Wednesday 13 Jun 2007 - 09:56
Summer is finally on the way to Japan and the products are designed to match. This month Sanyo's Xacti video camera has gone waterproof -- perfect for those days on the beach or even snorkelling -- and Casio has packed a high-res digital still camera function into its new cell phone -- great for when you're wearing light clothes and don't have a million pockets for gadgets.
We're also seeing a fair amount of innovation in the computing arena. Toshiba impressed with its lightweight Dynabook and Fujitsu rolled out a pocket-size -- jacket pocket, that is -- ultraportable PC. If you hadn't heard: small PCs are in. Look for small, pocket-size models like Fujitsu's machine coming out in the next few months.
Toshiba Dynabook SS RX1
It may not look very special at first glance, but pick up the Dynabook SS RX1 (called the Portege R500 in some markets) and you'll immediately realize why it's one of the coolest things this month. This 12.1-inch screen laptop weighs just 768 grams in its lightest configuration -- more than 100 grams lighter than Sony's Vaio G laptop. At the computer's heart lies a 1.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a notable feature, on some overseas models only, is 802.11n Wi-Fi. Toshiba has put a lot of work into smart design so that it's thin and light. The laptop has also shed a few grams thanks to the use of a 64GB solid-state disk (SSD) in place of a conventional hard-disk drive. Prices begin at ¥225,000 (£940) in Japan.
SK Telecom Cell Phone Fish Detector
South Korea's SK Telecom has come up with an unlikely addition for its mobile phones: an add-on device that promises to help anglers tackle their battle with the fishes. A waterproof transmitter is attached to the end of a fishing line and sends out ultrasonic pulses to gauge the density of fish in the surrounding water. This information is sent back to a receiver plugged into a cell phone and software on the handset displays this information along with additional data, such as water temperature. The transmitter and receiver cost around US$100 and the software can be downloaded to the phone for about $5. It won't be available overseas.
Sanyo Waterproof Xacti
Just in time for the Japanese summer Sanyo has launched a waterproof version of its Xacti digital video camera. The DMX-CA65 can be fully submerged to a depth of 1.5-metres and still keep on recording. That's significantly better than a model launched last year that was able to withstand splashes of water but not a dunking.
The new Xacti retains the distinctive design of the series and packs a six-megapixel image sensor. It records images and video (MPEG4 AVC/H.264) only onto an SD memory card. Recording time varies on the mode and capacity of the card being used. In the case of a 4GB card it's between 2 hours and 45 minutes and 64 hours and 53 minutes. The camera will be available in Japan from June 15 and will cost about ¥60,000 (US$493). Plans for overseas sales were not immediately available.
Casio Exilim Phone
As cell phones get more complex, their makers are increasingly using brand names from other products to emphasize the phone's capabilities. For example, there are Walkman phones from Sony Ericsson, Aquos TV phones from Sharp and on the market this month is a new model of Exilim camera phone from Casio.
The Exilim W53CA features a 5.1-megapixel camera with auto focus and shake reduction, 28mm wide angle lens, a 2.8 inch screen. These features are meant to make it a real double-duty handset, just as good for taking pictures as a regular digital still camera. It's on sale in Japan only through KDDI. Prices will differ based on contract length.
Fujitsu Ultra Portable PC
The FMV-U8240 machine is available in three versions, all based on the Intel "Stealey" microprocessor running at 800MHz and with a 20GB hard-disk drive. First impressions are of a small, lightweight machine that should be able to handle most demands of its target users but which is missing a few features, such as Bluetooth or a second shift key, that might cause a hassle for some. The computer will launch worldwide from July and costs ¥144,000 (US$1,197) for the base version in Japan.
LG Prada phone with TV
LG Electronics has added digital TV reception to its stylish Prada handset on models being sold in South Korea. The phone, which went on sale earlier this year in Europe, immediately drew comparisons to Apple's iPhone because it too has a touchscreen display that takes up most of the front panel. The higher spec version for LG's domestic market provides some indication that while design may help selling products, without the increasingly popular TV function consumers could give the handset a cool response. Prices depend on operator discounts.
Martyn Williams
Keep up-to-date with the latest creative news -- click here follow @digital_arts on Twitter.
Question of the day!
Do you share your creations online?
% of Digital Arts readers agree with you
What do you create and how do you share it?
Follow the conversation at @TabletChat
paintings & illustrations, mostly, which i upload to flickr.RT @fragmentedm
I draw manga/anime characters. I also do graphic design and photography.RT @spialelo
Yes. I usually put them up on my #deviantart account for feedback on how to improve.RT @spialelo
Submit to:
Question of the day!
Neil Bennett
Editor
Do you share your creations online?