** Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air, www.bowers-wilkins.com

** Breville Personal Pie Maker, www.breville.ca

** Seagate GoFlex Satellite (iDevice HD), www.seagate.com

** Toshiba 3D laptop, www.toshiba.ca

** Olympus PEN3 Camera, www.olympuscanada.com

** Adobe Photoshop Elements 10/Premiere 10, www.adobe.com/ca

** NetSecure SmartSwipe USB Credit Card swiper, www.smartswipe.ca

** Calibur 11 Vault (for Xbox 360), www.calibur11.com

** Apple iMac 27″ 3.1Ghz, www.apple.ca

Follow Akash on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AkashSablok

http://www.omnibc.ca/
** Swatch Love Collection, http://www.swatch.com/

** HP Mini 210, 1GB Ram, Win7, 250GB, http://www.hp.ca/

** http://www.thinkgeek.com/  Magic-Pro, Pro-Mini BT Keyboard

** 4Moms mamaRoo, http://www.4moms.com/

** HeatTrak Heated Mat, http://www.heattrak.com/

** Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100 Portable USB Scanner, http://www.fujitsu.ca/

** Pogo Sketch iPad pen, http://www.tenonedesign.com/

** Apple iPad Keyboard Dock, http://www.apple.ca/

** Digital Hour Phosphor watch, http://www.phosphorwatches.com/

** Stanley Tools Distance Estimator (77-018), http://www.stanleyworks.com/
(c) Rogers Broadcasting Ltd.
(used with permission)

Follow Akash on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/akashsablok

Segments posted here soon.

For more information about the iPad 2, visit:

Follow Akash on Twitter:

“>
** MSi X340 Slim Notebook, Win7, www.msi.com

** Microsoft Live www.microsoft.ca

** Microsoft LifeCam Cinema, www.microsoft.ca

** Flip Mino HD (chrome) (HDMI cable), www.theflip.com

** SpinMaster Air Hogs Switchblade, www.spinmaster.com

** Yada Speakerphone YD-V22 www.letsyada.com

** Microsoft Bluetooth Portable Keyboard 6000, www.microsoft.ca

** Duracell GoMobile Charger, www.duracell.com

** Logitech G27 Racing Wheel, www.logitech.com

** Sharper Image Fog-Free (Music) Mirror, www.siproducts.ca

** iHome IP1C, www.ihomeaudio.com

** Epson Perfection V500 Colour Scanner with ADF, www.epson.ca

 
(c) Rogers Communications Inc.
(used with permission)

Follow Akash on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AkashSablok

 ** Holeys, www.holeys.com

Getaway Beach Bag $50: Heavy weight cotton canvas with Holeys SmartCel foam accents and mesh pockets to keep your wet items separated. Designed by women for women.

Outer mesh pouch for wet swimsuit  / Side mesh pocket for water bottle  / Water-resistant ‘shoeprint’ bottom  / Adjustable shoulder strap  / Easy access zipped organizer compartment for:  Lotions, Cell Phone, Sunglasses, MP3 Player, Wallet, Pens (better than the “shoe locker”)

Critter Cap $15: Protects child from harmful UV rays on the neck and ears. The SmartCel™ foam peak keeps the sun out of the eyes and off much of the face.  It floats!

Available in two sizes: small (54cm) and medium (57cm)

XP2 Shoes $25: Sole-tek thermo rubber sole, which provides better slip resistance in wet environments and increased durability to prolong the lifespan of the shoe.

- SmartCel: Holeys’ unique formula memory foam which provides more comfort, improved support and resiliency

Quick drying foam is odour resistant and does not support bacterial growth / Built in arch & tarsal support / Massaging footbed / Secure heelstrap or flip forward for easy slip on

** ScottEVest Jacket/Vest, www.scottevest.com  $120

High style clothing, yet very functional.  Jacket/vest has over 18 pockets.  Store your camera, mp3 player, pens, cell phone, and even a magazine and book.

Clothing does not look bulky, is comfortable to wear, weather-resistant (Teflon coated) and is machine washable. Also available in vests, jackets, t-shirts, and pants.

** Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100, www.duracellpower.com  USD$99 – $149

Duracell’s Powersource Mobile 100 is ideal for those who frequently travel. If your laptop battery runs low or you need more play time with your MP3 player, portable gaming console or DVD player, just connect your device into the AC outlet and keep going. It can power your equipment directly, or simply recharge the batteries. The two USB ports will keep your BlackBerry, iPaq, Palm, or iPod devices charged and ready to go when you need them the most. Additionally, you can plug the unit in and recharge multiple devices indefinitely. The battery can provide up to 2 additional hours of runtime for a laptop, 12 hours of playtime for a PlayStation Portable, and 44 additional hours of music for an iPod. BlackBerry devices get 34 more days of standby, while standard mobile phones gain 12 additional days. The Powersource Mobile 100 not only frees you from carrying extra cords and batteries, but it saves you money as well as space in your bags.

(all figures from Duracell)

** elgato turbo.264HD (converter) for Mac, www.elgato.com  $160

Converts video files to a format that can be played on an iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV, used on a computer, and shared on the web”. 

Automatically detects AVCHD camcorders that are connected to the Mac and offers “preview” and “trim” functionality.

** Apple 17” MacBook Pro, $2,999, iWork ’09, iLife ‘09, www.apple.ca  $89

320GB HD, 4GB Ram, 2.66 Mhz processor, 8x super drive, glass touch pad, 8-hour battery

© Rogers Broadcasting Limited

(used with permission)

Large clock display, plays thousand of internet stations, USB port for mp3, streams music from your network, FM radio.  Set any as your alarm. Comes with a remote.

** Bissell Versus Vac, www.bissell.com  $99

V shape directs large debris into center suction path while suctioning fine particles along the arms. Great for bare floors and low pile area rugs. 12 amps of power, bagless. Edge to edge cleaning.

** Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard, www.logitech.com  $199

Palm-sized mini-keyboard with backlighting: Fits in your hand. Backlighting makes text entry effortless, even in low light.

Integrated, dual-purpose ClickPad: Use as a touch pad to point and click – or as a directional pad to navigate menus and make selections. Rechargable.  Works with Windows XP, Vista and even the Sony PS3.

** Milwaukee M-Spector Camera, www.milwaukee.com  $299

2x Digital Zoom, White LED with 3 Levels of brightness, Kit includes charger and a 12v Lithium Ion battery

12v Lithium Ion Battery provides up to FIFTEEN hours of run time / 38″ Extension gooseneck

** Honeywell Prestige Wireless Digital Thermostat, www.honeywell.com  $300

World’s first high-definition, full-color thermostat, Patented, interview-based programming and installer set-up

RedLINK-enabled to work with the Portable Comfort Control and Wireless Outdoor Sensor

Displays outdoor temperature and humidity, Wireless humidity control with TrueSTEAM™

User Friendly – consumer rated up to 10 times easier to use than other thermostats

Tri-Lingual – English, Spanish and French installation and display options

Delivers up to 9 hours of crystal clear talk time with Motorola CrystalTalk technology. It also has a built-in music player that can play up to 2 GB of stored music.

RENEW is the world’s first mobile phone made using plastics comprised of recycled five-gallon water bottles and the first mobile phone made using 25 per cent post-consumer plastics.

100 per cent recyclable housing / Packaging for the RENEW has been reduced by 22 per cent, in-box materials are printed on 100 per cent post-consumer recycled paper using vegetable inks, and the reduced weight of the packaging helps reduce transportation emissions

** Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500, www.fujitsu.ca   $499

Scanning speed @ 300 dpi (ideal for OCR scanning), supports paper sizes from Business card to Legal size (via carrier sheet), Document feeder can handle 50 pages.  Included software: ScanSnap Manager, ScanSnap Organizer, FFU CardMinder, and a full version of Adobe Acrobat 9.0 Standard

Output File Format: PDF / Searchable PDF / JPEG / Microsoft Word / Microsoft Excel

Automatic Blank Page Detection, Automatic Colour Detection, Automatic Image Deskew, Automatic Page Orientation  

Highlighter Pen Cropping

** iHome iH9 Alarm Clock/Dock/Internet Radio, www.ihomeaudio.com  $99

Remote that controls both the unit and iPod menu functions; AM/FM presets; and EQ controls for bass, treble, balance, and even 3D sound for an enhanced audio experience. The enhanced alarm settings are designed to complement your lifestyle. Wake up to your own custom iPod playlist at different times on different days with the 7-5-2 (every day, weekdays, weekends) feature. Programmable snooze settings let you slumber a little longer with intervals from 1-29 minutes. Use the gradual wake and gradual sleep functions to wake up or drift off to sleep comfortably and naturally.

** Heys Universal All-In-One Travel Adapter, www.heys.ca   $25

150 Countries – 1 Adapter / Can switch between four different plug modules with just a twist of the grip: Euro module (type C), UK module (type G), US module (type A), and AUS module (type I). Simply turn it, lock it and it’s ready for use.  Has a Power LED light indicator for when in use.

Important: This product does not convert electrical current. If the device you need to operate does not match the local voltage, you will need a separate converter or transformer.

** XLink Cell BT Gateway  www.myxlink.com  $99

Eliminate your land line/ Make or take cellular calls from any phone in the house.  / Works in your home or in your office.   Reduce exposure to mobile handset radiation / Eliminate poor indoor cellular reception — no more dead spots.

** Samsung Slim 8x USB DVD drive, www.samsung.ca  $79

This Samsung SE-S084B external DVD±RW/DVD-RAM drive offers you all the flexibility you need in a portable burner. Featuring a USB 2.0 interface and a slim profile, the SE-S084B is perfectly suited for the Netbook computers.

Features a reliable 2 MB buffer and fast 8x burn speeds for DVD±RW media

** Stanley Black Chrome Socket Set, www.stanleytools.com  $120 (Canadian Tire)

149-piece black chrome and laser etched socket set meets or exceeds ANSI standards for sockets and ratchets

Max-Drive design provides 15% more torque. Laser etched numbers easy to ready, Limited lifetime warranty

** Ryobi Lithium Ion 18v Drill, www.ryobi.com  $89

Torque IV quick mode selector allows you to quickly switch between driving and drilling modes

1/2″ Single sleeve keyless chuck with spindle lock for quick, easy bit changes

2-speed drill transmission and a 24-position clutch for high-torque applications

MagTray™ magnetic holder for screws and bits, GripZone™ overmold for improved comfort

** Tritton XDS (Xtreme Docking Station), www.trittontechnologies.com    $99

Comes with an integrated video port. The XDS is a universal docking station for all laptop computers that support USB 2.0. Simply connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, speakers, microphone and any other USB peripheral to your laptop with one USB cable.

All cables stay connected at your desktop.  Comes with drivers (Windows/Mac), wires, and power adapter.

 (c) Rogers Broadcasting Limited (used with permission)

He’ll be talking about the new 3G iPhone and related products.  Here is a sample list of the products:- iPhone 3G details, $199 8GB, $299 16GB (with 3 year plan)  www.apple.ca

** Creative Vado mini-camcorder, $99  www.creative.com

** MacBook Air, $1999 to $3,200  www.apple.ca

** Griffin ClearBoost, $39  www.griffintechnology.com

** Griffin iTrip AutoPilot for iPhone, $99  www.griffintechnology.com

** Parallels For Mac 3.0, $99  www.parallels.com

** Pinnacle Video Transfer $99  www.pinnaclesys.com

** HTC Diamond Mobile Phone www.htc.com

** LG Vu Mobile Phone www.ca.lge.com

You might have heard of the Zune – Microsoft’s “iPod Killer” that came out in the US in 2006. Many wondered when (and if) this media player would cross the border. Well, now we have an answer: Some time this spring (“spring” defined as between March and May so I’m guessing late April). But what is the Zune? And is it better or equivalent to the iPod? We sat down with a rep from Microsoft to get the lo-down.

Media On The Go
The Zune comes in three versions: 4, 8 and 80GB. The 4 and 8GB models are small and thin (like the old iPod nano) and have built in flash memory. The 80GM model is large (like the iPod Classic) and has a built in 80GB hard drive. All models feature three buttons; a “back” button, a play/pause button and a touch-sensitive “Zune Pad” that works both like the regular directional clicker you’ll find on a cell phone and also as a touch-sensitive pad you can slide your finger across to scroll through menus. This is the Microsoft alternative to Apple’s “Click Wheel”.

The Zune is meant to be an extension to your personal media library. It plays music (mp3, wma, aac), plays videos (wmv, MPEG-4, h.264), displays photos and graphics, plays podcasts (both video and audio) and even has a built in radio. All this content is uploaded to the player either through a USB cable, wirelessly from your network or shared wirelessly from other Zunes nearby. And that’s where the Zune differs from the competition. As it’s tagline “Welcome to the Social” indicates, everything about the player revolves around the social aspect: Sharing music, graphics and images from device to device, sharing favourites through the Zune Social website and discovering new songs and artists by finding like minded listeners and related tracks.

Think of it as FaceMusicbook
On first impression it is the social aspect that really stands out. The player itself is on par with the competition (read iPod Classic) both in terms of price (Canadian price TBA), quality, functionality and ease of use. But the “Social” concept could become a major selling factor. Here’s why: In the Zune marketplace you have two options: Either buy each track or album individually or subscribe to the entire library for a set monthly fee. In the US this fee is around $14 and one would expect a similar price for the Canadian users. With the subscription in place you can download as many songs as you want and listen to them for as long as you pay for the service. So when you find an artist you are curious about through Zune Social you can download the tracks without any added cost and check them out. If you like the songs, you have them on your computer. If you don’t like them, it didn’t cost you anything. And it’s all legal! For music fanatics like myself constantly on the lookout for new and interesting (i.e. obscure Islandic) artists, this is a dream come true: Pandora without the crappy sound quality. And just imagine what this would do for a house party. The guests can log in, download whatever they want to listen to and then play it.

Unfortunately the Zune Marketplace (and with it the subscription service) will not be available in Canada until the fall of 2008. But Zune Social will be up and running and with it the ability to discover new artists, share your playlist and become a musical trend setter. And in the interim you’ll be able to purchase tracks from Zune Social through other online music retailers.

Is the Zune for me?
Good question. And we’ll help you answer it. Microsoft was kind enough to give us two 80GB Zunes to test, and we will. We’ll upload music and pictures, watch movies and TV shows on the SkyTrain, share files with other Zuners, stream content to our XBOX360 and really put the device through it’s paces to see if this is something you should buy. At the same time we’ll pressure Microsoft to get the Marketplace – or at least the subscription service – up as soon as possible. So check back here and on our sister site Dabbler.ca to see what we think of the new toy.