Gadgets & Services
Hands-On: Archos' Latest Portable Video Player
This fall, a new batch of portable video players is expected to quicken the pulses of TV addicts and gadget freaks everywhere.
First out of the gate is the Archos AV400 series, an update to the company's earlier AV300 models. The AV400 is easy to use and captures good-quality video and audio from a variety of sources (including a cable/satellite box or TV set). Unlike most other PVPs, the AV400 series can also record commercial encrypted DVDs, though for copyright protection you can't transfer files made from those DVDs onto your PC or display them when the AV400 is connected to your TV. The PVP is available in two models: the AV420, with a 20GB hard drive ($550), and the AV480, with an 80GB drive ($800).
And now, some shameless self-promotion. My first "Gear To Go" column, appearing in the debut of PC World's affiliated publication Digital World, provides more details about PVPs in general and the AV400 series in particular. Digital World's first issue hits newsstands in September.
Reader Review: Easy Way to Back Up Digital Images
MicroSolutions' RoadStor, a portable device that lets you back up digital camera images onto a CD, is an essential part of Lew Phillips' portable gear. Lew, of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, writes: "Normally when I go on vacation, I take my PC along to offload pictures from my digital camera." Since Lew has the notebook with him, it's all-too-tempting to check e-mail.
Now, he carries the RoadStor instead of a PC. "It allows me to easily copy my images to CD. Not only was the small device easier to take along than a PC, but I didn't have to worry about my notebook's security." And he no longer has the ability to check e-mail on vacation, which is a good thing. The RoadStor also plays DVDs and digital image slide shows on a TV, reads most flash memory format cards, and lists for $260.
News: Hotel Offers Free Wi-Fi--to Anyone
Red Lion and WestCoast Hotels, both operated by WestCoast Hospitality Corporation, recently announced free Wi-Fi Internet access for guests. You don't even have to be spending the night at a hotel to use its free wireless network, the company says. But you must be a member of WestCoast's GuestAwards frequent traveler program (your membership info is required to log in). The hotels will also rent a kit that includes the necessary Wi-Fi PC Card and software to those with notebooks lacking the necessary equipment.
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