Eclectic Electronics

Acer Windows Mobile-based DX900 and X960 now available

Posted: 13 May 2009 03:00 PM PDT

Acer has recently made available two Windows Mobile devices, namely the DX900 and X960.

The DX900 features dual-SIM capability, a 2.8-inch VGA resolution screen, 7.2Mbps HSDPA connectivity, 3 megapixel autofocus camera and a SiRF Star III chipset GPS receiver. Meanwhile, the X960 sports a similar size display, along with 7.2Mbps HSDPA AND 2Mbps HSUPA connectivity.

Pretty much everything else is the same with both smartphones. Both utilize a Samsung S3C 6410 533MHz processor and run on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Professional 6.1.

The handsets are certainly not as eyecatching as HTC handsets. The only thing that would make me even consider these smartphones would be an insanely low price. What’s with the 17mm thickness of the DX900? It doesn’t even have a slide-out QWERTY keyboard!

Both Windows Mobile smartphones will be available in Europe and Asia.

[via GSM Dome]

Americans still purchasing physical movie media over digital alternatives

Posted: 13 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Although DVD and Blu-ray sales have been dropping, the NPD research group has conducted a survey in the United States and has confirmed that 70% of the respondents prefer purchasing physical discs rather than resorting to video-on-demand or digital downloads.

Consumers reportedly allot $25 per month for home video purchases and rentals. In my opinion, Americans are doing the right choice. Certainly not everybody is located at an area where there is easy access to broadband internet services. As far as video-on-demand goes, I’m not entirely sure how the process goes. Are you able to re-watch a movie for free after paying for it once?

I am totally against building up a massive digital library since:

Although hard disk drives are getting cheaper, you will always need more space, in order to keep your digital downloads especially if you don’t like deleting stuff.
Hard disk drives and even flash memory are prone to electrical or mechanical failure. What happens if one of your drives with 200 movies suddenly starts withering away?
Some downloads cost as much as the physical media itself. When you purchase a movie on a disc, you can lend it out to friends and family. The only downside is that you also need physical space for them, like shelves.
Digital media is prone to piracy, you can just copy it and pass around unless there is some sort of license identification. With DVD’s, extra efforts are required to pirate the discs and the backups or copies usually aren’t up to par with the originals.

[via The Business Insider]

Palm’s Touchstone wireless charger, a must-buy or a marketing ploy?

Posted: 13 May 2009 01:00 PM PDT

Palm’s Touchstone is an optional wireless charger that will be optionally available for use with the Palm Pre.

The Touchstone dock is not entirely wireless per se, since you still have to plug it in somewhere and you have to actually put the Pre on top of it (or near it, but it would not charge at the same rate), where it will stay in place via electromagnetic induction.

The dock is simply considered wireless since it doesn’t have to be connected via any sort of cable to the Palm Pre. Just stick the Palm Pre on top of the dock and charge away! Certainly a nice idea, isn’t it? But something along the lines of a charger working like Bluetooth technology would be something to marvel at, but this? Definitely not groundbreaking! Have I mentioned that this charger will possibly cost you $70?! Talk about bringing a whole new definition to the words “rip off.”

[via Dance With Shadows and SoftSailor]

Panasonic, LG and Samsung defend the existence and viability of plasma displays

Posted: 13 May 2009 12:00 PM PDT

With the recent exit of Pioneer from the plasma display industry, doubt has been cast upon the future of plasma display technology. Some people consider LCD to be superior than plasma. I, however, would disagree. HD Guru has interviewed executives from the remaining plasma manufacturers, Panasonic, LG and Samsung.

Bob Perry, Executive Vice President for Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company explicitly states that both LCD and PDP (Plasma Display Panel) technologies are equally growing and have their own merits.

Perry also stated that PDP’s are becoming increasingly cost effective compared to LCD’s and that consumers tend to shift to PDP’s once the 50″+ screen size realm is entered. In fact, Panasonic will also be opening a dedicated PDP factory sometime this year. Perry has indicated that the big three plasma manufacturers have no intention of reducing production output of PDP’s.

Tim Alessi, Director of Product Development for LG Electronics USA states that plasma is still the choice of display for videophiles and most discerning consumers who demand only the best viewing experience. Better black levels, rich color reproduction, smooth motion and wide viewing angles are the things that mainly differentiate PDP’s from LCD displays.

Alessi also states that over 60 models of plasmas will be introducted to the market this year. LG, according to Alessi, is reportedly incorporating a vast array of features into their PDP’s which includes THX certification and access to internet-based content. He also estimates that plasmas will account for a big chunk of the display market especially for screen sizes larger than 50″.

John Revie, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Marketing for Samsung Electronics America states that plasma is an important part of the flat panel industry. He also reiterates Tim Alessi’s outlook that plasmas will maintain a big percentage of the display market especially at sizes above 50″.

Similar to LG, Samsung will be releasing improved PDP’s in order to entice consumers. Revie confirms that Samsung will be releasing six models of plasma TV’s that will not only feature better picture quality, but also advanced connectivity options.

I definitely agree with these guys, plasmas are not on the way out. People should realize this somehow so that plasma will have leverage over LCD’s. I hate it when some sales representatives take the side of LCD’s without presenting both flat panel technologies to a customer. Why not just simply let a customer sit in front both and decide for himself? Tim Alessi of LG stated, that the best way to let people know that plasmas are still alive and kicking is through the continuous presentation of new and improved PDP technology.

A vast majority of consumers are definitely misinformed about the flat panel industry. Sure, LCD’s do have those 120Hz, 200Hz motionflow things to smoothen movements, but haven’t they noticed that no plasma panels have this? If you’re one of those who can stand the unnatural movement with these fluid-motion LCD’s then lucky you. I sure hope Panasonic, LG and Samsung will be able to keep the plasma train chugging along until the next big display technology comes along. OLED, anyone?

[via HD Guru]