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Linking Young Minds Together
     Volume 2 Issue 86 | September 14, 2008|


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Tech Wise

Gunnar Optiks
Eye Strain-Reducing
Computer Glasses

A pair of yellow-tinted glasses you wear at the computer that claim to reduce "Digital Eye Fatigue" and "Computer Vision Syndrome." In other words, they get rid of eye strain and headaches related to eye strain. It also claims to give you "sharper, clearer vision," as well as improve your performance because "the eyes are relaxed." How? By "improving eye focus, reducing glare and blocking artificial light."

The price of this cool gadget is variable, but a random sampling of different frame types cost anywhere between $99 (approx. BDT 6,900) at the low end and nearly $200 (approx. BDT 14,000) at the high end.

Reports are that, it actually works. The curvature and wrapping of the lenses around your eyes cause some slight distortion when you're turning your head or using your peripheral vision which takes a short while to get used to.


Ballpoint Pen Doubles as an Emergency Cellphone Charger

Brando Workshop is known for quirky and offbeat gadgets, but they deliver their fair share of useful devices as well. This ballpoint pen can also be used as an emergency cellphone charger. According to the description, it averages a 100 minute charge time, 20 hour standby time and 2 hours of talk time on one AA battery. It also features five connectors (Sony Ericsson Fast Port, Nokia 2.5mm, 3.5mm, mini USB and Samsung). It makes sense because many of us already carry around a pen, and it's not a bad deal at $18(approx. BDT 1260).

 

 


Electronic Newspapers Get Closer



If Plastic Logic's upcoming electronic paper tech is any good it might actually be the way of the future for newspapers. Plastic Logic's device is the size of a sheet of copier paper and is actually aimed at a business environment. But "newspapers is what everyone asks for" says Plastic Logic's CEO: and this makes great sense since the size of the screen would give it a more "authentic" newspapery feel. No info on price yet.


Nikon D90 Preview

Almost exactly two years after the D80 was announced comes its replacement, the rather predictably named D90.

First and foremost there's a new CMOS sensor, which Nikon claim produces D300 quality output at up to ISO 6400 and - one of several features to 'trickle down' from higher models - the same highly acclaimed 3.0-inch VGA screen as the D3/D300. Naturally it has Live View with contrast-detect AF and it would have been surprising had it not sported some form of dust removal system. More surprising is the inclusion of the world's first DSLR movie mode (720p HDTV quality, no less) and HDMI output, though as we'll see later it does come with some limitations. A lot of the core photographic spec is the same as or very similar to the D80, though there is a new shutter and an implementation of the 3D tracking AF seen on the D3/D300.

And it's not just the high end models that have lent features and technology to the D90; the user interface has been given the same user-friendly treatment as the D60, as have the retouching options.

Nikon D90 Key Features
* 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
* 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
* Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
* Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
* Illuminated focus points
* Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
* IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
* 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
* Expeed image processing engine
* 3D tracking AF (11 point)
* Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
* Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
* Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
* Improved user interface
* New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
* Same battery and vertical grip as D80
* Vignetting control in-camera
* 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback
Source: Gizmodo and DPreview Websites

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