New Sony noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones

Sony’s new Bluetooth® headphone range lets you immerse yourself in perfectly clear audio without any cable clutter. Whether you are listening to music or making a phone call, Sony’s echo and noise cancelling technology will ensure exceptional sound quality. In addition, compatibility with the latest Bluetooth® 2.1 standard means not only can you say goodbye to troublesome wires, but reduce interference as well.

The new Bluetooth® headphone range from Sony is comprised of two models; DR-BT100CX and DR-BT101. Both feature simple, easy to use finger-tip controls which make it straightforward to adjust the volume, play and skip music tracks, and accept or reject incoming calls at the touch of a button.

The DR-BT100CX in-ear headphones are the perfect partner for your MP3 player or mobile. USB charging and cord free styling make them easy to use, whilst three sizes of silicon ear bud ensure superior sound quality can be enjoyed in comfort. With eight hours of playback time, these lightweight Bluetooth® headphones will keep you in connected, whatever you’re listening to.

For a headband headset without the inconvenience of cables, the DR-BT101 Sony headphones are the ideal choice. Enjoy rich, clear sound for hours on end through the headphone’s 30mm neodymium driver; twelve hours of playback means there is no risk of running out of power on long journeys. As both models support A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP Bluetooth® profiles, Sony’s new Bluetooth® headphone range keeps you connected and cable free whether you’re travelling, exercising or just listening to your favourite tracks at home.

Source
Sony

Samsung SPF-87H and SPF-107H Photo Frames Now Heading Toward Japan

Announced in Korea earlier this month, Samsung's latest photo frames the SPF-87H and SPF-107H, are heading toward Japan with a possible launch in late May and beginning of June.

The SPF-87H features a nice 8” LCD with a resolution of 800x400 LCD with a 500:1 contrast ratio and 200cd/m2 brightness while the SPF-107H feature a 10” LCD with 1024x600 resolution, a 500:1 contrast ratio and a 250cd/m2.

Both can also be used as a secondary display.

Source
Samsung

Eee PC Seashell - Indulge in the Extraordinary.

Introduced t the CeBit 2009, the Asus Eee PC Seashell, aka 1008HA is now available for purchase in Japan and overseas. This netbook is powered by an Atom N280, 1GB or RAM, a 10” WSVGA LED Backlight screen, Bluetooth, 160GB of HDD….

Taipei, Taiwan, April 30, 2009 – Surf with the Eee PC™ Seashell—The beach brings to mind images of clear blue oceans, soft silk-like sand and, of course, the seashells. ASUS has taken one of nature’s most beautiful designs and combined it with the best of today’s innovations to provide users with the most stylishly functional Eee PC™ yet. Weighing just 1.1kg, the Eee PC™ Seashell is a highly portable companion that users can carry about, allowing them to surf the Internet, watch videos or keep in touch with their friends and family—even while at the beach. Equipped with a more-than-ample 10-inch display, ergonomically designed keyboard, intelligent energy management system and an intuitive multi-touch touch-pad, the Eee PC™ Seashell aims to provide users with the best mobile computing experience, wherever their journeys take them.

Source

Asus

Nexto announces NVS2500 backup storage device

Nexto, a manufacturer of portable backup storage devices, has announced the NVS2500 backup device claiming to offer back up speeds of up to 80MB/s. Primarily designed for video professionals, it is compatible with Compact Flash, SDHC and MemoryStick Pro, though its fastest speeds are reserved for SxS media. Built around a 2.5” SATA hard drive, it offers eSATA/USB and FireWire support. It also allows simultaneous backup to both its internal HD and an external USB hard drive. It also features a 2.4" preview LCD, rugged construction and a free-fall sensor for maximum drive protection. The NVS2500 is available in 160GB, 250GB, 350GB and 500GB storage capacities.

Phase One Launches P 40+ with Sensor+

Medium format camera quality plus hand-held flexibility in one system

COPENHAGEN, April 30, 2009 -- Phase One, the leader in open-platform based medium format camera systems and solutions, today announced immediate availability of the Phase One P 40+ -- the company’s second Sensor+ enabled digital camera back/camera system.

Like the P 65+ introduced last year, this new system offers two separate image-capture modes. In normal mode, the P 40+ delivers full 40 megapixel captures for high-quality image details. And when shooting conditions demand, a photographer can push a button and instantly switch from 40 megapixels to 10 megapixels, gaining a four-fold increase in light sensitivity (ISO to 3200), and a capture rate of up to 1.8 frames per second --an ideal performance for hand-held and/or low-light conditions.

“Our second Sensor+ enabled system has been designed to deliver the fastest capture rate of any high-end medium format camera system on the market today,” said Jan H. Christians en, marketing director for Phase One. “Our relentless innovation is inspired by the needs of quality- conscious professional photographers who seek flexible and reliable camera systems that can work as hard as they do.”

The versatility of the P 40+ system is important for those who seek quality medium-format 16-bit capture under a variety of working conditions. Both modes feature a 12.5 f-stop dynamic range. From high-end wedding, fashion and fine-art photographers to photojournalists, the choice of capture modes in a single camera system frees photographers to focus on the job at hand rather than worry over equipment.

Best results of Sensor+ technology are available by processing images using Phase One Capture One software version 4.8 or higher.

Technical specifications:
P 40+ full resolution capture mode:
Resolution: 40 megapixels
Pixel size: 6 x 6 micron
RAW file compression: (IIQ large: 40 MB) (IIQ small: 26 MB)
ISO: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800
Capture rate: Up to 1.2 frames per second

P 40+ Sensor+ capture mode:
Resolution: 10 megapixels
Pixel size: 12 x 12 micron
RAW file compression: (IIQ large: 10 MB) (IIQ small: 7 MB)
ISO: 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Capture rate: up to 1.8 frames per second

Phase One P+ camera back mounts:
Phase One 645 AF, Mamiya 645AFDII/ AFDIII, Mamiya RZ67 PRO IID via adaptor, Hasselblad H1 and H2, Hasselblad 555ELD, 553ELX, 503CW and 501CM, Contax 645.

Wide angle & technical cameras: 4 x 5" via FlexAdaptor: Arca Swiss, Cambo, Linhof, Toyo, Sinar, Plaubel, Horseman.

Pricing & Availability
The P 40+ digital back starts at €14,990; the P 40+ camera system starts at €16,990. All products are available now.

Additional image

Asian Babe, Fight of the Week... For real this time we swear !

Hi everyone, here's another fight between two gorgeous ladies, and today we have two new contenders with Sun Yiqi on the left (Chinese) and Fukuoka Sayaka on the right (Japanese).

Which one of these beautiful babes won your heart over the weekend?

Source
AkihabaraNews

Vestax Handy Trax USB Turntable Recorder Now On Sale!

Vestax introduced the handy trax USB, a turntable that plays vinyl and converts vinyl to WAV or AIFF up to 24bit/48kHz (CD quality is 16bit/44.1kHz) thanks to its USB interface. The handy trax USB comes with a built-in 4W speaker and offers volume controller fader as well. You can find line-in, line-out and, headphone out jacks. It was three play speeds, 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm.

Source
Vestax

Samsung’s latest 29mm thick PDP TV

Samsung announced this Sunday the full HD 850 PAVV, a 50” PDP (Plasma) “Finger Slim” with a thickness of just 29mm, as well as being 40% more power efficient that Samsung PDP previous Generation TVs and 20% lighter (26kg).

Our 850 PAVV 50” PDP TV feature Samsung’s Full HD Crystal Engine, DLNA Support, “USB 2.0 Videos” giving you the possibility to watch DivX videos, photos, or play your MP3 directly from an external HDD or USB Thumb key to your TV.

If 50” is not enough for you, Samsung also happen to have 58” model ready to ship for you. Unfortunately there are not much information on the 58” thickness, Samsung only state that this model is 50% slimmer than before and just weight 36kg.


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Samsung

JAPAN TEXTURE for iPhone 3G: Gorgeous Hand Made Lacquered Cases for Your Beloved iPhone

Softbank just sent us a hi-resolution picture of this gorgeous series of hand made lacquered cases. Not much to say here since the pictures speak for themselves, but this series of six iPhones cases are 100% hand-made and built like any other luxury lacquered wood that you can find in Japan.

Now don’t get too excited since we're not talking about average iPhone cases, but real works of art and each one cost no less than 39,800 Yen or €306 ($407USD) and are limited ONLY to 50 units each.

Source
Akihabaranews

Sunday Stories : Subaru Begins Testing the Stella Electric Vehicle in Japan

Today Subaru announced the successful development of a prototype of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV), to be introduced this summer in Japan. FHI will provide the Ministry of the Environment, Japan
with fifteen units of the Plug-in STELLA Prototype for verification tests to be conducted by five prefectural and city governments.

The new prototype model improved driving performance by increasing power output from 40kW to 47kW and further enhanced its efficiency by lightening body weight and fine-tuning output management. In addition to the optimization and downsizing of the battery pack design, it changed the instrument panel and interior design. Specifications of a production EV model, to be introduced this summer, are basically identical to those of this model.

The Ministry of the Environment, Japan is now carrying out the promotion of the next generation vehicle, aiming to further spread the use of EVs. By June this year fifteen units of the Plug-in STELLA Prototype will be loaned: four units for Kanagawa Prefecture, three units for Aichi Prefecture, three units for Osaka Prefecture, three units for Hyogo Prefecture, one unit for Yokohama City and one unit for Japan Post Service Co., Ltd.

FHI has been researching lithium ion battery technology, which has attracted attention as a future power source, and a next generation EV powered by those batteries. It has jointly developed the Subaru R1e with Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. since June 2006. Making good use of the R1e’s EV system and know-how, FHI successfully developed “Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept” in June 2008, and five units of this EV were provided for use of Hokkaido Toyako Summit and the Japan Post group for use in mail collection and delivery. FHI plans to test-market production EV models from July this year in Japan and around 170 units of EV are planned to be delivered during this fiscal year. Pricing, selling system and after-sales service are now under study.

FHI pursues the perfect integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations in its vehicle development philosophy. Not to mention enhanced improvement of the current power unit line-up, FHI positions EVs as one of viable solutions and key technologies for environmental preservation, and it will further research and develop its EVs.

Source
NihonCar

Sunday Stories : Outlander GT Prototype in the Flesh... Unfortunately.

We finally succeeded in getting hi-res pictures of the Outlander GT prototype and we're pretty disappointed.
We at NihonCar.com really like the stock Outlander for its versatility and ability to really go off road and not being ONLY a urban family carrier. The Outlander GT prototype seems to really go against the “Outlander” mainly due to its low chassis and front bumper design that will stop you from any off road activities.

Let’s talk about the new and redesigned bumper and front grill. We love it on the Lancer Evo, we accepted it on the Colt, but on the Outlander it's really ugly… As we said… the Outlander GT prototype is quite a disappointment.

Building on the success of the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Motors North America today conducted the World debut of a distinctive new model that takes the compact SUV to another new level of performance and sportiness - the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype. The all-new design study is the centerpiece of the Mitsubishi Motors exhibit at the New York International Auto Show, which continues through April 19.

The Diamond white Outlander GT Prototype infuses performance and design inspiration from Mitsubishi's Lancer sport sedans and provides clear indicators of the future of Outlander.

"The Outlander GT Prototype is packed with technology, performance and premium features that are uncommon in the compact SUV class," commented John Koenig, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America. "Along with its faster heartbeat, we also wanted to quicken pulses by channeling the look of our sportiest cars."

A front grille design inspired by the Lancer Evolution's "jet fighter" look is clearly in play on the Outlander GT Prototype, which sports complementary new design elements, such as a reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood. Reshaped Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, a new rear bumper and side sills, plus a bold polished finish on the already standard aluminum roof panel accentuate the sporty appeal.

The Outlander GT Prototype also benefits from improvements to the all-aluminum 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 currently found in the Outlander XLS, including a reduction in intake restriction plus optimized camshaft timing and compression ratio. The engine changes raise maximum output by 10 horsepower, for a total of 230 horsepower, with an improved torque curve for more responsive city driving and enhanced fuel economy and emissions.

To further increase fuel economy, the Outlander GT Prototype features an upgraded shifting program and Idle Neutral Logic, which automatically, and smoothly, shifts into neutral during vehicle standstill. It reengages at the slightest lift of the foot off the brake pedal, thereby providing instantaneous response.

Source
NihonCar

Samsung's New 1.5TB Data Backup Solution, the Samsung STORY ™ Station

Here's a new 1.5TB USB 2 external HDD enclosure fitted in a nicely designed case, the Samsung STORY ™ Station. If I admit that I'm in love with this external HDD the lack of either eSATA or FireWire800 renders this USB2.0 only external HDD less attractive… Don’t know about you, but having to store huge video files I can tell you that FireWire800 is really a minimum!

This external HDD is also available in 500GB and 1TB in Korea.


Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in digital consumer electronics and information technology, today announced its new 1.5-Terabyte (TB) external hard drive, Samsung STORY™ Station, which is designed to meet the explosive demand for external, secure and eco-friendly desktop PC storage. The 3.5-inch external hard drive, which features enhanced security software and a solid aluminum casing, is ideal for data backup of personal, hard-to-replace data, music, photos and video files.

To protect against data loss and security compromises, the new Samsung STORY Station features three important safety features: Samsung Auto Backup, SecretZone™ and SafetyKey™. Samsung Auto Backup backs up data in real time or through a prearranged schedule. The backed-up data can also be securely saved by setting a password with Samsung’s SafetyKey™. And to protect confidential files and folders, Samsung’s SecretZone™ creates a virtual drive which provides encryption for data security.

Designed with environmentally-friendly materials that comply with international environmental standards such as RoHS, the new storage supports green operation with a power-saving mode that automatically goes into standby after five minutes of inactivity.

Based on the same innovative design philosophy as the Samsung S1 Mini and S2 Portable external hard drives announced last December, the Samsung STORY Station displays passionate red lines against a high-tech “brushed” aluminum surface with red cable ports. Samsung now provides a full range of external hard drives: the 1.8-inch S1 Mini and the 2.5-inch S2 Portable for portable use, and the 3.5-inch Samsung STORY Station for large volume data back up.

The Samsung STORY Station’s heat dissipating design – the ventilation and the aluminum cover – prevents heat build up and keeps the drive inside cool.

Available in 500GB, 1TB and 1.5TB densities, the Samsung STORY Station has a USB 2.0 interface and provides a three-year warranty.

Source
Akihabaranews

NEC's Eco Friendly Wireless Router

NEC released two new wireless lan routers from the AtermWR8150N Series, (BGN), with an Eco Button,when pushed switches off ALL LEDs except the Power to provide 30% less power consumption. If you're too lazy to push a single button you can set your router into Eco Mode where it will do it automatically depending on your usage and predefined settings.

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NEC

DRV-XD08, Pioneer’s Latest External High Quality Audio CD Player

At 15,000 Yen (€11, the USB 2.0 external DVD and cd player burner isn't the average crap, but a high-end CD audio player with DVD burning capabilities with both Pioneer's PURE READ and PowerRead Technology… Not sure it will be Pioneer’s best seller this year, but just in case… If you're into this kind of stuff, you know what to get.

Source
Pioneer

Century Dual SATA Bay NAS

Century has a new dual SATA bay NAS, the CRNS35NAS. Nothing specal, this NAS is a DLNA, iTuner server, Gigabit Ethernet… Basic NAS stuff and will be sold in Japan for less than 20,000 Yen (€160).

Source
Akihabaranews

Nissan to Release a New Skyline Crossover This Summer in Japan… Finally

t's about time, but what can you expect from a bunch of old salarymen form Nissan Japan. I mean they make pretty decent cars sometimes for the overseas market, like the latest Infiniti SUV… And while many in North America and Europe can enjoy these beauties… We, in Japan, will have to wait for summer… To Nissan Japan and Carlos Ghosn … Please do us all a favor; launch a heavy wave of early retirements at your Japan HQ…

The all-new Skyline Crossover makes its foray into the crossover segment with a unique and distinctive design, that arrives from a fusion of a coupe with an SUV. The luxury crossover utilizes smooth, soft-to-the-touch and high-quality materials to provide an elegant and personalized interior space.

Powered by a VQ37VHR engine with VVEL technology, the powertrain delivers high response and high torque for an exhilirating driving experience. The powertain also offers cleaner emissions and good fuel-efficiency. Powerful, seamless and continuous acceleration is realized by mating the powertrain to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Stable handling and supple ride comfort are optimally balanced for a pleasurable drive.

The all-new Skyline Crossover will be showcased at Nissan Galleries nationwide starting April 18, 2009.

Source
Nissan CrossOver

FIA GT1 GT-R, the Ultimate 600hp Nissan GT-R

Last week in the South of France Nissan and Nismo unveiled their FIA GT1 ready GT-R, a “little” 600hp modified 5.6l V8 engine (VK56DE) that provides no less then an incredible 650Nm of torque achieveing a quite honorable 2:05.447 lap time by Paul Ricard…

We hope both Nismo and Nissan are as successful on the old continent as they are here in Japan!

Media Days and the Official Test Session for the FIA GT were held at Circuit Paul Ricard HTTT (5.842km) in the South of France on the 6th and 7th April.

At the Press Conference of SRO, the official promoter of the FIA GT Championship, which took place at midday on the 6th April, the R35 NISSAN GT-R, built according to the 2010 FIA GT1 regulations was unveiled in front of more than 200 people.

The objectives for NISMO's FIA GT program for 2009 is to develop GT-R race car which shall be available for sale to the privateers who wish to take part in the FIA GT World Championship from 2010 and onwards.
The team is going to race at Silverstone (UK, 3rd May), Oschersleben (GER, 21st June), 24 hours of Spa (BEL, 25th - 26th July), and is planning an additional race in Europe.

GT-R will be driven by Michael Krumm (GER) and Darren Turner (UK).

Under the observant eyes of the media and other competitors, the GT-R ran 119 laps and completed all test menus as planned without any major trouble throughout the 2 days. As the GT-R is built according to the next generation 2010 FIA regulations, which allow less modification, lap times cannot be compared with the current GT1 cars, however the best lap time was 2:05.447.

The team will participate in the next official test at Algarve (POR) on 15th and 16th April.

"I am very excited about the FIA GT program as it is 10 years since I participated in an international racing with NISMO." said Michael Krumm. "I am very happy to race in Europe with the NISMO people I have worked in Japan for years. The test at Paul Ricard went very well, and I really enjoyed the test with other cars. Since the shakedown in last December, the GT-R has improved a lot. We still need to work very hard to make the car competitive, but I am confident that we are in a right direction."

Darren Turner said "I'm looking forward to helping NISMO and Gigawave MotorSport to develop the GT-R to make sure it is competitive in time for the new regulations in 2010. It is a real privilege to play a part in such an exciting program. It's also good to be racing in the FIA GT Championship again as I have had good results there in the past."

Source
NihonCar

Hitachi lied about its Eco appliances… Really?

It seems that Hitachi is a big fat lying company after all, well at least for some of its Eco friendly fridge which apparently where no way near being “Eco”

The Japanese Newspaper Yomiuri, reported earlier today that some of Hitachi fridge which were supposed to been built in the most advanced Eco process, and reducing up to 48% its CO2 emission during the production process was just a big fat lie.

On top of this quite shameful discovery, the Yomiuri report that both the “Eiyo Ikiiki Shinku Chirudo V” and "Big & Slim 60" series, 9 fridges in total, announced to have been built thanks to recycled material… Were in fact built with regular material, Well actually only 3 of them were built with 50% of recycle material and the 6 other never seen any of this Eco friendly recycled material at all…

To make things worse, and after being caught lying, Hitachi announced that they have no intention whatsoever to compensate or refund the 150 000 owners of these fridges in Japan…

Source
Yomiuri

evanui μ, your ultimate omnidirectional Speaker

ViV laboratory will propose in Japan the evanui μ, an high-end luxury wooden omnidirectional speaker featuring the FDM technology (Floating Diaphragm Mechanism) sold at the end of this month, and more precisely for my birthday, April 30, for 210 000 Yen (1660€).

The evanui μ offer a maximum output of 100W with an impedance of 8Ω and work on 80Hz-30kHz frequencies.

Source
ViV

Kenwood gorgeous Glass Speaker with LED Stand

Kenwood propose in Japan for just a little bit more than 100 000 Yen (765€) a pair of gorgeous glass speaker the SP0001 offering a not so impressive 10Wx2ch at 8Ω output power. I am sure that if you are interested in these speakers’ performances may not be exactly what you are looking for immediately. Anyway for a little extra, Kenwood also propose a set of stands with white and blue LED giving your speakers the perfect touch to show how wealthy you are !

Source
Kenwood

DVR-DS120, Mitsubishi latest DVD Recorder

For just 40000 Yen (300€) here you are Mitsubishi latest DVR, the DVR-DS120, with 250GB of internal HDD, a DVD burner, a Digital TV tuner and the capability to record HD Video thanks to its support to AVCREC. Definitively not the most powerful DVR ever made but if you just need to record Magnum PI time to time, this will be far to be enough !

Source
Mitsubishi

DC-ACPCDP, the Latest Acrylic Cowboy PC Tower

It's been a while since Digital Cowboy introduced an new acrylic PC case.

Just enough to hold your motherboard (ATX and Micro ATX), your power supply, HDD and ODD, these acrylic PC cases are extremely popular among Japanese geeks.

With a strict minimum the new DC-ACPCDP/B gives you, on top of the basic ATX / Micro ATX 2 LED and a power OFF/ON, a reset button, and a holder to carry your setting around.





Source
Akihabaranews

I-O Data latest 26mm thick NAS

Far from being a real competitor to Apple time capsule, the HDLP-G Landisk is I-O Data latest ultra compact NAS (126x130x26mm). Available in 3 different capacities, with 250, 320 and 500GB, the HDLP-G has been built to be your TV best friend, if at least your TV is compatible with the DLNA v1.0 standard.
The 500GB model will be sold in Japan around 23000 Yen (175€).

Source
Akihabaranews

Sunday Stories:

TRD Upgrade Kit for the Toyota Wish

Just announced in Japan, the Wish can now be purchased with an sport upgrade kit from TRD. It comes with a selection of front spoilers, a set of 17” aluminum wheels (TF4), a TRD Start/Stop button, and a sportive suspension set…

It many not improve your overall performance, but will greatly add to your car's style…




Source
Nihoncar

Sunday Stories:

Scion Reveals iQ Concept at the 2009 New York International Auto Show

Scion’s iQ concept is the intelligent answer to this need for highly emotional and efficient urban transportation. The convenience of having work, entertainment and culture nearby for young city-dwellers is a significant draw to urban centers. The vehicle must be able to navigate narrow, congested streets, park in tight places, have impressive fuel economys, and have compelling design and function.

“Scion’s iQ concept turns traditional auto design upside down,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand. Our young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer.”

The production iQ is currently sold in Japan and Europe. Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif. took the iQ to the next level with aggressive exterior and interior modifications that show the vehicle’s potential for personalization.

With its 78.7-inch wheelbase, the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. At the same time, its overall length of 126.9-inches, overall width of 71.4-inches, and short front and rear overhangs allow the iQ to fit in virtually any city parking space. The front-mounted differential and repositioned steering rack decrease front end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

Pushing the wheels of the small, bold concept towards the four corners of the body gives the iQ a confident stance. The custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish and wide tires fill the wheel well, adding to its surefootedness. The iQ’s custom front air dam, aero headlamps and high-intensity LED driving lamps signal urban road readiness.

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation,” said Hollis. “If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize.”

The iQ’s profile is defined by a strong and high beltline. Smooth lines glide from the large, dark finish headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wrap around the rear emphasizing the concept’s geometric beauty. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.

The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the thick rear diffuser, creating a substantial presence. A center-mounted trapezoid exhaust adds to the vehicle’s distinctiveness, while large, matte-finished rear taillights help keep the vehicle visible.

The iQ’s interior fuses function, style and entertainment. Attention to detail and modern accents can be seen in the illuminated door handle; the swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; an illuminated iQ logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum toned interior panels. Iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas, combined with the custom exterior paint, provides a balance of freshness and sophistication. Black matte scuba-like polyurethane covers the seat bolsters and is also used on the headliner with a bright green topstitch for a contemporary finish.

The iQ features a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. With the push of a button, the touch-screen articulates to reveal the entertainment hub. The touch screen can also play movies while the vehicle is parked. When not in use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent cover that emits a colorful display of light patterns to make the interior even more unique.

A few quick strokes to the black panel below the entertainment hub, or steering wheel controls, command the audio system to shuffle through a music library. The center cluster also features three control knobs for dual front heating and air conditioning settings. The driver and front passenger each have a knob that displays their desired temperature and controls their temperature and fan settings. The center knob dictates zone control for both occupants.

The instrument panel has a speedometer, warning lamps, and a multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle through the odometer, average speed, temperature and eco lamp. The eco lamp illuminates during efficient driving to help the driver achieve maximum fuel economy.

Comfortable front passenger legroom was achieved with a newly-engineered, compact air conditioning unit located behind the center of the front console. The iQ employs a glove bag, with the same textured, honeycomb fabric as the front and rear seats, that can be easily snapped on and off for storage or additional legroom.

Rear seating can accommodate one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. Extra slim front seat backs provide rear passengers with legroom. The rear seats are 50/50 and fold flat for increased utility. In addition, the rear seat cushion lifts up to reveal a small flat storage space that can be used for pocket-sized portable music players, small books, digital cameras, or slim laptops.

The iQ does not skimp on safety and is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA); and nine SRS airbags, which includes the world's first rear window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.





Source
NihonCar

I-O Data's Latest SSD Express Card

Not sure if this will be the ultimate setting for those wantling to install an SSD on their PC. Just in case, here's I-O Data's latest SSD Express Cards with a 32GB capacity (16,800 Yen) and a 64GB (24,000 Yen).

Source
Akihabaranews

Gateway's Netbook

Alongside Acer’s Aspire One D250 and AS3935, we had the pleasure of discovering the ID5800-25K (15.6” 1366x768 0, a stylish notebook designed by Pininfarina for Gateway. It's powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 4GB of RAM, a GeForce G105M with 512MB of VRAM, 320GB of HDD, DVD Super Multi, WiFi ABGN, Bluetooth, Multigesture trackpad… And sold in Japan for just 119,800 Yen (€91.

Definitely more compact, Gateway also introduced a N280 Atom powered Netbook, the LT2000. It's available in either black or red with the usual 1GB of RAM, 945GSE Chipset, 10.1” LCD with a 1024 x 600 resolution, Dolby headphones, WiFi B/G… Sold for 49,800 Yen (€381)



Source
Akihabaranews