eK-gadgets info

Nikon introduced the new D5000 digital SLR, which takes many of the features from the D90 and puts them into a smaller (and less expensive) body. The D5000 features an HD movie mode, so you can’t help but compare it to the upcoming Canon EOS Rebel T1i and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Here are the highlights of the D5000:

Nikon D5000

• 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor (same as the one on the D90)
• Supports all Nikon F-mount lenses
  • Autofocus only available with AF-S and AI-S lenses (just like the D40/D60)
  • As usual, there’s a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio
• Relatively compact body; shutter rated at 100,000 cycles
• Flip-down, rotating 2.7″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels
• Optical viewfinder has 0.78x magnification and 95% coverage
• 11-point autofocus system
• Live view with contrast detect AF and face detection
• Full manual controls, plus tons of scene modes
• ISO range of 200 - 3200, expandable to 100 - 6400
• Can record HD movies at 1280 x 720 (24 fps) using the M-JPEG codec, just like the D90; there is no continuous AF while you’re recording a movie
• Auto Active D-Lighting improves overall image contrast
• Quiet Release Mode reduces mirror cycling noise so you don’t startle your subject
• Numerous retouching tools in playback mode
• Dust reduction system
• SD/SDHC memory card slot
• Support for optional GPS unit
• HDMI port
• Uses EN-EL9a lithium-ion battery; 510 shots per charge
• Ships in late April; get the body only for $730, or with an F3.5-5.6, 18-55 mm VR lens for $850
  
  

In addition to the new camera body, Nikon also released a new DX-format lens. The new F3.5-4.5, 10 - 24 mm AF-S lens (equivalent to 15 - 36 mm on the D5000) has a Silent Wave Motor for quiet focusing, two ED elements, and a rounded diaphragm for good bokeh. The lens will ship in May for $900.

You know it’s coming, I know it’s coming, everyone knows it’s coming. The Sidekick LX specs :

• 3.2-inch 854×480 resolution Sharp F-WVGA screen
• Integrated Facebook MySpace and Twitter
• GPS
• GPS-powered Live Search
• 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera with improved video capabilities
• Microsoft Exchange support
• T-Mobile 3G/HSDPA
• colors: carbon and orchid

Hit us up with your comments. Are you excited or what?

So, how do you make HTC’s Touch Pro — already near the top of the WinMo heap — an even beefier device? For starters, you can throw out that nasty VGA screen of yesteryear and up it with a 3.6-inch 800 x 480 replacement. Next, add a dedicated touch-sensitive zoom slider that works overtime to take maximum advantage of said screen, then throw in a few key carryovers: 512MB of ROM, 288MB of RAM, microSD expansion, and a 3.2 megapixel cam. Meet the Touch Pro2, the official follow-up to HTC’s popular series of QWERTY sliders that introduces so-called “Straight Talk” technology for “seamlessly” transitioning conversations between email, single-line calls, and party calls. It’ll also automatically switch to the crazy high-performance, full-duplex speakerphone simply by flipping the phone over, so it’s clear that this bad boy was meant for business. It’ll launch early in the second quarter in parts of Asia and Europe with other “major global markets” following in early Summer. Check out a shot of the Touch Pro2 in its fully (and delightfully) articulated position after the break.

This thing here is supposed to be a phone. A concept phone that folds and is equipped with OLED technology. The EOS from Kyocera will offer you a portrait QWERTY mode or a full-on widescreen OLED display. Basically there’s a solution for all your needs so you’ll be able to enjoy the way you communicate with your friends and family. Other features of the EOS will include memory keys that morph flat when they’re not being used and a recharging method based on kinetic energy from piezoelectric generators. When will we see one out on the market? Kyocera will be looking to introduce some of these technologies in the near future.

We have one more laptop coming from Packard Bell. It’s the EasyNote Butterfly Laptop packs a 13.4-inch LED-backlit display, an Intel Ultra Low Voltage processor, an ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 graphics card, an SSD or a regular HDD, a multitouch trackpad and optional 3G. The laptop is also promising 8 hours of battery life which should be more than enough for your mobile activities.

The laptop will be available in Europe soon but as always, we have no details on prices or availability dates.