Adding a little bit of zing to video-calling, Microsoft’s new LifeCam VX-2000 lets people stay in touch across boundaries. Featuring VGA video and 1.3-meg still photography, the VX-2000 provides crystal-clear images.

It automatically adjusts to low-light conditions and creates bright pictures in a variety of scenarios.
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Samsung is back with its latest range of multimedia powerhouse R80 series notebooks, and Best Buy will be the retailer of choice when it comes to these delectable machines. The entire line will keep up with the times, boasting Blu-ray drives to give you high definition entertainment on the go, nVIDIA GeForce graphics cards that ought to pack more than enough graphical firepower to keep your gaming sessions fun even on a notebook alongside a form factor that is well pleasing on the eyes – we’re talking about Samsung?s unique Crystal Wave design. Apart from the R80 series notebooks, Best Buy will also feature Samsung?s stylish N210 netbook.

There will be three models from the R80 series where users are able to pick up, and they are the R480, the R580 as well as the R780, where they will retail for $729.99, $829.99 and $929.99, respectively. The R780 is a Best Buy exclusive, so take note of that! Back to the specifications in greater detail – all models come with HD LED displays, where the R780 has a 17.3? screen, while the R580 comes with a 15.6? display with the R480 sporting a 14? display to offer you the sharpest images and boldest colors alongside a proper 16:9 aspect ratio. Other features include an integrated webcam and integrated microphone, making it useful to hold video chats while you’re on the go over a VoIP program such as Skype. Also, the inclusion of an HDMI output allows you to play back your Blu-eay movies or HD video straight to a TV.

As for its exterior, it comes in a scratch-resistant, polished pearl white design, while the non-glare display makes sure your eyes remain in tip top condition at all times. Since they’re all pretty affordable (considering the Blu-ray drive is thrown in), this new range ought to do pretty well.

Samsung Electronics has a brand new compact digital camera in the form of the TL350, where this high-speed, 10-megapixel shooter will not only be able to capture great looking stills, it is also full well capable of recording crystal clear video in 1080P resolution – that’s full High Definition that we’re talking about here. Apart from that, you too will be able to experience a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) as well as a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second. Rewind a couple of years back and we wouldn’t even find such capabilities in a regular digital camera – progress is certainly faster than we think, eh? More details on the Samsung TL350 will be made available in the extended post.

Samsung has also included its Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking and innovative Dual Capture mode that allows users to simultaneously take 10-megapixel still images while recording full HD resolution videos – neat! Apart from that, the TL350 is also capable of shooting high-quality images regardles of how fast the action may be, thanks to its advanced CMOS sensor and re-engineered DRIMeIII processor. It doesn’t matter if you want to capture an everyday moment in an astonishing new light or to analyze a golf swing, the TL350’s ability for super-slow motion playback are virtually limitless.

Other features include a high-performance 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens, a generous 5x optical zoom, Advanced Panorama shot with Object Tracking and Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology that ensures virtually blur-free images. There is also a 3″ AMOLED display that provides users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors. You get both Smart and Manual controls for that added level of shooting pleasure where seasoned shutterbugs are concerned, while the camera’s intuitive Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology helps you snap a perfect photo or video every time. Expect to pick up the Samsung TL350 sometime this spring for $349.99.

Press Release

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced a family of new portable power-charging solutions that enable fast and convenient charging of multiple devices, including a solar-powered charger that harnesses the sun’s power to charge gadgets while on the go.

“Millions of consumers rely on multiple devices for work and play, and need dependable sources of power for them anytime, anywhere,” says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “Our new KODAK chargers provide reliable portable power and hours of extended run time for any USB-charging compatible gadget.”

Leading the new line of chargers is the KODAK Solar Charger KS100-C+2, which produces enough power to deliver 1.5 charges to a cell phone, or run a music player for an additional 33 hours, or capture up to 200 digital camera pictures (actual results will vary by device).

“Consumers can rely on this charger for power anywhere the sun shines, even when they’re far from electrical service,” Blake says. “And on an everyday basis, they can charge the unit on a window sill or under a desk lamp, and it’ll be ready to go when they are.”

When light is scarce, consumers can use the included USB cable to recharge from a computer or other USB power source.

Other features of the KODAKSolar Charger KS100-C+2 include:

• ENERGY STAR® qualified;
• Achieves full charge in 14 hours via USB-in, 28 hours via sunlight;
• Solar and device charging indicator;
The KODAKSolar Charger KS100-C+2 will retail for US $39.95 MSRP beginning in September, 2009.

Also new to the Kodak line of portable power solutions are:

KODAK Portable Charger KP100-C+2, a palm-sized, ENERGY STAR compliant power pack that lets you plug in any USB-chargeable device to provide up to 40 more hours of run time, two cell phone recharges, or up to 400 digital camera pictures (actual results will vary by device). Designed for use with all USB-compatible mobile phones, music players, cameras and more, the power pack keeps your device running and recharges it at the same time, and is an ideal travel companion.

Features include:

• ENERGY STAR qualified;
• Includes 2 AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (2500 mAh);
• Power pack achieves full charge in approximately 8 hours;
• Includes auto-off Energy Saving Timer;

The KODAK Portable Charger KP100-C+2 will retail for US $29.95 MSRP beginning in September, 2009.

KODAK Digital Camera Travel Charger K640/K640E,a compact and cordless ENERGY STAR compliant battery charger that extends the life of rechargeable NiMH batteries by up to 200 pictures per charge.  The unit comes with two AA Ni-MH batteries that recharge in 6 hours or less so you can stay powered and ready to go.

The KODAK Digital Camera Travel Charger K640/K640E will retail for US $14.95 MSRP beginning in September, 2009.