The DS210j and DS410j - functionality at a lower price
The award-winning market leaders in open source network, Synology UK, have launched their new line-up of budget servers designed for home and small business combining a big performance with a small price.
The extremely versatile products are ideal for file sharing with internet, security and multimedia features, allowing you to store more on your computer safe, in the knowledge that your files are secure and easily accessible. With the renowned system firmware, Disk Station Manager 2.2 (DSM 22) included, the DS210j and DS410j can retrieve photos quickly and easily through an online gallery or on a DLNA flatscreen TV or music files through a portable device or back up information through a file server. The Disk Station can even be used for recording and uploading a network surveillance video to a remote server and informs the user of any unusual activity via email and SMS.
Fully compatible with iPhone and iPod touch, music and photo libraries can be streamed over the network or internet through Synology’s DS audio and photo software, available free through the AppleApp Store. Full backup is provided through Apple’s native backup software and iTunes can be used to browse and stream music and photos over the network.
The models run on a low powered 800MHz processor and have a storage capacity of up to 4TB and 8TB and will maintain up to 27MB/s write and 59MB/s read speeds in Windows. With no cables, the hard drives can be installed in minutes. “This much power and functionality in a NAS server has never before been available at this low price,” says Edward Lin, marketing director of Synology, “which makes Synology DS210j and Synology DS410j ideal solutions for budget-minded business or home users.”
The DS410j ships at £235.00 and the DS210j at £145.00.
Ministry of Sound iPod Dock
This Ministry of Sound iPod Speaker Dock ships with great sound quality in a stylish package and is due for release on 9th December 2009 at a RRP of £39.99.
The lightweight system is loud enough for any room in the house with a total power output of 12W RMS (2x6W). The iPod slots into place easily and there’s a clear LCD display with clock and alarm function so you can wake up to all your favourite playlists every morning. With a PLL FM tuner, pre-set equalizer and Aix In Function, there are 20 pre-programmed stations to hand. There’s also a handy remote control that is included in the price and requires a cell battery.
The M0SAS079X iPod Speaker Dock also includes with adaptors for different iPods and a mains AC/DC Adaptor.
The Sound Asleep Pillow - ultimate bedtime indulgence
The ultimate in bedtime indulgence, the Sound Asleep Pillow will soothe you to sleep or wake you up in the way you want via an inbuilt speaker cunningly concealed inside the soft, hollow fibre filling.
Whether you want to drift off to the gentle wash of waves on shingle, listening to winsome lullabies or the dulcet tones of Stephen Fry reading your favourite audio-book or even the sounds of Metallica thrashing their guitars, the variations are endless. Connecting to any music source, the Sound Asleep Pillow is compatible with MP3 players, iPods and radios.
There’s no chance of feeling a bulky protuberance sticking into your neck during the night either as the speaker is completely undetectable. In fact it’s a far better alternative to using headphones with the attendant problem of wires that become accidentally wrapped around your throat or of ear plugs embedded in your ears.
Nor is there any danger of your partner being disturbed by your favourite sounds as the noise is inaudible to anyone beyond the realms of the pillow. You won’t be woken once your music is finished as the sound pillow automatically stops playing.
Ideal for insomniacs who can listen to relaxing tracks or for sufferers of tinnitus who can use the pillow to create a distraction the Sound Asleep Pillow is also excellent for parents who want to persuade their children to stay in bed that bit longer or even for those who want to learn another language as they sleep – it’s also great for brainwashing secret agents.
Available in the original version made from cotton and polyester or as an ergonomically designed Sound Asleep Memory Foam Pillow that moulds to your head and neck, the connector cable is approximately 124cm long and the pillows are suitable for ages above 5 years. Prices are from £12.99 for the original version or £24.99 for the foam pillow.
Cygnett GrooveRide Touch
Take your music on a road trip. The Cygnett GrooveRide Touch is the simple way to play your iPod or Mp3 player wirelessly through your car or home FM stereo.
With easy to navigate, touch sensitive keys, the Cygnett can be used with any MP3 player, mobile phone, Hi-fi or computer and is the only FM transmitter to have a fully rechargeable battery that doesn’t drain your iPod battery. Lasting for up to six hours, it recharges in less than three hours.
Tuning is simple with a clear digital display and a wide channel range from 88.1 Mhz to 107.9 Mhz. A memory function enables you to recall the last frequency used. There are two options available for charging which are included; a 12v connector to charge in your car and a USB cable to charge from the computer. Receiving 5-star ratings everywhere this attractive transmitter has a good enough sound quality for partying at home but it really is the best way to get your music mobile.
nik + iPod sports trainers
Question: What happens when the sports giant Nike and computer giant Apple get together? Answer: A computerised sports kit that tells you exactly how fast you’re running and how many calories you’ve used up.
It’s achieved by a tiny sensor that is fitted into a pocket under the sole of the trainers and information is transmitted via a small receiver that plugs into your iPod nano. Then with a blast of your motivational running song and with the help of your magic Nike sports shoes, your legs will be pumping up and down faster than a piston engine. As you run, your iPod will give you feedback about your performance and when your run is finished, you can access information of distance covered, calories burned, time, distance and pace.
Once home, you can upload the info onto your PC or Mac and compare your progress on nikeplus.com with other runners from all over the world. This should be an incentive to do better next time if ever there was one or maybe you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re a world class performer.
Where to get it >>
Microsoft Zune HD
Cheaper than the iPod, the Zune HD contains a Tegra chip, making it super speedy. It’s also the first portable media player that combines a 3.3 inch, 480×272 OLED screen with touch controls, built-in HD radio receiver, high definition video output capabilities, Wi Fi and an IE-based customized browser. Users will be able to stream and download music and videos from the Zune Marketplace – Microsoft’s music and entertainment service.
Storage capacities of the Zune HD are 16GB and it’s available in five colours, two of which are black and platinum, with large thumbnails and easy access. There’s no news yet of a UK release but rest assured, we’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything.
Nike + iPod Sports Kit
Question: What happens when the sports giant Nike and computer giant Apple get together? Answer: A computerised sports kit that tells you exactly how fast you’re running and how many calories you’ve used up.
It’s achieved by a tiny sensor that is fitted into a pocket under the sole of the trainers and information is transmitted via a small receiver that plugs into your iPod nano. Then with a blast of your motivational running song and with the help of your magic Nike sports shoes, your legs will be pumping up and down faster than a piston. As you run, your iPod will give you feedback about your performance and when your run is finished, you can access information of distance covered, calories burned, time, distance and pace.
Once home, you can upload the info onto your PC or Mac and compare your progress on nikeplus.com with other runners from all over the world. This should be an incentive to do better next time if ever there was one or maybe you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re a world class performer.