Xbox 360 Launch Approaches

With the Xbox 360 launch approaching, I thought I would provide some more links to Xbox 360 related news and events.

Microsoft has announced that Premium Xbox Live Marketplace content will be available for purchase with Microsoft Points. Microsoft Points is a new stored-value system that lets consumers purchase a number of points, and then redeem those points for content online, ranging from gamer pictures and themes to full game downloads on Xbox Live Arcade.

I found a link on the Xbox site that mentions a challenge to play J Allard on Xbox Live on launch day (Nov 22). The site with details says that Allard will be playing Project Gotham Racing 3 from 5-6PM EST, and Perfect Dark Zero from 6-7PM EST. You won’t be able to send him a friend request, but if you find HiroProtagonist and you beat him you will win some exclusive stuff.

You can check out 1UPs Xbox 360 coverage where they review a new product each day this month. And 1UP is still giving an Xbox 360 away each day this month here.

Inside the Xbox 360

AnandTech has a great article on taking apart the Xbox 360. They get deep into one of the high-end models, and it’s a very interesting read. There are lots of great pictures on the Xbox 360 inner workings.

LED Keyboard Concept

The Unofficial Apple Weblog has a post about a concept keyboard that has absolutely blown my mind. Every key in the Optimus keyboard is a stand-alone display. You can change what is displayed on the key, and programs can define their own keysets. An example they use is having each key display a Photoshop tool when using Adobe Photoshop, and display in-game options when playing Quake.

I would love to see this made into a real product as its adaptability amazes me. The only problem could be durability, but I would definitely get one of these. Though, when I type I don’t look at the keys and having customizable keys could detract from the screen if I am not used to them.

Iomega Enters the MP3 Player Fray

I just received an email from Iomega saying that they are offering a sneak peek to their valued customers. When clicking on the link you are brought to a page that briefly mentions “the new Iomega Mixx MP3 player” and you are able to sign up to be notified when the item becomes available. Searching online returns a lot more information about this new little player.

JR.com has specs and prices for three Iomega Mixx models. From the spec listing: They all play MP3, WAV, and WMA files. They feature an ultra-compact design with durable alloy & rubberized surface for easy gripping and an easy, intuitive User Interface with ID3 text viewing and playback information. They have an FM radio/recorder for multifunction convenience, 30 preset Channels, Lyrics display, and an Adjustable Equalizer for rich, custom Sound. And they include a USB interface for fast transfer speeds. Plus the device is upgradeable for later formats & features. There’s a 256MB version that will sell for $59.88, a 512MB version for $99.88, and a 1GB version for $139.88.

What really sounds interesting is the lyrics display and the FM radio/recorder.

Original Review: Konica Minolta Dimage G500

This sleek digital camera is one of the first products to ship following the merger between Konica and Minolta in 2003. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE G500 is the Konica KD-510Z, a product developed by Konica before the merger took effect. With 5.0 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens, and a compact, all-metal body with fully retracting lens, the G500 is a very attractive camera.

I picked up this camera because I have long been in the market for a new digital camera. The price was attractive ($280 after a $70 rebate) and it is compact enough for me to carry around wherever I go.

On First Look
I like the feel of this camera, though it is a bit weighty. The camera comes with a relatively small Secure Digital (SD) memory card, and can use SD and MemoryStick cards at the same time. The card included SD memory is good for 11 pictures at the highest level of quality, so you will probably need to get a larger memory card. It also has a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery which charges in no-time-at-all. The camera is also equipped with a usb port and cable for quick data transfers.

The Pictures
The pictures come out in great quality when the highest picture resolution is used, but can distort pictures at lower resolutions. Of course the distortion could have been my unsteady hands, but it still wasn’t much of a problem. The camera continues to refocus until the time you release the shutter button. This gives you the most accurate focus, as opposed to other cameras that stop focusing once you have pressed the shutter button.

While the camera isn’t as sensitive as other cameras, you want to try to keep your hands steady when you take a picture. Though the camera does have a place where you can screw it onto a tripod and take steadier pictures.

The Videos
The camera can also take videos, and with sound. I took a sample video and the quality was good, though my lighting conditions were less than desirable at the time. The sound quality was impeccable. Definitely a plus for this digital camera. The videos are saved as .avi files.

The Sound
As mentioned before, the sound quality is great. The microphone is located in the back of the camera, but that wasn’t much of a problem. You can still hear everything fairly well.

Conclusions
The Konica Minolta Dimage G500 is a great camera for general use, and is even good for most advanced user needs. It takes both good outdoor and indoor pictures. The camera offers great quality for its price, and it is a very attractive point-and-shoot unit. It’s definitely worth a look.

Originally posted on Infohuts.com, which has been folded into Shiwej.com.