Summary
Writer Agam Shah reviewed Creative Technology's Zen Micro digital audio player, Gateway's new tablet PC and Kanguru Solutions' Zipper Pro portable storage device. The Zen Micro is easy to use once you figure out how to use its navigation system, but is slightly larger than an iPod Mini, the device it was designed to compete with.
While the Gateway M275 tablet PC isn't as thin or quick as other models, its swiveling screen gives it a unique versatility. Kanguru's Zipper Pro is a light and holds 20 GB of data, but is still only compatible with Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Original source:
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,120492,00.asp
Details
Topics> Electronics> Digital Gear Agam Shah offers the gearhead's guide to gadgets for use on the go or at home.
Zen's new Micro does more than play MP3s, while Gateway's M275 laptop sports a swivel screen.
For example, Creative Technology's Zen Micro can do more than just play songs.
And a swivel screen adds more capabilities to Gateway's M275 laptop.
Meanwhile, Kanguru Solutions, which last year released the versatile Slim FC-RW all-in-one portable DVD player, CD recorder, and flash card reader, goes the opposite direction with the Zipper Pro, a portable 20GB USB hard drive that handles storage only.
Introduced last November, Creative Technology's Zen Micro portable digital audio player's versatile features could appeal to some.
In addition to playing MP3 files, it can serve as a voice recorder and a radio.
However, when I recently tried the player, I found it difficult to use: The keys didn't appear to function, and the manual was not helpful.
I finally figured out that the keys are not very sensitive, and that I had to keep pressing down to get a response.
MP3 files sounded crisp with Shure headphones; the FM radio gave me clear access to local jazz music; and the battery just kept running.
It's not thin and quick, but the Gateway M275 laptop running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition offers great versatility.
The machine felt heavy as notebooks go--the touch screen's protective glass covering probably contributed to its weight--but it could be a good home PC replacement.
Need a 20-GB portable
storage device that fits in a shirt pocket?
Look at the tough Zipper Pro USB-based hard drive from Kanguru Solutions, a division of Interactive Media.
Agam Shah is an editor with the IDG News Service, based in San Francisco.
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and award-winning journalist with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, and he has created several downloadable courses on survival and preparedness, including his widely-downloaded course on personal safety and self-defense. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2010, Adams launched TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural health video site featuring videos on holistic health and green living. He also launched an online retailer of environmentally-friendly products (BetterLifeGoods.com) and uses a portion of its profits to help fund non-profit endeavors. He's also a noted pioneer in the email marketing software industry, having been the first to launch an HTML email newsletter technology that has grown to become a standard in the industry. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Thursday, May 05, 2005
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