Da Gadget Lab

Comment

Comment by DJ Crossfader on November 11, 2009 at 10:15pm

always in down 4 da crown

Comment by Logan on September 6, 2009 at 12:56am

I know that today everyone is running their studios from the computer based programs. But is there anyone still using the hardware? I am using the Roland 2400. If you are still on the hardware, ecpecially the Roland series, I would like to connect with you.
Logan

Comment by Malachi on July 27, 2009 at 10:56pm

Ok I admit im a nerd and I love big boy toys. There were times where I would find myself dreaming of a single device would serve as both my laptop and smartphone. Some phones like The Apple iPhone, the Motorola Q, and the of BlackBerry family can do alot of differant things, but they are far from laptop replacements, and laptops aren't ready to replace smartphones. The HTC Shift ($1,499 list) is the first thing I have every seen that was part phone part full computer. The Shift is also a convertible tablet. What I love about it is it has the ability to shift between two platforms: a Windows Mobile like any other smartphone and a full-blown version of Windows Vista Business. The Smartphone side can just about anything other phones can do like text, but you can't talk. yeah I know that sucks. But I think they make up for it.

Like old school Mike Tyson, this thing is small but it packa a big punch. I can surf the interne and run differant programs with out a problem. It sports a Intel A110 800MHz processor and has a 40GB hard drive. The touchscreen is on point. If i want i can just use my finger but a pen is nice too. Whats under the hood (price: $1,499)

• Intel Processor A110, 800MHz
• Windows Vista Business OS
• 1GB DDR2 microDIMM RAM
• 1.8" 40GB or 60GB hard drive
• 7-inch (800 x 400) TFT-LCD display with adjustable touch-sensitive screen
• Network: HSDPA/UMTS, HSDPA, GSM/GPRS/EDGE available
• Slide out QWERTY keyboard
• Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11b/g
• 1x USB
• 1x VGA out
• 1x 3.5mm stereo out with microphone
• Card slots: 1.8/3V USIM/SIM card slot, SDIO slot with hotswap functionality
• Fingerprint sensor and Webcam
• Battery: 2700 mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery, up to 2 hours
• Dimensions: 207 mm (L) X 129 mm (W) X 25 mm (D)
• Weight: 2.4 lbs.

Design and Build

I wont lie, this thing is'nt cheap so it's good they is not built cheap.

One of the reasons I wanted a shift is becouse this small device can travel anywhere with you. It is perfect for checking email or surfing the Web on the road.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="This case cames with the Shift"][/caption]



Display

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="This thing has a nice 7 inch display"][/caption]



The 7-inch touchscreen display is very responsive and accurate. You can use your finger or a pen without s problem. It's has a built in mouse but I rarely use it. The SnapVUE (Smartphone) screen is a convenient feature and can be switched back an forth from it and Vista with a push of a button. It displays the weather, email and calendar features thanks to Microsoft's Direct Push technology.

Performance and Benchmarks

You have to under stand The Shift isn't meant to be some high performance gaming machine or a "power Mac It is meant to be that portable device great for email and office work on-the-go. And whan compared to other porable devices, its a beast.

Keyboard/Pen

I wont even lie, this key board is small and tiny so tying on it might take some getting used too.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Yeah it's a small Key board"][/caption]

The pen is small and silver and reminds me of a stylus for a PDA. It works just fine and is perfect for jotting down notes or opening and closing windows. It is what I expected from such a small device. HTC even includes a spare pen incase the original gets lost, a nice little bonus for users.

Ports

The shift has one USB port, one VGA-out for monitors, a microphone/headphone port and it also comes with a nice USB hub giving you three more USB ports.





Left side.


Right side.


Back side.


Battery

The battery life is very weak if yiur using it as a computer. It's about 2 hours if stight use. Thats where its good to use it as a smartphone. If you were to use it that way the battery is about 3 days, and you can do a lot of the same things like email and web.



Wireless

Yes it does have wi-fi and it does work well but as a n added bonus this is a phone so if you are hooked up with a phone company you have get internet though them.

Conclusion

I love my shift. Its alot like me, its small ing size but it does hard. It's size makes it perfect for traveling plus unique business features like the always on access to important information with HTC SnapVUE. This screen gives you instant access to your emails with Microsoft Direct Push technology, access to local weather, calendar and your contacts.

Pros

• Solid design
• Beautiful, bright touchscreen
• Leather portfolio protects the Shift
• Runs cool and quiet
• SnapVue Screen

Cons

• Screen sticks sometimes when sliding and tilting it up
• A little expensive
• Battery life is average

Pricing and Availability

For more information on the Shift check out HTC's website. It is available now for $1,499.