Gomadic Blog

Brookstone Charging Valet: What's Wrong With This Picture?

2007-10-30T12:40:27Z

Oh the power of advertising. How come in every promo shot of the Brookstone Charging valet, the devices look oh so perfect? But did you ever notice that none of the gadgets are plugged in? Take a look at how Brookstone promotes their Charging Valet.

So how come after we assembled it (as nicely as possible), it still looked like this:

No wonder why the products aren't plugged in. Yes, the advertising pictures claim a streamlined look and feel but . . . There's always a but isn't there?

But . . . now take a look at Gomadic’s QuadCharger and you'll see there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Neat. Clean. Safe . . .

But that's not all. In their marketing materials, the back of the Charging Valet is as neat as can be:

But this is what it really looks like:

Even Brookstone’s power cable is gargantuan compared to ours:

It's simple really: Gomadic’s QuadCharge Station lets you charge up to four devices (like your iPod, Motorola Razr, Treo, and Garmin Nuvi 600 series) at the same time without the hassle of tangles of wires. Behind the Gomadic QuadCharge’s elegant and sleek design, is an efficient one-stop charging station: facilitated by TipExchange technology the QuadCharge Station enables you to charge all your devices with only one AC adapter for easy seamless charging.

Get the picture?

SanDisk Sansa TakeTV

2007-10-25T13:45:34Z

For those of you who are still using PCs and jealous of AppleTV (and more of you may well be lured away to Apple’s fiefdom after the uber-hip Leopard is released) there’s now a devise that lets you easily move video content from your PC to your TV: the Sansa® TakeTV™ video player. Pretty eloquently named, huh?

The sell is that this USB device lets you easily transfer downloaded video content from your computer to TV in mere minutes without the hassle of wires or the excruciatingly long business of burning DVDs.

But Engadget posted a review of the flash-based lightweight system and accompanying Fanfare video download service that observes that the interface has a raw, unfinished feel; the system recognized XviD and DivX files, but not AVC1 encoded movies nor a standard encoded MPEG-4 Handbrake-ripped DVD; the Fanfare interface was slick but too busy; and that downloaded videos, while 350MB per 30 minutes, actually looked more like 600-800Kbps.

That said, the thing only costs between $99-150, a lot cheaper than Apple TV. Engadget concludes that “Maybe with the right hardware and software tweaks this could be a very compelling cheap-or-free download service paired with a very easy to use hardware solution, but for right now we think there are quite a few kinks to iron out.”

For now you may just want to stick with your SanDisk Sans e200 mp3 players. Lucky for you, Gomadic’s got a full range of accessories for the devices like useful Rapid Wall AC Charges, Rapid Car charges, and Power Hot Sync and Charge Retractable USB Cables, so you’ll be fully charged, connected and protected no matter where you find yourself.

From Creative Zen, Zen Vision M, Vision W to Stone Mp3/Video Players: Can Sony's Walkman Tread Above the Competitors

2007-10-23T15:27:20Z

Forget about iPhone and iPod touch, with mp3 players from Creative Zen, Zen Vision M, Vision W and Stone mp3/video players on the market, can Sony's new Walkman® Video MP3 Player NWZ-S610F make an impact in an already flooded market?

The answer from company bigwigs is unanimously and enthusiastically yes, at least according to the company press release, “'Our Walkman® products offer great resolution, a bright screen, high-quality sound and a long battery life,' said Brennan Mullin, vice president for audio products in the Digital Imaging and Audio Division at Sony Electronics. “We are providing our customers the choice to use multiple music sources.

Explicitly designed for the younger audience, the press release continues to say "With this initiative, Sony is debuting an important option for digital media players as it opens new doors for a rich digital experience,” said Dave Wascha, director of Windows Client Product Management at Microsoft Corp. “I believe consumers will be pleased that the new Walkman® products carry the Certified for Windows logo and that they will take advantage of the new technologies available in this Windows platform. Those who purchase this Walkman® player can rest easy knowing that the product has met explicit standards of reliability and quality

While the pioneer in portable music seems to be keeping up with the times, how much dfifferent is this concept than microsofts Zune including it's media platform for providing new content. With so many mp3 players on the market, from Creative Zen, Zen Vision M, Vision W and Stone mp3/video players, including industry leaders Apple, it seems Sony is just treading the same ground as so many others looking to captilize on the portable media phenomenon.

Whatever media player suits your needs Gomadic offers accessories for Sony products and much much more to keep you charged and moving.

GPSLodge Reviews Garmin Nuvi 760

2007-10-19T14:48:18Z

The folks over at GPSLodge just received a Garmin Nuvi 760 and posted a quick review today. They say the 760 builds on the older Nuvi 660 but has more upgrades and features like a Help button, a traffic receiver and the ability, in Pedestrian mode, to find your back to your car. They say the operating system as been upgraded as well and has a sleeker more refined look. We’re sure they’ll post a full review after they’ve had a chance to take the Garmin 760 on a test run, so check back over the next few days. In the meantime, head on over to the Gomadic storefront to load up on accessories for all Garmin products.

Never Get Lost Again: Nuvi 700 Series Debut Approaches

2007-10-18T19:59:31Z

The days of arguing over directions are long gone now that GPS comes standard in many cars. But what about trips in rental cars or on foot? That’s where the Garmin Nuvi 700 series GPS receiver, introduced at the end of August and due out before the end of the year, comes in. A sleek device with an enhanced user interface and wide enough screen to view City Navigator® NT’s preloaded street maps means never having to lobby for a dubious right turn again. And since the Garmin Nuvi’s weigh only about 7 pounds, you can easily take it with you wherever you go. Picking one up before your next trip could well save you countless hours of wrong turns—and maybe even your marriage. If you want to wait to see what the reviewers say before biting the hook, you can always just stock up on Gomadic's Nuvi accessories for your 650 or even your ancient 300 series. (Once the 700 series is released, we'll carry accessories for the 750, 760 and 770 faster than you'd think possible.) Either way, you’ll get to your destination on time and unruffled. And that's cool anyway you slice it.

Do Portable Video Players Like Archos 604 Mean The Death Of The Video Store

2007-10-17T16:55:08Z

Forget about using yoiur laptop. These days portable DVD players like Archos are so affordable, it makes watching movies on the road easier than ever: a fact that appears to be having an effect on the walk in video store industry.Tuesday morning Hollywood Videos parent Movie Gallery filed Chapter 11, although it remains to be seen whether anyone actually cares.

Now that Netflix and Blockbuster deliver right to your door--and even offer a limited online database of 5,000 movies for download--it hardly seems worth the hassle to get you video fixes the old fashioned way. With the new wave in technology streamlining devices like the iPod Touch and iPhone that plays downloads or even a simple DVD solution like the Archos 604, it's clear that faster and easier solutions are here to stay (Think of the carbon imprint involved!) Much easier to just pop the Netflix DVD into your Archos 604 on long plane or train rides. And if you pay an extra $30 you can enable wifi on the Archos to download a new movie right before take-off. Just make sure you’ve stocked up on some of Gomadic’s Archos’ accessories like our Emergency Battery Extender before you go. Because you’d hate to lose power in the last 30 minutes of Ocean’s 13, wouldn’t you?

Don’t Count Palm Treo Out Yet: New (And Cheap) Palm Treo Centro Provides Intertesting Contast To iPhone-Mania

2007-10-12T15:29:01Z

By now a bunch of reviewers have chimed in about Palm’s new smartphone, the Centro. The least expensive smartphone yet, the Centro is basically a smaller version of Palm’s Treo and boasts the same features in a smaller, lighter-weight package—all for $99. Some reviewers, like the folks at crave.net, find the design sub-par, the feel a bit cheap and the keyboard too cramped. The Gadgeteer and New York Times reviewer David Pogue also mentioned the small keyboard but think it’s not a problem, the look cute, and the smaller dimensions a big plus. And since Centro’s got all the features of a Treo and runs on Palm OS, you can use Palm-compatible add-on programs . All of this, plus the great price for those folks who can't wor won't afford the iPhone, make Centro a fabulous choice for those looking to make the jump from cell to smartphone or for those on a budget, which is the audience Palm seems to be aiming for. (With advertising copy like “Whether you're keeping up with friends on MySpace or looking up directions to that new bistro, the touchscreen and keyboard make getting around the web easy and fun,” its sort of hard not to see them aiming for the uber-hip Facebook crowd.) They’ve got a 90-day exclusivity with Sprint and you can pre-order on their website. Just make sure you pick up some extra Centro accessories over at Gomadic at the same time so you’re fully stocked when your new toy arrives.

In fact, Gomadic's new QuadCharge has made quite the impression over at Treo Central in an interview by Harv Laser. Whether you have the 270, 500, or 600, Gomadic can provide accories or charge one or all of them at the same time.

Capture The New Radiohead On Your Zune, iRiver or iPod Nano

2007-10-11T14:10:07Z

By now you've probably heard about Radiohead’s pay-what-you-want move with its just-released 7th album, In Rainbows. In a move that single handedly cuts out the middle man (ie those music industry giants currently wrangling with Minnesotan Jammie Thomas over illegal downloads) and drastically changes the way music is bought, sold and shared, you can choose to download the album for $1, $100 or $0, onto your Zune, iRiver, or iPod Nano. (You pre-order, then they send you’re a validation code via email).

No, you can’t get it on iTunes. Just from their own website, inrainbows.com.

And if you’re a die-hard fan, you may want to consider pre-ordering the $82 box set. The box set comes with the new album on CD and Vinyl, along with a CD of additional songs, digital photos and artwork. Add more artwork and lyric booklets and you’ve got something to browse while you rock out to the songs on your iPod playlist.

What this is going to mean for the vast mp3 downloading industry—from record company profits to pirating users—is anybody’s guess. Some, like Washington Post reporter, David Malitz, note that since musicians typically only make $1 for every CD sold, if enough people give at least $5 the band’s likely to come out on top. And the BBC reports that Chris Hufford, a Radiohead manager, said "There are actually people who are going on websites and saying:, 'I don't actually like Radiohead, but I'm going to give them some money because I think it's a brilliant idea.'"

In the meantime, head on over to gomadic.com to stock up on tips and accessories for your mp3 player and get ready for the new music revolution

Gizmodo On Unlocking The IPhone

2007-10-11T11:47:56Z

For all of you with never unlocked or even (gasp) bricked iPhones with 1.1.1 firmware, head on over to Gizmodo.com to read today's post on iPhoneSIMFree’s just released updated version of their SimFree unlocker. Gizmodo.com quotes the folks at iPhoneSIMFree as saying, “"there's no need to re-apply the unlock because the unlock survives the firmware upgrade. It's permanent."

I-phones, Blackberrys, & Bluetooth Headsets: Must-Have Tech Tools for Your Business Team

2007-10-10T14:53:33Z

Over at ABCnews there’s a pretty comprehensive list of essential tools for today’s nomadic and increasingly tech savvy workforce. Some are no-brainers for attracting (and retaining) employees weaned on post-internet revolution business tools—like cell phones, wifi-enabled laptops and ear buds—but other ideas such as using internal wikis or thought chains to brainstorm rather than an avalanche of emails or using a YouTube video rather than a PowerPoint presentation at your next meeting may still be new concepts to some. But the simplest tech tool of all? Pen and paper coupled with a couple of strategically placed white boards. All tips discussed reinforce the idea that today’s workers need to be mobile and have methods for communicating ideas quickly and efficiently at their fingertips and that the lines between work and home are more blurred than ever. Take a look for some ideas on how to effectively energize your team.

Tech tools for your team can include:

Cell phones are a must from the much-coveted iPhone to a basic Motorola Razr or even the newest Blackberry

Laptops equipped with wifi mean your employees can work anywhere at any time

Bluetooth Headsets for their iPhones mean they can communicate during their morning commutes

Wiki sites or blogs for thought chains mean less e-mails and more effective collaboration

Databases with small thumbnail images rather than cryptic names mean easier navigating

Projectors are inexpensive and great visual tools

YouTube videos rather than static Powerpoint presentations are more engaging and versatile

Wi-fi like AirPort Extreme in key employees’ homes mean they can work during off-hours

Canon PowerShot digital cameras help spark ideas

Pen & Paper/White Boards are still great brainstorming tools

For more ideas check out the article over at abcnews.

A Zune By Any Other Name Still May Not Be An iPod

2007-10-03T15:37:32Z

Tech News 1.0

The Gomadic team has decided to devote some time to current events in the tech community, providing a small space to consider what’s new, hot or controversial for our Gomadic fans and the corporate partners we support with our tips, cables, and devices. Look back daily to see our best of the best of blogs like Gizmodo and Engadget to industry giants like Apple.

In today’s news:

A Zune by any other name . . .

Microsoft is revamping its iPod competitor, the Zune, and planning a networking site called Zune Social Web to mimic MySpace and to swerve around those pesky intellectual property rights all the record companies have been pouting about ever since a little guy named Napster made all that noise so many years ago (has it been that long? Sigh).

There’s a great article in the New York Times today (including mp3 clips of Bill Gates talking about why it’s important to compete with Steve Jobs’ iPod despite it’s overwhelming domination of the market.)

Also check out the mp3 of Gates talking about the changes to the Zune and his social networking experiment in the piece by Jeff Leeds.

The gist of it focuses on the former expiration times of the old Zune file sharing experience and revamped subscription-based service that lets people pay monthly to expand their musical tastes across the board.

To quote Jeff Leeds:

“Under the new rules, Microsoft said, shared songs would have no expiration date and it would be possible repeatedly to pass along songs sent from one device to another. But a shared file can be played only three times on each Zune.

Partly to warm up the initially tepid response, the company is creating a social-networking site, Zune Social, to encourage the sharing of samples of songs online, even for fans who do not own a Zune player. Members of the network will also be able to use a small application on their computers to display which songs they have been listening to, and that information can be posted on certain Web sites outside the network or sent by e-mail to friends.”

So will this Zune smell sweeter than the previous incarnation? Maybe . . . So be sure to stock up on Gomadic's Zune accessories. If you’re still true to you ipods you can get accessories for those too. Better yet throw them both up on our new QuadCharge.

Quadcharge, The Ultimate Universal Charging Station For The iPod, iPhone, Motorola Razr

2007-08-28T18:55:43Z

Well, the first reviews are in and QuadCharge is a hit across the blogosphere. The ultimate charging solution for your Apple iPhone, Treo, Blackberry, almost any mobile accessory is starting to branch out. We have many more samples out to the bloggers on gizmodo and engadget so check back to see what the experts think about the world’s newest and most useful charging solution.

Your spouse nudging you about the wall warts next to your bed? Well no more! The QuadCharge will charge your tech and clean up your living space at the same time.

Neat freaks and gadget geeks unite. The whole world is getting wise to how the QuadCharge can change your life.

See what these bloggers are saying about the QuadCharge Charging Station right now

GizMag
http://www.gizmag.com/go/7889/GearDiary http://www.geardiary.com/2007/08/21/gomadics-quadcharge-arrived-today/

PMP Today

http://www.pmptoday.com/2007/08/22/new-charging-station-for-the-zune-and-other-pmps/

Just Another Mobile Monday

http://justanothermobilemonday.com/Wordpress/category/mobile-reviews/accessories-reviews/

Check back frequently to here more on the QuadCharge’s success in the marketplace and don’t forget to purchase your very own home improvement charging solution from www.gomadic.com.

QuadCharge Universal Charging Station Is Here!

2007-08-07T14:11:15Z

Calling all Nomads. We are now taking orders!

Gomadic’s QuadCharge Charging Station is finally available for purchase though our website. Now you can charge your tech in style while removing the ugly wall warts and tangleweeds that accompany your arsenal of tech devices.

• Flexibility:

Facilitated by our incredible TipExchange technology the QuadCharge Station enables you to charge your entire family’s tech with ease and grace making you the envy of the family and friends. Say you’ve got an iPod, Blackberry, Motorola Razor, and a Palm Tungsten: No problem. QuadCharge Station will handle all of your charging needs smoothly and elegantly.

Fit for any home or office environment, now you can by your entire sales team iPhones and keep them charging neatly in a cleaner and more productive environment.

• Safety:

With only one AC adapter for for easy seamless charging, the QuadCharge Station rises above most charging station that are really power strips in disguise. Now it’s easy to avoid the fire hazards that result from shoving all your ac adapters inside an unsafe enclosure. No other Charging Station offers the safety reassurances that the QuadCharge provides.

• Style:

No more spaghetti wires hanging around your home or office! With it’s elegant and sleek design, QuadCharge is the one-stop, home charging solution that preserves the integrity of the home design you have spent a lifetime crafting. Scintillating. Stylish. Beyond Geek Chic: The QuadCharge is one of a kind

• Spread The Word

Review samples are now available. If you’re a blogger or journalist looking to review the Gomadic QuadCharge please contact us today!

Bag It For The Summer And Swim In Sound

2007-06-28T19:14:59Z

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you need to leave your tech at home while you’re running to the beach to relax. Gomadic’s new clean and dry waterproof bag keeps your MP3 players protected from sand and water allowing you full access to all of your tunes while you’re enjoying the summer sun.

In fact, you can even do laps while listening to music. How’s that for tech you can use tomorrow? Whether you enjoy a subtle backstroke or like to get your heart moving with some crazy dolphin kicks, you can have your favorite motivational tunes to accompany your wet and wild lifestyle. You’ll have to bring your own waterproof earphones, however, for full insurance from the sea. We suggest you try our favorite earbuds at http://www.mobileplanet.com/p.aspx?i=147014.

Specifically created to prevent water, sand, and even the dust one encounters every day from creeping into your precious technology, the Clean-n-Dry Waterproof Bag is clear, lightweight, sturdy, and made from shock absorbent Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) that makes it ten times stronger than vinyl options to prevent scratches and other external damage. Its snap-in-place locking mechanism also provides a 100% waterproof seal, ensuring that your iPod, IRiver, Zune, or whatever heat your packing will be protected from the elements in a hermetically sealed environment.

Ready for anything nature can throw at you, the waterproof bag is one of a kind. Check out the nifty new headphone jack that lets you sit back and tune in to your favorite symphony or rock anthem with absolutely no loss of sound. Whether you’re a playlist junkie or a Podcast enthusiast, now it’s possible to have fun without worrying about nature laughing at your best-laid plans. The waterproof bag even floats if you drop it in the water—so rock on water warriors. Rock on.

Lighter. Faster. Cleaner. Gomadic Makes Traveling Easier One Cord At A Time

2007-06-14T20:24:23Z

If you’re a tried and true Nomadic warrior, then you already know the difficulties of traveling with the many devices that have become extra appendages by now. So not only do you have to drag along your iPod, Cell Phone, PDA and your Bluetooth Headset, but you have to bring along that tangle of charging cords that go along with them. This means four car chargers and potentially four AC adapters, which, depending on your device, can wind up being bulky, heavy, and just plain annoying for most travelers on the run.

You know what we’re talking about: that large ball of plugs and wires you've probably got hidden in your briefcase or stuffed like a jack in the box in your glove compartment getting ready to spring. Try tugging a cord lose right now—we dare you.

“Just leave something home,” you say! Any true nomad knows that this is simply not an option. But any true Gomadic warrior understands just how simple we’ve made this process with our TipExchange technology—that not only cleans up the tangled wires in your briefcase and glovebox but provides simple, recyclable, and lightweight charging options for all of your mobile accessories.

Below we've provided an easy trip challenge analysis of four typical devices (MP3, PDA, Cell Phone, and Bluetooth) that clearly illustrates the Gomadic advantage—especially in the context of the aggregating devices that keep you up and mobile on the road.

Before

Look familiar? If you aren’t using Gomadic’s tip exchange this is probably what your car looks like. The truth is, your typical road trip involves keeping in touch with your office (your phone) and appointments (your PDA) as well as a Bluetooth headset for in motion communication (drive safely Nomads—drive safely). Of course then there’s the Mp3 files just waiting to be played.

So say you have an LG VX8300 cell phone, Apple iPOD Nano, Dell Axim x51v PDA and a Sony Ericson Bluetooth headset: in addition to the mess shown above, these devices combined with four separate car and wall chargers for your hotel or coffee shop workstation, your already carrying combined weight of nearly 2 lbs!

After

Looking better? As you can see: With the Gomadic solution you only have one car charger, one wall charger and four tips reducing the weight to a mere 4 ounces. This not only reduces weight and cleans up your area (not to mention the amount of charging solutions you can forget about or accidentally confuse with your spouse’s tech) it clears up room for the latest Michael Chabon (Okay Harry Potter!) novel you haven’t read but use to impress your New York Times Book Review friends.

No more matching stray plugs with devices. No more fiber optic tumbleweed falling from your briefcase or glove box.

The undisputed winner and lightweight champion is still Gomadic:

King Of The Road