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iHome ZN9 tops list of Zune accessories

One of the most punishing strikes against Microsoft's Zune MP3 player is that it's just not fun to shop for. iPod owners can drive themselves into the poorhouse buying up "Made for iPod" speaker docks, video goggles, workout accessories, voice recorders, and at least a few gazillion cases. For Zune owners, I was able to round up six worthy accessories. That's right--six!

The motivation behind this Zune accessory round-up is iHome's latest ZN9 clock radio, which landed on my desk last week and impressed me with its solid design and extensive features. With so … Read more

Gateway rolls out new notebooks; Sony doesn't

The Gateway notebook roll-out is official. Sony's is not. Gateway Computer announced three lines of notebook PCs on Monday with 64-bit Windows, while Circuit City prematurely posted images of upcoming Sony notebooks.

Gateway rolled out three notebooks targeted at students. The P series desktop replacement comes with a 17-inch widescreen, the M series with a 15.4-inch screen, and the T series uses a 14.1-inch screen.

All systems come with 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium and pack 4GB of memory--the minimum for acceptable performance in 64-bit Windows.

(See Gateway goes all 64-bit in back-to-school desktops.)

The 15-inch "… Read more

Home phones get a splash of color

As home phones are continually threatened with extinction, manufacturers have tried to add functions that appear to bring them closer to their mobile counterparts. But perhaps there's a much simpler tactic: paint them in bright colors.

Following a trend that's become commonplace for most mobile handset makers, GE has introduced the "Ultra Slim Cordless Phone" from its Designer Series in candy-apple red, according to SlashGear. (Not exactly our taste, but it could always be worse.)

Other than the shiny finish, the $70 phone has standard functions including a small LCD, caller ID, and a digital answering … Read more

Feed your head: Listening to the world's best headphones

As we all know high-end speakers are really expensive, some cost as much as a nice car. But high-end headphones, even the very best ones are within reach of anybody who loves great sound.

A while back I tested three of the top contenders for Home Entertainment magazine: AKG's K 701, Grado's RS-1, and Sennheiser's HD 650. Each is, in its own way, remarkable. You can read the complete review here.

The AKG K 701 is a very large over-the ear headphone. Its remarkably open sound will be hugely appealing for those of you who use headphones while watching DVDs. I find the K 701 produces a less in your head, more speaker-like sound than the Grado or Sennheiser. As big as they are, the K 701's creamy soft ear pads are so darn comfy it is easy to forget I'm wearing headphones. No wonder some headphone addicts lauded the K 701 as the best there is. The K 701 will continue, but the K 702 will debut in August.… Read more

The Digital Home 21: Can RIM control the cell phone industry?

Don Reisinger sits down with RIM for a discussion on the BlackBerry and what the implications of the company's plans are on the entire cell phone industry. It's a must-see interview! Also listen to Don tackle Gene Simmons, Yahoo, Blockbuster, and more! Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 21 … Read more

iHome clock-dock tries to shrink its footprint

If there's one thing iHome specializes in, it's figuring out how to fit an iPod in any space.

Various docks have done everything from rotate to combine with lamps and speakers to save space wherever possible. And where does one build when real estate is scarce? Up, of course.

The "Spacesaver Alarm Clock" curves backward in a yoga-like position apparently to make as much surface area accessible while maintaining a minimal footprint. It also has LEDs on the sides and adjustable brightness so you can use it as a nightlight.

DVICO's media streaming wootage

All right, we admit it, we're more obsessed with media streamers than is strictly healthy. But can you really blame us? We went for years without any decent way of watching our downloaded video on our lovely TVs and then all of a sudden, the market is awash with great products. The latest of which is the DVICO TViX HD M-6500A, which might not be a cool name, but it is a very cool product.

Don't be fooled by our photo--the TViX is very compact. Smaller than a cat, but larger than a kitten, if that helps. Like … Read more

First look at the T-Mobile @Home service

The news has broke that T-Mobile will be offering a VoIP service called T-Mobile @Home in select cities nationwide. However, yours truly had a chance to get some hands-on time with the specially built T-Mobile HotSpot @Home HiPort wireless Linksys router made especially for this service. T-Mobile also sent me an optional VTech cordless phone so I can test it out.

Setting up the router is the same procedure as setting up any other router, save for one difference: You need to install a SIM card. T-Mobile provided me with one, which I then snapped into place in the back … Read more

T-Mobile's home phone service goes nationwide

T-Mobile USA plans to announce Wednesday that its new @Home voice service will be available nationwide starting July 2.

The cell phone operator has been testing the new Internet telephony service since February in Dallas and Seattle. And now the new service, which is meant to replace traditional home phones, will be offered to any T-Mobile cell phone customer.

Subscribers will be able to connect any regular home telephone to a T-Mobile router that will send calls over the Internet much the same way as services like Vonage operate. The service costs $10 a month plus taxes and fees for … Read more