Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Motorola DROID: The Reviews Are In]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/motorola-droid-the-reviews-are-in/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/motorola-droid-the-reviews-are-in/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/motorola-droid-the-reviews-are-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Motorola's DROID may be the largest threat to Apple's stranglehold on the smartphone market to date, and for good reason. Available starting tomorrow for $199 (with a minimum $70 voice and data monthly plan), the DROID offers lots to like: a sturdy, angular, all-black design; a crystal clear, high-resolution display (854 by 480 pixels); a faster, 550MHz-rated processor; the next-generation Android 2.0 operating system from Google; a physical keyboard; and Verizon's decent call service. Overall, critics see the DROID as a huge step forward for Android-loaded phones, despite there being a few significant kinks to work out. Head after the break to see what the Web is saying:

Continue reading Motorola DROID: The Reviews Are In

SwitchedMotorola DROID: The Reviews Are In originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>droidHGGiphonemotorolareviewroundupsmartphonetalkinghedstopThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Is 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , ,



HYPE CHECK

'DJ Hero'

What it is: Until now, rock-and-roll has dominated the rhythm-action gaming charts. 'Rock Band' and 'Guitar Hero' both provide amazing experiences for guitars-and-drums jams, but don't really address either hip hop or dance music (i.e., electronic music). Activision has tried to remedy this situation with its newest 'Hero' game, aptly titled 'DJ Hero.' Just as 'Guitar Hero' attempts to reproduce the feeling of playing in a band, 'DJ Hero' attempts to do the same for club-centric live mixing.

Why it's different: The work of a DJ is fundamentally different from that of a traditional musician. Like 'Guitar Hero,' 'DJ Hero' comes with its own hardware. The custom controller includes a free-spinning turntable with three colored buttons on one side, along with a crossfader, a knob for effects, and a button that glows when you go into "Euphoria mode" (more on that later). Though made of plastic, the controller actually feels solid, as though it could take a beating, and the feel of the turntable and mixer are spot-on. Although the buttons can be awkward to push while scratching (particularly the one on the inside), the hardware -- unlike the guitar games -- generally does a good job of making you feel like an actual DJ (or, at least, what we'd imagine it feels like to be a DJ). Oh, and it's remarkably devoid of logos, making it a surprisingly classy addition to your living room hardware lineup.

Continue reading Is 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj heroDjHerofeatureshgghypecheckmusictopvideogamesMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the Sony PSP Go Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/02/is-the-sony-pspgo-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/02/is-the-sony-pspgo-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/02/is-the-sony-pspgo-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , ,


HYPE CHECK

Sony PSPGo

What it is: Sony's third crack at creating the ultimate handheld gaming system. PSP Go takes what Sony has accomplished with the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and squeezes it into a significantly smaller form factor, and embraces a whole new approach to getting games onto the device. Sporting graphics output roughly equivalent to that of the PlayStation 2 (if not better in some respects), the PSP has been the brawny, straightforward alternative to the Nintendo DS -- no touchscreen, no dual screens, but significantly better graphics output and tech specs. Now shrunken to nearly iPhone-sized proportions (if somewhat thicker), PSPgo isn't, however, a more powerful system than its predecessor -- in fact, it uses the same processor and holds the same amount of RAM as the last PSP.

Continue reading Is the Sony PSP Go Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the Sony PSP Go Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshandheldhypecheckportablegamingpsppspgosonytopFri, 02 Oct 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the Zune HD Better Than the iPod?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Hype Check:

Zune HD

What it is: You've no doubt heard of Zune -- Microsoft's much-hyped personal media player (PMP) -- but you may not have seen much of it. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the device hasn't exactly caught on with the mainstream, with Apple's iPod (not to mention iPhone) still dominating the space. Zune HD is the Zune's third iteration and it comes in 16 -gigabyte (GB) and 32GB varieties, a 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, support for HD Radio and downloadable apps, and a Web browser.

Why it's different: Why would you get a Zune HD rather than an iPod? A big selling point is the tight integration of Microsoft's own 'all-you-can-eat' subscription-based music service, making discovering new music a slick, fun and affordable experience. It has a screen that tops even Apple's, HD Radio, and the ability to output HD-quality 720p video to your television set. In other words, it actually does some things that the iPod doesn't.


Continue reading Is the Zune HD Better Than the iPod?

SwitchedIs the Zune HD Better Than the iPod? originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshypecheckmicrosofttopzunezunehdSat, 19 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep Track of Your Multiple Twitter Friends With TweetDeck]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/13/keep-track-of-your-multiple-twitter-friends-with-tweetdeck/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/13/keep-track-of-your-multiple-twitter-friends-with-tweetdeck/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/13/keep-track-of-your-multiple-twitter-friends-with-tweetdeck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Categorize and Sync Your Twitter Pals with TweetDeck

TweetDeck

What it does: TweetDeck is a client for the burgeoning micro-blogging / social networking service, Twitter. In addition to basic functions like updating your status and delivering your friends' Tweets, the app offers a host of advanced features that make it the client of choice among the seriously Twitter addicted.

What we like about it: For one, TweetDeck works on almost any machine. Since it runs on Adobe Air (which you'll have to download here first), you can install it on Macs, Windows PCs, and Linux boxes with equal ease. There is even an iPhone version. Bonus: TweetDeck recently added the ability to sync preferences across all installations, so there is no need to tweak settings every time you install it on a new computer, or on an iPhone.

Continue reading Keep Track of Your Multiple Twitter Friends With TweetDeck

SwitchedKeep Track of Your Multiple Twitter Friends With TweetDeck originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresmicrobloggingswitched downloadswitcheddownloadtweetdecktwitterMon, 13 Jul 2009 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched Download: Handbrake Rips DVDs for iPhones, Other Devices ]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/29/switched-download-handbrake-rips-dvds-for-iphones-other-device/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/29/switched-download-handbrake-rips-dvds-for-iphones-other-device/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/29/switched-download-handbrake-rips-dvds-for-iphones-other-device/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Switched Download: Handbrake Rips Your DVDs for Your iPhone and Other Devices
Handbrake

What it does: Handbrake converts DVDs and other videos into formats for easy sharing between your computers or loading onto a portable device or console.

What we like about it: Handbrake is dead simple to use, with one-click presets that format for the iPod, the iPhone and iPod Touch, Apple TV, PSP, PS3, and Xbox 360. But power users can access advanced controls to fine-tune options such as resolution or bitrate, or optimize videos for devices such as BlackBerrys. Though it began as a DVD converter, the latest version of Handbrake can reformat just about any video source -- including YouTube clips and DivX files.

Continue reading Switched Download: Handbrake Rips DVDs for iPhones, Other Devices

SwitchedSwitched Download: Handbrake Rips DVDs for iPhones, Other Devices originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdfeatureshandbrakeswitcheddownloadtopvideoMon, 29 Jun 2009 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Best iPod-Enabled Alarm Clock Radio: Cambridge Soundworks i765]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/26/best-ipod-enabled-alarm-clock-radio-cambridge-soundworks-i765/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/26/best-ipod-enabled-alarm-clock-radio-cambridge-soundworks-i765/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/26/best-ipod-enabled-alarm-clock-radio-cambridge-soundworks-i765/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



A reader writes: I want a decent-sounding audiophile table radio that can not only handle my iPod, but also wake me up in the morning! The Bose Wave radio II looks nice, but I'm not sure I want to spend more than $300 on this. Just tell me what to get!

Sure, Bose's Wave radio II sounds great, but do you really want to shell out $350 for a high-end clock radio that doesn't interface directly with your iPod? Likewise, Tivoli Audio's $400 iYiYi looks and sounds as nice as it gets it gets for a table radio/alarm clock, but just don't count on it waking you up (its snooze button is hard to find when you're half asleep). And the other options - from companies such as Griffin, iHome, and iLuv - may look nice, but they don't stack up sound-quality-wise. So, which hi-fi table radio to pick? To us, the choice is clear: Cambridge Soundworks i765 'High Performance HD iPod/DVD Entertainment System' is every bit as feature-packed and aurally-satisfying as its pricier rivals, and yet can be purchase for as little as $200 (with the right rebates/mark-downs).

Essentially an iPod-video-enabled version of the company's line of high-performance table/clock radios, the i765 has all the features you'd expect from the category, including two speakers and a built-in subwoofer that can handle stereo or wide/surround-sound-like configurations (as well as precise and deep bass, even at high volume levels). Output and input jacks let you play music from non-iPod devices (like your cell phone or computer) and plug in additional speakers, respectively.

Continue reading Best iPod-Enabled Alarm Clock Radio: Cambridge Soundworks i765

SwitchedBest iPod-Enabled Alarm Clock Radio: Cambridge Soundworks i765 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarmclockcambridgesoundworksfeaturesipoddockjusttellmewhattogettableradiostopFri, 26 Jun 2009 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Songbird: the Firefox of Music Managers]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/18/songbird-the-firefox-of-music-managers/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/18/songbird-the-firefox-of-music-managers/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/18/songbird-the-firefox-of-music-managers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Songbird -- The Firefox of Music Managers
Songbird

What it does: Songbird aims to do for media managers what Firefox did for Web browsers: trounce the standard bearer (iTunes, in this case) with customization, open-source ideology, and sheer performance. Actually built on the same codebase as Firefox, Songbird allows you to manage your music collection, buy songs, and load audio on your iPod.

What we like about it: Songbird is the one iTunes alternative that can play songs purchased from the iTunes store, which makes switching from the seemingly inescapable (and overrated) Apple media manager easier than you'd expect. Songbird also has no problem loading music to most iPods. (Note: It doesn't support the iPod touch or iPhone, as only iTunes currently has support for these devices.) (Update: Songbird released an update a mere hours after this review went live with preliminary support for the iPhone and iPod Touch, though it's very rough in the current version.) For those who choose to skip Apple altogether, many other media players, including models from Archos, Sony, Creative, and SanDisk, are also supported.

Continue reading Songbird: the Firefox of Music Managers

SwitchedSongbird: the Firefox of Music Managers originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresitunesmedia managerMediaManagermusicmusic managementMusicManagementsongbirdswitcheddownloadtopThu, 18 Jun 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Hokey Snake-Oil Gadgets Claim to Keep Ghosts and Bad Vibes Away]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/04/30/hokey-snake-oil-gadgets-claim-to-keep-ghosts-and-bad-vibes-away/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/30/hokey-snake-oil-gadgets-claim-to-keep-ghosts-and-bad-vibes-away/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/30/hokey-snake-oil-gadgets-claim-to-keep-ghosts-and-bad-vibes-away/#commentsFiled under:

Famed humorist H.L. Mencken, or maybe it was cartoonist Scott Adams, supposedly once said: "Never underestimate the stupidity of the American public." While we would never insult our intelligent readers like that, gullibility does seem to run rampant among Americans, particularly when we are acting as consumers. For centuries, so-called snake oil salesmen and traveling medicine shows have attempted to peddle their useless wares under various beneficial guises -- and modern day gadgets and gizmos are no exception to the tradition.

Chris Hardwick, a watchdog for Wired, recently tested out some dubious sounding devices -- including a ghost detector and a bad-vibe remover -- revealing just how hilariously absurd and useless the products are. Hardwick describes the $100 Safe Space, a device designed to "absorb" negative energy, by saying, "I think I tested this. I'm not sure. I sort of felt like I was testing a rock for sadness." Comedic gold, Mr Hardwick. Pure gold.

Check out his reviews for some more hilarity and consumer consternation, especially if you've been lamenting the void of useless gadgets created by the shuttering of Sharper Image stores. When you're done, take a tour of our "Worst Gadgets of All Time" and let us know if you agree. Or, let us know if you've got a gadget that's even worse. [From: Wired]

SwitchedHokey Snake-Oil Gadgets Claim to Keep Ghosts and Bad Vibes Away originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funnysnake oilSnakeOiltopuseless gadgetsUselessGadgetsworst gadgetsWorstGadgetsThu, 30 Apr 2009 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Hype Check: Verizon Hub]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/28/hype-check-verizon-hub/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/28/hype-check-verizon-hub/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/28/hype-check-verizon-hub/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



HYPE CHECK: Verizon Hub

What it is: The Hub is a VoIP (Voice over IP) home smartphone: Picture your normal home phone and add a 7-inch touch screen, Internet connectivity, and an interface similar to your computer's desktop complete with icons and widgets.

Why it's different: While the Hub reminds us of the iriver Wave Home announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, the combination of a white-bread household phone and slick computer desktop is something new for a major telecommunications company like Verizon. VoIP phones ditch the copper wire of traditional landlines for a broadband Ethernet cable, enabling advanced features like visual voicemail and contact list management in addition to standard call features like call waiting and call forwarding, and the Hub ads widgets and a number of other services to this list. Perhaps most notable of these is a maps feature that allows you to send directions from the Hub to your Verizon cellular phone (provided that your phone is equipped with the company's VZ Navigator app). In fact, the device's integration with Verizon's cellular service is simultaneously a blessing and a curse: one that enables some impressive services we haven't seen before in home phones, yet also saddles you with an exclusive contract forcing you to be a Verizon wireless subscribers if you want a Hub. Hopefully we can sort through this dichotomy and find an answer.

Continue reading Hype Check: Verizon Hub

SwitchedHype Check: Verizon Hub originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HubhypecheckVerizonVerizon HubVerizonHubSat, 28 Feb 2009 23:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Adult Film Star Jesse Lee Picks the Sexiest Cell Phones of 2008]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/23/adult-film-star-jesse-lee-picks-the-sexiest-cell-phones-of-2008/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/23/adult-film-star-jesse-lee-picks-the-sexiest-cell-phones-of-2008/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/23/adult-film-star-jesse-lee-picks-the-sexiest-cell-phones-of-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

They're sleek, they've got buttons and they vibrate: What's not sexy about a cell phone? From the LG Chocolate 3 to the BlackBerry Storm to the iPhone, 2008's most hyped handsets are something about which BurningAngel's Jessie Lee has some strong opinions. In the words of Switched.com's video producer Benjamin Chertoff, "I've finally directed a film that truly helps better society -- and humanity as a whole." Watch, and be moved - one vibration at a time. For more thoughts on true gadget love, check out what other adult film stars had to say about their gadgets.

Continue reading Adult Film Star Jesse Lee Picks the Sexiest Cell Phones of 2008

SwitchedAdult Film Star Jesse Lee Picks the Sexiest Cell Phones of 2008 originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adultburning angelBurningAngelces-2009-videos-topjesse leeJesseLeepornsexvibrating phonesVibratingPhonesTue, 23 Dec 2008 21:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-On Review: i2i Stream Wireless Music]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/hands-on-i2i-stream-wireless-music/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/hands-on-i2i-stream-wireless-music/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/hands-on-i2i-stream-wireless-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ever wish you could make any audio setup wireless? We checked out the i2i Stream wireless audio system that essentially takes the place of a cord and allows you to stream audio from nearly any source. The kit comes with two combination transmitter/receiver devices and when you want to make a music source wireless, you simply connect the output to one of these small devices using the included 1/8-inchcable, turn the unit on, and press the "send" button. Then you can connect the other device to headphones or speakers, press the "receive" button and you're free to roam around your house with your iPod pumping tunes from your pocket to your living room stereo.

Since you have to charge each battery powered unit by USB, the i2i Stream doesn't seem to be a permanent solution for wireless audio, but the convenient size of the devices make it perfect for quick plug and play. We found ourselves streaming songs from our computer to show our friends in the living room, then using it with an iPod in the kitchen as a sort of music remote, and finally to play some late night 'Rock Band 2' with headphones (with the help of a simple RCA to 1/8" adapter from Radio Shack).

Once you get the units linked, you'll find that they work really well, but we had some occasional problems getting them to find each other when syncing for the first time. One of the units mysteriously turned off one time, and for $119 MSRP, we would like to see much more sturdy construction: The i2i Stream devices are plastic and feel cheap. Still, the system delivers what it promises, and the simple input/output design gives you an incredible number of options for linking your audio devices through the ether.

SwitchedHands-On Review: i2i Stream Wireless Music originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hands-onhgg-250hgg-mediahoundhggnewsmusicmusic loverMusicLovervideowirelessFri, 19 Dec 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-On With the BlackBerry Storm (Video)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/hands-on-with-the-blackberry-storm-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/hands-on-with-the-blackberry-storm-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/20/hands-on-with-the-blackberry-storm-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It's been an exciting year for anyone who wants to upgrade to a smart phone, what with the iPhone, the G1 "Google" phone, and, on Friday, the BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless. At last, BlackBerry lovers and loyal Verizon Wireless subscribers who have been resisting the switch to an iPhone can boast their very own touchscreen-enabled handheld that's as much about fun (high-quality camera, stunning screen, media player, fun apps) as it is about business (excellent e-mail, document editing, Web access). The Storm will cost $199 with a two-year contract (you'll need to send in a $50 rebate, too).

But is the BlackBerry Storm fun enough to take on the iPhone, and will its incorporation of a touchscreen (albeit a moveable click-based one that you actually have to depress to in fact 'strike' a key) turn off those serious business (and heavy e-mailing) users? Well, we can't entirely answer that question, since we only had a day and a half with the thing, but we were able to get our first impressions down in the above video. We'll be back with more impressions in the coming days and weeks, since these newfangled smart phones have a tendency to either grow on you, or make you increasingly want to throw them out the window.

Once you're done watching our video, head on over to Engadget's in-depth review, where you can get more details on the first touchscreen BlackBerry ever.

Gallery: BlackBerry Storm

Continue reading Hands-On With the BlackBerry Storm (Video)

SwitchedHands-On With the BlackBerry Storm (Video) originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberry stormBlackberryStormbreaking newsBreakingNewshands-onhggnewsverizonverizonwirelessThu, 20 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Cuil a Google Killer?]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/07/31/is-cuil-a-google-killer/http://www.switched.com/2008/07/31/is-cuil-a-google-killer/http://www.switched.com/2008/07/31/is-cuil-a-google-killer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cuil a Google Killer? Not So Much.
The Internet is always abuzz about the next (fill-in-the-blank) killer: iPod killers, iPhone killers, Office killers, and of course Google killers. We've seen entries in these categories come and go, and they even occasionally have some interesting features worth checking out. Cuil is one such service building a buzz and perhaps getting a little too big for its britches.

Cuil (pronounced cool) was launched earlier this week by a group of ex-Googlers looking to improve upon the power of Google without all the potential privacy pitfalls of keeping tabs on its users. The stark black home page is a sort of anti-Google -- it's simple, but almost menacing in its darkness. Compared to Google, Cuil's search results are much more detailed. Instead of a list of text links, Cuil provides you with three columns of four results on the first page, each with a thumbnail photo, a title, an address, and an excerpt of text or description of the page. Results can be narrowed down by clicking tabbed links for additional searches (similar to Google's "refine results" links) or by choosing categories from a widget box that will pop up on the right hand side when searching for something like "mole," which can be an animal, sauce, or TV show.

Continue reading Is Cuil a Google Killer?

SwitchedIs Cuil a Google Killer? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cuilgooglesearchThu, 31 Jul 2008 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Best iPod Docks for Your Dorm Room]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/07/22/best-ipod-docks-for-your-dorm-room/http://www.switched.com/2008/07/22/best-ipod-docks-for-your-dorm-room/http://www.switched.com/2008/07/22/best-ipod-docks-for-your-dorm-room/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



With the possible exceptions of ramen and the occasional sixer of Natty Ice, there's nothing quite as essential for the scholarly life as music. And with all your music on your iPod, a quality dock can be just the thing to give your dorm room the moodiness it so desperately needs. Check out this handful of winners.

SwitchedBest iPod Docks for Your Dorm Room originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>btsfeaturesfeaturesTue, 22 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched Download: Foxit PDF Reader]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/switched-download-foxit-pdf-reader/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Foxit PDF Reader

What it does:

Foxit is a replacement for that unfortunate staple of every computer user's life: Adobe Reader. Foxit reads and even edits PDFs -- those files that look exactly like original documents -- without the slowdown and crashes associated with Adobe's product.

What we like about it:

Foxit is about as close to perfect as a piece software can get: it opens and operates faster than Adobe's Reader, uses much less RAM, and packs more features into a download about a tenth the size.

In addition to reading PDFs, Foxit can perform basic editing tasks and lets you add notes to documents -- features Adobe charges several hundred dollars for in its Acrobat platform. Foxit even has some features that Adobe's professional application lacks, such as tabs for opening several PDFs in one window, and support for multimedia so you can actually play back audio and video in multimedia e-books.

What we don't like:

Our only problem with Foxit is that the latest versions are Windows-only. Mac and Linux users need love too.

Bottom line:

The existence of the fast, stable, and user-friendly Foxit makes you wonder why anyone would continue to use Adobe's bloated, crash-prone program. Get Foxit now and clicking links to PDF files will no longer prompt panic and cursing.

Download Foxit PDF Reader

SwitchedSwitched Download: Foxit PDF Reader originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 09 May 2008 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobefeaturesfoxitpdfswitcheddownloadFri, 09 May 2008 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo U110 Hands-On and Overview]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/lenovo-u110-hands-on-and-overview/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/lenovo-u110-hands-on-and-overview/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/lenovo-u110-hands-on-and-overview/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


After giving the new IdeaPad U110 its 15 minutes of fame in front of the camera, we got down to business. The 11.1-inch ultraportable is built like a tank -- a really, really lightweight tank. The uniquely-designed lid and (overly) glossy motif is a welcome change for Lenovo, but after a good bit of use, it's easy to see this one won't appeal to the masses. Click on for the full rundown of impressions and notes (and a video, too).

Continue reading Lenovo U110 Hands-On and Overview

SwitchedLenovo U110 Hands-On and Overview originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 May 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewslaptop reviewsLaptopReviewsu110Mon, 05 May 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo U110: The Sexy Little Laptop That Could? (Video)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/02/lenovo-u110-the-sexy-little-laptop-that-could-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/02/lenovo-u110-the-sexy-little-laptop-that-could-video/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/02/lenovo-u110-the-sexy-little-laptop-that-could-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We were lucky to get a couple of days to play around with the sexy, new Lenovo U110 ultraportable laptop. It's only 2.3 pounds and, as you can see, small enough to fit into the teeniest of backpacks. It's also one of the slickest looking notebooks we've ever laid our eyes or hands on, with oversized keys that make typing surprisingly smooth (for such a small laptop).

Handling-wise, it's not fair for us to say, since we had access only to a pre-production unit, but with up to 3-gigabytes (GB) of RAM available, the U110 has the potential to be the little computer than could....

SwitchedLenovo U110: The Sexy Little Laptop That Could? (Video) originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 02 May 2008 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewslaptop reviewsLaptopReviewslenovosummerreviewsu110ultraportablesFri, 02 May 2008 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Hype Check: 'Grand Theft Auto IV']]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/hype-check-grand-theft-auto-iv/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/hype-check-grand-theft-auto-iv/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/hype-check-grand-theft-auto-iv/#commentsFiled under: , ,




What it is: The latest installment in the free-roaming, crime-spree-filled video game series, 'Grand Theft Auto IV' is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated title of all time -- of this year, anyway. And, with the bevy of perfect scores being applied before and since its release, it stands to possibly be the most highly rated game of all time as well -- again at least until some other new top-notch title comes along and changes that. It's also the first game to be numbered as a proper sequel since 'Grand Theft Auto III' wowed gamers (and horrified parents) almost eight years ago. In this most recent entry, players roam pretty much anywhere they want through the streets of a somewhat scaled down New York City, playing the role of a recent immigrant from Eastern Europe. As in the earlier games, players work their way up from small-time crimes to major heists, with the ultimate goal being to make 'Scarface'-worthy names for themselves.

Why it's different: 'GTA IV' is the first of the series to appear on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, meaning that it blows away the earlier titles in terms of looks. Remember how in the old games buildings would pop into view at the last minute if you were driving quickly? No more; you can see skyscrapers miles away now. Those environments are more detailed, too, as well as the characters within them, who look distinctively more human than the blocky thugs in previous titles.

This is also the first title to officially offer online multiplayer through a handful of modes that range from races around the city to, well, completely disorganized mayhem. Unfortunately, they're separate from the game itself, meaning you won't be going through a mission and bumping into a buddy en-route, but they're still a blast and should give this game plenty of life. If that's not enough for you, though, the Xbox 360 version at least will include downloadable content, adding new territory to explore and missions to complete, meaning this game will continue to grow.

What we like: The new storyline, that of an Eastern European with a checkered past coming to America to escape trouble, only to find even more thanks to his dunder-headed cousin, is definitely appealing. For once the main character is a seemingly humble, likable guy; not a thug or a gangster. The streets of Liberty City, a fictionalized New York City, are familiar (including a subway system Big Apple-dwellers will be able to use without a map) yet diverse and ready for exploring, and being able to walk right into a building without having to sit through a "Now Loading" screen is a huge improvement.

What we don't like: The game is a huge improvement visually over its predecessors, but doesn't come close to comparing to recent graphical powerhouses such as 'Mass Effect'. While the cityscape looks great, as you can tell from the skyline in the above screenshot, the colors and textures are occasionally a bit flat, resulting in terrain that's somewhat dull looking. Cars in particular disappoint, with their blocky fenders and simple, generic lines. But that's somewhat forgivable given the massive scope of the environment and experience here. Also, as much as we enjoy completing them, the missions in general feel a little familiar, like frequent assignments escorting people from A to B, and constant escapes from persistent police officers.

What it costs: $59.99

Does it live up to the hype? There's absolutely no reason why any fan of the 'Grand Theft Auto' franchise would not want to pick this up. It's improved in every way over the earlier versions and the multiplayer modes plus future downloadable content will give this one far more life than any of the earlier games. It's not quite perfect (despite all those 10/10 review scores), but it is damn good. Just about any gamer out there will have a blast exploring Liberty City and working their way through the storyline -- that is except for those who can't stomach committing a few felonies on their way to gaming bliss.

SwitchedHype Check: 'Grand Theft Auto IV' originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgta ivhype checkHypeChecksummerreviewsWed, 30 Apr 2008 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 Funniest Pet Web Sites (4)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites-4/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites-4/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites-4/#commentsFiled under:


4. Cute With Chris

This hilarious Web site (and even funnier weekly video podcast) asks its users to decide whether a celebrity or a fuzzy animal is cuter. The formula generates pretty funny results and at the end of each show, Chris Leavins, the scruffy, campy host, announces the past week's winner. Chris's comments are irreverent and occasionally not PG, but his show -- which usually focuses on silly pet-inspired themes like "Crazy Cat Ladies" -- is well produced, filled with funny production tricks (constant crazy cat sounds in the background) and a good bit of celebrity humor in addition to the cute animals. The Web site is a blog of cute pet pictures and other pet-related bits. Recently posted items included the usual cute pet pictures as well as a photo (above) of David Archuleta (of 'American Idol' fame) with his pet dog (from before he was famous) and a portrait of Chris drawn by a fan. 'Cute with Chris' neatly plays off off the Internet's obsession with celebrity gossip and funny pet pictures by combining the two with a healthy dose of irony and sarcastic wit. Don't miss it.



SwitchedTop 10 Funniest Pet Web Sites (4) originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expire-images:2009-4-2Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:15:00 EST