More than seven in 10 Americans have felt discomfort from computer use,1 so today Microsoft Corp. debuts the ergonomist-approved Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000, which utilizes a Comfort Curve layout that encourages natural wrist posture with a slight six-degree curve. This new desktop set combines the Microsoft Comfort Curve keyboard layout with a soft-touch palmrest to make the PC experience more comfortable. Since the Comfort Curve design launched five years ago, more than 10 million units have been sold,2 and the design’s ease of use continues to draw praise, with 94 percent of users recommending the keyboards.3 To complement the comfort, the Microsoft Hardware Group also created smart one-touch features for Windows 7 to help consumers make the most of their new Windows 7-based PCs.

“People are spending more time on computers than ever before, so comfort is very important,” said Dan Odell, lead ergonomist and user researcher at Microsoft Hardware. “A Comfort Curve keyboard, like the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000, provides an easy way to improve your typing ergonomics while maintaining your productivity.”

Full Package: Comfort, Style and BlueTrack Technology

The design elements of the keyboard enhance its look and feel with an updated soft-touch palm rest; low-profile quiet touch keys; and a contoured, compact shape that looks great on any desk. The included Wireless Mouse 5000, with rubber side grips and an ambidextrous shape for comfort in either hand, features Microsoft BlueTrack Technology, which lets consumers go anywhere and work with confidence on more surfaces than when using optical and laser mice.4 Both the mouse and keyboard wirelessly connect to the computer via a reliable 2.4GHz mini-transceiver that works up to 30 feet away.

Smart Features for Windows 7

The Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 is the perfect companion for Windows 7 because it gives people smart ways to make everyday computing tasks easier. A new time-saving feature called Taskbar Favorites gives Microsoft keyboard users an easy way to access their open programs. Instead of the traditional My Favorites Keys with stored locations, Taskbar Favorites will map to the location of open applications on the improved Windows taskbar. The icons in the taskbar can be easily rearranged just by clicking and dragging; Taskbar Favorites will instantly adapt to the new icon locations. Other Windows 7 integration features include these:

• Device Stage. Microsoft Hardware mouse and keyboard products will support Device Stage, a Windows 7 feature that gives customers quick and easy access to common tasks, including product information, registration, settings and more for popular device categories such as cell phones, cameras, printers, portable media players and input devices.

• Windows Flip. Microsoft mouse and keyboard users can easily see a thumbnail preview of all open windows with the press of a button. A full-screen preview of the application will automatically display, enabling the user to better identify and select the desired application.

“Our goal is to have a strong ecosystem of compatible and innovative products,” said Gary Schare, director of Hardware Ecosystem Product Management at Microsoft. “We’re excited about the work Microsoft Hardware has done to light up the key features of Windows 7. For example, the Taskbar Favorites keys on the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 complement our improved taskbar — helping to deliver a full end-to-end experience to make life on a Windows 7-based PC easier and more enjoyable.”

Pricing and Availability

The Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 will be available later this month for an estimated retail price of $79.95 (U.S.).5 The product is available now for presale on Amazon.com and will ship when it is widely released. The Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 is backed by a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft. More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

Logitech has announced a line of new web cams - some of which, have the capability of pushing 720p high definition video. Clearly, the days of under lit, blocky and washed out web cam videos are a thing of the past.




Among the seven cameras announced, some an upgrade to the Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000. Now called the Webcam Pro 9000, the updated camera has a 2 MP sensor and Zeiss optics which gives users a nice high definition option while engaging in video chat which is far easier thanks to the built in microphone. And with software built in, still pictures can be enhanced up to 8MP with auto white balance adjustment for low light or even ambient bright light conditions. There’s also video effects for fun add-ons to make those web chats much more entertaining.

Other cameras include the WebCam C600, which has a similar 2MP sensor and 720p capability, but with a budget generic “glass” lens to make it easier on the pocketbook.

In the lower end, come standard VGA definition C250 and C200 cameras. All come with standard laptop clip for easy affixing, or desktop stands for more a basic setup. Prices start at $99 for the Webcam Pro and move down to $30 for the VGA quality webcams.

Available in the US and Europe starting next month.

Nikon's Coolpix S1000pj project-o-camera may be the big rumor du jour, but the company's also got plenty of other cameras slipping through the cracks these days, like this trio of new compact shooters.

Leading off the lot is the 12.2-megapixel Coolpix S640 (pictured above), which is said to pack a 5x, 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, a 2.7-inch display, an "ultra-fast autofocus system," a start-up time of just 0.7 seconds, built-in quick retouch features, and your choice of three different colors for $499. Joining it are the 12-megapixel Coolpix S570, which replaces the 10-megepixel S560 and will set you back $349, and the all new 12.1-megapixel Coolpix S70 (check it out after the break), which runs a hefty $599 and includes 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen, a 5x optical zoom, sensitivity setting up to ISO 6400, and your choice of red, black, or champagne colors. No word on a release date for any of them just yet, but it sure seems like they're about to burst out of the gate.

From Engadget.com

When I first saw the Wink Glasses, I thought they were those joke/novelty glasses that have those weird pictures that change if you tilt them. Yeah, I probably should know the proper name for this technology, but I don’t. I’m also not doing a good job at describing it, but remember those cheap plastic glasses that make you look like you’re winking or blinking?

No, the Wink Glasses are no joke, as they are designed for those who taking gaming too seriously. Did you ever hear of those stories about how video games reduce the player’s blinking ratio, and how it can lead to long-term damage over time?

Well, the Wink Glasses are designed to detect whether the user is blinking and then fogs up the glasses if the user doesn’t blink at the normal five-second mark. I suppose this encourages you to blink, even if it spoils your game.

I’m not certain how long it takes to charge this particular wireless device, but it can apparently hold an eight-hour charge. Of course, if there is an outlet or USB port nearby, the Wink Glasses can always be attached there for power.

If you are interested in the Wink Glasses, then you might have to be in Japan to get them. They won’t hit the market on August 10th for a price of $150.

Source: Coolest Gadgets

Stop worrying about big bulbs.................see a card light bulb that can be folded and put into a wallet to be used on the next stop.

Card shape design lamp! Slim and portable!

Product Specifications:

• Slim and portable design
• Card shape design lamp
• Size: 86*53*3mm
• Weight: 15g