Keith Shaw’s Cool Tools Alert
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See what’s on your flash drive
Always wondering what’s stored on that handy USB flash drive? The EZVue Vista drive makes it easy to find out with its LCD display showing all of your files and folders stored on the device.
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Better than a Nano? – Archos’ miniplayer rivals the iPod.
Maybe you’re sick of filling Steve Jobs’ pockets with cash. Maybe you’re fed up with holier-than-thou iPod-heads who claim the only type of audio player to own is an iPod. Maybe you just want to save a few bucks. Whatever the reason, the Archos 104 is an admirable alternative – it plays audio files (and podcasts!) and displays photos in a portable package.
Also: EZVue Vista.
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HP offers “back to school” discounts
Got someone who needs a new desktop, printer or notebook for the upcoming school season? HP announced today a new promotion with discounts for students and teachers. Qualified students and teachers can take up to 15% off products by registering at HP’s Academic Purchase Program Web site.
HD DVD player comes to CompUSA
I-O Data Device USA Inc. this week announced retail availability of its AVeL LinkPlayer2, a high-definition DVD player and networked digital media player. On Aug. 1, the player will be sold at CompUSA stores nationwide for $249 (customers can also receive a mail-in coupon for one HDNet video title with qualifying purchase of the player).
Kensington iPod car tuner displays RDS data
If you’re tired of playing your iPod tunes through your car stereo and not knowing what song is playing (other than recognizing the song), Kensington has a new accessory that might be able to help.
Sprint, Sanyo launch Katana cell phones
I want to be in a meeting where marketing execs decide what kind of brand name to place on a product (Ed. Note: No you don’t). Someone had a really cool idea when they came up with Katana, the new line of cell phones from Sprint and Sanyo. Maybe the target markets for the new phones are Samurai enthusiasts or comic-book fans.
Skype from a USB flash drive
SanDisk and Skype announced today a new USB device that lets users run Skype off the device instead of downloading the application onto a PC. Skype software will come pre-loaded on SanDisk’s newest Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium lines of Skype-certified U3-enabled smart drives, the companies said.
SanDisk adds monster mascot to sell its MP3 player
As part of a “viral blogosphere” marketing effort, SanDisk has introduced a new mascot – the Lil’ Monsta – to help market its Sansa digital media players. The new mascot can be found on his own Web site or as part of SanDisk’s other Web site that pokes fun at iPod owners and challenges people to resist conformity.
Hey Microsoft, stop protecting me!
I’ve added one more reason to my “Why I want to slap Bill Gates if I ever meet him” list. The company is so concerned about my computer security that it refuses to install an ActiveX control from a legitimate company.
Sprint Nextel, Motorola launch rugged cell phone
If you’re tired of your “normal” cell phone getting dusty or wet, or you’re constantly dropping it and breaking it, you may need to upgrade to a more rugged model.
