Archive for December, 2008
19th December 2008
You know, I’ve been looking long and hard what accessory I need for my digital camera. I thought of a slicker bag which offered more “space-age” protection OR a tripod (which I also needed just in case I’d need a steadier shot). I’ve been choosing which to get first as there isn’t enough money-for-gadgets laying around… good thing I discovered one that puts both my needs together.
The Wrap-Up Tripod combines both functions, a case and a tripod all in one simple to use form. One, you get an easy-to-open case using velcro, and two, you can attach the case to the bottom of your digital camera and THAT gives it the tripod function. Cool eh? Now you don’t have to do about 5 steps to get you and your camera that perfect shot. Just unlock the velcro, flip the tripod stands down under and set that timer up baby! 
The Wrap-Up Tripod is crafted in stretchy neoprene with a quick-release Velcro closure. Good quality, may I add for just a few bucks.
So far, I’ve only seen it available in a UK online site, right here. Sells for about plus shipping and tax.
19th December 2008
It’s the holiday season once again, and one tradition I cherish is gift giving (especially for one like me who has kids). Since my kids are just preschool-aged, though, most of our purchases are toys. But I know that a lot of folks are thinking of giving their loved ones gadgets this Christmas. An iPhone? Netbooks? Game consoles? You name it–retailers are facing the rush!
Now many of these gadgets surely need battery juice to power up. That’s why Gadzooki is raffling off five packs of Energizer Advanced Lithium batteries (4 cells each pack).
Most gadgets today would have their own battery packs, but a lot would still need the regular cells like the AA batteries we’re raffling off. Thinking of the gadgets I own, I would find the Energizer cells useful for my Canon 430EX speedlite (flash), my Canon point & shoot digicam, my television remote controls, and a host of others, not to mention the toys the kids will get this Christmas.
So if you want a chance to win the Gadzooki gift pack, leave a comment below, answering the question:
What gadget (or gadgets) will you be giving to your loved ones this Christmas?
We’ll select one at random by 11:59 p.m. December 21st, and ship the five packs of Energizer Advanced Lithium cells for free. Only one comment per participant, please! And don’t forget to include your email address in the email field so we can contact you if you win!
19th December 2008
Looking to give consumers the most flexibility with their purchases of the Windows PC version of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment are pleased to announce the inclusion of an innovative “Try Before You Buy” system for their upcoming RPG game.
Using this innovative new feature, downloaded or purchased copies of the full game can be shared with friends and family, with these shared copies acting as full-featured demos for the duration of one calendar day. During the demo period the game is completely unlocked for single-player and LAN multiplayer modes.
After the demo install expires the consumer has the option of purchasing the full game online, or simply uninstalling it. This, for example, allows consumers who purchased the full game in stores or via digital distribution channels, to share their game with friends, with those subsequent installs acting as time-limited “try before you buy” versions that allow gamers to enjoy almost all features found in the full game.
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an Action-RPG with a rich story that takes place in a giant, open-ended and seamless world. This world contains hundreds of dungeons, treacherous opponents and a variety of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, steadily adapting in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge players in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides numerous unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world. A deep reward system further enables advancements in character, individual attributes and character-specific fighting styles, each designed to keep players returning to the world of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel to discover what is around the next bend.
Drop-in styled cooperative multiplayer gameplay ensures players will enjoy the game alone or seamlessly with friends at any time. Five unique multiplayer modes round out the experience and offer a refreshing, first-class gaming experience in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.
19th December 2008
This is what’s changing for the European version of this almighty supercar:
Engine power increase – up to 485PS (+5PS)
Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres confirmed as standard fit
‘Storm White’ (Pearl) replaces original pearl white exterior colour
Gun Metal RAYS Alloy wheels now fitted to GT-R and Premium editions
Black RAYS alloy wheels for Black Edition
Price now increased for all new orders (from 8 December 2008)
As production of the European specification Nissan GT-R begins in its Tochigi plant in Japan this month, a raft of small but significant changes have been made to the car as part of its kaizen – continuous improvement – philosophy.
The GT-R’s hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm. Additionally, Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres will be fitted as standard.
The tyre was developed specifically for the GT-R and it combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its ‘time-attack’ lap of the Nurburgring, which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds. And, just to improve the ride performance even further a modification has been carried out to the suspension spring rate settings.
Another update sees the introduction of the Gun Metal grey coloured Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new pearl white called ‘Storm’ as an exterior colour – an eye-catching, deep white replacing the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade.
For customers ordering now, the price of the GT-R will start from £56,795 on the road with an increase of £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395). This represents an increase of 3.8 percent.
Deliveries of the GT-R will begin in April through a network of Nissan High Performance Centres, where customers will have contact with highly-trained staff who share their enthusiasm for the GT-R’s unique blend of accessible performance, striking design and state-of-the-art technology.
To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010. Unfortunately, it really does sound like this car is going to be in extremely short supply for the foreseeable future but when even the engine is hand-built you know that each one is special indeed.
19th December 2008
Woke up today to a Walmart ad about tens of thousands of Wii consoles available for US9. Take note that those are only basic console sets (console and a controller)… should it come with an extra controllers, games and other bundled items… the price becomes US9. While I’m not totally a Wii fanboy, I’d say this deal comes perfectly during the holidays. I’m sure parents will take note of this and line up for one. I do hope PlayStation 3, the Xbox and some other stuff follows suit.
I’ve always looked for deals around this time of the year. Walking around BestBuy, Target & Game Stop, I always see product bundles top shelf. The key is to check the papers, cut the coupons, surf the internet… generally be keen at following through where the discounts are. While it IS a job in itself, you’d be thankful your wallet at least remains a little “fatter” after the holidays.
“We’re thrilled to be able to provide more customers the opportunity to experience and enjoy the Nintendo Wii this Christmas,” said Kelly Thompson, Walmart.com chief merchant. “Based on the success we’ve seen with Wii Fit and Nintendo Wii, customers recognize that Walmart.com is the online destination for the strongest values and best selection in video games this season.”
As usual, these offers are only available while supplies last, and given how popular the Wii and Walmart both are, we’d expect these supplies to go pretty quickly. If you’re looking to get a Wii for your loved ones this holiday season, give it a try.