smartech

We all wish for bigger and faster hard drives inside our laptops (particularly in Dell’s Mini 9 netbook) and the guys at Jkkmobile have proved us again it’s “easy” and possible to get better ones, specially if you have any electronic affinity or DIY passion. Although this modding process might intimidate many of you, there’s nothing sensational to be done besides the unscrewing and replacing actions, which are considered to be the facile part, while putting things back together is the “more difficult” stage in the process, but those who read these lines probably won’t mind watching the video after the break.

[via jkkmobile]

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Seagate is about to add some new colorful flavors to its FreeAgent Go portable drives lineup. This move should attract those who look for a chic storage box to seat next to their laptop and shed some vivid look on their working vicinity. The new series includes light blue, pink, gold, orange, light green and dark green hues (in addition to the regular blue, black, red and silver colors) with the same 250GB ($120), 320GB ($150), and 500GB ($200) capacities. Also, there’s a nice freebie inside – if you register your new purchase between November 28th and New Year’s day, you will fix yourself a nice multimedia pack, granting 50 free songs to download from eMusic.

[via slashgear]

I guess this one won’t catch you by surprise, but in case you haven’t heard, Western Digital has launched a new TV HD Media Player, that turns your USB drive into an HD media player, allowing you to watch your favorite HD movies on your TV. This 1.6 x 4.9 x 3.9-inch box supports Full HD 1080p video playbackand can house 2 USB drives simultaneously. Naturally, it has an HDMI output, but also composite video interfaces for easy connection. To get this one you’ll have to shell out merely $129.99.

[via engadget]

LaCie has announced the release of a new multimedia drive lineup, also known as LaCinema Rugged. Designed by Neil Poulton, the new media drive, houses capacities, ranged from 250GB up to 500GB, so you can store all your movies, videos, or photos in one small place and play them on any TV, thanks to the composite / 1080i HDMI outputs inside. Once connected, you get a friendly onscreen interface to handle the content that may include varies codecs support, such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI, VOB, IFO, ISO), MPEG-4 (AVI, XviD) video files, or MP3, WMA, AC3, Ogg Vorbis, AAC audio files or JPEG (up to 8 megapixels), GIF, PNG, BMP image files and even subtitle files like SRT, SSA, SUB, SMI. The LaCinema Rugged is compatible with both PAL /NTSC systems and to make things more comfortable, there’s a nice remote control, to let you command the box from your sofa. Regretfully, no word when this thing is going to hit Stateside, but if you’re heading to Europe, you can get the 500GB version for £219 ($357).

[Lacie via engadget]

Corsair has always been a pioneer, concerning portable storage drives, and as we speak, the company has launched another flash-stick milestone, boosted with 64GB of storage capacity, literally doubling previous 32GB version. Surprisingly, you won’t need to break your saving box to get this one, since this ultimate storing, transporting and backing solution is priced at merely $199, which is fair enough, comparing to last year’s costing. The good news are, that with this large density, you can store complete seasons of your favorite TV shows or the entire contents of most notebook hard drives, and because those drives are bootable, you can actually store full versions of operating systems and applications, in case you’re facing system problems. The new drives will be available immediately, but to be more convinced, check out the comparison table after the break.

[Corsair]

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We constantly seek for interesting USB gadgets to bring to your attention, but this one, from Trekstor, has instantly caught our eyes. It’s a USB flash drive, made from solid brushed-aluminum finish, offering 1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB on one side, and a bottle opener at the other side, so if you meet with your geek friend for a drink, you can switch both the data and the beer between each other. Prices ranged from $12 up to $88. Regretfully, you will be able to find it only in Europe.

[via CNET]

It’s been 6 months since Western Digital first introduced the My Passport Elite portable drives lineup in 250GB or 320 GB storage capacities. Today we hear the company has just added a 500GB to its My Passport Essential or My Passport Elite collections, for $199.99 / $219.99 respectively. Mind you, both drives will keep their previous measures and weight.

[Western Digital]

Art Lebedev Studio unveils their latest USB development, the Folderix folder-shaped flash drives, coming up with aluminum cover, painted in purple blue or yellow, and 4GB of storage capacity. All colors are now available for $55, so if you look for a lavish portable drive, to match your clothes, these might be a good pricey solution.

[Via Electronista]

Archos has officially unveiled their 6th generation PMPs lineup, known as “Internet Media Tablets”, including Archos 5, Archos 7 and Archos 5G models, to make a debut across the world from September 2008. The 6th Gen comes with new clean sleeky design, as Archos decides to dump the side tactile buttons from the 5th Gen and focus on bigger touchscreen and slim look.

Archos 5 & Archos 7

are equipped with a strong bullet ARM Cortex processor, storage capacities, starting from 60GB up to 320GB, three on top buttons, including power and Volum +/-, high-resolution 800 x 480 touchscreen, as the Archos 5 comes with a 4.8-inch display and the Archos 7 packs a 7-inch screen. In addition, both models feature Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connection, 3.5mm mini jack for headphones, free Opera web browser, built-in speaker, HD video support and DVR station dock/DVR snap-on accessory (optional) to record your favorite TV shows or play 5.1 audio via your stereo Hi-Fi. Mind you, the new DVR station houses an HDMI output to display high-definition 720P video content.

Archos 5G

One of the most interesting devices from the new series, packs 30GB storage capacity, together with 3.5 HSPDA 3G cellular modem that lets you surf the internet wherever you want, without the need to be around a Wi-Fi hotspot. It comes with the same 4.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen (800 x 480) and same video/audio capabilities, supporting MP3, WMA, WMA Pro 5.1, WAV (PCM / ADPCM) for audio, MPEG-4 (ASP @ L5 AVI), WMV, M-JPEG (Motion JPEG video) QVGA resolution, for video and JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, PDF, SRT for the rest.

Estimated shipping dates & prices

Archos 5 – September: 60GB – $350, 120GB – $400, 250GB – $450
Archos 7 – October: 160GB – $450, 320GB – $550
Archos 5G – December: 30GB – $550

The Archos 5g, could be subsidized by carriers.

Checkout the initial video and full specs after the break.

Update: early than expected, the Archos 5 & 7 “internet media tablets” go live on Amazon with a wide range of accessories, including DVR Station ($99), a DVR Snap-On ($80), a Mini Dock ($30), a Battery Dock ($50), a Helmet Camcorder ($130), and more.

[via Archos]

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As the 2008 Olympic games in Beijin are taking over our daily life, Lenovo has decided to add another piece of merchandise to the massive flow of Olympic themed products. This time, we are talking about the colorful Mascot USB flash drive series, coming up in 5 different flavors, 4GB storage capacity, Windows XP/Vista compatibility and USB 2.0 connection. Prices should be around $30, so if you’re lucky to be there, snack one, it might be rare in the future.

[via engadget]

If you’re a carpenter or a DIY aficionados, this is your day, as Dutch company Plankton has announced the release of the “nailed”, a USB nail designed flash drive, coming up with 2GB storage capacity and a polyurethane/iron body, that gives the memory stick a look of a nine inch nail, jammed into a PC/Mac computer. To start hammering with this unique USB nail stick, without causing any substantial damages, you will have to take €29.50 ($46) out of your purse. The damages are on your expense.

[via technabob]

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Korean’s Sarotech announces the release of the DVP-260X, a new portable media player, coming up with a 2.5-inch display and two giant storage capacities, including 160GB ($278) or 320GB ($328). In addition, the new 260X features an FM tuner, a photo viewer, an e-book reader, and PAL/NTSC compatibility. It supports many formats, including AAC, WAV, AC3, MP3, OGG, WMA audio formats with 5.1channels out, and H.264, MKV with up to 1080p over HDMI, concerning video. Regretfully, it will be available for Korean market only, in black or white flavors and we already start feeling a bit jealous.

[via Aving]

LG unveils new portable HDD lineup, coming up in Korea with 2.5 inch drives, SATA II interface and a USB 2.0 port. The new XD1series presents 3 different capacities, including 120GB, 160GB, 250GB to be released first, and a 320GB version to make a debut later on. All versions come with black pearl or red wine flavors at your choice, for a non disclosure price tag. Stay tuned for more information to come.

[via i4u]

iRiver has announced the release of its new Domino USB flash drive series, coming up in 6 flavors, including white, silver, chocolate, black, pink or coral pink. The new flash drives offer 2GB or 4GB storage capacities with Sandisk-alike sliding USB connector and Windows Vista compatibility. Release date isn’t clear but those 2 gram flash drives will cost you $21 or $34 respectively.

[via AVING]

Cowon A3 gets a storage boost, as a Dutch retailer, MP3spelers, claims there’s a new A3 version with 80GB capacity. This is not an official statement but it seems very reliable and pricey. It has the same design and capabilities as the previous 30GB / 60GB models, but provides more space to store your movies, songs or pictures. We’re not too sure when this one is heading stateside but if you can’t hold yourself, it will cost you €448 (about $697).

Update: Now it’s official, as Cowon has announced the release of the new upgraded 80GB Q5W and A3 PMPs. The good news are that they are going to be cheaper than the European price tag, yet there’s plenty of room for reduction. The A3 80GB is set to be released in May 26th for $440, as the Q5w is set to be released in late June for $600.

[via dapreview]

Despite its bulky design, Newman tries to set a new storage mark for media players with the new M8000, coming up in 120GB/160GB or 250GB capacities. The PMP device features a 4-inch TFT screen (320 x 240), a built-in 1.3MP camera, a microphone, NES emulator support, video output and even PVR capabilities. It comes in black or white flavor and compatible with all basic file formats. Price range starts from $299 up to $388, respectively, so if you search for gigantic storage capacity to store all your music and movies on the go, it might be an adequate solution for you.

[via PMP Today]

If you purchased a Creative Labs MP3 player between May 5th 2001 and April 30th 2008 you might be privileged to a class-action settlement, concerning false quoted hard-drive capacity, allegedly made by Creative during this period of time. According to sources, the company has apparently deceived the customers by adding 7% more storage capacity to its media players, as real data proved different. Although Creative has never submitted an admission, it seems the company is urging for an agreement that will grant anyone who apply for the payout, to get either a 50% discount on a 1GB player or 20% off on any Creative product from their online store. Mind you, claim forms need to be submitted by August 7th, at the latest, so if you bought a player between those dates, it’s your chance to get a fair discount.

Update: Creative has lost. The company will be forced to offer the plaintiff 50% discount on a 1GB ZEN Stone mp3 player or 20% off on any Creative product from their online store.

[via anythingbutipod]

Mvix announces the release of the MV-2500U, a new 2.5-inc HDD multimedia player, coming with out LCD display but with other strong capabilities, including big drive capacity, ranged from 80GB up to 250GB, 480p/720p/1080i compatibility, numerous video formats support like MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, DivX® 3.11, 4x, 5x, XVID, DVD(IFO,VOB), VCD, audio files as AC3, MP2, MP3, DTS pass through, WMA, or OGG and JPEG image files. The MV-2500U houses video outputs such as Component (Y-Pb-Pr), RCA L/R, Coaxial, Optical(5.1ch), S-Video, to access the player interface on your TV and watch your favorite movies on the big screen. It has sleek and stylish black aluminum design that can easily slip into your pockets with a small size, standing at 7.5 x 6 x 2.5 inches. The player is available for $149, so if you prefer having HDD-based multimedia player, minus screen display, it might be your next choice.

[via Mvix]

Western Digital has officially released a new My Passport Essential lineup, coming with 10 stunning glossy colors that join the already exist dull black portable drive. The new series features a luxurious soft-touch finish and shiny vivid colors, including brilliant orange, super sunny yellow, raindrop blue, arctic white, deep viola, cherry red, ultra mint, real red, intense blue, and vibrant pink. Sized at 15 x 126.15 x 79.5mm, each of the drives is available in 120GB, 160GB, 250GB or 320GB capacities, so you can pickup your favorite color with prices ranged from $119.99 to $179.99, respectively.

[WesternDigital via I4U]

Western Digital has officially released the new My Passport Elite portable drive series, coming with stunning glossy colors and a Capacity Gauge to tell you how much space is available on your drive, whenever you want. The new Elite lineup features a luxurious soft-touch finish and shiny vivid colors, including bronze, titanium, westminster blue and cherry red. Likewise, you can find the good old automatic backup software and a secured 128-bit encryption, to protect all your data. Sized at 15 x 126.15 x 79.5mm, the new My Passport Elite drives are available in 250GB ($170) or 320GB ($200) storage capacity, so you can pickup your favorite color immediately, mine is the blue.

[via engadget]