Review: WaterField Designs DSi Travel Case

Posted By: bandit

WaterField Designs DSi Travel Case
Manufacturer: WaterField Designs
Site: Buy from Waterfield Designs
Price: $37.00

Overview : As recommended by Mario and Zelda to revolutionize your DSi. From Yoshi's Island to Castlevania, our compact and protective Nintendo DSi Cases hold it all.

The DSi Travel Case is designed to keep the Nintendo DSi and its accessories (including power supply) all together and tangle-free in one place. Custom-sized, padded, interior compartments and self-locking zippers keep your gear safe and secure.

Features:

• 7" x 3.5" x 2"
• DSi Travel Case Colors (Silver, Red, Green, Brown, Blue, Black)

Quality/Usability : Going on vacations or just commuting from work/school, its hard to keep track of all your items. For cellphones, you have headsets, cases, chargers and extra batteries, if any. With game stuff, there is more to it. You have videogames, chargers, accessories and more. Its hard to keep track of everything. WaterField Designs is here to help remedy that situation with the DSi Travel Case. The DSi Travel Case is made water resistant material that is also washable (exterior material is water resistant...interior is washable). Case has no outer pockets but does have a locking zipper on the top to prevent any items from falling out or falling in. A locking zipper is a zipper that will not move when the tab is folded down. So if the tab is layed flat with the zipper, the zipper will not open unless you pull with some force. The bottom of the travel case has a rubber padding kind of like a basketball texture to prevent any damage or sliding which also runs up along the side of the case. The outside, which comes in many colors has a shiny metallic look to it.

Inside the DSi Travel Case are 3 compartments. One of the compartments is split into two small pouches which can be used to store your DS games. The center compartment can be used to hold bigger objects such as a charger. The other compartment holds the DSi and is pretty snug. The DSi wont budge. However, it can be a little hassle to get out so you can swap locations. Use the center compartment for the DSi and the other compartment for your charger. Dont worry though, the inside is lined with non-abrasive material so you wont have to worry about the material scratching your DSi or other items. There is also a loop at the end of the pouch. This allows you to put your finger through to give you a better grip in holding the case when removing your DSi rather than squeezing the case.

Conclusion : Overall, the WaterField Designs DSi Travel Case stores all your accessories and system all in one location. The DSi Travel Case is made of durable material with a locking zipper that prevents the zipper from opening and rubber material at the bottom that prevents any slipping. Like all WaterField Design products, you're getting a product that is made in the USA and is durable. With a quality product, there is a price to pay. The cost of the DSi Travel Case is just shy of $40. It is a bit pricey for a case. What I do like about these cases though is that even if you get rid of your electronic device, you can still use the case for something else whether it be just to store or to protect a device. So this case does have a multi-purpose to it.

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Review: NEXiLUX Game Genie Turbo 360 Pre-Installed Controller

Posted By: bandit

NEXiLUX Game Genie Turbo 360 Pre-Installed Controller
Manufacturer: NEXiLUX
Site: Buy from TotalConsole
Price: $49.99

Overview : With Game Genie Mod, your controller gives you extra powers. Your triggers are individually configurable with settings from one (1) to ten (10) clicks/second. Whether on a FPS, Fighting game, Sports game, Game Genie mod is your best ally against the adversary.

Features:

• Customizable triggers actions: from 1 to 10 Clicks/Second.
• Both triggers can be customizable with a different action.
• Power UP against your opponents in and FPS, Sport or Fight games.

Quality/Usability : Usually, when you purchase a product like this that adds turbo/rapid fire, its either an add-on or an aftermarket controller. Instead of releasing an add-on peripheral or an aftermarket controller, NEXiLUX decided to stick with what is better...the Official Microsoft Xbox 360 controller. Since the Game Genie Turbo 360 is pre-installed, there is nothing you need to do. All the hard work such as drilling and soldering is done for you. All you have to do is open the package, sync controller to Xbox 360 console and wreak havoc! Video's of the installation process can be found on our YouTube page which consists of three parts to the install - here [1/3], here [2/3] and here [3/3].

Since NEXiLUX used an Official Xbox 360 controller, you'll know you'll have a durable and reliable product. However, in order to have modify the controller, NEXiLUX had to open the controller, drill holes and solder wires. Just like opening any electronic, this voids the manufacture warranty on the controller. So if something should happen to the controller, you'll have to go and buy a new one. Nothing is included except for black and white photocopy instructions, controller wrapped in a bubble wrap bag, battery cover and white box with NEXiLUX Game Genie Turbo 360 sticker.

The controller is the same as if you were to buy it from a store minus the packaging. The only difference is 3 buttons added to the back of the controller. They are placed underneath the controller for your middle fingers (two black - rapid/auto fire buttons), while the third button (red - configuration) is located for use with your ring finger or pinky. The two black buttons are on each side and act as the RT and LT but with rapid/auto fire functions. The red configuration button on under the black button on the RT side. To configure the RT trigger auto fire on the controller, press and hold down the configuration button and press the left or right auto trigger the number of times you want to auto fire. So if you press it 6 times, it will auto fire 6 times. Press it 10 times, it will auto fire 10 times. You set it from 1-10 shots/second. Release the configuration button. Now, each time you press the auto fire trigger, it will auto fire. *NOTE: Be sure to set this at a speed that will not get you banned. Doing it too quick can get you banned if you play online. Your original RT and LT trigger buttons will continue to work as normal. So each time you press it, it will fire once. Hold it down and it will fire once.

The video below will show you what is included and how to set it up.


The buttons themselves are sturdy and do not wobble. However, they are stiff when you press them so you will hear a clicking sound when pressed. Since the buttons are thin, it may feel a little uncomfortable when pressed. The location of the buttons were perfect as that is where my fingers would have been, so accessing the turbo buttons was readily available when needed. I have been told that Chatpad works with the controller. I don't own one so I am unable to confirm.

Below are videos of the NEXiLUX Game Genie Turbo 360 Pre-Installed Controller in action:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Gears of War 2

Street Fighter

Conclusion : Overall, the NEXiLUX Game Genie Turbo 360 Pre-Installed Controller is a great auto fire without the extra frills or add-ons. All NEXiLUX did was take an Official Xbox 360 controller and modded it. You get the same durability and reliability with the added feature. The buttons were a bit thin and stiff. Would have been nice if the buttons were wider, less stiff and maybe closer to the shell of the controller rather than protruding. However, the parts that I suggested probably arent even available or would be compatible or I'm just being too picky (LOL) - [wider buttons are being tested]. Due note that like the XCM XFPS' that allows you to use a keyboard/mouse, some gamers consider this as a cheating device as this gives you an advantage over them. There is no way to detect what peripherals are being used but its how you play that may get you the boot. Use this at you own risk if using this on Xbox Live and playing against other gamers online.

What thing I did notice is that my RB button doesnt really click when you press the button near the edge but it still registers and works. It only clicks when you press near the center. I dont know if this how the controller is or after NEXiLUX put the controller back [I have been told this has been fixed]. The LB clicks no matter where you press. Since NEXiLUX had to gain access to the 7th screw located underneath the serial number/barcode in the battery compartment, they placed hologram sticker that has "2008" and a check mark printed on it [I have been told this is for warranty purposes]. I guess this is for quality assurance and their certificate.

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MadCatz offers alternative to Xbox 360 Wireless-N Gaming Adapter

Posted By: bandit

Wireless network at home but no means to connect your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 to the Internet? Problem solved with the Wireless Gaming Adapter from Mad Catz. Just plug into a PC—with the included Ethernet cable—for a quick and easy configuration process then plug directly into your console’s Ethernet port to let the online gaming, downloading, and movie viewing begin. Take advantage of the fastest Wireless-N Internet speeds that enable up to 7 times faster game play, for an unrivaled gaming experience. Fully compatible with 802.11 b/g/n wireless Routers and Access Points, now you can take advantage of your console’s Internet capabilities without the need for an expensive first-party accessory.

Product Features:

• Wireless broadband Internet connection for Xbox 360/PS3
• Fast and easy configuration
• Quick setup button for seamless gaming console integration*
• Connects to console’s Ethernet port
• Compatible with 802.11 b/g/n wireless networks
• System requirements: Home wireless network, broadband (high-speed) Internet connection, PC/MAC with
• Ethernet port for one-time configuration

*Supported by wireless Routers/Access Points featuring WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button

Price is $79.99 (£49.99/€59.99 in the UK and Europe) and is $20.00 cheaper than the Official Microsoft product. Product will be available at MadCatz's online store sometime this week [black / white].

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Goozex offers FREE movie trades until January 31, 2010

Posted By: bandit

Starting today through January 31, 2010 all movie trades will be FREE at Goozex! That means you don't need any tokens to get movies on Goozex for the next two and half months.

Yay! Free trade days are back again for movies on Goozex! From now until January 31, 2010 you will not need any tokens to trade movies. You will just need the appropriate amount of points to get movies. HURRY before this promotion ends!

Trading Blu-Rays and DVDs is a new way members are picking up a few extra points on Goozex. With a lot of great movies in demand, it’s an easy way to pick up some points for trading on Goozex or to put towards the Goozex Exchange. Movie trading is a great way to recycle your old movies and let you own some of the movies you’ve wanted to watch, but didn’t get around to. Just point, click and add movies to your queues!

Other Goozex Movie Promotion: Trade Any 10 Movies & Get A New Free Movie

Also, dont forget that if you have points accumulated, you can put them towards BRAND NEW items through the Goozex Exchange (BETA)

Source: Goozex Newsletter/Forum

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Review: Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger

Posted By: bandit

Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo Italy / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from Divineo Spain
Price: $30.99

Universal Travel Charger (for non-EU users)
USB Power Travel Charger with Plug Converters / Travel All-in-One Universal AC Adapter with USB Power / Universal Travel AC Adapter Plug

Overview : More than a universal all in one charger, the Overlife will store energy to reload any devices independently. It is your ideal nomad companion. Overlife is a small, black shiny design nomad battery.

Just plug it to any USB port or wall plug, and you can directly charge any Motorola - Samsung - Nokia - Sony Ericsson - Samsung - iPhone - iPod - Mini USB - NDSL - NDSi and all PSP models. You can also store energy in, so you can charge any of your devices on the go.

A blue LED indicator shows you the level of charge and the charging status.

This perfect nomad companion will avoid you traveling with numerous bulky chargers, and provide emergency power in any situation.

Features:

• High capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack style
• Charge anywhere, recharge anything - standard USB input and output
• Inter-changeable connector heads charging different mobile phones, MP3/MP4 player, iPod, iPhone, PSP, NDS, etc.
• Power indicator LED shows battery capacity level.
• Impressive 2500mAh storage (recharge your devices and gadgets several times)
• None memory effect, short circuit protection
• Powerful power supply is enough for even the most power-hungry mobile devices.

Specifications:

• Battery Type: Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery
• Capacity: 2500mAh
• Input Voltage: AC 100V-240V/50Hz-60Hz DC 5V / 1A
• Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
• Output Volts: 5.4V (+/-0.2V)
• Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
• Charging time: 3 ~ 3.5 Hours.
• Cycle Life: At least 500 times
• Operating Temperature: -10°C / 40°C
• Storage and Transportation Temperature: -20°C / 50°C
• Dimension: 92.5 * 57.3 * 13.8 mm
• Weight: 80g

Quality/Usability : Sometimes I forget to charge my PSP, DS, iPod and most importantly, my Blackberry cellphone. Its worse when you're not near a wall outlet, computer or have your charger on you. These days, majority of portable devices can be charged via USB. Talismoon has developed a product to help give you enough power to beat that boss on the last level or to help you get through you long commute with your music/movie or even that last minute call to your wife/mother.

The Talismoon Overlife Charger has a nice piano black gloss casing but can be a potential to be a fingerprint magnet and scratches. The front has a "CHECK" button. Around this button are 4 LEDs. When you press the "CHECK" button, blue LEDs will light up that will display whether the battery is LOW, HALF or FULL. If Overlife is fully charged, all three blue LEDs will be lit up. As the charge slowly dissipates from charging other products, the LED next to FULL will get dimmer and dimmer. As more charge is drained from Overlife, the LED will get dimmer until it is fully discharged. The fourth LED is when the Overlife is in use (USE) and lights up blue as well.

I personally dont know why Talismoon choose this method of display when you check the status of battery. I would of preferred a single LED to tell me if its full, half or low. Having the LEDs dim can get a little confusing considering its a little hard to tell by the brightness of the LEDs. Or even a single LED that changes color to let me know how much power is left.

The charge time on this is a little disappointing. It takes about 3 hours from a drained Overlife to a fully charge Overlife. I can live with 1.5-2 hour charge but 3 hours is a very long time. To charge the Overlife, you can use the included USB cable. However, this USB cable has two purposes...one is to charge the Overlife and one is to charge other devices. Simply connect the USB cord into the USB out port at the top of Overlife, attach one of the heads to the other end of the USB cable and start charging! The USB out port has a rubber cover to protect it. Unfortunately, this cover doesnt come out or pull out. You will have to pull it back. Sometimes, this can get in the way. Would have been nice if it came out further.

I've tried charging a completely dead Sony PSP using the interchangeable head and Overlife, the charging indicator on both the PSP and Overlife constantly blinked on and off. I charged the PSP and at 10%, the Overlife still blinked and the power status light on the PSP didnt change orange but stayed green but you can slightly see orange blink. Despite the LED indicators, the PSP's power source now stated "external" but was not charging (when PSP is turned on). So it seems that Overlife is not powerful enough to charge a completely dead PSP since it probably requires more power in the beginning. You only get a steady orange light is if the PSP is on, you connect the charging cable and you put the PSP to sleep. If you turn on the PSP, it turns on and than turns off. You'll have to unplug the charging cable in order to turn the PSP on.

I was able to charge my Moixa USBCell AA Battery's, DS Lite, iPod Touch 2G and Blackberry Tour. With the output of 1000mAh, charge time didnt take long. I was able to charge my Blackberry Tour within an hour and a half. This came in handy when I was watching a movie on my Blackberry Tour which drained all my battery and my wife called discussing important wedding plans. I wasnt near a computer or outlet but I had my USB cable on me, so I connected the Overlife to my Blackberry and was able to finish our conversation.

Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger works wonders...if you're not charging a device that requires a lot of power. Its portable and can charge any USB device on the fly. The piano black gloss look will make fingerprints stand out like a sore thumb...even scratches. The CHECK status can be a little confusing as the LED may look like the same brightness and can be a little bit deceiving. The Overlife lacks a carry case to store the Overlife, USB cable and interchangeable heads. It could be a carry case or even a pouch to store everything. If you live in a country other than Europe, you will need to purchase a universal power plug since the Overlife Charger only comes with a EU plug. Be sure to charge this early if you plan to take it with you because you'll need about 3 hours to charge fully.

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Sanyo announces a new contact-less charger set for the Wii remote

Posted By: bandit

Tokyo, November 12, 2009 – SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) announces the release of a ‘Contactless Charger Set for Wii Remote,’ produced especially for Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Nintendo)’s Wii Remote. The charger set can charge one or two Wii Remotes, by accessing power through the USB port on the Wii console. The set can even be used when the Wii MotionPlus expansion device is attached to the Wii Remote to more accurately capture hand motion.
The Wii Remote uses two AA batteries, and there is a need to remove the protective silicon Wii Remote Jacket when replacing the batteries.
Therefore, last year SANYO launched the ‘Contactless Charger Set for Wii Remote’ (N-WR01S), which uses a contactless charging method to enable the easy recharging of Wii Remotes just by placing them in the charger, without having to remove the Wii Remote Jackets for battery replacement.

Now, SANYO is launching a new charger set that maintains the advantages of the N-WR01S, while meeting the needs of users that want to charge two Wii Remotes simultaneously, or that want to charge a remote with the Wii MotionPlus still attached.

The new model is made under license from Nintendo, is equipped with a ‘charge failure detection function*2,’ and offers a high level of convenience and reliability for Wii users.

SANYO will continue to expand the “eneloop” series throughout the world so that people can comfortably adopt a new "lifestyle that values reusing and recycling" contrary to the popular "use and throw away" lifestyle often associated with common products like batteries.

Source: Akihabara News

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Review: XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger

Posted By: bandit

XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from Extreme-Mods / Buy from ConsoleShop
Price: $69.99

Overview : Finally a way to charge all your valuable electronics with one device!

Introducing the Multi-Charger from XCM. This unit will charge your iPhone, PSP (all PSP series from 1000-3000 series), Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, PS3 Wireless Controller, NDS (all NDS series, including NDS, NDSL and NDSi) and more.... (all devices using USB 5v input will be supported, such as the Nokia mobile phone series etc) with ease. No more lugging around multiple chargers, this one does it all. Made with the high quality craftsmanship you've grown to expect from the XCM brand, this charger will surely provide the power you need for many years to come!

Features:

• 4 USB ports
• Supports any USB 5v input

Compatible with:

• PSP (1000-2000-3000)
• NDS, NDS Lite, NDSi
• iPhone
• Nokia mobile phones and many more

Includes:

• PSP USB cable
• DS Lite USB cable
• DSi USB Cable
• iPod/iPhone USB Cable
• US AC plug
• EU AC Plug
• Australia AC Plug
• BS AC Plug

Quality/Usability : I must admit, I'm a gadget freak. I have surge protectors daisy chained to each other. There just isnt enough outlets! I'm surprised my house hasnt burned down with all these wires. If I find an open slot in my surge protector, I'll charge my DS, PSP, camera battery, cellphone..thats if I'm lucky to find 1 spot. If I cant, I use my USB port on my computer. Now, my USB ports are starting to become scarce as more portable devices start to use them. Yes, you can purchase a USB hub but majority of the time, they arent powerful enough to charge the device and you get an error message on your computer. Even the ones that come with power plugs gives me an error.

XCM has released a stand alone Universal USB Multi-Charger. No need to plug this charger into a computer or USB port. Choose your AC plug and connect plug it into a socket (AC 100-240V) and the other end into the Multi-Charger. The Multi-Charger has a square glossy white casing with a small LED light that lights up when plugged into outlet and the logo on top. The logo uses a Walt Disney type font. On the front of the Multi-Charger are 4 USB ports. Since it draws its power from the socket, you wont have to worry about overdrawing power or having to wait 5 hours to fully charge a device when it should only take 1 hour or so.

The Multi-Charger measures 5 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick and comes with four (4) AC plugs (US, EU, UK and Asia). The plugs are short in length so you will not be able to place it on a table or next to your computer. Wires measure about 16 inches long from tip of plug that inserts into XCM Multi-Charger to the base of AC plug (not the prongs). Also included are four (4) USB plugs (PSP, DSL, DSi, iPhone/iPod). You're not limited to using only these devices. I was able to charge my Blackberry device, Bluetooth headset, PS3 controller, Xbox controller, USB battery, pretty much anything I can think of that uses a USB to charge the device. The charge time is about the same time it would take if you use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chargers that came with the device.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger is a great product. I do not have to use all my USB ports nor do I have to leave my PS3, Xbox 360 or computer on just to charge my USB devices. Since some wall chargers are huge and can cover up an empty socket, this also eliminates the amount of wall chargers and bulk. I was able to charge all my devices without a problem. My only complaint is the lack of cord length on the AC plug for the Multi-Charger. I was not able to place the Multi-Charger on a desk. I had to place it on the floor. This is also a drawback for those who need to plug this in the back of a shelf or entertainment center. You can use an extension cord but do you want to go out and buy one or even find one in the house? I guess it was done to cut down on the size and package and more cost effective even though it costs $70. A bit steep in price for a USB charger that plugs into wall socket but the ability to charge 4 devices at the same time using one outlet is priceless.

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XCM announces XFPS 4.0 Speed (for Xbox 360) and XFPS 4.0 Force (for PS3)

Posted By: bandit

XFPS 4.0 Speed (for Xbox 360™)

• Connect PS/2 or USB mouse & keyboard to your Xbox 360™
• Compatible with all mice and keyboards.
• Accuracy in aiming and fast response while playing shooting game.
• Easy to map all 360 wired controller keys to keyboard and mouse via PC by XCM software.
• When using with our new coming product (Magic link), the remote player can help you to pass the game level via the internet from his PC.
• 3 level of auto fire function.

Note: need to connect to PC (laptop or desktop).


XFPS 4.0 Force (for PS3™)

• Connect PS/2 or USB mouse & keyboard to your PS3™
• Compatible with all mice and keyboards.
• Accuracy in aiming and fast response while playing shooting game.
• Easy to map all PS3 controller keys to keyboard and mouse via PC by XCM software.
• When using with our new coming product (Magic link), the remote player can help you to pass the game level via the internet from his PC.
• 3 level of auto fire function.

Note: need to connect to PC (laptop or desktop).

Based on the information that is available now and based on the manual provided, rather than mapping the keyboard/mouse buttons using the controller, it is now down by connecting the XFPS to your computer, downloading XCM's software and programming the buttons from here.

I'm also interested in knowing what this "Magic link" they are referring to where a "remote player can help you pass the level via the internet from his PC".

Expect to find both of these products at Play-Asia, Console Source, Extreme-Mods, ConsoleShop and Divineo when released.

We'll have video and more information when they are available.

Source: XCM

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