Gillian Shaw
Sun
PowerDuo for iPad, Griffin, $40 US: Available for pre-order now, the PowerDuo combines Griffin’s PowerBlock and Power Jolt for the iPad in a bundled package. Photograph by: Handout, Vancouver Sun
1. JH|10X3 PRO in-ear audio monitors, JHAudio, $800 US
If you’re just looking for an inexpensive pair of earbuds to listen to your iPod on the bus, keep looking. Starting at $800, the JHAudio Pro series is for serious listening. The Pro series custom-fit audio monitors count pros among users — Aerosmith, Guns ‘N Roses, Lady Gaga and others. With noise isolation of up to -26 dB, they reduce background noise, making for better sound without having to crank up the volume to hearing-loss levels. With studies showing hearing can be damaged by intemperate use of headphones (if everyone on the bus can overhear your music, take note) it could be worth the $800 and more for the Pro Series. There are four models, ranging from $800 to $1,150, and they are custom fit for each user. Buyers go to an audiologist who takes an impression of their ear canal, with the mould sent to JH Audio, to create the custom fit. www.jhaudio.com/promusic
2. PowerDuo for iPad, Griffin, $40 US
Available for pre-order now, the PowerDuo combines Griffin’s PowerBlock and Power Jolt for the iPad in a bundled package. With pre-orders for Apple’s new iPad starting May 10 for Canadians and other international buyers, the PowerDuo, expected to be available later this month should be here in time. The PowerBlock AC charger is available for the iPad in a new 2.1-amp capacity. The PowerJolt for on-the-go power is a 12V power adapter. It sells separately for $25; the PowerBlock for $30. www.griffintechnology.com
3. 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera, Canon, $2,500 US
Not new to the market, but creating a buzz these days for its starring role in the upcoming season finale of House. The entire last episode was shot using Canon’s 5D Mark II, so if you want to see this camera put through its paces, tune in to see it focus on Dr. House, voted the second sexiest TV doctor ever. With a 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, it supports Live View shopping and Live View HD videos. It got a resounding 140-character endorsement from Greg Yaitanes, producing director of the show, who tweeted: “i’ll answer any questions you have about the canon 5D that we shot the finale on. yes, a stills camera that shoots amazing HD. go!” www.canon.com
4. System Mechanic, iolo technologies, $40
My hard-worn computer hasn’t actually given up, but there is no doubt it’s getting sluggish. The answer? A little housecleaning with System Mechanic, a virtual tool box that does its job effectively without requiring much effort from the negligent computer owner. Easy to install, it walks you through a few screens assessing and fixing your computer. The verdict on mine wasn’t pretty — 6.6 gigabytes of system clutter, a few (okay more than a few) registry problems, 12 unnecessary startup items. The list went on. I clicked to clean it all up and went back to watching the Canucks beat Los Angeles. Before the game wrapped up, my computer was clean as a whistle. www.iolo.com.
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