Logitech VX Revolution - Computer Mouse

The Logitech VX Revolution is a portable laser mouse that, because of its small size, is designed for laptop use while maintaining many of the features found in desktop mice. One of its most notable features is its MicroGear Precision Scroll wheel that can be set to two modes of operation from a switch on the bottom of the mouse. In the first mode, the scroll wheel operates with detented action (typical clicking scroll action), and in the second mode it operates in an almost frictionless fashion. In the frictionless mode, the scroll wheel keeps spinning when flicked, allowing you to very quickly scroll through large documents, and lists.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Tracks accurately
•Works instantly with XP and Vista
•Rolling middle wheel is very advantageous
•Very Durable
•Very nice fit for people with smaller hands.

Cons:

•The desktop version allows for a gradual switch between regular and 'free-wheeling'. This version is either ON or Off
•Pretty expensive relative to competition
•Middle wheel does not replicate the feel of the desktop version

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The VX Revolution includes a high-resolution laser engine for accurate tracking on almost all surfaces. It also includes a click-to-click scrolling function as a new method of scrolling through lists using mouse clicks. It operates wirelessly on a 2.4 GHz frequency with the USB transmitter/receiver dongle tucking away into the mouse itself when traveling. Reviews have suggested that you can get up to an 80 ft. (24 m) range from the dongle.

This mini-mouse weighs 4.2 ounces (119 g) and is about the size of a bar of soap. It uses a single AA battery (included) and features an LED battery life indicator on the mouse. Expect to get approximately 120 days use on a single battery. The package also includes Logitech's SetPoint software. The original retail was $79.99 for the VX Revolution when it was first released in August 2006, but you can now find it for $50 - $65.

The Logitech MX Revolution is the desktop version of this mouse.

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD700 - Camcoder

The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD700 ($600) released in late-October 2007 is the latest HD camcorder in the Sanyo Xacti line. Sanyo claims that this is the smallest 720p camcorder in the world weighing only 6.7 oz (189 g) and occupying a volume of only 171 cc. Along with the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1000 (records 1080i, $1000), Sanyo has made significant improvements to their Xacti line that included the earlier Sanyo Xacti HD-2. It is a tapeless camcorder that records both video and still on a SD/SDHC memory card. It consumes very little power at 4 Watts and will give you about 2 hours of battery life with its included battery.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•720p recording in MPEG-4 AVH/H.264 format
•Good price for its features
•Included cradle has many output options including HDMI
•Improved compression means more recording on a single SD card
•Very compact and lightweight
•Low power consumption with decent battery life

Cons:

•Lens is a very small diameter and is only X5. Same lens as used to be on HD2 would fare much better.

More information

Features

•720p SD/SDHC memory card camcorder
•Smallest 720p camcorder in the world
•1/2.5" CCD sensor with 7.38 megapixels (1 divided by 2.5 inch: 0.4 inch)
•4.08 MP movies
•7.1 MP still photos
•Video format: MPEG-4 AVH/H.264 format (same as YouTube)
•Face chaser technology recognized up to 12 faces for autofocus
•Sensitivity: up to ISO 3200
•5X optical zoom
•2.7" widescreen LCD
•Includes a docking cradle with HDMI, component, S-Video, Composite outputs
•Records at either 6 Mbps or 9 Mbps
•Record time: 2 hours @ 9 Mbps on a 8 GB memory card
•Interface: USB 2.0
•Size: (171 cubic cm)
•Weight: 6.7 oz (189 g)
•Available in silver, red, and brown
•Release date: October 20, 2007
•MSRP: $599

The DMX-HD700 is an affordable, tiny camcorder with an impressive featureset geared towards consumers wanting a very compact camcorder that can easily share and upload videos over the Internet. Its default recording mode is MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 which most video sharing sites (ie. YouTube) use. It was released in the US on October 20th, 2007 for a retail price of $599.

Power Glove

The Power Glove (1989) is a controller accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System designed by the team of Grant Goddard and Sam Davis for Abrams/Gentile Entertainment, made by Mattel in the United States and PAX in Japan. Though it was an officially licensed product, Nintendo was not involved in the design or release of this accessory. It was the first peripheral interface controller to recreate human hand movements on a television or computer screen, and was commercially successful as almost 100,000 were made and sold in the U.S. alone.[1] However, it is often derided by gamers due to its imprecise nature of controls, and the fact that basic actions such as jumping or using an item may be very difficult or impossible to pull off reliably.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•It's so bad it's good
•Wicked vintage gear
•The first peripheral to use physical movements (pre-date Wiimote)
•Nice colour scheme with a definite Robocop feel

Cons:

•Imprecise control makes even basic moves difficult
•Not made by Nintendo
•No "Left Hand" model available to wear as everyday attire
•No SNES, N64, GameCube or Wii version

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Video Games

Metal Gear Solid 4 is the fourth installment of the critically acclaimed, and fan-obsessed Metal Gear Solid series, which is part of the larger Metal Gear universe. Hideo Kojima, the creator of the series, claims MGS4 is the last game that will feature the iconic protagonist Solid Snake who now finds himself old and decaying. In development for four years, MGS4 was anticipated by fans as the first and last next-gen installment of their favorite series with a budget to match the epic expectations.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Fantastic graphics
•Unparalleled presentation
•Satisfying conclusion
•Great attention to detail
•A number of new innovations to the series and genre

Cons:

•Cinematics can be very long, especially later on in the game
•Gameplay hasn't changed enough for modern standards


More information

Story

Metal Gear games are notorious for their convoluted, intricate and deep narrative that mixes serious themes such as war and free will, with supernatural elements. MGS4 takes place years after the events of MGS2 as Solid Snake who is rapidly aging since he is a clone is attempting to stop his rival Liquid Snake (who has possessed Revolver Ocelot through a transplanted arm) from taking over the world with nano-machine controlled soldiers.

Traditionally the story in MGS games have been told through "CODEC" conversations where two people spend copious amounts of time talking to one another with animated avatars. In response to criticism the traditional CODEC conversations have been replaced by full real-time cinematics. Some of the story presentation is presented while playing the game, most of the cinematics are non-interactive.

Gameplay

MGS4 introduces several refinements and changes to the traditional Metal Gear Solid gameplay, while retaining many of the core elements that make the series. The biggest change comes in the gameplay perspective which now defaults to a regular third-person view from behind Snake's back. Other camera angles are available including an over-the-shoulder view, the birds-eye angle, and even a first person view.

Snake has more tools and weapons at his disposal including the OctoCamo which is a cameleon-like suit that automatically changes colors and patterns to match his surrounding. The Solid Eye and Metal Gear MK.II are two other tools that Snake can use to help his progress.