Posts in Music & Play
USB Cassette Deck
Juniper Foo | Oct 09, 2007
First, there was the USB turntable. Now the ubiquitous USB format is going down memory lane to fast-forward ye old cassette deck into the digital future. If you still actually own a box of moldy cassette tapes somewhere in the home and have warm fuzzy memories of carefree youth spent listening to hissy romance mixes, well, this oughta make it easy to reminisce. It converts those compilations into a digital format that's easier to archive. For the full retro effect, the gear even looks like the original 1980s deal, complete with tape counter and metal/CrO2 tape selector. Oh yeah, let's play that funky music!
Price: US$203.90
Availability: At Firebox.com
Device: USB cassette ripper
Specs: 42 x 13.5 x 22cm, USB cable, stereo RCA cable, Audacity and EZ Tape Converter software CD, quick-start user's manual
Because headphones need respect too
Mike Yamamoto | Oct 09, 2007
If you're going to spend an arm and a leg for headphones, the last thing you want to do is have them lying around where they'd be most vulnerable to the occasional spilled beer. (Not that we would ever allow such wasteful behavior, at least where alcoholic beverages are concerned.) The Audio-Technica AT-HPS500 headphone stand has a solution that addresses this practical concern with a clean and simple design as well.
Made of acrylic and natural beech, this showcase pedestal isn't cheap at US$65, according to Audio Junkies. But if you have a pair of US$1,670 ebony cans from the same company, it's well worth the invesment.
Via CNET Crave
Why I chose the iPod touch (and not the iPhone)
Reuben Lee | Oct 08, 2007
You'd think that years of being a CNET Asia reviewer would have taught me a thing or two about making tech purchases. Apparently not.
Prior to arriving in San Francisco for an Intel event, I had done my homework and somewhat set my mind on getting an iPhone. The US$200 price cut that the Cupertino company had recently announced was just too good to pass. Not to mention that I was as fallible as the next customer when it came to the iPhone, from the impressive touch display interface down to the sleek Apple styling that's simply irresistible. A further bonus was the fact that the iPhone would officially be launched in Asia only next year, giving me early adopter status in the league of extraordinary geeks and making me (naturally) the envy of my fellow scribes back home. And if it turns out I don't like the iPhone after all, well, there's always eBay.
However, when I finally found myself standing inside the Apple Store in San Francisco late in September, the iPod touch in one hand, the iPhone in the other, I started having second thoughts about the iPhone. Aside from not having faster connectivity options such as 3G and HSDPA, the iPhone needs to be unlocked by third-party options in order to be used with SIM cards other than AT&T's, and that's additional cost.
As much as I didn't like the glossy chrome finish of the iPod touch and its lack of a camera and cellular support, its slimmer design and larger 16GB capacity made it really attractive over the iPhone. Also noteworthy were the touch's video-out capabilities and normal 3.5mm-jack, both of which aren't found on the iPhone. The iPhone's 3.5mm audio jack is recessed into the slot, making it compatible with only a selected number of earphones out there (unless it is used with an additional adapter).
Eventually, on my sixth visit to the Apple store, during which the Apple staff now readily recognized me, I finally got the 16GB iPod touch. My rationale being that I'm still convinced a better iPhone will come along to Asia next year, complete with 3G and further improvements. There was that plus the limited availability of the iPod touch--the 16GB version was perpetually sold out on my first five visits to the store--which decided me. Am I happy with my decision now I've gotten it? You betcha!
Microsoft to announce flash-based Zune
Greg Sandoval, CNET News.com | Oct 02, 2007
Microsoft plans to announce the second generation of Zune digital music players on Tuesday, according to a source close to the company.
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is supposed to take part in the formal announcement of the new music player, the Web site BetaNews reported on Monday. A source with knowledge of the announcement confirmed the report when contacted by CNET News.com.
The upcoming player, which will be available in November, will be the first Zune to feature flash-based memory, BetaNews reported.
The site also said Zune's flash-based players will measure 3 inches (76.2mm) by 1.25 inches (31.75mm) and the device will look very similar to the iPod Nano.
A Microsoft spokesman did not immediately reply to an interview request.
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