Printers know how to network
Two new machines from Brother make it easy to print, scan, fax and access media cards from anywhere in the house. The MFC-440cn has a built-in Ethernet connection, so you can easily add it to your home’s network. It also has a flip-up LCD that lets you preview photos, a photo bypass tray that lets you load 4-by-6-inch photo paper without removing standard-sized sheets, and slots for various media cards. Designed to work with four cartridges, the ink-jet model can produce images with a resolution of 6,000 by 1,200 dots per inch. It costs $150. A similar model, the MFC-665cw, includes a built-in wireless connection, a digital answering machine, a speakerphone and a handset. It costs $200. Both will be available in the fall.
www.brother.com
Burn DVDs with one less step
Equipped with a 2.5-inch LCD screen, Sony’s VRD-MC3 DVDirect recorder lets you preview and burn photos and camcorder video onto DVDs with or without a computer connection. It also can copy TV shows saved from a digital video recorder to a DVD. The compact device has a USB port, a Digital Video onnection and audio/video jacks. Plus, it has slots for various memory cards, including Sony Memory Stick, Sony Memory Stick Duo, CompactFlash, Secure Digital and xD-Picture Card. Available in the fall, the recorder will cost $250.
www.sony.com
Webroot sweeper
roots out spyware It’s all too easy for spyware to work its way into your PC, especially if you have kids who download games, photos and other freebies off the Web. One possible solution is Webroot Software’s Spy Sweeper 5.0. The updated program roots out hidden spyware programs, prevents keyloggers from recording your keystrokes and warns when there’s an attempt to change computer settings. A one-year subscription costs $30.
www.webroot.com
Device brags about your workout
Proud of how far you’ve run or biked? MotionLingo’s Adeo Fitness Companion can shout the results to the world, or at least to those within earshot. Designed with built-in Global Positioning System technology, the device can announce your speed, the distance traveled, your time and other stats at preset intervals. You can use the gadget by itself, or connect it to an MP3 player and listen to music in between exercise updates. The workout data can also be downloaded to a computer and compared with previous outings. The 2.1-ounce device costs $150.
www.motionlingo.com
