The Japan Trend Shop also says the 2mm-thick lenses wouldn't shatter, even if a 500g 1.1-pound shaft of iron is dropped on them from 4 feet. You know, for those times when you escape the clinches of some evil mastermind at the last minute. I guess I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, but it still kinda sounds like they're just pulling numbers out of the air.

If you're in the market for a pair of super-rugged glasses, these puppies will only set you back $317. Yikes. [Japan Trend Shop via DVICE]

Seriously, think about it: The MC9500 has all the hardware you need, with a 3.5G cellular radio, a 3.7-inch VGA touchscreen, and 806MHz Marvell processor, GPS, Wi-Fi, a 3.2-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, and even an accelerometer. You can even swap out the keypad with another configuration, or a lump of lead, probably, to maximize the kinetic force when you inevitably use this thing as a bludgeon. Windows Mobile 6.1 is something you don't have a choice but to put up with in this sector, but that's beside the point, really.

It's beautiful, in a way the Cliq couldn't even fathom. I want to take it through airport security. I want to talk on it on the bus. I want to put it on my belt and try to get a seat at a nice restaurant. I want to crush ice with it. I want to club seals with it. I, I, I... want it. Which sucks, because it starts at $2500. [Motorola via V3]

The Price

The Sonim XP3 is by no means a new phone, either as a product or a piece of technology. For the US, though, it's still semi-fresh: It's just been announced on regional carriers around the country, and as of last week you can pick one up unlocked for about $400 at Best Buy.

The Verdict

As you can see, this thing is a brick. It's a heavy, Tonka-yellow slab of plastic and rubber that sometimes makes calls, sends texts and visits a website or two. In a way it's the ultimate dumbphone: It's not annoyingly dumb—it's actually got a decently attractive UI, and it's worlds easier to use than the not-as-tough Casio G'zOne—and the battery life is conversely related to the phone's feature set, just like it should be. (I've been playing with this thing on and off for more than a week, and I still don't need to charge it.) Also, of course, it's tough, like all my favorite dumb people. It's the anti-iPhone, and not necessarily in a bad way.

When I say tough, I don't mean to say this is a phone for people who go through a lot of handsets, or hate that their Pre's backplate keeps getting scratched—this is in a different league, for a different type of human: Do you work on an oil rig? As a stuntman? Underwater, sometimes? Did you sign a 100-page insurance waiver before starting your current job? Have you ever watched a coworker get crushed to death, along with his phone? No?

Ok, but would you like the option to occasionally cook your phone?

Spaghetti con Tele

Gallery or video, take your pick:

Sonim never claimed this wouldn't kill the phone, and the battery clearly states that it shouldn't be heated past 130 degrees. After a brief speaker fritz that solved itself, though, the XP3 works perfectly.

You can boil it, like pasta, for at least three minutes

It's surprisingly pleasant to use, for what it is

Battery lasts forever

It's not terribly huge, but not thin either

It's fundamentally ridiculous, though necessary for a select group of people

No 3G, or major carriers (yet)

Extremely hard to chew, even harder to pass

Taste Test is our weeklong tribute to the leaps that occur when technology meets cuisine, spanning everything from the historic breakthroughs that made food tastier and safer to the Earl-Grey-friendly replicators we impatiently await in the future.

The display achieves a brightness of 1,100 nit with a 120-degree viewing angle, meaning that it should be clear even under direct sunlight. Inside the aluminum chassis, the 8404 also includes an Intel Atom processor, non-rotating compact flash drive and a hot-swappable battery. On a construction site the 8404 could be ideal, but I wouldn't expect any bargains here when the sticker price is revealed. [Hot Hardware via Ubergizmo]

The 3720 is certainly not Nokia's savior, but if you are clumsy, European and in need of a toilet-proof, drop-proof, kick-proof phone, it might be worth the 125 Euros ($175). [Nokia via Geeky Gadgets]

To be honest, we have seen other phones endure quite a bit more punishment—and we weren't impressed with the N97 overall anyway. But this new phone? It's definitely more sturdy, whatever it is. [Nokia Conversations via Electricpig]

Built around an all-new, video-capable 14.6-megapixel sensor, the K-7's weather-sealed, magnesium alloy K-mount body helps set it apart, at least somehow, from the burgeoning field of low-to-mid-range video DSLRs from larger manufacturers like Canon and Nikon. Other salient features include an interestingly diverse array of video resolution options (720p, 1536x1024, and VGA), all recorded at 30fps, the automatic HDR mode, HDMI output, a 921,000 dot, 3-inch LCD with Live View function and in-body shake reduction.

Moving on the core camera specs, the K-7 looks solid. It'll shoot 5.4 stills per second, boasts a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second and supports an admirably high ISO 6400. Dust removal, images processing, AF and metering are all said to be improved over existing Pentax models as well. Of course, impressive numbers and snazzy new feature claims don't mean a thing unless they've been demonstrated to translate into clean, noise-free images, but they're all we've got for now.

Then there's the matter of price. A body-only price of $1300 positions the K-7 a broad step above the sub-grand Canon T1i and Nikon D5000, but well below the high-end Canon 5D Mk II. That said, it's the first camera to address the durability concerns raised by using a DSLR as a camcorder, and it fares well against its cheaper competition on paper. For now, that is—who knows what other manufacturers will have dreamt up by the time the K-7 ships in July. Full release below.

PENTAX INTRODUCES ADVANCED PENTAX K-7 DIGITAL SLR
New Camera Boasts Variety of Technological Firsts and Major Improvements
Over Previous K Series Cameras

GOLDEN, CO. (May 20, 2009)…PENTAX Imaging Company announced today the launch of the PENTAX K-7 digital SLR camera. This latest PENTAX K series camera is designed for advanced photographers seeking high-end design and features without the cost of a professional DSLR system. The PENTAX K-7 features a rugged, yet compact new body design, a new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up, and advanced features such as HD Movie Capture and new, unique-to-PENTAX camera controls. Compatible with every PENTAX lens ever made, the high-end K-7 features an abundance of long-anticipated new and improved features that are exclusive to the camera and combine to make it a tremendous photography tool.
"The K-7 will appeal to many current PENTAX SLR photographers who have been asking for more advanced features, but in a smaller, solid, comfortable-to-hold body," said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company. "We also believe the combination of the K-7's smaller, high quality construction coupled with the growing line-up of our Limited compact prime lenses will appeal to serious shooters who currently don't own or previously hadn't considered adding a PENTAX to their camera bag."
The most significant features of the PENTAX K-7 that have never been offered before in any K series digital camera, and in some cases any camera, include:

A compact, magnesium alloy body that is one of the smallest in the advanced photo enthusiast category to reduce bulk and allow users to travel light while maintaining durability and build quality (seven percent smaller than the K20D and up to 25 percent smaller than other cameras in the same class).
A new 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor rebuilt from the ground up to minimize noise, adds four channel output for fast image capture, and the ability to capture HD quality movies. It is the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing very large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility.
A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure for even the most complex and dynamic lighting situations.
HD Movie capture features adjustable quality and resolution settings, aperture control, as well as mechanical Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound.* The K-7 will capture video at the default standard of 1280x720 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio (equivalent to 720p), 1536x1024 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio, or 640x416 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio (equivalent to VGA quality), all shot at 30 frames per second.
An HDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on modern high definition TV's.
A Dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions.

(more)
PENTAX K-7
2-2-2

An Electronic Level function ensures that images have truly level horizons to minimize post-capture editing.
An innovative in-camera Lens Correction function that electronically adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations to maximize image quality with DA series lenses.
A dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures.
A High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture mode captures three images then combines them in camera to widen the exposure gamut to bring out detail in all exposure areas of images.
A composition adjustment feature in Live View allows minor shifts in the framing and composition of images using the Shake Reduction mechanism without having to physically move the camera. This feature is ideal for tripod use.
A programmable embedded copyright function preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during capture via a keypad that may record ownership in metatag data.

*Due to the compact size of the K-7 camera and the in-body Shake Reduction mechanism, a camera mounted microphone is a highly recommended accessory for optimal audio quality when capturing video.

A variety of K series camera features that are significantly improved in the PENTAX K-7 include:

A striking 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review using the Live View function.
A weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C) body makes the K-7 the perfect camera for use in any environment, inside the studio or when travelling in any weather.
Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with a new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and 4 channel output that is ideal for sporting events or any fast action situation.
A top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well lit settings.
Live View mode, now with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having your eye against the viewfinder.
A 100 percent field-of-view viewfinder (92X magnification) and bright focusing screen are ideal for accurate image composition and accurate focus.
The PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous generation K series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF.
The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture.
The K-7's Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor's low-pass filter for dust-fee image capture.
A new high capacity battery features extended battery life, ideal for travel photography or video work.
Advanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation.
Custom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment allow users to customize the processing mode to suit personal creative style.
(more)

PENTAX K-7
3-3-3
Other K series innovations featured on the PENTAX K-7 include:
Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels.
Advanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures in even the most difficult lighting.
Dynamic Range setting with adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows for even the highest-contrast, dynamic lighting.
Dedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hot shoe adapters.
Advanced capture options include multi-exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography.
Along with the body, PENTAX announced a D-BG4 battery grip for exclusive use with the PENTAX K-7. This battery grip may be used in combination with the camera's rechargeable lithium-ion battery to double camera's battery life. The D-BG4 also accepts 6 AA batteries in a alternate battery tray for added freedom when shooting in the field. With a vertical shutter-release button, e-dials, AE-lock and a new focus button, the grip features the same weather-resistance, dustproof and coldproof construction as the PENTAX K-7.
PENTAX also announced two weather-resistant lens models developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs. The smc DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR and the smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR kit lenses feature weather-resistant seals to handle damp, inclement conditions. Complementing K series camera bodies, both lenses blend versatility with affordability, giving the casual photographer a broader canvas without having to carry a multitude of lenses.
The PENTAX K-7 body only will ship in July 2009 for $1,299.95 USD. The PENTAX D-BG4 battery grip also will ship in July 2009 for $229.95. The newest weather-resistant lenses will be priced at $199.95 for the DA 18-55mm and $249.95 for the DA 50-200mm. These products also will ship in July 2009.

The Lacie Rugged XL offers 1TB of USB/eSATA storage, wrapped in aluminum and a large external/internal bumper, for $160. But, at least according to this lead picture, this new model (right) is huuuuuggge, even by 3.5-inch standards. Seriously, it might eat your laptop if it gets too close. [Lacie]

To help out all the military, first responders, oil & gas workers and like to get their computing done, the E6400 uses a Ballistic Armor Protection System that has twice the impact strength of magnesium alloy, the ability to stand drops of up to four feet, and corrosion protection.

Besides all that toughness, you get Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a QuadCool thermal management system, 4GB DDR SDRAM and either a shock mounted 80GB drive or a 64GB SSD drive. While most of us would never need something this tough, those who do need an Ahnold for their computing needs can get one starting at $4299. [Dell]

The Price: $300

The Verdict: The Stylus Tough 6000 is waterproof to 10 feet, shockproof to 5 feet, can withstand temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. In this camera, Olympus even acknowledges the fact that its xD format is pretty much useless, and includes a MicroSD adapter, so you can buy a much more useful MicroSD card instead. (I used a 4GB SDHC one for this test, and didn't notice any performance holdbacks.)

As much as the puke yellow finish didn't really go over well with the rest of my ski party, it's easy to see in the snow, one of many characteristics that jive with Blam's key requirements for a good snow gadget. It did get a little scratched up as you can see in the gallery, but the scratches were superficial, and kinda made it look tough.

Besides sheer durability, Oly added some great UI enhancements. I typically don't give Olympus much credit for UI, but the main controls are straightforward and the icon-based menu is less confusing than the menu on most cameras.

I didn't have much trouble controlling the camera with heavy gloves on—the zoom buttons and scroll wheel are laid out correctly for that—but the UI addition that makes this a real Snowmodo contender is the tap control: You toggle between shooting and reviewing, and change flash and macro settings, just by tapping the sides and top of the camera. It sounds weird, and at first it's a little confusing, but it takes just minutes to figure out, and once you do, you'll love it.

One big problem I ran into was that video resolution and frame rate were both set, as a default, to the lowest specs (QVGA, 15fps). So the video you see below is a little choppy and low-res, in spite of the fact that I could've shot 30fps VGA. I didn't realize how bad my video was—and how much better it could have been—until after our days on the slopes had ended. The fact that there's no HD sucks in this day and age, but I am sure Oly will get there soon. BTW, someone a lot better (at skiing) than me shot this:

Camera wise, there were some great things and some not-so-good things. It's a basic 10-megapixel 3.6x optical zoom with a great wide-angle setting for one-armed self portraits and shooting in tight areas. I am partial to including the sun in outdoor shots because I like lens flares, but in this case, the optics were a little weird: During video shooting, the lens flare was a blinding bar, straight up and down, and in the still shot, I got the mushy pink flare you can in one of the following four sample shots:

And though the 6000 is good for most daytime outdoor shooting, it's no good indoors without a flash or tons of ambient light, meaning it's not the best choice for everyday use. To pay $300 for a camera you only use on vacations might sting a bit, but hey, if you're into destination-oriented pursuits like snorkeling and snowboarding, $300 for a great beat-around camera might sound pretty reasonable. [Olympus Product Page]

Snowmodo is our snow sport winter meet up at Lake Tahoe, with prizes, discounts, tons of fun snow activities, a party and GADGETS. If you can make it (and people are coming from TEXAS) please RSVP. I'll let you wear my hat (below).

Apart from being rugged against water, shock, dust, immersion, vibration, salt, humidity, solar radiation, altitude, and temperature according to military 810F standards, the "Intrinsically Safe" Motorola i356IS is designed to avoid releasing electrical or thermal energy capable of igniting fuel or explosives.

The push-to-talk phone can send an emergency tone to 20 other Nextel Direct Connect subscribers. [Mobiledia via CNET]

Nearly every aspect of the TS1 was designed with rugged use in mind: the airtight shell, reinforced with rubber padding, glass and carbon resin is purported to protect the camera during underwater use at depths of up to ten feet and falls onto a hard surface from five.

Now for the spec pile: the TS1 shoots stills at 12.1 megapixels and video at 720p. effective lens length is an ample 28mm-128mm, the aperture opens to a 3.3-5.9 maximum size, ISO notches all the way up to 6400 and the maximum shutter speed is 1/1300. A 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot LCD adorns the back of the slim(ish) 3.87 x 2.49 x 0.91 body, and the standard facial recognition, image stabilization and creative mode features are all present.

The TS1 will ship in April for $400, which doesn't sound so bad considering what a solid travel camera this could make. See the whole presser below. Note: Panasonic hasn't yet released press images for this product, but the FT1, pictured above, is the European equivalent to the TS1 and is, for all intents and purposes, identical. Picture from LetsGoDigital. [Panasonic]

PANASONIC INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST*1 WATERPROOF, SHOCKPROOF AND DUSTPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA
WITH AVCHD LITE HD VIDEO RECORDING CAPABILITIES*2

New LUMIX DMC-TS1 Digital Camera Features Tough and Rugged Design for Capturing Still and Motion Images In Outdoor Activities

MIAMI, FL (January 27, 2009) – Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-TS1, the world's first*1 waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera*2 to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities*3. The TS1's tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities. The LUMIX TS1, with a 12.1 megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic's proprietary iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, making this an easy-to-use, yet powerful camera that packs advanced imaging features.

"Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear it will be damaged. With the introduction of the LUMIX TS1, we offer a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel confident using in these tough environments," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Even more, with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family."

The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.

Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto, the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments – especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment's lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1's LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.

The TS1 records AVCHD Lite HD video, allowing almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. The TS1 also features Dolby Digital Creator to record high quality audio to match the high-quality motion images.

Also new in 2009, the TS1 features iA mode for both still images and in Movie Mode. For iA in Movie Mode, the TS1 features Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), which helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in a frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on the face. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. Optical zoom can be used in motion image recording. Users can start video recording by simply pressing a dedicated button on the camera's back panel.

The TS1's iA for still image adds Face Recognition*4 – a feature that "remembers" faces from previous shots. When a registered face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritize focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. With Face Recognition, when a familiar face is recorded several times, the camera will prompt you to register the face. Once registered, if the face appears into the frame again, the camera will display the name specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and sharply focused.

The imaging power of LUMIX has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for Face Recognition, AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. It integrates the numerous advanced functions with high performance, and low-power consumption. Thanks to the Venus Engine HD, it's easy to view photos or movies recorded in AVCHD Lite. Simply insert the SD Memory Card from the camera in the Panasonic VIERA® HDTV's Image Viewer SD Memory Card slot to start playback, or connect the camera via an optional HDMI mini cable to a VIERA Link™-equipped Panasonic VIERA HDTV and use the TV's remote control to run slideshows*5.

This multi-task image-processing engine also enables a fast response time. The TS1 starts up quickly in 1.3 seconds and shutter release time lag is approximately 0.005 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash*6. The Venus Engine HD also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the TS1 record up to ISO 6400*7, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash. Despite its outstanding performance, the high performance engine is also more energy efficient, extending the battery life up to 340 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.

Other features of the LUMIX DMC-TS1 include:
New Scene Modes for Still Images: Beach & Surf mode gives users a single mode with optimized auto white balance for optical shooting on the beach and in shallow water.
New Panorama Assist scene mode allows users to shoot a number of consistent photos, either vertically or horizontally, by aligning them according to a guide that overlaps the screen. Then using those photos and the bundled PanoramaMaker software, users can create dramatic panoramic images.
Increased Scene modes for both still and motion image shooting – optimized for a variety of situations. There are 26 scene modes for still image and 17 for motion image (Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self portrait, Scenery, Low light, Food, Party, Candle light, Sunset, High sensitivity, Beach & Surf, Snow, Aerial, Pin hole, Film grain and Underwater)
LED Illumination is available in motion image recording.
High-Speed Burst (Speed Priority) that fires off approximately10 shots per second*8.
Menus are clearer and easier to navigate with the Display Size option.
Macro Zoom function lets users pull subjects even closer to capture dramatic close-up shots by using the 3x digital zoom in the wide-angle.
Bundled Software: The latest version of PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition allows users to view, edit and archive captured content with greater ease and fun. Still and motion images can be transferred to the computer via a USB cable for viewing and archiving. Using PHOTOfunSTUDIO 3.0 HD Edition, users can edit and remove unwanted portions of video clips recorded in AVCHD Lite. Contents recorded in AVCHD Lite can be burned directly onto a DVD disc or converted to MPEG2 format. The software also incorporates the Face Recognition function, which recognizes registered faces in photos stored on the computer, making organizing and archiving photos with a specific person much easier. Additionally, motion pictures can be uploaded directly to YouTube.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS1 will be available in silver, green or orange models in April 2009 for a suggested retail price of $399.95. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

The durable Stylus Tough-8000 has a 12mp sensor, and is rated to survive underwater depths of 33 feet, drops of nearly 7 feet, and 220 pounds of pressure. It also has semi-standard features, such as dual image optimization, face detection, etc. There's also the Stylus Tough-6000, which is pretty much the same, except it's a little less rugged, only able to fall 5 feet or go 10 feet underwater. In any case, both Stylus Tough-8000 and 6000 cameras will be available in February for $400 and $300, respectively.

Olympus STYLUS Tough Series Cameras Dare The World To Bring It On!

Stability Meets Durability: Shakeproof Dual Image Stabilization Added to Shockproof, Waterproof and Freezeproof Design of STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 Cameras

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 7, 2009 – There’s really only one word to describe the new shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof cameras from Olympus: Tough! Built to withstand some of the harshest environments on earth, the Stylus Tough series builds on the impressive specifications of the renowned Stylus SW Series by adding Dual Image Stabilization. Now, when the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 arrive at the windy mountain peak or dive into choppy waves, they stay steady and ready to capture blur-free images in virtually any condition.

“Olympus designed the new Stylus Tough series to go places other point-and-shoot cameras wouldn’t dare to go, and by adding Dual Image Stabilization we ensure that adventurers will come home with crisp, clear images of their travels,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “After all, when you make cameras that can be dropped, submerged and frozen you expect the terrain where you use them to get a little rocky along the way, and you want stability as well as durability.”

The STYLUS TOUGH-8000, designed for active and adventurous people, features an impressive 12 million pixels of image resolution for poster-sized prints and can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure, and laugh at freezing temperatures. The 10-megapixel STYLUS TOUGH-6000 is made for life’s everyday adventures – especially those with kids. From the kitchen to a waterslide park and the bunny slopes, the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 can take a drop from 5 feet, dive to 10 feet below the surface, and beat the freezing cold. Both Stylus Tough series cameras feature Tap Control to make it easy for skiers, divers and snowmen makers to control key settings without removing their gloves. It can also just be fun for those who enjoy new modern technology.

Winning the Battle of the Blur with Dual Image Stabilization
For the first time, Dual Image Stabilization will be offered on Olympus’ cameras in the tough category. In the cold climates where the Olympus STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 thrive, you may shiver, but the cameras perform sure and steady even in shaking hands. Dual Image Stabilization combines two technologies – mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization – to provide one powerful anti-blur solution for capturing great images whether the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus’ mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the internal image sensor to compensate for camera movement, even in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. Additionally, Digital Image Stabilization freezes the action with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds that prevent blurry images often caused by a moving subject.

Nothing Can Shock These Tough Cameras
Afraid the mountain wind might sweep a camera out of your hands and dash it on the rocks below? Never fear, the STYLUS TOUGH-6000, available in trendy yellow, white or blue tones, can withstand a 5-foot drop thanks to the Stylus Tough series’ shock-absorbing technology, which minimizes the impact on the lens and circuitry. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000, available in stylish blue, black or silver, can withstand a 6.6-foot drop and features a crushproof body that can withstand up to 220 pounds of pressure.

Point-Dunk-and-Shoot Cameras
Stylus Tough series cameras perform as well underwater as they do on land because their lightweight, stainless steel and aluminum exteriors are matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 can be fully submerged to capture beautiful images down to 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, and features a built-in manometer, making it ideal for more serious underwater adventurers who want to know the depth of where their images were taken. The STYLUS TOUGH-6000 can be submerged up to 10 feet underwater. The inclusion of four preset underwater scene modes makes these cameras perfect for taking photos while scuba diving, snorkeling or simply having worry-free fun in the pool. Additionally, movies can be captured on both cameras and colors are more vibrant using the underwater movie mode on the STYLUS TOUGH-8000. The cameras also feature a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.

Freezeproof for Arctic Adventures
Whether you’re in the arctic tundra or building a snowman in your backyard, the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 cameras still perform when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius). Stylus Tough series cameras continue to allow you to take great images in freezing situations where most traditional cameras would fail.

Olympus Recommended Button
The new “OR” button makes it easy to activate Olympus’ unique features, including In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment and Perfect Shot Preview. Simply press the new OR button to easily access these commonly used features.

New Beauty Mode: Supermodels Watch out!
Taking beautiful portraits in the pool or on the slopes is easy with the new Beauty Mode. It enables you to soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face – all in the camera and as you capture the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using the Beauty Fix mode. Choose “Clear Skin” to smooth a person’s complexion, “Dramatic Eye” to slightly emphasize the eyes, and “Sparkle Eye” to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.

Hit Them with Your Best Shot: Tap Control
The Stylus Tough series cameras can be controlled with a simple tap on their top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to their internal 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. To turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, all that is required is a couple of taps on the camera’s sides and top. In adverse climates Tap Control ensures fast adjustment of settings even if you are fighting frostbite wearing large gloves that make pressing traditional buttons nearly impossible.

Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Captures it All
The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 feature a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot – perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it is further protected from harsh conditions.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture CardTM media. Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept microSD memory cards to capture images. The new Stylus Tough cameras offer the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot cameras.

Advanced HyperCrystalTM III LCD
The next generation of Olympus’ LCD technology – HyperCrystal III – displays twice as bright as previous versions so that you can see the details more clearly, even in direct sunlight. The new technology is offered on the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and STYLUS TOUGH-6000 in a 2.7-inch LCD.

Can’t Hide with Face Detection!
Portrait and group shots make family reunions live beyond the short event, and with Face Detection you’ll capture even the shyest relatives. The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 detects up to three faces and the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 detects up to 16 faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure to capture sharp, brilliant portraits and group shots. Thanks to the unrivaled durability of the Stylus Tough series cameras, you’ll capture amazing photos even if your next family reunion is at a National Park, a water park or a ski slope!

Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
Skating at night? You won’t be the last one on the ice thanks to Intelligent Auto Mode. It automatically identifies what you are shooting (i.e. Portrait, Night + Portrait, Landscape, Macro and Sports) and adjusts the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results. First-time users can jump into this quick and hassle-free feature that does the thinking for them and produces incredible images.

Broaden Your Horizons with In-Camera Panorama
The places you can take Stylus Tough series cameras – the Grand Canyon or the volcanic sand beaches of Hawaii – are locations where you want to capture as much of the scene as you can. In-Camera Panorama mode makes it possible by capturing three images and stitching them together to create one amazing panoramic picture. Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene. The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image – resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture. To create the ultimate panoramic picture, consumers can use the OLYMPUS Master Software™ 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shooting outdoors in bright daylight can be tricky because of the extreme contrast between dark shadowed areas and bright sunlit areas. While the human eye is capable of detecting the nuances between dark and light and all the details in between, image sensors traditionally have not been quite as sensitive. The Stylus Tough series addresses this challenge head-on with Shadow Adjustment Technology, which compensates for extreme contrast where the shadow areas are underexposed and lack visible detail. With this technology, users can preview and capture images with the same contrast as the naked eye.

Perfect Shot Preview
The Stylus Tough series features a Perfect Shot Preview mode that enables users to preview and select various photographic effects on a live, multi-window screen before snapping the shot. Perfect Shot Preview enables users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring users are capturing the exact image they want. It is an ideal way for novice users to learn about the effects of different photography techniques, such as zoom, exposure compensation, white balance and metering.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
The Stylus Tough series offers Red-Eye Fix and Shadow Adjustment Edit, in-camera editing features such as resizing, and saturation adjustments, enabling users to edit photos right in the camera. With the Perfect Fix function, multiple editing features can be applied at once.

LED Illuminator
An LED Illuminator on the Stylus Tough series cameras works like a mini-flashlight on the front of the camera to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting – great for underwater close-ups where light is scarce. The LED also works in conjunction with Bright Capture to help illuminate your subject when taking low-light portraits.

TruePic™ III Image Processor
Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III captures sharp images at high ISO settings, minimizing image noise or grainy photos traditionally associated with shooting with high ISO.

Smart Charging for Active Lifestyles
For the first time, the new STYLUS TOUGH-8000 offers internal charging. Using an AC adapter, the camera plugs directly into a power outlet and charges the battery like a traditional mobile phone. It minimizes the need to open the battery compartment door, and helps to maintain the watertight gaskets that keep your camera tough.

Fashionable and Practical Accessories
Olympus offers a number of optional accessories, specifically designed for the Stylus Tough series cameras. For users looking to capture their underwater adventures deeper than 33 feet (10 meters), Olympus offers the PT-045 underwater housing for the STYLUS TOUGH-8000, which enables users to take pictures as deep as 130 feet (40 meters). A highly visible floating wrist strap frees users’ hands when swimming or chasing the next big wave. Stylish silicone skins protect the camera from scratches.

Additionally, new carabineer straps available in blue and black attach directly to the camera and can be hooked to a bag, swimming suit or hiking shorts. Durable, sporty neoprene cases are also perfect for active or outdoor expeditions. Olympus Stylus Tough series cameras continue to make smooth transitions from outdoor adventures to cocktail parties. Rinse the camera and place it in an Olympus premium case for added sophistication. The premium cases are available in a variety of colors, including red, black and brown leather as well as various patterns.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee™ Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates. Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints using the optional ArcSoft® Print Creations plug-in.

Availability
The STYLUS TOUGH-8000 will be available in February 2009, and the STYLUS TOUGH-6000 will be available in January 2009. They will include: a wrist strap, camera WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-50B Li-Ion rechargeable battery, F-1AC charger for the STYLUS TOUGH-8000 and the LI-50C charger for the STYUS TOUGH-6000, MASD-1 (microSD Adapter), manual, warranty card and OLYMPUS Master 2 software (CD-ROM).

U.S. Pricing
STYLUS TOUGH-8000 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)
STYLUS TOUGH-6000 Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.)

Secaucus, NJ, September 25, 2008 – Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today announced major updates to its business-rugged notebook computer line with the introduction of the thin-and-light F8 and upgrades to the tablet alternative T8 and the ultraportable W8 for road warriors, walking workers and mobile executives. 8 Series Toughbook mobile computers will also include the Gobi 3G mobile broadband (WWAN) solution from Qualcomm Inc. that allows connection to high-speed mobile Internet services offered by leading network operators virtually anywhere in the world.

These innovative business computing solutions are based on Panasonic’s more than fifteen years of engineering and manufacturing robust notebook computers that deliver the durability, reliability and connectivity essential to keeping government and business professionals working wherever and whenever they need to.

“The growing trend of portability in computers–lighter weight, longer battery life, advanced wireless capabilities–needs to be balanced by true durability,” said Daniel Longfield, industry analyst, mobile and wireless, Frost & Sullivan. “Highly mobile government, enterprise and small business users need reliable connectivity to drive continued productivity. Panasonic’s proven business-rugged notebooks enabled with Gobi address this requirement.”

The Panasonic Toughbook F8

Adding to the business-rugged basic concept of delivering lightweight and durable systems with long battery life, the new Toughbook® F8 is the world’s lightest 3G-ready notebook with a 14.1 inch wide display and an internal optical drive. Weighing 3.7 pounds, the Toughbook F8 has an integrated handle for maximum portability. The handle is tested to the same standard as the flagship rugged Toughbook 30 handle, which is used in the most extreme computing environments. With the Intel ® Core™ 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, bright widescreen LCD and a 160GB shock-mounted hard drive, the new F8 is the ideal tool for the road warrior who needs both an extremely portable and high performance PC.

“Panasonic Toughbook business-rugged notebooks are engineered for the truly mobile professional. We have designed these notebooks to offer industry-leading portability, durability and wireless connectivity–a necessary combination for today’s workers on the move,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “Reliability is an issue that is coming into the mainstream with a lot of talk about computers being ‘rugged’. While many vendors appear to be making moves in the direction of improved durability, most business notebooks are still seeing annual failure rates in the double digits.”

“We believe users with demanding jobs should demand more from their PCs,” added Walls. “Panasonic leads the industry in reliability by engineering and building our notebooks to be durable from the inside-out. We add to that a three-year warranty and an around-the-clock US-based support team to give the highest possible return on investment and lowest total cost of ownership.”

A New Level of Performance and Wireless Flexibility
Built with the real-world challenges of today’s mobile user in mind, the Intel ® Core™ 2 Duo processor W8, T8 and F8 notebooks offer an ideal combination of the latest computing power, light weight (from 3. to 3.7 lbs) and long battery life—all protected by proven durability that is engineered throughout. Like all Toughbook notebooks, the business-rugged 8 Series notebooks have strong magnesium alloy cases and chassis, shock-mounted hard drives and LCDs, spill-resistant keyboards and flexible internal connectors for additional protection.

In addition, the 8 Series business-rugged products offer a range of embedded wireless options for anytime, anywhere connectivity, including 802.11a/b/g/draft-n and Bluetooth 2.0. The 8 Series will ship with optional embedded GobiTM 3G technology. Gobi-enabled products, along with Panasonic’s Carrier Selection Application (CSA) software and more than a decade of experience embedding wireless antennas in notebooks, allow seamless selection between mobile broadband carriers and simplified international roaming within a single embedded device. The Panasonic Toughbook 8 Series will be certified on all major networks worldwide, allowing workers to stay connected regardless of network availability in their current location and whether the network is using CDMA2000 EV-DO or HSPA/UMTS/GPRS technologies.

The Panasonic CSA will allow IT administrators maximum flexibility in the management of wireless notebooks. Gobi is designed to lower IT procurement, qualification, support and management costs.

Advanced Power Management
In order to optimally run the more powerful Intel processors in the small and lightweight 8 Series mobile PCs, engineers from Panasonic and Intel developed a proprietary implementation of Dynamic Power Performance Management technology, which dynamically controls key devices operation to find optimal balance between thermal limits and performance. The Hybrid Cooling System within the 8 Series incorporates a compact fan design as well as a user-adjustable fan utility to help manage fan speed based on ambient conditions and the performance required.

Real World Testing
In addition to performance, people on the go need a mobile computer that can survive the drops, bumps and spills associated with constant travel. The vast majority of business notebooks lack the brawn to survive a hectic travel schedule.

The new business-rugged Toughbook® notebooks are more durable than any other business notebook. The Mil-spec methodology outlines a procedure by which units are dropped onto plywood on 26 different sides, to test rugged performance on every corner, edge and surface. The 8 Series business-rugged Toughbook notebooks successfully survived drops of 12” for the unit itself and 30” for the shock-mounted hard drive. Additional Panasonic drop-testing requires that 8 Series notebooks survive a 30” (just over the typical height of a desk or table) drop to the base of the unit while it is operating.

The unique Panasonic spill-resistant keyboard design protects against liquid spills of about 6 ounces (200 cc), and both the lid and base of the notebooks are designed to withstand more than 220 lbs (100 Kg) of pressure. In addition, Panasonic’s commitment to quality—at both the component and finished goods level—results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests during and after production.

Business-Rugged Panasonic Toughbook Notebooks

Toughbook F8: Desktop Computer Capabilities in an Extremely Portable Package
The world’s lightest 3G-ready computer with a 14.1 inch wide display and internal optical drive, featuring an integrated handle, the Panasonic Toughbook F8 thin-and-light notebook weighs 3.7 pounds and delivers approximately 6 hours of battery life. The Toughbook F8 notebook includes a built-in DVD Multi drive, Intel® Core™ 2 Duo standard voltage processor, 1 GB SDRAM (expandable to 4GB) and 160 GB hard drive. The F8’s larger widescreen makes it suitable for presenting to small groups while still being portable enough for road warriors.

Panasonic Toughbook W8: Ultraportable Notebook for the Mobile Professional
The ultraportable Panasonic Toughbook W8 notebook, with its integrated DVD Multi drive, 12.1 inch anti-glare LCD, and weight of approximately 3 pounds, is ideal for mobile professionals. Equipped with an ultra-low voltage Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor, 1 GB SDRAM (expandable), 120 GB hard disk, and battery life of approximately 7 hours, the W8 is as useful on an airline tray table as it is in the board room.

Panasonic Toughbook T8: A lightweight Tablet PC Alternative
Designed with input from “walking workers,” the Toughbook T8 notebook is a tablet-alternative notebook with a touch screen, stylus and screen rotating software. The system features a 12.1 inch touch-screen LCD and convenient rubber hand strap. Equipped with an ultra-low voltage Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor, the 3.3 pound T8 provides an 120GB hard drive and 1 GB SDRAM (expandable) and delivers up to 7 hours of battery life, depending on operating environment.

Security Options Vital for Mission-Critical Computing
The Panasonic Toughbook 8 Series notebooks all provide significant data security features including trusted platform module (TPM) security chip v. 1.2, the Computrace theft protection agent in the BIOS, a cable lock slot, password security and an optional fingerprint scanner. The T8 was designed without an optical drive, enhancing data security in highly sensitive environments such as healthcare.

Superior Warranty, Support and Professional Services
Every Panasonic Toughbook notebook includes a standard three-year limited warranty and free access to 24/7/365 U.S.-based phone support for the entire life of the product. The Panasonic call center hold time averages less than one minute. In addition, in the unlikely event of a hardware-related failure, Panasonic covers the cost of overnight shipping to and from its national service center, where the average turnaround time for repairs is less than two days. Panasonic also offers a full range of professional services to support customers during and after deployment.

Pricing and Availability
The 8 Series Panasonic Toughbook notebooks will be available beginning in November 2008 at an estimated base street price of $2,099 (W8 and T8) and $2,499 (F8). All Toughbook notebooks can be purchased from authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide. Please visit www.panasonic.com/toughbook for more information.

Detailed Product Features and Specifications*

Panasonic Toughbook F8
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SP9300, 2.26 GHz (6MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB)
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM standard, expandable to 4GB
• 160GB HDD, shock-mounted
• Integrated DVD Multi Drive
• 14.1" 1280 x 800 WXGA anti-glare TFT active matrix color LCD
• TPM Security Chip, v1.2
• Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
• Genuine Windows Vista™ Business (with XP downgrade option)
• Dimensions: 9.9"(L) x 12.8"(W) x 1.0"/1.9" front/rear (H) (without protrusion)
• Weight: Approximately 3.7 lbs
• Battery life: Approximately 6 hours
• Wireless on-off switch (WWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
• Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
• Optional integrated Gobi(TM) 3G global mobile Internet (EV-DO and HSPA)

Panasonic Toughbook W8
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9300, 1.20 GHz (3MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM standard, expandable to 4GB
• 120GB HDD, shock-mounted
• Integrated DVD Multi drive
• 12.1" 1024 x 768 XGA anti-glare TFT active matrix color LCD
• TPM Security Chip v1.2
• Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
• Genuine Windows Vista™ Business (with XP downgrade option)
• Dimensions: 8.4”(L) x 10.7" (W) x 1.4”/1.9” front/rear (H)
• Weight: Approximately 3.0 lbs
• Battery life: Approximately 7 hours
• Wireless on-off switch (WWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
• Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
• Optional integrated Gobi(TM) 3G global mobile Internet (EV-DO and HSPA)

Panasonic Toughbook T8
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor SU9300, 1.20 GHz (3MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM standard, expandable to 4GB
• 120GB HDD, shock-mounted
• 12.1" 1024 x 768 XGA anti-glare TFT active matrix color LCD with touchscreen
• TPM Security Chip v1.2
• Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
• Genuine Windows Vista™ Business (with XP downgrade option)
• Display Image Rotation software
• Dimensions: 8.4”(L) x 10.7" (W) x 1.4”/1.9” front/rear (H)
• Ergonomic rubber hand strap
• Weight: Approximately 3.3 lbs
• Battery life: Approximately 7 hours
• Wireless on-off switch (WWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
• Bluetooth® v2.0 + EDR
• Optional integrated Gobi(TM) 3G global mobile Internet (EV-DO and HSPA)

[Panasonic]

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – The company with the nation’s most reliable wireless network today introduced the G’zOne Boulder™ – the newest Push to Talk phone that is exclusively available through Verizon Wireless. This rough and tough phone is built to military specifications to withstand shock, water and dust environments. The G’zOne Boulder provides customers with access to Verizon Wireless’ Push to Talk service that uses the company’s Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) network to ensure customers can get their jobs done quickly and efficiently. Packaged in two smart-looking finishes – black and silver or orange – the G’zOne Boulder is now available online at www.verizonwireless.com and through business sales channels. The phone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in mid-August.

Leveraging EV-DO Rev. A technology, Push to Talk from Verizon Wireless provides customers with fast two-way communication – all with the assurance of a reliable network so customers can instantly connect to colleagues and friends. Additionally, the G’zOne Boulder supports a number of productivity tools and entertainment services from Verizon Wireless including VZ NavigatorSM, Field Force Manager, V CAST Music with Rhapsody and V CAST Video.

The G’zOne Boulder comes with the following features and capabilities:

* Rugged design that meets military specifications – 810F standards for water, shock and dust resistance; immersion; vibration, salt fog; humidity; solar radiation; altitude; and low and high temperature storage
* Flashlight
* Electronic compass
* VZ Navigator-capable – audible maps, turn-by-turn directions and location information to more than 14 million points of interest that customers can share with others
* Field Force Manager-capable – a resource management tool that provides businesses with the ability to locate, monitor and communicate with their mobile field workers
* 1.3 megapixel camera to conveniently capture an afternoon hike or a night on the town
* V CAST Music with Rhapsody-capable – download music directly to the phone from a library of more than 5 million songs and get the master copy of the song on a PC free of digital rights management software that restricts how and where music can be played. Customers can also sync favorite tracks, albums and playlists from a PC.
* Music player for .mp3, .wma, unprotected .aac and unprotected .aac+ formats
* Create and manage playlists and sync music from a PC to the G’zOne Boulder
* Carry music on an optional microSD™ card up to 8 GB (microSD card sold separately)
* Supports the following Bluetooth® profiles – headset, hands-free (car kits), dial-up networking, advanced audio distribution profile (stereo), audio/visual remote control profile, object push profile for vCard, object exchange profiles for phonebook access profiles, generic audio/video distribution profile, audio/visual distribution protocol, and audio/visual control transport protocol
* Advanced speech recognition with dedicated voice dial key
* Alarm clock, calculator, calendar, stop watch, countdown, timer, world clock, electronic compass
* Voice commands
* Speakerphone with dedicated speakerphone key
* Bilingual interface – English and Spanish language
* Phonebook with up to 500 entries with multiple contacts
* TTY compatible
* Hearing aid compatibility = M4/T4
* Display:
o Main: 2.0” 240 x 320 TFT display with up to 65K colors
o External: 1.2” 96 x 96 Mono STN display
* Dimensions: 3.9” x 2.0” x 0.9”
* Weight: 4.9 ounces
* SAR:
o Head: 1.04 W/kg
o Body: 0.489 W/kg
* Usage time: up to 214 minutes or
* Standby time: up to 63 hours

The G’zOne Boulder is available for $129.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement. Corporate discount pricing is available. In addition, customers may choose to purchase the G’zOne Boulder without a camera in silver and black, available today through business sales channels and through the company’s online store.

Verizon Wireless customers can add Unlimited Push to Talk to their G’zOne Boulder for $5 per month, per line to any Nationwide voice plan.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers should call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative.

SOUTHAMPTON, England, July 22

Garmin the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced its first multi-use nüvi portable navigation device (PND) dedicated to walking, cycling, scootering, driving and boating in one rugged easy-to-use unit. The nüvi 500 series comes equipped with the latest technology from Garmin including NavTeq sophisticated mapping data and the ability to accept different types of mapping including TOPO for outdoor navigation and Blue Chart cartography for marine usage.

Clive Taylor, Garmin's Director of Product, said, "The nüvi 500 series is a true chameleon in the gadget world, it extends the use of GPS across the range, from walking to cycling to driving to boating. It's ideal for individuals or families who want to go and explore the great outdoors in every way they can. With the built-in compass and integrated Wherigo(TM) and Geocaching player the sat-nav's use is extended beyond just navigating: Users can enjoy the fun of the many family treasure hunts and adventures available online."

The new waterproof nüvi 500 series combines the latest Garmin navigation technology including Hotfix(TM), detailed NavTeq mapping, millions of points of interest (POIs) and traffic avoidance compatibility, for the times when sitting in a traffic jam is not an option. In addition, the nüvi 500 series comes standard with Garmin's popular "Where am I?" safety feature. At any time, with a single tap of the car icon, drivers can display their exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations and recovery service telephone number. In addition, with Garmin Connect Photos, users can choose from millions of geo-located images provided by Google's Panoramio to photo-navigate on land or water.

With one touch, the nüvi 500 transitions between walking, biking, driving or boating mode;

Walking and outdoor pursuits

Ready for the great outdoors, the nüvi 500 models display shaded digital elevation mapping on the 3.5" water-proof touchscreen. This series comes standard with a compass page, track log and a removable, rechargeable battery for extended outdoor use. The integrated Wherigo(TM) and Geocaching player means the nüvi 500 series is ideal for getting the family to enjoy the great outdoors with the many downloadable 'adventures and treasure hunts' available online. Optional TOPO mapping will give additional detailed maps.

- Wherigo is a toolset for creating and playing GPS-enabled adventures in the real world. Use GPS technology to guide you to physical locations and interact with virtual objects and characters. http://www.wherigo.com

- Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game where individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, the visitor may be provided with a wide variety of rewards, all a visitor has to do is ensure that if rewarded, they leave a gift for the next person who finds the cache. http://www.geocaching.com

Cycling/scootering

Where the nüvi 500 series stands out is in its ability to fit comfortably on a scooter or bicycle. Its user interface is easy to control and, with directions via Bluetooth and a scooter mount as standard in select European markets or optional extra everywhere else, it's a great fit for getting around the busy town centres of Europe. The nüvi 500 series has a rugged design with UVA/B & fuel resistant material and bright clear screen that can be seen even in strong sunlight. If the weather turns and the rain comes down, its waterproof body ensures that the turn-by-turn directions get you to your destination using the most direct route and in the quickest time.

Driving

The nüvi 500 series' intuitive interface greets you with two simple questions: "Where To?" and "View Maps." Touch the colour screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions to your destination. It comes preloaded with City Navigator(R) NT map data European region or individual country. It's packed with millions of POIs and features digital elevation maps that show you shaded terrain contours at higher zoom levels. With the nüvi 500 series, you can also upload custom POIs such as 'The Good Pub Guide' and 'Falk-Marco Polos Travel Guide' offering thousands of great places to drink, eat and visit.

Boating

When loaded with optional BlueChart(R) g2 Vision marine cartography, the nüvi 500 series is great on the water, providing detailed chart-specific information, spot soundings, inter tidal zones, wrecks, port plans, restricted areas and more. The nüvi 500 is ideal for the occasional boating enthusiast who wants one navigational device for foot, car, bike or boat.

The nüvi 500 and 550 for Europe come preloaded with either country-specific City Navigator NT Map Data (500) or full European City Navigator NT Map Data (550) with detailed street and topographic mapping.

The nüvi 550 will be available in the UK in September at a RRP of GBP299

See the Garmin nüvi 500 series on Stand N118 - British International Motor Show at ExCel, London - 23 July - 3 August 2008: http://www.britishmotorshow.co.uk

[GPStracklog]

The keyboard includes raised, mechanical snap-dome keys under a hardcoated polyester film that's more rugged than conventional silicone rubber keypads. It also has an integrated Synaptics touchpad, like the ones found on laptops, which can substitute for a mouse. The device is especially built to withstand the humidity and dust of industrial settings, such as a work shop or food processing company (or certain blogging locations).

iKey's keyboard comes in either a conventional desktop design or a panel mount model that can be put in a stainless steel case. The company sells it quote-by-quote, so no pricing info was available. A backlit version will be out later this year. [Softpedia

The first waterproof camera I used was a Pentax W10 in 2006, one of the first simple cams that didn't need a case. It was only guaranteed to a depth of 5 feet, but it shot video, and that's all I needed for some snorkeling on a Kauai's north shore. I still have shorts of fish and turtles I took then. A year later, I used the same camera and lost it off some reef near a friend's house in Oahu. The current was strong and I was not, and when I swam to a safe spot the camera's lanyard had slipped off my wrist. The shiny little Pentax wasn't so shiny below the waves.

The second rugged, water resistant camera I used was a pistol gripped Sanyo E1. It was a lot more powerful of a camera, shooting DVD quality vids and 6 megapixel shots, but a lot bulkier than the Pentax. I called it in to use for the winter, during the snowboarding season. I couldn't use it but on the first day I used it, I noticed I couldn't toggle the buttons without removing my gloves, and mounting it on my strap as I rode wouldn't be a great idea anyhow. I lost it after not zipping a pocket after taking some shots and making a blistering run.

I'd chalk up these loses to my own user error to some extent, but if these cameras are waterproof and rugged enough to withstand the elements, shouldn't they also be fitted with accessories that assume the worst? Straps that can be fitted to gloves, neck lanyards, neoprene arm bands, or even orange buoys that can keep the cams from sinking during water adventures. I don't know. I just think that there has to be a better solution to keeping these cameras secured in the outdoors than the simple lanyards you find on your average point and shoot.

The G600 does movies too, shooting VGA video at 30fps, and you can even shoot up to a meter underwater. The G600 has been designed to work between temperatures of -10º and 40º Centigrade, and you can drop it onto 26 different surfaces from a height of 1.5 meters. Costing £350 when it comes out next month, that's almost $700—which proves that, while the camera may be shockproof, I am not. [Ricoh and Akihabara News]