By Terry Currier
The 2007 International CES®, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow. This global event featured 2700 exhibitors, 140,000 attendees and 1.7 million net square feet of space. Exhibits at three major venues: the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Sands/Venetian and the Hilton hotel. www.CESweb.org
Consumer Electronic Show 2007- Report #1 - Companies A - C
Consumer Electronic Show 2007- Report #3 - Companies M - R
Consumer Electronic Show 2007- Report #4 - Companies S- Z
Dash Navigation www.dash.net
An Internet-connected GPS device to help the consumer:
DeLorme www.delorme.com
DeLorme XMap software is expanding the GIS market through its
advanced capabilities, affordable pricing, and ease of use. The company's
Earthmate® receivers pioneered the concept of GPS for laptop PCs and PDAs. Showing
was the Earthmate GPS PN-20 handheld receiver and OEM GPS modules.
Digital Innovations www.digitalinnovations.com
The CleanDR Power Adapter Docking Station recharges up to 4 mobile electronic
devices in one cradle. Holds Cellphones, PDAs, MP3 players & portable game
systems; hides cable clutter (MSRP $29.99). The CleanDR line
also includes the CleanDR Cable Caddy™ (MSRP $7.99), a rubberized desktop cable
organizer with five teeth-like grips that hold cables in place to prevent them
from falling behind the desk when disconnected; CleanDR® Advanced Cord
Concealer (MSRP $14.99), plastic
tubing that can be cut to size, folded over cables, attached to the wall or
floor, and painted to match the room decor; CleanDR® Fast Wraps (MSRP $5.99), a
labeled hook-and-loop cord management system; and CleanDR® Ratchet Rings (MSRP $9.99), locking rings that
quickly and securely eliminate cable tangle.
Their SkipDR AutoMax™ (MSRP $39.99), repairs disc scratches
in 60 seconds. Just spray the ailing disc with the resurfacing fluid included
in the package, slip it into the slot toaster-style, and the motorized radial
wheel will automatically remove a microscopic layer of plastic on the playside
while leaving the contents intact. It works with DVDs and HD-DVDs as well as
CDs, photo discs and game discs, and it turns on, loads, spins, repairs, ejects
and shuts off automatically. A manual, hand-cranked model called the SkipDR
Advanced (MSRP $29.99) uses the same technology to repair scratches without the
automated features.
D-Link www.dlink.com
SECURESPOT internet security device is designed to prevent unwanted content
from invading home and small business computer networks while helping parents
control their children’s Internet access. It provides robust business-level
threat protection for up to four computers, and installs externally between the
user’s broadband modem and router. Using the built-in Web-based Control Center, moms and dads can customize each
child’s computer content to assign access times, block keywords and websites,
filter known and unknown email senders and use the event logs to track
suspicious activity. Available now the manufacturer’s suggested retail price
(MSRP) is $100, which includes one-year licenses for up to four computers. After
the first year, licensing for up to four computers will cost $79.99 per year. Additional
annual user licenses can be purchased for $19.99 each. Features:
They also showed its V-CLICK dual-mode phones that allow users to switch between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the click of a button. Features tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900 Mhz) and 802.11 Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz) access. The V-CLICK button activates or deactivates the Wi-Fi connection, allowing users to access websites or an Internet phone service, and reduced communication costs, faster transfer speeds and increased productivity.
Eleksen www.eleksen.com
I remember at a past CES show them showing flexible keyboards and some of the
things they could do with it. This year they really out did themselves with
flexible apparel. They had jackets which you could put you iPod in and control
it without touching it. The controls were built within the jacket itself. The
coolest thing tough had to be the notebook bag. It had a small 2.46-inch Active
TFT LCD screen called the Wearable Display Module with 1GB of storage for data
files, and a fabric touchpad allowing the bag owner to control what's displayed
on the screen, or interact with their laptop. Made to work with Microsoft Vista
it would tell the owner they have email, and display it – without even opening
the bag.
eSnips www.esnips.com
A one-stop sharing and social media site that represents numerous
aspects of you, your interests and passions. You can publish and share any
media type on all the topics you care about with others. From a single account,
you can share things such as your thoughts, stories, artwork, photos, music,
kids videos, flash files, presentations with business colleagues, party or
vacation photos with friends, web research and tidbits you find on the web and
more. Once you create different folders for each of your passions and
interests, you decide what files to put in each folder, and you control who is
allowed to view each folder – just you, a select group, or the world. Users get
1 GB of free storage space to get set up and started.
Fujitsu www.fujitsu.com/us/services/biometrics/palm-vein
Providing a highly reliable biometric authentication system, PalmSecure™
features industry-leading authentication accuracy with extremely low false
rates, and the non-intrusive and contactless reader device provides ease of use
with virtually no physiological restriction for all users. 
Hitachi www.hitachi.com
Don’t have enough storage space on you hard drive? Well maybe you should look
at the Deskstar 7K1000 drive. Hitachi was first to announce details about a 1 TB
hard drive, which the company said will ship during the first quarter of this
year, but will be available "in limited numbers" in retail stores
($399) within the first quarter. The company was also showing its new plasma
TV, the P50H401 ($2,500).
Honest Technology www.honestech.com
Introduced its Honestech VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe software program. It lets users easily
create and archive any DVD/CD movie from a camcorder, VCR, or DVD player. New
features include the ability to convert cassette tapes and LP records to MP3
files and audio CDs, and formatting that allows users to watch videos on new
devices, such as an iPod, PSP and more. The Easy Wizard Mode helps anyone can
transfer videotape to DVD with just a few clicks, using step-by-step pictorial
instructions that guide the user through the process. Advanced scene editing
tools allow users to record movies, delete commercials or unwanted scenes, and
easily add special effects, titles and chapter points.
The plug-and-play USB MY-VIDBOX allows users to capture both audio and video
through USB 2.0. The USB MY-VIDBOX supports S-Video and composite video inputs.
With the S-Video input, you can capture the best video quality from sources
with S-Video outputs.
HP www.hp.com
Light enough to take anywhere the HP Pavilion tx1000us has a touchscreen that
twists 180° for presentations, DVD playback while traveling, and folds flat to
capture hand-written notes and drawings. With integrated WiFi and webcam,
face-to-face communication is possible anywhere hotspots are available. An
integrated fingerprint reader provides extra security and convenience. This 4.2
lb light notebook PC delivers the same screen resolution and performance as a
15.4” system, but weighs over 2 lbs less. Features include:
Their recently acquired VoodooPC makes personalized,
high-performance PCs introduced the
Voodoo ENVY HW:201 Notebook PC. Featuring two NVIDIA GeForce Go 7950 GTX GPUs
running in NVIDIA SLI mode and powered by AMD Turion™ 64 X2 dual-core mobile
technology, it also features the biggest notebook display on the market today –
a 20.1” high-resolution screen. Consumers can additionally select a choice of a
single graphics card or two in NVIDIA SLI mode for the ultimate in gaming
performance and image quality. For the hardcore PC gamer, this means the BIG
screen provides dual graphic cinema quality with blistering fast response times
that are sure to turn heads. Customers may also choose RAID 0 for the ultimate
transfer rates and application load times. www.voodoopc.com.
i2 electronics www.i2electronics.com
Consumer electronic Anti-Theft Security and Protection Products. Consists of
Anti-Theft iPod and Laptop Security Devices known as the iLOCKr series(for
iPods) and the LAPLOCKr series(for laptops/notebooks). Both products are
constructed of lightweight aircraft aluminum and allow users to secure their
iPod or laptop without fear of loss or theft. The iWRAPr, an accessory product
to the iLOCKr, is the invisible shrink-wrap full body iPod protector. The
iWRAPr, used with or without the iLOCKr, helps maintain that "new",
"off-the-shelf" look of your iPod.
IntelliTouch www.intellitouch.com
Announced “Eos,” the world’s first digital wireless “whole home audio”
speaker system for iPod. Using WiFi friendly technology, the Eos system links
up to four stereo remote wireless speakers, establishing interference-free CD
sound quality (48Khz). The GigaWave®
technology employs error correction and a unique frequency hopping scheme for a
range of up to 150 feet (50 meters) through walls and ceilings in both indoor
and outdoor environments.
It features two high performance stereo drivers and a ported
sub-woofer. The system features the added benefit of SRS Wow® sound enhancement
technology. Other wireless accessories include a
weatherproof wireless outdoor amplifier, which features two audio zones with
separate volume controls. The core system has a $299 MSRP.
IOGEAR www.iogear.com
The Wireless Digital Scribe will capture natural handwriting from any surface,
and store it directly onto your computer. Based on a revolutionary digital pen
that uses ordinary ink refill and writes on any paper, it stores handwritten
notes, memos or drawings onto your computer screen for easy editing right away
or save it for a later time. With its internal memory up to 500 pages can be
stored, to later be transferred to a computer. Cost will be $100.
With the IOGEAR Personal Security Mouse you can safeguard your data even while
you are away from your computer. It comes with a built-in biometric fingerprint
scanner with authentication technology. The 800 dpi optical technology provides
optimal functionality. The biometric fingerprint scanner has over 99% accuracy
rate, and eliminates a need for password lists. The security features include
File/Folder encryption, website auto/secure login, and drive encryption for
enhanced data security.
iolo technologies www.iolo.com
Releasing version 7.0 of System
Mechanic®. It secures, optimizes, repairs, and maintains Windows-based PCs to
keep them running fast, safe, and free of problems. System Mechanic
Professional is a suite of products that includes System Mechanic plus four
other built-in programs, providing a complete solution to Internet security and
PC maintenance. Both System Mechanic 7 and System Mechanic 7 Professional are
compatible with the new Windows® Vista® operating system.Some problems that
commonly arise from regular computer and Internet usage include:
Iomega www.iomega.com
New Windows-based network hard drives in half-terabyte, terabyte and multi-terabyte
configurations that feature hot-swappable drives and RAID technology. Also new
is a desktop-form factor Linux-based network hard drives in several capacities
(up to a terabyte) with RAID technology and print server capability allowing
home users and small businesses to manage up to four printers on the network.
Kingston Technology www.kingston.com
Launching a special microSD card with two adapter bundle to maximize
compatibility and interoperability of microSD Flash memory cards among multiple
device platforms. Given the myriad of Flash memory formats available to digital
device manufacturers and the gain in popularity of the tiny microSD form factor
with sleeker multifunction mobile phones, the new dual adapter pack is the
first of its kind to offer increased flexibility for using microSD cards at a
cost savings to consumers. Priced at $40 (MSRP U.S.) and is backed by a lifetime
warranty for the 1 GB microSD card and 24/7 technical support.
They also introduced the Kingston® DataTraveler® Mini
with Migo®. It uses the powerful Migo Software, Inc. technology to give
consumers the ability to seamlessly transform any PC into their personalized
workspace. It supports e-mail clients Microsoft Outlook Express® 5.0 and above,
plus Mozilla Thunderbird® 1.5.0.5 and above. Microsoft Internet Explorer
settings, favorites, cookies and history can be captured and stored on the
drive. Once re-connected with any previously synchronized computer, it
automatically synchronizes and updates where necessary. Browser support
includes Microsoft Internet Explorer® version 5.0 and above, plus Mozilla
Firefox® 1.5 and above.
LaCie www.lacie.com
They are the first to ship worldwide a professional external Blu-ray burning
solution for Mac OS® and Windows® called the LaCie d2 Blu-ray Drive. The drive records,
rewrites and reads 25GB or 50GB BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (rewritable), as
well as DVD±RW DL and CD±RW. They come fully equipped with Roxio burning
software and dual FireWire/USB interfaces. The external solution is housed in
LaCie’s trusted and durable d2 case made of sturdy aluminum alloy. Available at
the suggested retail price of $1149. In addition to Roxio burning software,
drives ship with CinePlayer 3.4 for HD playback on Windows.
Also unveiled was the quadruple-interface d2 Quadra Hard Drive with new LaCie Shortcut
Button and included EMC® backup software for Windows/Mac OS. Equipped with
eSATA, FireWire 800/400 and USB 2.0 interfaces, as well as a new utility that
allows users to back up files or launch any application by pushing the front
blue button. The 500GB capacity is available today, with other capacities
planned for spring.
LaserShield Systems
www.lasershield.net
Manufacturers’ of the first plug-and-go security system featuring an
alarm plus 24/7 professional monitoring. The system is ideal for homes,
apartments, dorm rooms, storage facilities and all types of offices.
LaserShield provides proven, affordable and accessible protection against home
invasion, burglary and kidnapping. The system is as easy to setup as a cordless
phone; it arms and disarms at the push of a button. Customers can activate the
monitoring service on the day of purchase and pay month-to-month with no
long-term contracts or commitments.
Each wireless motion detector protects rooms of up to 35 X 35 feet (or 1,200
square feet) using invisible infrared technology fanning across the room just
as a headlight covers the road ahead of a car. When a security breach is
detected, the wireless motion detector sends a message to the master alarm unit
through walls and distances of up to 150 feet. The base unit then dials the
monitoring service using an 800 number. The monitoring service notifies the
owner by phone immediately, and then the authorities, if warranted, along with
friends, family and neighbors specified by the owner. The complete $199.95 starter system contains a master alarm unit, a wireless
detection unit, two keychain remotes and five window decals. 24/7 Professional
Monitoring Service – Rapid Response Monitoring Service costs $19.95 each month
with a one-time $25 activation charge. 
Lexar www.lexar.com
Introducing JumpDrive 360 a innovative “capless” drive encased in a rotating
metal jacket, available in 1GB and 2GB capacities. In addition, it has
announced that its JumpDrive Secure II and JumpDrive FireFly flash drives will
be available in an 8GB capacity. All Lexar JumpDrive products will be
compatible with Windows® Vista™, and all the company’s speed-rated drives will
be enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost™.. Lexar is also bundling the company’s
Secure II software with JumpDrive 360, which features 256-bit AES Encryption to
secure folders. Also announced was their Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC™)
flash memory cards will be available next month in 4GB capacity, and later this
year in 8GB capacity.
LG Electronics www.lgusa.com
With four new portable navigation devices (PND) leading the way, LG announced
at CES 2007 that it will steer its way into the rapidly expanding North
American portable automotive GPS market. PND line-up features touch-screen LCDs
ranging in size from 3.5 to 4.3 inches, turn-by-turn voice guidance, super-slim
cases for enhanced portability, and millions of points of interest, providing
consumers with easy-to-use, precise navigation. In addition, some models also
deliver text-to-speech voice guidance, provide access to real-time traffic
services using RDS-TMC broadcast technology as well as deliver convenient voice
communication with mobile telephones via Bluetooth. LG LN790 – This
top-of-the-line unit incorporates a 4.3-inch LCD screen that allows consumers
to easily read menus and available options. Traffic information is available in
many cities via the supplied RDS-TMC antenna.
Other available features include music, photo and video playback,
Bluetooth headset and data transfer profiles. It has a battery life of up to
four hours and supplied car and home chargers. Available in the second quarter
of 2007. Although the suggested retail prices are not yet announced, they are
expected to range between $350 and $800.
LG’s 2007 LCD line includes five main series of LCD products
offering a range of sizes from 20- to 57-inches. The LC7 Series offers
consumers the widest range of sizes from 26- to 47-inches (the 47-inch unit is
Full HD 1080p), and includes LG Simple Link, enhanced contrast ratio of 5,000:1
and advanced TruWide Viewing Angle technology.
Blending the latest technologies and offering flexibility to
consumers seeking the convenience of playing both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD
high-definition content, LG
Electronics (LG), launched the “Super Multi Blue”
Player. The LG model BH100, will be the first player on the market with the
capability to play both next-generation disc formats, addressing the challenge
of the current format war. The player upconverts standard DVDs to 1080i
resolution, providing compatibility with consumers’ existing movie libraries
while improving the picture quality of those discs, too. Available to U.S. consumers
during the first quarter of 2007, is expected to sell for about U.S. $1,199.
LG.Philips www.lgphilips-lcd.com
If you like small easy to carry video projectors then you’ll be
impressed with their Ultra Mobil Projector the HS101 and it uses LEDs to
provide illumination as these don't get as hot as a normal bulb would. They say
it has extended color expression to 114% so they will look even better. No lamp
replacement, the LED lamps will last for 20,000 hours. It will have instant
ON/OFF so you won’t have to worry about it being powered off too soon. SVGA
resolution images, with a contrast ratio of 1000:1, but the kicker is it only
has a lumens of 100.
Logitech www.logitech.com
Among many other product release Logitech launched many peripherals designed to
work with windows Vista. These include
products such as the Logitech® Cordless Desktop® MX™ 3200 Laser, makes it easy
to access advanced Windows Vista navigation features such as Dynamic Search and
Flip 3D. Enjoy ultra-precise navigation with the high-resolution laser mouse,
and scroll and zoom easily with the keyboard’s touch-sensitive Search and Zoom
slider.
The QuickCam® Ultra Vision™ webcam, which complements the design elements of
the new Windows Vista Aero graphical user interface. Featuring five extra-large
lenses that provide sharp and clear video, a true 1.3 megapixel sensor,
Logitech® RightLight™ Technology and Logitech® RightSound™ Technology. For
Windows Vista, the new webcam software (version 10.5) will offer a tab
populated with gadgets such as QuickVideo (record videos), QuickPicture (take a
picture), QuickView (image preview) and Motion Detector.The Logitech® X-240 speaker system for the PC features a redesigned control
center that includes audio controls for a PC or Mac and serves as a
cradle for an iPod® or other MP3 player, PDA or mobile phone. The cradle, which
stows away when not in use, makes it easier for people to charge, sync and play
their portable device with their PC. It has a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $50.
Membership in WINNERS is $20 annually for individuals with $5 for each additional family member. The newsletter is emailed to the members in PDF format.
 |
Winners is a member of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG) is an international, platform-independent, nonprofit corporation (incorporated in Washington, DC) devoted to helping user groups throughout the world. Almost 400 user groups are members of APCUG. http://www.apcug.net/ |