Gizmodo: Memorex

Memorex TouchMP Is the iPod Touch for Cheapies

Mark Wilson — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:20:00 EDT

CNET got their hands on a Memorex TouchMP, an 8GB, $100 touchscreen PMP. And they really liked it. From the review:

The TouchMP isn't going to be mistaken for an iPhone anytime soon, but Memorex does a surprisingly good job keeping the onscreen interface simple, legible, and intuitive...The Memorex TouchMP is the first MP3 player we've seen that combines touch-screen technology, useful features, and an attractive design, for less than $100.

Basically, there are better values for touchscreenless MP3 players and the TouchMP isn't some magical perfect device, but it's the cheapest way out there (other than an import from OEM, probably) to get your touchscreen fix. [Memorex and CNET]

Handmade Playlist: The Greatest Mixtape I Ever Made

Adrian Covert — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:00:00 EDT

In 1994, I painstakingly crafted the greatest hip-hop mixtape cassette I would ever make, comprised solely of songs on the radio at the time. I was 9.

While Bill Gates was becoming a one-man megapower, Steve Jobs was getting lost in a sea of ego and suck, and Nelson Mandela was inspiring people across the globe, I was sitting by my cheap RCA CD/Tape boombox trying to get the hang of long division.

Most my school nights in the fourth grade were spent doing homework by my boombox listening to San Francisco hip-hop radio station KMEL when it was still great. Bay Area hip hop, top 40 hip hop, classic joints, R&B, whatever—they played good music back then. And I recorded it.

Like I mentioned in the tribute to boomboxes, it was all about timing when you made a real mixtape; tape had to be queued to the right place, you had to know just when to hit play (before the lyrics started, after the DJ stopped talking), and you had to pay attention so you could stop recording right as it ended.

My tapes of choice were the Memorex joints with the bright colors and geometric shapes. Classics. What I chose to put on those tapes wasn't always as classic, but the fact that I pulled it together to craft this one mix makes me proud of my younger self.

The best part was when we got to go on school field trips, because I not only got to pop my tape in my walkman to keep me entertained, but my friends had mixes and walkmans of their own. So we'd swap and share during the bus rides to wherever. Those were better days.

Back to my main point— the mix is filled with West Coast hip-hop from the era, but imbued with a splash of east coast and a touch of R&B. This is my handcrafted, childhood masterpiece. I'm sure, due to the faults of time, a couple songs are missing or mentally amalgamated in from other tapes. But the essence is more or less the same. Enjoy. (Photo courtesy of TapeDeck.org)

Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dog - "Ain't Nuthin But a G-Thang":

The "1, 2, 3 and to tha 4" still gets me happy to this day.

Domino - "Ghetto Jam":

I had completely forgotten about this song until I started thinking about the mixtape again. When that happens, you realized it's a song that only could have come out of a given era.

Tevin Campbell - "Can We Talk":

Ok, maybe not as imposing as some other selections on this mix, BUT I WAS 9! And it's still a good song.

Snoop Doggy Dog - "Gin and Juice":

I have memories of sitting in my dad's car listening to this track: me rappin about endo, and gin, and money, my dad looking at me like I was a damn moron.

Dru Down - "Pimp of the Year":

A wise friend once said, "Dru Down sellin' bitches quick dreams here mane!" I concur.

E-40 featuring The Click, D-Shot, B-Legit and Suga T - "Captain Save A Hoe":

Worth it just for the line "Look up in the sky, it's a bird! It's a plane! What's dat fool name? CAPTAIN SAVE A HOE MAAAANE!"

Masta Ace - "Born To Roll":

I still don't know how Masta Ace was pulling west coast airplay back then, but I'm happy he was. I still find my self singing the chorus without even knowing it's from this song.

Aaliyah - "Back and Forth":

This song really deserved a spot on any 94-era mixtape.

Warren G and Nate Dogg - "Regulate":

Don't care what anyone says. This was THE song of 1994.

Rappin 4 Tay - "Players Club":

A mid-90s Bay Area gem.

Soul 4 Real - "Candy Rain":

This was the last track I added to that tape before it was time to move on. Not sure how I remember this being the very last, but I would like to know where I stashed that tape.

Gadget Deals of the Day

Mark Wilson — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST

Look, we'd like to think that if we didn't tell you about all of these fabulous tech deals, you'd just go on your merry way and save your cash. But we both know that isn't the case. So read on to score a $.98 version of Half-Life, a $100 external hard drive, or one of the many good buys that you see above. Or, you know. Don't.

Computing
• Seagate FreeAgent Go 320GB Portable Hard Drive for $99.99 plus free shipping (originally $122.99).
• Western Digital WDH1B5000N 500GB External Hard Drive for $99.99 plus free shipping (originally $199.99).

Flash Memory
• Kingston DT101Y/4GB Flash Drive for $8.99 plus free shipping (originally $32.25).
• Kingston 8GB SDHC Class 4 Flash Card for $14.98 plus free shipping (originally $75.75).
• SanDisk 8GB MicroSDHC Flash Card with SD Card Adapter for $35.99 plus free shipping (originally $69.99).

Home Accessories
• Logitech Harmony 880 Remote Control for $74.99 plus free shipping (originally $199.99).
• iRobot Roomba 415 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner $99.99 plus free shipping (originally $299.99).

Home Entertainment
• Memorex MVBD2510 Blu-Ray Player for $149.99 plus free shipping (originally $279.99).
• Philips BDP7200 Blu-Ray Player for $199.97 plus free shipping (originally $399.99).
• HANNspree 37" 16:9 720p LCD HDTV for $499.99 plus free shipping (originally $799.999).
• Sony VPL-AW10 Bravia Widescreen Home Theater LCD Projector for $699.95 (originally $999).

Portable Devices (MP3 Players, Cameras, Etc.)
• SanDisk 1GB Sansa Express MP3 Player for $10.99 plus free shipping (originally $79.99).
• Microsoft Zune 3.2" Black 120GB MP4 Player for $224.99 (originally $249.99).
• Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera for $799.98 plus free shipping (originally $1,849).

Stocking Stuffers
• The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus 16-Ton Megaset for $39.99 (originally $99.95 - valid today only).

Video Games
• Half-Life on Steam for $0.98 (originally $9.99).
• Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle for $319.20 (originally $399.99).

Hobomodo
• USB Flash Drive for $0 (priceless).

Memorex SingStand Might Actually Make Karaoke Cool Again

Wilson Rothman — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT

The galaxy of gimmicky karaoke machines was starting to fade before Memorex's SingStand came along. This baby organically melds mic stand and iPod dock, and at $70 doesn't even put you into debt to do so. The base is where the brains are—vox effects like reverb plus "Auto Voice Control" for removing original song vocals—along with two 4-watt "full-range" speakers. There's even a second mic input for Sonny-and-Cher-Pre-Divorce moments. The catch is that there's no 30-pin connector for charging or enhanced iPod control, but at least a 3.5mm miniplug means you can pop in your Zune or Sansa too. [Memorex via Electronista]

Memorex MVBD-2510 Blu-ray Limbos Under $300

Mark Wilson — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EDT

The Memorex MVBD-2510 fills that getting-the-job-done-for-cheap niche, but Gizmodo readers should know we don't actually recommend it for purchase. It costs only $270, but sacrifices Profile 2.0 and the ethernet that accompanies it. So it's a pass, but a positive trend for the industry all the same. [prnewswire]

Memorex SimpleSave is Easy DVD Recording For Your Grandparents

Jason Chen — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:10:00 EDT

Memorex has a crazy (and expensive) new DVD-R line called SimpleSave, which automatically scans your computer for photos and videos and burns them to disc. From the description, these $14.99 for 5 discs sound like they're perfect for your parents or grandparents who don't really know how to use a burner and have photos scattered all over their machines. If they've got more pics and vids than can fit on one disc, the software will tell them how many more they need to buy and will parse and burn accordingly. Expensive, but neat fort the new user. [PRNewswire via Coolest Gadgets]

Memorex Makes Air Dusters Harder to Huff

Jason Chen — Sat, 26 May 2007 13:10:00 EDT

Now, you probably didn't know this—because you're a normal human being—but kids apparently like to huff cans of compressed air. Boy, children are really high-tech these days. Back when we were small we stuck with markers, glue, and chalk, but now they're getting all futuristic with compressed air.

That's why Memorex just released a new line of Air Duster with "bitterant," which makes huffing these things unpleasant. Hopefully this additive doesn't affect normal dusting, just direct sniffing, or else people are going to be stocking up on old-school dusters. Crazy-ass kids. Get off my—oh wait, I'm too poor to have a lawn. – Jason Chen

Memorex Air Dusters feature bitterant [Uber Gizmo]

Memorex Money Clip Flash Drive Won't Lose Data, Money

Travis Hudson — Wed, 16 May 2007 18:40:55 EDT

Father's Day, anyone? Memorex has created this device for that technologically savvy money clip user. It is a flash drive that can also double as a money clip. It is available in capacities in up to 1GB and is available for $35 at Target stores. It may be a bit bulky for a money clip, but think of how impressed the strippers will be when your dad is "making it rain" from bills coming out of his Memorex flash drive money clip. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Gearlog]

Dealzmodo: 1GB Memorex Flash Drive, $5 AR

Travis Hudson — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:03:06 EDT

Tiger Direct has a 1GB Memorex TravelDrive that includes CA Internet Security for $90 with an $85 mail-in-rebate. There is always mixed reviews about Tiger Direct mail-in-rebates, so take this one with a grain of salt.

Other than the risqu mail-in-rebate, this is a pretty damn good deal. Five bones for a 1GB flash drive? Hell yes. The rebate expires on October 31. I would jump on this deal, but I already have a good flash drive that can even withstand being peed on. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via uberbargain]

Memorex iFlip Video Viewer for iPod

Gizloco — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:35:37 EDT

This September Memorex plans to release a video player that connects to the 5G iPod with Video, giving users access to a much roomier screen without having to sacrifice their precious iPod. The 8.4-inch screen dwarf's the iPod's 2.5-inch and supports a resolution of 480 x 234 pixels. If, like Tim Allen, you need more power, you can use the iFlip's S-video out to send the video to an even bigger screen.

The iFlip has a pair of integrated speakers, which can be used even without turning on the screen. The on-screen navigation is used to control iFlip-specific settings, like screen brightness and and contrast; the iPod is still used to traverse the iPod's innards.

Memorex should start selling the iFlip in September for $200. – Nicholas Deleon

UPDATE: Memorex sent us a few more pictures of the iFlip for your viewing pleasure. Check them out after the jump.

Memorex reveals iFlip portable video player for iPod [iLounge]

Memorex Home Page [Memorex]

Memorex World Cup USB Drives

Jason Chen — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 19:30:34 EDT

Memorex isn't one for rushing things, since they're just now getting around to releasing World Cup themed USB drives when the World Cup is halfway over! We're guessing it was a manufacturing problem, since releasing these things when two of the countries are already eliminated is kind of putting salt on fresh wounds.

The available countries are "England, Italy, Holland, Germany, France and Spain", with Spain and Holland already going home. Better hurry and order these now or else it may be too late! – Jason Chen

Product Page

Memorex World Cup USB drives [Tech Digest]

Back to the Future: Memorex Pro Gold Archival CD-R

Charlie White — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 17:02:01 EDT

Gizmodo has a little secret to spill: we've acquired a time machine and gone forward 300 years so that we could do a hands-on test of these Memorex Pro Gold CD-R blanks (available in DVD-R, too) the company sent us via FedEx today. Our result? We had no way of knowing if the company's claim of a 300-year durability is true or not, because first of all since the denizens of the 24th century passed The Singularity a couple of centuries ago, they already possess all of the data that's ever been gathered by any human being in each of their pretty little electronic heads. Disks of any kind are irrelevant in those future times.

However, if there were CD players in existence 300 years from now, these archival discs would certainly have a good chance of surviving until then. They have a 24-karat gold reflective layer, plus they're slathered with high-performance dye that's supposedly stable enough for long-term storage, and then there's that DuraLayer, touted to be exceptionally scratch-resistant. These CD-Rs better be everything-resistant—they're $13 for a three-pack. But that peace of mind you'll get, knowing that your data will last for centuries, even if nobody around will want to retrieve that data? Priceless. We'd settle for 20 years. – Charlie White

Product Page [Memorex]

Memorex Releases Four MP3 Players And Nobody Notices

Jason Chen — Sun, 21 May 2006 13:47:01 EDT

When consumers hear Memorex, what comes to mind? Most likely CDRs, DVDRs and burners, not MP3 players. But Memorex is trying wedge itself into an already tight market like your wife into her jeans from college.

The most interesting design is a disc shaped player, the MMP8550, which is reminiscent of all their blank media with a big play button in the middle. It has no display, 256 MB of flash and MP3 + WMA support. The only reason you'd pick this up is as a conversation piece.

The other players are standard 512 MB, 3 year old flash player designs, which makes us wonder what Memorex is thinking.

New Stuff from Memorex [dapreview]

Imation Buys Memorex, Passes Go, Collects $200

Travis Hudson — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 08:56:21 EST

Data storage manufacturer Imation has acquired Memorex for 330 million bones with additional payments of up to $45 million to come in the future. The deal should be completely sealed by the second quarter of 2006 and Imation expects an increase of $34 million annualized operating income. Memorex has been around since the 1970s when they busted into the audio cassette market and as of late they have focused a lot of their attention on PC peripherals and portable media. Good game, Memorex, good game.

Imation Buys Memorex [Extremetech]

Memorex's Cute Little Dongle

Noah R — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 12:15:09 EDT

Memorex is shrinking. The new Mini Traveldrive portable storage device is about an inch shorter than the original Traveldrive, comes in a prettier platinum color (in case you're dying for something to match your purse) and holds up to 2GB of storage for $179.99. Includes SecureTD with password protection, and is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. Ooh, and it's got that cute blinkey light on the end too.

Memorex's USB TravelDrive Welcomes Little 'Mini' to the Family [PR Newswire]