SD – NerdBeach

Kingston offering SD card package that includes multiple adapters

I was delighted when SD cards came out – it was a handy size that was to be a standard for everything ranging from Pocket PCs to cameras. Well, that didn't exactly turn out to be correct, since no sooner than I got comfortable with the concept I got a new phone, and my precious SD card collection would not fit, since the phone incorporated a miniSD. Well, it has gotten worse since then, thanks to the micro SD card becoming popular.

What can you do to keep up? Well, Kingston has released a 4GB and 8GB set that includes a micro SD memory card with adapters that allow it to work in place of a mini and full size SD card. Not only do you get a little protection from buying incompatible memory cards for the next gadget, but you also get the ability to easily move data between otherwise incompatible memory slots .

The 4GB version package is priced at $22, and the 8GB is $40. Not bad for a little compatibility security, at least until the Ultra Micro SD card comes out.

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CamBall is a Small Digital Video Recorder

Greg Chaffins

The CamBall is one of the more unique small digital video recorders that I have seen recently. The small ball shaped recorder can capture MPEG-4 video in 320×240 or 640×480 resolutions. The CamBall stores the video files on small SD cards in sizes up to 8GB.

Now, before you get too excited about the cool little device, I have to tell you that it is available only in Korea as of this writing, and it sells for about $200. Upon looking at the information it appears that the CamBall also has an weatherproof case available, which would make it handy for outdoors use (or in the event that you drop it, no doubt). There even appears to be a version of the camera that includes an MP3 player, but the earphones may be bigger than the camera itself.

Now, when looking at the picture, doesn't it just scream that it needs to be in another small ball so that you can roll it and it stays pointing in the right direction (like those toy rolling eyeballs). This way you could roll it in a direction and get the surveillance video you need (or just roll it down the steps to see what happens). To note, the CamBall does not have this feature, and I am not sure if it would take the stress to start with – but it would be cool.

If you are capable of reading Korean websites (better than me, at least) you can find out more information on the CamBall website.

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Digital Weather Station and Photo Frame Combination

Greg Chaffins

Color Digital picture frames are nice to have around, but having the screen and onboard processor they could also serve to present information. The Digital Weather Station and Photo Frame takes advantage of this fact, and the unit combines both functions in one nice looking design.

The weather station features a wireless outdoor sensor and internal sensors that gather information effortlessly. Weather data displayed includes:

indoor temperature
outdoor temperature
relative humidity
moon phase
sunrise and sunset times
moonrise and moonset times
and more

The Thin Film LCD display measures 7" diag. with a resolution of 480 x 234, and has a 300:1 contrast ratio. The unit has 128MB of internal memory, and supports compact flash, SD, MMC, Memory Stick, and xD memory cards. There is also a remote control so you can check the weather from across the room.

The Digital Weather Station and Photo Frame costs $200 and is available from Hammacher Schlemmer.

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Wii Digital Print Channel Offers Online Photo Print Ordering

Greg Chaffins

Nintendo has teamed up with Fujifilm to offer a photo service straight from the Wii console. The Wii Digital Print Channel allows users to upload their photos from an SD card, and from there order customized prints, photo books, business cards and more. The physical order would then be shipped back after processing.

Currently the service is offered only in Japan, but it is expected to roll out to other countries soon.

With the Xbox 360 offering Netflix movies, and now with the Wii allowing photo processing, we can see how the battle for the living room is starting to take place. And interesting to note that a home multimedia PC, despite being more than capable, is not even in the running. It is all about convenience and ease of use, apparently.

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