new(e)gear

As suspected, Microsoft mentioned this morning that they will lower the price of the high-definition DVD player for its Xbox 360 console. Microsoft said they will reduce the console from $199 to $179, plus add five free movies to anyone who purchases the machine in August or September.

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Being a very patient Sprint customer has finally paid off! There’s a new smartphone available for Sprint customers called Mogul by HTC replacing the over 2-year-old PPC-6700 (which has been marked down to $99 by the way).

So as a gadget freak and of course a Sprint customer I had to get my hands on one of these babies. So far I haven’t tested it out since I just got it programmed last night with my new number, but I did have a chance to peek around Windows Mobile 6 a bit.

Along with Microsoft Mobile 6, it also offers high speed data. Some of the key features include: Bluetooth wireless technology, Sprint Music Store enabled, Speakerphone, Built in 2.0 megapixel camera (I remember when digital cameras were only 2 megapixels), Integrated QWERTY keyboard, large, full color touchscreen, thumb wheel and integrated antenna, external MicroSD card slot, plus 512MB memory card among many other features. Here’s the breakdown:

Windows Mobile 6 Software
With great productivity tools for mobile professionals, Windows Mobile 6 provides several features allowing you to stay connected to your business and personal data on the go. Windows Mobile 6 provides supports many forms of email, Mobile versions of Microsoft Applications including editing capabilities, and the ability to easily transfer your digital multimedia from your Windows-based PC to your device. It also supports HTML based emails, and includes popular services such as Windows Live Search.

Wireless High–Speed Data Capable
Where coverage is available, experience broadband–like download speeds using EV-DO technology. The average download speeds range from 400 to 700 Kbps with peak rates up to 2 Mbps. EV-DO Rev. A upgradeable for even faster speeds.

Integrated QWERTY Keyboard
The sliding keyboard provides a familiar interface and allows for quick and efficient input of information. The slide-to-hide form factor eliminates bulkiness for a sleek and stylish design.

2.0 Megapixel Camera and Camcorder
Shoot digital pictures with the embedded 2.0 megapixel camera with built-in flash and 8x digital zoom lens; use the built-in camcorder to record 30 second video clips and play them on the LCD screen.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology Enabled
Built-in radio technology for short-range wireless communication. When used with your Sprint PCS Smart Device and select accessories (headset, car kit, etc), Bluetooth allows fast, secure transmission without cables or wires, even though the two devices are not in line-of-sight. Bluetooth wireless accessories sold separately.

Sprint Music StoreSM Enabled
Download stereo-quality, digital tracks instantly to your phone. Choose from hundreds of thousands of full-length songs from virtually every genre. Select songs directly from your wireless phone and listen to them wherever you go, even download them to your PC.

Large, Full-Color Touchscreen, Thumb Wheel and Integrated Antenna
Featuring a vivid 2.8″ 64k color touch screen, a thumbwheel for one handed navigation, and an integrated antenna resulting in a sleek design.

External MicroSD Card Slot, Plus 512MB Memory Card
Included with the device is a 512MB MicroSD memory card. Add memory and selected peripherals or load additional games, applications, and music or video clips.

Java Support
Enables users to view Java based websites.

Built-In Wi-Fi Capability
High-speed data connection between the device and nearby Wi-Fi access points for the ultimate in mobile connectivity.

Attachment Viewing
Microsoft® Office PowerPoint® Mobile application enables viewing of presentations while on-the-go, while Microsoft® Office Excel® Mobile™ now offers chart support that improves the email attachment viewing experience.

Two-Way SMS Messaging
Instantly send and receive SMS Text Messages across the room or across the country. It’s the coolest way to talk, without the talk.

Microsoft ActiveSync®
Updated ActiveSync® technology (version 4.0) offers one of the best PC to mobile device sync experiences, making it easier to configure with faster data transfer and sync accuracy.

Phone As Modem Compatibility
Use the included USB cable or Bluetooth with a Phone As Modem Service Plan to connect your PC to the Internet.

Downloadable Applications
Includes an on-device link to the Sprint PCS Software Store provided by Handango™. Customers can find, download and buy software, games, ringtones, graphics and other Windows Mobile Pocket PC applications simply and securely. Additional software titles are available from your desktop PC at http://softwarestore.sprint.com.

Built-in Speakerphone
Hands-free operation of your phone is made easy with the built-in speakerphone, allowing you to take a conference call virtually anywhere!

Stereo Headset
Stereo Headset jack for handsfree operation.

Dell, Inc is launching a whole new line of notebooks and desktop personal computers named “Vostro” which are aimed to market small business of 25 or less employees.

One great feature of the Vostro systems is that they will not be shipped with “trialware” to clutter up the machine. It will however be available with either Windows XP or Vista.

Dell has dedicated 6,500 employees to handle tech support just for Vostro customers.

Price ranges for the Vostro systems were $449 – $799 for notebooks (three notebooks ranging from 14 to 17 inches) and the desktop systems will start at around $319.

Here is a photo from Dell’s website to show you what the Vostro line looks like.

From the looks of my last few posts, you would have thought this was an iPhone blogging site. Sorry about that folks. Let’s get back into the groove with another subject shall we?

For those of us smart people who have stuck it out and waited for a price drop, this is our time to shine! Sony is dropping it’s price of it’s current 60 GB PlayStation 3 by $100 in the U.S.

PS3 still costs twice as much as the Nintendo Wii console which is around $250 at the current time.

To throw salt in the wounds of Sony, Microsoft is expected to respond by cutting for the first time, the price of the Xbox 360.

Sony is introducing a new version of the PS3 featuring an 80-gigabyte hard drive and a copy of “Motorstorm,” an off-road racing game that has already sold over a million copies. The new model will sell for $600 and is aimed at gamers who expect to download a lot of games and other content from Sony’s online network.

Okay, this is my third straight entry on the iPhone. I have to apologize for those of you who are sick and tired of hearing about the iPhone. Anyway, I stumbled upon an article this morning stating the issues (more like gripes) about this device.

According to CNET.com, the iPhone is considered an easy-to-use, sleek interface, top-notch music and video functions all in a nice pretty design, however they don’t consider it to be living up to the hype.

After all this is a phone we’re talking about and there are a host of missing features, sluggish EDGE network and variable call quality which left them wanting more from the iPhone.

To scroll through long lists, such as the phone book or music playlists CNET found it somewhat tedious. Flicking your finger up or down will move you part of the way through a list, but you cannot move directly to the bottom or top of the list. The lack of buttons requires a lot of tapping to move about the interface.

The keyboard is pretty much accurate, however it has a long way to go to achieve greatness. When typing an email or text message the keyboard is displayed only when you hold the iPhone vertically. As a result, the CNET reviewer could only type comfortably with one finger, which really cut down on typing speed. Plus basic punctuation such as periods and commas are on a secondary keyboard which was annoying.

There’s more to the CNET review in which you can check out here.