eK-gadgets info

Pentax announced a new entry-level digital SLR, known as the K2000 (and the K-m outside of the USA) — plus two lenses and a ring flash. In an unusual move, Pentax is including an external flash with the K2000 kit — even though it has a built-in flash. Anyhow, here are the details on the camera and the new toys that go with it. Hopefully I’ll have more photos of these later in the day.

Pentax K2000

• 10.2 effective Megapixel CCD
• Support for all Pentax K-mount lenses
• Compact, yet easy to hold body (which has a stainless steel chassis)
• Sensor-shift image stabilization system, also used for dust reduction
• 2.7″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels; camera does not support live view
• Optical viewfinder with 0.85x magnification and 96% coverage
• Full manual controls + auto scene selection mode
• 5-point autofocus system
• Can shoot continuously at 3.5 frames/second
• Adjustment dynamic range and shadow adjustment features
• RAW image format supported; in-camera RAW development feature
• Hot shoe foe external flash; 1/180 sec x-sync speed
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• Uses four AA batteries; no battery life numbers yet
• Includes the new F3.5-5.6, 18 - 55 mm kit lens, plus the AF200FG external flash; a double lens kit (adding the new F4.0-5.6, 50 - 200 mm lens) will be available next year
• Shipping in November for $699

Now onto the new accessories. The 18-55 and 50 - 200 mm lenses that I mentioned above are the first Pentax lenses with the “DA L” designation. While I believe the optics are the same, these new lenses are smaller and lighter than their predecessors.

Two lenses that are definitely new are in Pentax’s DA* line. First we have a new F1.4, 55 mm SDM lens. It’ll ship in December for under $800. For telephoto fans, there’s a new F4, 60 - 250 mm ED SDM lens. This one will be priced at $1499 when it ships in November. Pentax will also be previewing an F4, 15 mm Limited lens and a 1.4x teleconverter at Photokina, and they’ll be shipping sometime next year.

The last new Pentax item for today is the AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash, which is well suited for close-up and medical/dental photography. It will ship next month for $499.

Samsung launched the AnyCall Haptic 2 touch screen phone already. The Haptic 2 will probably hit AT&T stores in the USA. In Korea it will be available for about $605 or $691 depending on how much internal memory you choose.

Here are some of its features:

• 5 megapixel camera with flash
• Image stabilization
• 4GB or 16GB internal memory
• 3.2 inch touch screen display
• Internal DMB tuner.

Garmin already has plans to start selling the new 265T and 265TW GPS devices, and for now you can catch them online at GPSNow. While the 265WT has a price tag of $350, his small brother is cheaper and costs $300.

The main difference between each other is the display size. Obviously, the most expensive GPS has a bigger screen that measures 4.3-inches and goes straight to the widescreen category. In the meanwhile, the cheaper system comes with a 3.5-inch display.

Besides the display screen, all the other specifications are the same – which means that you get turn-by-turn directions in form of a male/female voice, hands-free calling so you don’t have any accidents on the road caused by speaking and driving at the same time, preloaded maps by Garmin’s nüMaps Guarantee  which include more than 6 millions points-of-interest, and much more.

A detail that makes the Garmin nuvi 265T and 265WT appealing for everyone is the “Where Am I?” function, so you can always know your location, be it on foot or car.

Like the rest of the nüvi 2×5 series it includes new appealing features including: HotFix, Garmin Connect Photos, digital elevation maps, automatic time zone updates and smoother map updates.

The new iPod nano and iPod touch which have been released only three weeks ago and now we have them coming in gold too.

Sure you get lots of colors for the nano but wouldn’t you like one in real gold? What about a touch in real gold? You can choose from 24ct and 18ct white gold. The nano will cost about $644 while the touch will cost $823. And in case you lose it don’t worry about it! You surely can afford to replace it with exactly the same gold model.

Those of you that signed up for a Treo Pro during the pre-order period should be really happy. Palm is ready to ship the Treo Pro. In fact it has already been reported that various buyers have received confirmation about this.

The unlocked Palm Treo Pro will sell for $549 and it comes in black. That’s in case you want to buy a Palm of course!