Panasonic has its fingers dipped in many segments across the consumer electronics industry, but we’re pretty sure that they’re fairly new to the world of portable navigation devices (PNDs). This doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to do a good job, and we’ll have to take a look at a quartet of models from its Strada Pocket series of PNDs before coming to a more conclusive judgment. Depending on the model picked out from the foursome, you can expect to fork out anywhere from $612 to $765 (after direct conversion from the Japanese Yen). More on these right after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Duracell is a name that is synonymous with their pink colored bunny that loves banging those drums long after other ordinary-powered bunnies have retired and fallen by the wayside. The energy firm however is smart enough to know that it cannot just rely on selling AA alkaline batteries throughout the years in order to stay afloat, and hence have released various other energy-related devices throughout the years in order to stay ahead of the competition. This time round, they aim to fill the gap of integrating mobile device technology and the automobile by coming up with the Duracell USB Charger. This device is actually a USB charging port which is able to plug straight into the vehicle’s DC socket, alongside a trio of other connectors available for the Duracell My Pocket Charger.

Read the rest of this entry »

Belkin is an old hat at iPod accessories, and here they are with yet another two more devices that ought to keep your iPhone/iPod juiced up especially when you’ve embarked on a long road trip. The iPod- and iPhone-compatible Micro Auto Charger and Dual Auto Charger from Belkin are not only highly functional but affordable as well, with the former boasting a compact design which comes with a lip for easy removal, being placed nearly flush with a car’s dashboard. It will feature 1 amp charging and come bundled with a Charge and Sync Cable for iPod and iPhone for $20 this May, but you can also pick it up as a standalone device for $5 less. As for the Dual Auto Charger, this charger comes with two USB 2.0 ports where one of them offers fast charging at 1A while the other is at 500mA. Each $30 purchase will be accompanied by a three-foot charge and sync cable for the iPod and iPhone.

Source: iLounge

There is just something about concepts that tease our minds – after all, it frees us from the shackles of convention as we are able to focus on functionality and form without thinking of whether is is physically possible to do so or not. One area where concepts will send your pulse racing would be the world of cars, especially speedy ones that get the adrenaline pumping. Here we have the 2025 Sunbeam Tiger concept that sends the old into the new world, one hundred years later to be exact. The 1925 Sunbeam Tiger was a masterpiece in its own right, being a supercharged V12 four-liter racing car that was driven by the legendary Sir Henry Segrave at 145 mph (233 km/h) nearly a century ago, making it the smallest-engined car ever to hold the world land speed record in the process. Fast forward through the time-space continuum and we have the Sunbeam Tiger electric sports car concept that was specially designed in memory of the 100th anniversary (1925-2025) of the Tiger’s land speed record win. You will find state of the art technology in the 2025 edition, where it will be powered by a Siemens 3 phase AC motor powering the rear wheels with a 26 kilowatt/hour lithium-titanate battery pack, tipping the scales at just 600kg (1,323lb) – extremely light to help it sprint away in fashionable speed.

Read the rest of this entry »

This is probably one of those stories that might be getting too much press, but I’m covering it anyway for those who haven’t heard. Essentially, General Motors and Segway have teamed up to create Project PUMA.

PUMA stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, and it is essentially the next step up for Segway. The PUMA can hold two or more passengers, and everyone always asks how in the world a third person could ride this without being dragged.

Is anyone still amazed at the perfect balance? I admire that they figured out how to put two people on it. Anyway, the PUMA can reach speeds of up to 35 miles an hour, at a cost of 35 cents per charge.

Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve been seeing many a gadget blog buzz about the Hotelicopter today. I suppose this is one of those coolest gadgets that I can’t help but report about either.

The Hotelicopter is exactly what it sounds like: a hotel in a helicopter. It is a Mil V-12 prototype that was originally built in Russia in 1968. It looks like there was a sale after the cold war ended, and someone plans to give the Mil a 5-star hotel makeover with queen size beds, a mini-bar, and even add extra amenities like Wi-Fi.

This is apparently enough to give 18 guests the night of their life. Just imagine spending the night in a room that can cruise at 140 miles per hour.

Read the rest of this entry »

Think your life is a little bit boring, and you want to introduce some zest so that you will have something to talk about with friends the next time the whole bunch meets up? Well, perhaps you might want to consider something more extreme in terms of sports with the Xcite Bike. This model looks totally out of this world, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 45km/h with its 49cc engine. The 14″ wheels come with 10″ rims, and is able to pull a maximum load of 120 kg. It seems as though the Xcite Bike will be available only in limited quantities (albeit in different colors, of course), and will cost you $999.99 to bring one home, much to the chagrin of your other half who obviously thinks the money could be put to better use.

Product Page

There is no running away from it, that’s for sure. I’m talking about the prevalence of Wi-Fi networks around us, just take a stroll down any street in an urban area and chances are you’ll discover plenty of Wi-Fi networks and hotspots available, ranging from hidden to secured and unsecured ones. Of course, one of the final frontiers for Wi-Fi connectivity would be while you’re in the air, but soon even that ceiling will be removed 30,000 feet in the air. Alaska Airlines is the latest carrier to offer the in-flight Wi-Fi option for passengers traveling on a specially equipped Boeing 737. This service will rely on satellites instead of cellular towers in order to keep the entire plane connected to the Internet, giving you another alternative to keep yourself occupied instead of relying on boring old in-flight movies.

Read the rest of this entry »