Pepcom Digital Experience 2006

Articles: Event Coverage

CES 2006 | CES 2005 | CES 2004 | QuakeCon 2005 | CES 2007

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Kurtis Kronk
Brian

Jan. 6, 2006

Specifications

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Energizer

Yes, that Energizer, the battery company. They were pacing the floor touting the long life properties of their NiMH and Lithium batteries. However, once we told them that we use Energizer batteries exclusively in TheTechLounge cameras, they kindly hooked us up with several e2 Lithium and NiMH Rechargeable batteries and chargers. We also got to speak with their industry expert, an Extreme Photographer, who recently returned from a photo shoot on Mt. Kilimanjaro! powered by e2 Lithium batteries of course.

Western Digital

Western Digital was displaying their newest Raptor drive incarnation, the Raptor Extreme. While the model name isn't that creative, the units are actually pretty interesting as they feature windows that display the drive's inner workings. According to the rep these are supposed to appeal to you modders and gamers out there that like to show off your hardware. Coupled with a clear acrylic case, the effect might be reasonably cool. And like Seagate and Maxtor, Western Digital released several external storage solutions in 2005. The WD Essential line of network storage units will work with both wired and wireless routers and are marketed toward home and small business applications.

Altec Lansing

As we have reviewed many Altec Lansing products, we had to stop by and say thanks for their sponsorship. New for 2006 are several examples of their inMotion line of external iPod speakers. Among these is the rugged iM9 mobile speaker system. This water resistant speaker set has rubber outer lining, variable power options (C batteries or AC) and has a video out port for an iPod video. A back pack-style carry bag is also included in the deal. The sound output was quite ample and of good quality. Newer iterations of the iM3 (iMmini, iM11) were also on display and are keeping up with the newest iPod releases, "Shuffle users rejoice!" or so says the SA1 product description. Keep your eyes out for redesigned versions of their gaming and noise-canceling headsets as well. We are hoping to get our hands on some for reviews in the near future.

Sonos

Sonos was showing off their network-attached digital music system consisting of the ZonePlayer ZP100, CR100 wireless controller and the new ZonePlayer ZP80. The ZonePlayer devices connect to your wired or wireless home network and play music in multiple rooms, all controlled by a single remote.

The ZP100 has a built-in amplifier with 50 watts per channel, while the new ZP80 lets you connect to an external amplifier and sports analog, optical and coaxial outputs. Music can be streamed from a computer, mp3 player, cd player and even a radio. The CR100 controller allows you to control everything from volume to track selection for any ZonePlayer on the network, or for the entire system. The controller also has a built-in display and iPod-like interface for easy use. While the CR100 controls every ZonePlayer on the network, each ZonePlayer has its own volume controls. I had a chance to play with the controller and found it very easy to use.

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Page 1: Introduction, Logitech & Motorola
Page 2: Energizer, Western Digital, Altec Lansing, & Sonos
Page 3: Saitek, NETGEAR, & Lego
Page 4: Alienware, Archos, & Kodak

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1 User Comment

1 - Posted by Rich on January 7, 2006 - 3:37 pm

I am sooo going next year! No one told me there would be Lego there.

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