Think of it as furniture with a computer inside
Service Sony gives computer design a new spin with the launch of a spherical-shaped PC that’s compact and stylish enough to fit in your living room. Designed to work with a TV, Sony’s VAIO TP1 Living Room PC can record, pause and rewind live TV as well as access Internet video through your home network. The PC features a DVD recorder, a media card reader and easy-to-reach USB ports. The computer also includes built-in wireless connectivity, the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system, a 300-gigabyte hard drive, a wireless keyboard and a remote control. It will go on sale in March for about $1,600.
www.sonystyle.com
Frames that show virtual virtuosity
Kodak’s line of digital picture frames makes it easy to show off your favorite images. Equipped with built-in speakers, 128 megabytes of memory, a USB port and memory card slots, the frames can display snapshots and video clips while playing MP3 tunes. The 10-inch Kodak EasyShare EX1011 Digital Picture Frame has built-in wireless connectivity that lets you view photos stored on a networked PC. It costs $280. The EX811, an 8-inch model with wireless connectivity, costs $230. Two frames without wireless connectivity also are available. The SV811, also an 8-inch model, costs $180, while a 7-inch model, the SV710, is $130. The frames will go on sale in March.
www.kodak.com
Phone headset truly hands-free
You can juggle calls hands-free with a versatile wireless headset that can handle both cellphone calls and Skype-based Internet calls.
Equipped with Bluetooth technology, Cardo Systems’ scala-700 VoIP headset delivers hands-free voice control through cellphones and PCs and allows you to switch back and forth between calls. Calls can be made and received up to 30 feet away, and the headset can be paired with up to eight devices. And should you misplace the headset, its phone-activated location buzzer can help you track it down. Cost: $80.
www.cardowireless.com
Speaker system cuts the cords
You don’t have to worry about tripping over wires while listening to music through the JBL On Air Control 2.4G wireless speaker system.
The system includes two wireless loudspeakers, a wireless transceiver and amplifier, and a transmitter/receiver. The two-way speakers can be connected to home stereos, computers, MP3 players and other electronic devices. Relying on a 2.4GHz frequency, the speakers have a range of about 70 feet. They will go on sale this month for about $350.
www.jbl.com
