjustability; decent cable management solution. But unfortunately it cannot pivot between landscape and portrait; difficult to make ergonomic adjustments; poorly labeled control panel buttons. Overall, line: The 20-inch Sony SDM-S205FB delivers excellent image quality and is a good choice for businesses with money to burn.

Rating:7/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_SDM_S205FB/4505-3174_7-31657341.html?tag=pdtl-list&ar=o

CNet has reviewed Samsung SyncMaster 204B (Black) 20.1" LCD Monitor. The Samsung SyncMaster 204B looks like a business monitor, but its impressive DVD performance, feature set, and handsome styling make it a viable option for the home as well. We also appreciate its ample flexibility and image adjustability. Compared to other 20-inch LCDs in its $699 price range, however, the SyncMaster 204B delivers a bit less than the HP LP2065, which adds a USB hub to the offering, and the Dell UltraSharp 2007FP, which includes a set of built-in speakers.

The good part about Samsung Syncmaster is its Ample adjustability options; easily accessible image presets; impressive DVD and gaming performance. But it is expensive; subpar screen uniformity; minimal cable management system. Overall, the Samsung SyncMaster 204B can handle productivity and entertainment tasks, but there are less expensive alternatives that offer comparable image quality and superior features.

Rating:7/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_SyncMaster_204B/4505-3174_7-31676719.html?tag=pdtl-list

CNet has reviewed Magellan RoadMate 800 GPS Receiver. Yet, while we appreciate the multimedia features and versatility, we're disappointed by the omission of text-to-speech functionality, which was included on the 760. Still, if your main concern is moving from point A to point B without getting lost, the RoadMate 800 can do the job. At $699.99, the RoadMate 800 may be a bit too pricey for some, but when you consider the RoadMate 700 cost nearly $1,300 only two years ago, it's a step in the right direction for consumers.

The good part about Magellan RoadMate 800 is that it comes with maps preloaded on its hard drive and includes entertainment features. It also has solid performance. Unfortunately, the Magellan RoadMate 800 doesn't feature text-to-speech functionality or an FM modulator. Overall, armed with a rechargeable internal battery and entertainment features, the Magellan RoadMate 800 is an accurate nav system you can use in the car or on foot, but it lacks some of the advanced features of its competitors.

Rating:7/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/Magellan_RoadMate_800/4505-3430_7-31623201.html?tag=pdtl-list

CNet has reviewed Canon ZR600 Mini DV Digital Camcorder. Much like its slightly more expensive sibling, the ZR700, Canon's ZR600 performed well in our tests under optimum lighting, while low-light performance yielded significant noise--not uncommon for entry-level Canon camcorders. It boasts a very full feature set for an entry-level model, including a bevy of shooting options, fixed- or variable-speed zoom, and a wide-screen LCD.

The good part about Canon ZR600 is its Wide-screen LCD; easy-to-use controls; built-in lens cover; above-average color reproduction; 25X optical zoom; plenty of manual controls; accepts add-on lenses and filters; low price. But there is no accessory shoe or microphone input; bottom-loading tape compartment; grainy, low-resolution still photos; not enough stabilization at maximum zoom; poor low-light performance. Overall, stick with well-lit environments and you're sure to like the Canon ZR600, a low-priced, feature-rich camcorder.

Rating:7/10

http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_ZR600/4505-6500_7-31660614.html?tag=pdtl-list