Amazon’s Jeff Bezos unveiled the new large format Kindle today, the Kindle DX.   The DX appears to be a very impressive device that brings the elegant reading capabilities of the smaller kindle to a much larger screen that will be more friendly to newspapers and textbooks – the two reading items that appear to be Amazon’s target market for this brand new entry into the electronic reader fray:

As a past skeptic of how the smaller Kindle could find the market needed to be a big success I’m certainly impressed, but also wondering about the economic viability.   At $489 for the new Kindle with at best only modest discounts for newspaper subscriptions I have to remain somewhat skeptical this can take off, although one can see a potentialy large library market since devices like this may make it easier for libraries and schools to manage subscriptions, textbooks, updates, etc.

Gizmodo’s got more on the specs and the launch.

Amazon, Product Reviews, Web 2.0, gadgets, wireless Amazon, Kindle, kindle DX

Update:  Here is the Kindle info from Amazon – Amazon Press Release on Kindle 2

Engadget is reporting that the the Amazon Kindle 2 will be announced on Monday with a release date of about February 24th. (Picture from Engadget website but I think it’s an Amazon press photo).

The new Kindle looks a lot better than the first edition, but at a reported price of $359 I’ll be surprised if this takes off to the extent many have predicted. However I certainly would say that based on the very weak Kindle imitations we saw at CES last month Amazon certainly appears poised to have the best in class book reader.

Amazon remains conspicuously silent on sales information for the Kindle leading to what I’m still inclined to think are extraordinary claims by some analysts, but if they really can corner the book reading market maybe the Kindle 2 really will become the new “must have” gadget.

CES, CES09, conferences, gadgets Amazon, amazon kindle, CES09, kindle 2

My iPOD can beat up your iPOD

By John Ghysels, technology-report.com

Apple’s surprisingly high profits not withstanding, there appears to be trouble about in iPOD land, if comments over at Amazon.com, like this one, are to be believed:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R1J5U3Y9O8E1YF/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm. 

Indeed, a brief web surf showed a surprising degree of frustration with the new 4G iPOD nano. The main complaints seem to center on compatibility issues. This is perhaps because the new 4G nano is compatible with, well, just about nothing. If one has invested big bucks in earlier iPOD compatible cases, holders, speakers or chargers, as well as the much more expensive consoles, monitors, audio players, etc., then you basically have to start over. 

It’s always hard to judge from any rating site what exactly is going on with many gadget products. You never know how many ratings are just hot-heads venting about confusing technology. If you believed even half of all this on-line ranting, we’re certain you would NEVER even buy a cell phone. 

However, the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, in the mysterious workings of the marketplace.  Technology-Report notes that prices on “new” 3G iPOD models are still suprisingly high and, in fact, are about equal to the price for the new 4G POD Nano, at about $140.  This is in spite of the many added features on the new generation iPOD. 

While production on the 3G has likely stopped and supply issues certainly come into play here, it is still a bit shocking that an earlier generation is selling for around the price of the new, “much improved” version.  Even the prices of older 4 Gig, 3G iPOD’s are holding their values, with heavily used units still selling for $80 or more. That’s better than most houses in California. 

The marketplace may be reflecting the impact of an expensive upgrade, as well as the satisfaction of existing users. Apple may have violated the old cardinal rule of Detroit, planned obsolesence, and done themselves too well on the “old” 3G nano.  

In any case, I love my 3G iPOD nano. It still has the feel of hi-tech and runs like a top, even two years later. I still while away oodles of time, carefully craming loads of videos and audio entertainment into it’s measely 4 gigs. It’s small size and ease of use has allowed it to infiltrate into my life and that of many others. 

Yep. I love my iPOD 3G nano.  And I ain’t givin’ it up jest yet.   

–John Ghysels, 01/22/09

3G Ipod, apple, gadgets 3G Ipod, 4G Ipod, apple, apple ipod, Ipod, Ipod comparison, Ipod problems, mobile entertainment

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

You are in the wilderness, sneaking up on game with senses 1000x more powerful than your own. Or, you could be preparing your own highly trained squad of paintball commados to assault the enemy stronghold, or simply trying to rally your family at Epcot. Either way, cheap toy-grade walkie talkies hardly give you the edge in today’s digital world.  Yet, cellular signals stop in rural areas and the big monthly fees for Nextel or regular cellular can really add up once you get a few units going. In keeping with our usual fugal sensibilities here at Technology-Report, we suspect that, for a single work site or family outting, these nifty rigs may fit the bill for both the sensible cheapskate and smart small-business person alike. 

These are TriSquare’s latest and most powerful Digital eXRS two-way radios. We spotted these impressive Walkie Talkies at CES, and spent a bit of time interviewing the company president and the friendly, knowledgable team who came in from Kansas City for the show. We plan on some extensive, and challenging, comparison field tests soon. 

“Text Me”

So far, we’ve seen that these WT’s are built well, with surprisingly advanced technology. These unique radios bring cellular features to the Walkie Talkie market, without expensive cell fees, all for a price identical to most conventional 2 way radio units. Intriguing features include texting between units, offering silent, reliable messaging for fun as well as stealth.  They also incorporate real privacy by utilizing “frequency hopping” digital signals, just like most of today’s cellular phones. The bottom line is that these things are impossible to eavesdrop on by typical yo-yo’s with radio scanners, like, say, the staff at TR (and we’ve heard plenty on the open frequencies used by conventional radios).  

Like new, Digital (HD) TV, the digital signal is said to be robust and comes punching through even in crowded conditions. It would be nice to be able to get through reliably on the impossibly congested channels TR’s users have encountered in theme parks, large public events or even within the tourist areas of cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco. There, the simple “privacy codes” of conventional radios can’t cope, forcing frustrated communicators to channel hop while fighting through interference. 

Military (likely) Grades these an “A”

What’s really surprising is that these radios are nearly military grade in their ability to protect privacy. In a way, it’s a shame we didn’t see more of them during the dark, early days of Iraq (they may have been there, but we didn’t “see” them on the newsreels).

Many folks back home noticed that, during the first couple of years of the conflict, service people quickly and quietly adopted civilian walkie talkies for official convoy work and security details, in place of non-existent and non-issued military gear. 

Military commaders became concerned when it was reported that once Soldiers and Marines started sporting FRS Radios on their tunics, many enjoyed them greatly and became noisy chatterboxes, just like us civilians. Radio scanners soon appeared in many AQ hideouts, as the bad guys tracked American convoys and patrols.  These inexpensive TriSquare rigs could have easily met soldiers’ needs for security, as many commanders banned the handy, but insecure, conventional GMRS radios, even if it meant using nothing. 

Today, the military has finally issued its own digital radios. Still, privacy continues to be a serious consideration in the peace time world for many parents, companies, security firms and others. 

No Licence required

Which brings us to another interesting point with these rigs. They require no licence, and the FCC regulations for these channels place no official retrictions on their use, unlike standard GMRS radios. Many folks don’t realize that GMRS radios are limited to family and private, personal use only, and require a $80 licence from the FCC. While many ignore the requirement, it will be a comfort to some, particularly commercial users, that the licence, and its fees, are waived when using these 2-way radios.  

We are really looking forward to working with these rigs in the field soon, and will pass along what we find to our readers.

John Ghysels, 01/22/09

2 Way Radio, CES, Cellphones, Walkie Talkies, gadgets, technology, wireless 2 way radios, Cheap Cellular, commerical radios, eXRS, hunting radios, no licence radio, outdoor radios, Radios, TriSquare, TSX300, Walkie Talkies

One of my *favorite* companies at CES was Freeplay with several innovative humanitarian technology solutions as well as their innovative line of self-powered lanterns, radios, and more.

As part of their Foundation Work, Freeplay is building cheap, self powered devices for remote medicine in developing world and another device to charge One Laptop Project computers.   Below are three such devices – all self powered.    Emergency Radio, One Laptop Per Child Power crank (I’m not clear if this is better than the one built into those devices but I think it’s to be used for OLPC plus other devices), and one of the best innovations at CES 2009 which is an inexpensive fetal heart monitor to be used by nurses and doctors in the field to help lower infant mortality.    Freeplay’s work in this field will help save thousands of lives very cheaply because the lack of such medical data in the field is a key reason for the high mortality rates in the developing world.

CES, CES09, Hi-Tech Health, Medical Devices, Medicine, gadgets, medical technology, technology CES09, freeplay, green tech, power

By John Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

I’ve attended, worked, booked and even produced some good sized industry events in my day. However, I was unprepared for the sheer scale and scope of the CES Las Vegas experience.  Without a doubt the largest vendor exhibition on the planet, the size of CES simply boggles the expectations. This massive five day party stretches out over multiple floors of four large Vegas hotels, easily filling aircraft hanger style spaces with mazes of massive displays, lounges, rooms, hallways, conference rooms, listening rooms, interview spaces, tele-video rooms, demo areas and every other imaginable bit of space needed to demonstrate, communicate and sell ideas.  Each area creates experiences of massive city like regions of booths organized by technology and, in the case of the wholesaler booths, by nation, creating a far more entertaining, gadget soaked version of Epcot. 

Against the over-the-top technology and entertainment focused environment of Las Vegas, the CES Show blends well.  The first class entertainment, industry leadering speakers, innovative breakouts and engaging vendors at CES were far beyond my high expectations. 

Above all, CES is not really about gadgets, but about the development of ideas and the excitement of communicating them. It isn’t just about products which solve problems, but mostly new concepts which seek to improve and enhance life.  Seeing them all, in one gigantic marketplace explosion of innovation and competition, the experience is awe inspiring. 

At CES, each company and entrepreneur, inspired by their vision, seek to inspire each of us. CES is a testament to the strength and power of the imagination to create ideas you can touch, feel and see. 

John Ghysels, 1/14/2009

CES, CES09, blogs, companies, conferences, gadgets bloggers at CES, CES, CES 2009, CES First-timers, CES ideas, CES is it worth it?

CES is best known as the world’s most prestigious showcase for consumer technologies and keynotes by tech luminaries, but CES also hosts hundreds of conference sessions where panelists discuss everything from the video game economy to developing world technology. Last year I found the session about technology innovations in the developing world both fascinating and inspiring.

Here’s a list of the session categories and the links will take you to CES summaries of each of sessions:

• CES Knowledge Tracks
• Digital Hollywood
• Cable Conference at CES
• CES Game Power Conference
• CES Mobile Entertainment
• CES Reinventing Advertising Conference
• Billboard’s Digital Music Live!
• CES Government 2009
• CONNECTIONS™ SUMMIT
• Consumer Electronics Supply Chain Academy
• Flash Memory—The Future of Consumer Products
• Fourth Generation Mobile Forum^®
• IEEE: International Conference on Consumer Electronics (may require separate registration?)
  
• Kids@Play
• P2P Media Summit LV
• Silvers Summit
• The Social Media Jungle at the 2009 CES
• Storage Visions™ 2009
• Understanding Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity for IC Packages

CES, CES09, Science & Technology, conferences, gadgets, technology CES, CES09, CES2009, technology

By John Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

Like barrels of oil, good pairs of long range Walkie Talkies continue their plunge into and even under the $50 dollar range. It’s good to keep an eye out for bargains, even when you are not thinking about outdoors family adventures just yet. 

Motorola T9500XLR

This radio has decent power and the audio to get out. I highly recommend radios with good power like these for the outdoors, rather that weak .5 watt FRS radios, with are better than toys, but frustrating to use in challenging conditions. I found these units larger than many in this class and a bit under powered at only 2 watts max, but OK.

However, it should be noted that this walkie talkie tends to show up in the “remanufactured” sale list quite often. I suspect this as something to do with the audio problems that others have commented on, or it could be something else. If lots of any electronic product gets returned and resold, it usually means something is systemically wrong with either the design or manufacturing process. In any case, buy with caution.

John Ghysels, 12/20/2008

2 Way Radio, Uncategorized, Walkie Talkies, gadgets, search and rescue FRS, Gmrs radios, walkie talkie reviews, Walkie Talkies

By John Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

We’ve already offered plenty of advice on the best Walkie Talkies. More than ever before, consumers have the same power as professional users. However, professional units often cost $300 and up, per unit, while consumer units can now be had for $40 to $80, for a pair.  

The surprising thing about what’s out there for consumers, however, is that the higher prices don’t necessarily buy you extra range or durability.  All the units here are all rated for about “30 miles”, the maximum range you can buy. Here is a quick round up of some of the very best buys: 

Max Power, for about $50, US.

These Midland GXT-720VP3 radios retail for just over $53, USD, at the the time of writing, a significant bargain over more expensive units that offer no more power.  Indeed, the extra features of the pricer models in this line offer only minor enhancements that few users would ever use or appreciate.  However, if you do want something just a little more impressive, you could consider these units:

Camo Fun, for about $60.

The Midland gxt-775vp3’s add a Camoflage finish, with a few extra features that are fun for kids and hunters alike, including “animal” sound calls and a silent vibration mode for calling other radios discretely.  However, if you want something that stands out a little more in the wilderness, and has the impressive Motorola brand name, you could consider the following:

The Motorola 9500XLR is available for about $70 for a pair. It has a bold look and rugged exterior. However, some users have reported quality issues with these units and quite a few are available in the refurbished market.  Still, it is hard to beat Motorola, who manufactures most the radios used by fire and police.  These no non-sense rigs should do the job for most.

If you are a hardcore hobbiest with a bit of technical knowledge, however, you may want to consider the next step up value priced radios: 

Hobbiest Radio, PX777

This Chinese made radio goes for the surprisingly low price of about $62, for a single unit. For those with technical knowledge, this provides the flexibility to operate on Ham Radio and commerical frequencies, as well as GMRS channels. For those with the licenses and knowledge to use them legally, this is a remarkably flexible unit for a very low price. 

Whatever you decide, there is little reason to overbuy in consumer walkie talkies. Go for maximum power and range, and stay with the features you understand. Most people rarely use the high-end features of the most expensive units. $50 now buys some excellent radios that will entertain you and your family for years to come. 

John Ghysels

2 Way Radio, Outdoors, Product Reviews, Safety, Walkie Talkies, gadgets, search and rescue 2 way radios, Family Radios, FRS, GMRS, Walkie Talkies

Cobra LI5600, Small Size 2 way

Tech Advice Column

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

When it comes to Walkie Talkies, many folks get confused by claims of manufacturers about range. It probably would help if someone cleared the air on this, to help out those trying to sort out the ridiculously high claims of range on many Walkie Talkies.  The chart below will simplify things for most folks:

Range Claim         Power             Actual Urban Range      Minimum Range

8-12 Miles           1 watt                  1/2 to 1 Mile             200 Yards

18-20 Miles         2 watts                 1 mile                       500 Yards

27-30 Miles         4 Watts                2 miles                     1000 Yards

Keep in mind that challeging radio environments will quickly cut your range to the minimums seen here, or to something between this and the urban limits. Only lots of height will get you to the maximums claimed by manufacturers.  In any case, I’m told the manufacturers test their radios under decidedly unrealisitic conditions, using facilities in the unobstructed flatlands of Florida equipped with elevated testing platforms.

Discussion on 2 way radio power:

First off, it is important to remember that the maximum legal power for a GMRS walkie talkie is 4 watts. This is a lot of power, considering that most digital cell phones these days operate on about 300 milliwatts or less, most of the time.  However, cell phones use a near invisible network of “cell” sites all around us, on high building corners, hills and mountain tops, so they seldom have to reach up and out farther than a few hundred yards. For a walkie talkie, which has to do things the hard way, without the help of a cell site, you need lots more power. Also, four watts will drain a battery quickly and requires slightly more expensive, larger and heavier internal compentents to handle the extra energy.

Having said this, anyone who has spent time in the field with these things knows that reliable communications is key. Some settings, such as using radios car to car, on urban streets or in heavily forested areas will cut the range of even the most powerful radio from miles to a few hundred yards. ”Line-of-site” is the rule for radios like this, so if you have height, your range will be greatly extended.  With obstructions, signals may be absorbed or reflected away.

The rule of thumb, even for someone just having fun with these radios, is the more power the better.  That’s why I always recommend spending the extra $20 or so and getting something that uses the legal maximum. Those extra watts will help in punching your signal through metal tinted car winows, through wood frame houses and around concrete structures.  In the wilderness, trees and rocks form similar barriers to radio signals, but as a safety device outdoors the radios really need to perform reliably so the max power makes for more peace of mind in tracking kids and hiking partners. You can always dial down the power to conserve battery juice for when you need it.

Thus, unless you really need the 5.5 inch size of the above Cobra LI5600 radio, you may want to go for the increased power of the LI7020, below.

Radios are inexpensive fun for the whole family. When in comes to range however, keep your expectations realistic. Read your instruction manual, keep your settings as simple as possible and go for it in the both real and urban jungles!

John Ghysels, 12/07/2008

2 Way Radio, Outdoors, Walkie Talkies, gadgets, search and rescue Cobra Radios, two way radios, Walkie Talkie Range, Walkie Talkies, Wilderness Radio