Justin Hubbell's blog

The Q3 Handy Video Recorder brings professional audio to portable video recordings for musicians, videographers, educators, live music fans. The Q3 is ideal for anyone looking for great audio on their videos. The Q3 also includes HandyShare software for editing and uploading videos to YouTube.

Equipped with two condenser microphones, the Q3 uses the same X/Y pattern that gives recording pros the best stereo recording possible. You can record audio at 24-bit/48 kHz for "high-definition" quality audio on your video. And with the Q3's directional microphones, you can "focus" the mics on your sound source similar to an "audio zoom" function.Read more

Verizon Wireless and Novatel Wireless have announced the PC770, a 2-in-1 PC Card and Express Card that is available now at www.verizonwireless.com, through business sales channels and by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN.

Features:

• Runs on Verizon Wireless' high-speed network, which uses Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) technology
• Enables high-speed simultaneous uploads and downloads using NovaSpeed
• Includes VZAccess Manager software for easy connection management and automatic installation
• 2-in-1 card includes an adapter so the PC770 can be used with an ExpressCard or a PC peripheral interface slot and is compatible with both PC and Mac notebook computers

The PC770 will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Aug. 2 for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

Availability: Available Now
MSRP: $499

Most Blu-ray players can be purchased for around $200 now. However, at $499, is the Harman Kardon BDP 1 worth its price, still?

Portability

Obviously, this is a standalone Blu-ray player that offers other features. So, with dimensions of 2-5/8" x 17-5/16" x 13-7/8" (66mm x 440mm x 352mm) and a weight of 8.2lbs (3.7kg), this Blu-ray player is rather large. But, it is meant to be stationary anyways, so I cannot fairly judge this player in this category.Read more

The 505hp (377kW) Z06 will run at $75,235 when it launches. The Z06 will come with a new launch control system and side airbags as standard. If you go for the top-end 3LZ package, you will get powered sports seats for both driver and passenger. A new Cashmere interior with Corvette logo embroidery is also available.

Colors include: the full Corvette color palette, with eight colors including Arctic White, Crystal Red Metallic and the new Torch Red offered, as well. Designed as a daily driver sports car, the Z06 will also come equipped with high-intensity discharge headlights, fog lamps, leather trim, dual-zone air conditioning, a heads-up-display with track modes and a g-meter as standard.

The engine of choice is the LS7 7.0L V8 with a maximum output of 505hp (377kW) at 6,300rpm and 470lb-ft (640Nm) at 4,800rpm. The Z06's 1,440kg body can run from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds, hit a quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 125mph and achieve a top speed of 198mph. Read more

The Extreme Series X32, X64 and X128 high-performance SSDs are available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities respectively. Built with an Indilinx Barefoot controller and Samsung MLC NAND flash memory, the Extreme Series has been designed to offer the highest performance currently available on the market, with read speeds of up to 240MB/s and write speeds of up to 170MB/s.

All Extreme Series SSDs feature end-user upgradable firmware to allow for new features to be added, such as the upcoming TRIM command for Windows 7 and other operating systems. Firmware upgrades and support for the Extreme Series SSDs will be available via Corsair's website, and drives can be updated without the need to wipe data from the SSD.

The Corsair Extreme Series X32, X64 and X128 solid-state drives are available immediately from Corsair's authorized distributors and resellers worldwide, and are backed by a Two-Year Limited Warranty.

The new Gateway LT Series netbooks are well-equipped with features that make them highly useful for enjoying life on the go, such as 1GB of memory, 160GB HDD, 10.1-inch WSVGA LED-backlit display, weight of 2.62lbs and a thickness of 1.02-inches.

The colors available are NightSky Black and Cherry Red with an engraved Gateway logo and modern silver trim accents. The new Gateway LT Series is available now in several configurations with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $299.99.Read more

Magneto rheological (MR) fluid can make physics class fun! It has the ability to quickly alter its physical property from a low-viscosity liquid to a very stiff, nearly solid substance in milliseconds with introduction of a magnetic field. Well now, thanks to Delphi, this technology, that used to only be used in shock absorbers, is going to be used in engine mounts. And the first car to get these new mounts is the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3.

With these new engine mounts, controlling the noise and vibration of the powertrain will be much easier and can improve stability and traction, especially during "transient torque events." As someone who recently busted an engine mount, transmission mount and torque mount, I can safely say that this is very true and it also greatly improves the car's comfort level. Plus, as in my case, if one mount goes, more can easily go, too.Read more

The SoundLink wireless music system is a one-piece portable speaker system that allows users to play music from their computer, wirelessly, in and around the home. No software or Wi-Fi connection is required. Just plug the included SoundLink USB key into the computer, select music from iTunes, Pandora, or any other Internet radio or music source and the audio will stream to the SoundLink system via a long-range wireless link that works through most walls and floors. It also comes with an infrared remote control and a lithium-ion charged battery.

The new SoundLink wireless music system comes in Gloss Black, and will be available from Bose beginning August 27, 2009, for a price of $549.95. It will be sold at authorized Bose dealers, Bose retail stores, www.Bose.com or toll free at 1-800-444-BOSE (2673).

As part of Blockbuster's consumer electronics offerings, it will now feature a netbook for sale in 1,000 Blockbuster stores in the U.S. which will enable consumers to access entertainment on-the-go. The ARCHOS 10 netbook, manufactured by ARCHOS, emphasizes mobility, connectivity and multi-media capabilities, all in an affordable personal computer.

The ARCHOS 10 netbook is available for $299.99, weighs less than 2.8 pounds and features 10-inch ultra-bright LED screen.

Also included in the WiFi-ready netbook are an Intel ATOM processor, 1GB RAM, a 160GB hard drive, Microsoft Windows XP and a built-in web cam. Featured software includes Lotus Symphony, Outlook Express, Internet Explorer, parental controls, virus protection and multi-media applications like XnView for viewing pictures and vTuner for Web TV and Radio.

System: PS3 (reviewed on), Xbox 360 and PC
MSRP: $59.99
Release Date: June 9th, 2009

The anit-inFamous title, Prototype has finally launched. Boasting a shape-shifting main character, many are excited to see just how malleable the character and gameplay really is.

Graphics

New York City is buzzing with many vehicles and pedestrians, but it still feels like something is missing. The city of New York looks decent, but considering what the current gen systems can accomplish, I felt a little let down. Don't get me wrong, Alex Mercer looks excellent and so does his various abilities, but the rest of the game definitely doesn't live up to par. However, with so much going on all at once, I never experienced any slowdown or graphical glitches, which would have pretty much crippled the gameplay.

- 16/20Read more