I know plenty of people who bought the PS3 because it included a blu-ray player.  That was the deciding factor for them.  Now, as blu-ray players keep descending in price, a slim PS3, at a lower price than the bulky PS3, makes this console very compelling.

Heck, the smaller footprint alone is enough to make most people take another look.  They dropped the weight and footprint by a third.  Forget wiping off your fingerprints from a shiny surface, as the PS3 slim has a matte finish that keeps the fingerprints away.  Yeah, some people think it looks cheaper because of that.  I guess that’s all up to you, the purchaser.

Forget the touch buttons on the front, as those are replaced by the arcane push button.  Energy and processing efficiencies have been gained through a total re-engineering of the chassis and components.  Also, the experience is pretty much the same as using the predecessor fat PS3.  The fan, however, does run a little quieter and cooler.

So, you get a much smaller, lighter, quieter, and cooler PS3 for only $299.  Er, that’s a pretty good deal.

Specs:

Hard Drive

• 2.5′ Serial ATA (120GB)

Communication

• Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) IEEE 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi*
• Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
• Wireless Controller Bluetooth (up to 7)

A/V Output

• Screen size: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• HDMI + Bravia Sync
• Analog: AV MULTI OUT x 1
• Digital audio: DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1
• Blu-ray/DVD/CD DRIVE “read only”

I/O

• USB 2

Dimensions (mm)

• 290 x 65 x 290

Weight

• 3.2 Kg

CPU

• Cell Broadband Engine™

GPU

• RSX

Memory

• 256MB XDR Main RAM
• 256MB GDDR3 VRAM

Removable Media Slots

• None

Optical Drive

• CD
• DVD
• BD

Power

• 250W

E3 is abuzz with all the latest goodies.  But flight simulator lovers will be agasp with the new G940 flight simulator system.  That’s because it mimics the controls of military and commercial grade aircraft – with feedback to boot.

As the video below explains, this system is very very cool.  The guy undersells the unit, but enthusiasts will drool over this unit.  And the fact that it is force feedback will seal the deal for alot of folks.  All this for $299.

Do your kids spend too much time playing video games?  It’s a not uncommon issue that parents face.  This becomes a thorny problem when kids have to attend to their homework.  No problem, just bring in the GameDr and watch the sparks fly.

Just plug the console power cord into the GameDr, set the timer, and plug the GameDr into the power strip.  The GameDr comes with an internal rechargeable battery, just in the case the power goes out and interrupts.  It also has a security code to prevent unauthorized tampering.  It gives out timer warnings at 10 minutes and 1 minute remaing.  I’m assuming they are audible beeps or something.  Now, sit back and watch the kiddos go ballistic and the mission impediment that has just been handed to them.  Cost is around $30.

Sorry for the lounge humor.  And thank goodness for a fishing game.  Now I don’t have to actually go out on a beautiful lake and actually fish.  I mean, I hate relaxing in the ambient sounds of nature and the fresh smells of being near the water.  Okay, so sarcasm aside, this game (and the included rod) is actually very cool.

It looks like Bass Pro Shops is teaming up with Griffin to make the game not suck.  Apart from a smart branding tool, the game will feature some really good game features and realisms.  Obviously, it doesn’t replace the real thing, but it looks to be a good alternative when that isn’t an option.  It will be coming out later this year for $70.  Here’s a video demo:

Not long ago I wrote about Brain Loop and Emotiv.  Brain Loop and Emotiv are brain controlled interfaces, or BCIs.  These allow you to control graphical interfaces, and ultimately machines, with your mind.  Brain Loop’s interface made you look you were wearing an octopus.  Emotiv’s wasn’t too much better.  Neurosky has come up with a simple, and cheap, solution that may be going retail soon in various applications.

Neurosky sees a whole range of applications for their products.  These range from video games to health and wellness to military and marketing.  The obvious benefits lie in the health area.  People who are paralyzed could use thought to control the environment around them.

The actual headset is a dry EEG monitor for the brain.  It looks like a microphone on the headset that rests against the forehead.  The newer unit can utilize bluetooth for wireless hookups.  Neurosky units will be integrated into other products and will not be sold directly to the public.  The video shows it best:

When it comes to technology, its hard to beat our Japanese brethren in things like the video game, cell phone, and handheld device markets, and it’s the fault of companies like Samsung, Sony, and Nintendo. Nintendo had a massive developer expo and showcase earlier today, and a few of the guys from “Wired” were on hand to blog about it, but if you don’t care to read timestamps, Nintendo’s big thing was announcing a new and improved Nintendo DS, dubbed the “DSi“.Completely original, right?

Though you may not hear much about this little handheld device (I know I haven’t), the DS is one of Nintendo’s most popular devices. Worldwide sales are already at nearly 80 million units, making it one of Nintendo’s best selling products (it absolutely dwarfs Wii sales). With integrated wireless communication with nearby DSes, two individual screens – one touch-screen, and backwards compatability, the DS is already a solid gaming-on-the-go platform, but the DSi is looking to improve things with a pair of inward-facing and outward-facing cameras and a new SD media card slot.

Specifications:

• Comes in white and black colors
• Thinner than the DS Lite
• Two “640×480″ cameras (0.3 megapixels each, one pointed inwards, the other outwards)
• 3.25 inch LCD screens (DS Lite had 3 inch screens)
• SD memory card slot for external storage of pictures and software
• The DSi loses backward compatability as the GBA cartridge slot will be removed
• Internal flash memory and built-in web browser
• Syncable with Nintendo Photo Channel
• Possibility of buying and storing games on DSi’s internal or SD memory

You can compare the DS Lite to the DSi here at Nintendo’s Japanese website. I wouldn’t expect much English, however, so you’re mostly limited to visual comparisons. I haven’t gotten a DS, and I’m still not sure about the viability of one for a college student like me, but the cameras and compatibility with SD memory could make a DSi pretty attractive for on-the-go people who are just looking to have some fun during that layover.

Japan’s going to get the DSi by November; rest of the world? Wait until 2009, baby.

Pictures courtesy of: Nintendo;

Phew, that was a long title!  Logitech has introduced their newest gaming input device.  No wonder they are jumping on the Wii bandwagon.  They can’t sell enough of those things.  As an aside, it’s funny how, if you change the rules of the game, you can gain huge competitive advantage in your market.  That’s what the Wii did.  Anyway, this force feedback steering wheel should give folks some fun.

Features:

Performance

• Full-featured racing wheel: Provides a realistic driving experience.
• 2.4 GHz wireless technology: Delivers exceptional control from up to 30 feet (10 m) from the console.
• Force feedback: Recreates bumps, crashes, and traction loss with jaw-dropping realism.

Convenience

• One-piece design: Reduces clutter and makes setup and storage easy.
• Expandable lap rest: Allows for comfortable game play without being bound to a table or desk.
• Built-in gas and brake controls: Puts precise, fast action within easy reach.
• AC power supply included: No batteries necessary.

Compatibility

• Licensed for Wii™: Ensures both design and technical compatibility.
• Works exclusively with: Need for Speed™: Undercover.

Retails for $99.99 USD.

I own an Altec Lansing 2.1 system that I have been using for many years. It has been an incredibly good system for me. It has been reliable and decent on the sound. And really, I thought the sound was very good until I unboxed the Klipsh Pro Media 2.1 system.

Before I give you the specs let me give you a quick run down on the setup experience and the sound quality. Setup was a snap that took all of 5 minutes or less. Get the satellite speakers out, take the subwoofer out, and wire them together. Boy, that was tough. Now, you need to know that this system doesn’t have separate treble and bass controls. But, what you do get is sound fidelity. The control also has a headphone and external line in for iPods and such. That port boosts sounds for those type players. There is, however a control for how much subwoofer you want to introduce. Now, onto sound quality.

Really, where do I begin? This system delivers crisp, beautiful sound. It’s like the difference between watching analog and high definition TV. I picture the difference between a dirty lake and crystal clear tropical waters. It’s that stark. It made my Altec Lansing speaker set sound terrible. I can’t ever go back. If you are wanting truly immersive gaming sound, then this system probably isn’t for you because it’s only 2.1. But, if you want superior sound for a great price ($150), then this system fits the bill. Trust me, you will not regret buying this system. The sub will shake the room and the boxes will make it sound like you are in the room with the musician. Games sound great too, but those are secondary to me. This system is fabulous and I’m giving it a 4.5 rating out of 5. And that’s because it’s just not absolutely perfect in my mind. Still, good luck finding a better 2.1 system. It’s that good.

Xbox360 users and Playstation 3 users can now extend their storage and usefulness of their gaming consoles.  The Iomega Media Xporter comes compatible, out of box, with the Xbox360 and Playstation 3.  And the 160GB storage capacity will help to quicken these console users’ integration of home theater media on their boxes.

Specs:

Technical Information

• Capacity: 160GB
• Preformatted and hot plug-and-play
• No AC adapter needed
• Compatible with PC and Mac®
• USB 2.0 compatible
• Transfer rates up to 480Mbits/s USB 2.0
• One-year limited warranty

What You Need

PC Users:

• Pentium® II-class or equivalent processor or higher
• Built-in USB connection
• Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional or above
• USB 2.0 host connection or controller
• Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3

Mac® Users:

• G3 or higher computer (blue and white G3 only) with built-in USB connection
• Mac OS X 10.1 or above
• USB 2.0 host connection or controller
• Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3

Computer gamers love sound that rocks.  But folks are also getting into watching movies and such on their computer systems.  That’s because computers are becoming media hubs with ridiculous displays and sound systems.  Razr delivers the Mako THX 2.1 Speaker system that can really deliver the sound.

Enuff, talk – here are the features:

• THX-certified quality and performance
• ClassHD™ digital amplifier technology with digital DSP control
• Higher efficiency curves, improved SNR and EMI, and lowered distortion levels
• Patented THX® Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker™ technologies
• Downward-firing design with optimized acoustic enclosure
• All-in-one remote control pod with touch-sensitive LED dial
• 3.5mm auxiliary input minijack
• 3.5mm headphone minijack
• RCA audio input
• Frequency Range:25-20,000Hz (+/-2.5dB 40-18,000Hz)
• Total system power: 300W RMS