Tech Toys
Gillian Shaw
Sun
Power Monitor, Black & Decker
1. BookReader V100, Plustek, $750
Plustek’s BookReader V100 will transform your books and documents into MP3 files that you can listen to on the go. The BookReader turns text into voice, using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and text-to-speech software. The BookReader comes with an English and Spanish bilingual package, and in Canada with an English and French package with the option of adding more languages at an additional cost. www.plustek.com
W995 Walkman, Sony Ericsson (price not announced)
2. The W995 debuts Media Go, an application to transfer music, photos and videos between your phone and computer, delivering video at the same quality you see on your computer screen. Viewing is on a 2.6-inch (6.6-cm) screen, and the music phone also delivers an 8.1-megapixel camera. HPM-77 headphones come as part of the package. The latest Walkman is expected to reach markets during this second quarter, but no word yet on when it will be available through Canadian wireless carriers.
E-620 DSLR camera, Olympus, $900 with 14-42 mm lens
3. Olympus‘ new DSLR has art filters and multiple exposures built in, allowing you to customize photos right on the camera without a computer and editing software. A lightweight 474 grams, it is billed as the world’s smallest DSLR with in-body image stabilization, compensating for those shaky shots. Live view shooting with a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD lets you cover your photo subject from a range of angles. Some of the in-camera filters include pop art, soft focus, grainy film, pin hole, and others. A 12.3-megapixel camera, the E-620 will be available starting this May at an estimated retail price of $900 for the camera body with the ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko digital zoom lens. ww.olympuscanada.com.
Power Monitor, Black & Decker, $100
4. If you want to see how your power consumption is burning up your money, this monitor from Black & Decker will tell the whole story. It shows you energy usage in real dollars, tracking the month-to-date usage and estimated monthly bill. It will also tell you how much any particular appliance will cost to keep running, and it will let you know the temperature outside. Useful for keeping an eye on both your pocketbook and your environmental footprint. www.blackanddecker.com/energy
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