XBox 360 Updated Software

Microsoft has released the first XBox 360 Software Update. The next time you connect to XBox Live, your XBox should automatically download the update. What can you expect from the January 2006 System Update? Look for all this excitement:

* Improvements to the Xbox Guide.
* Option to retain your saved games when you delete a profile.
* Increased accuracy of “last time played.”
* Network configuration improvements for Xbox Live members in the Netherlands.
* More detailed messaging for unreadable disk or region errors.

Except to the fine folks in the Netherlands, this is possibly the least exciting software update ever. The real reason behind this update is probably to stop the XBox 360 modding and hacking that has occured since the unprotected Xbox 360 retail demo disk.

via XBox.com

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Garmin StreetPilot c530

The Garmin StreetPilot c530 GPS Vehicle Navigator comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions that makes navigation easy. It also accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras.

In addition to the simple touch-screen display found in previous versions Garmin Navigators, the c530 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that provides faster acquisition times and maintains signal under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers. The automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, anti-glare display makes it easier to see where you're traveling, and configurable vehicle icons allow you to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon that shows your position on the map.

Garmin GPS
The c530 also includes the Garmin Lock anti-theft feature that disables the unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific 4-digit PIN or take the unit to a predetermined location.

You can also monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. By adding traffic services and a receiver to your c530, you are notified of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered, and are offered an alternate route. Simply touch the screen icon to calculate a new route. (These traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists.)

Other optional software available on plug-in SD cards lets you instantly add new features to your c530 without connecting to your computer. These optional packages include the Garmin Travel Guide that gives you helpful and thorough reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife, sporting events and tourist attractions. The optional travel Guide for Europe is also available for purchase. The SaversGuide is a geo-coded coupon book that notifies you of nearby discounts on restaurants, hotels, shopping, and more at thousands of participating entertainment businesses throughout North America.

The c530 includes a new high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF, and a rechargeable battery that last up to 8 hours between charges. The SD memory card expansion slot allows you to load additional software and POIs.

It's An Auto-Pilot Almost
I gave this "Garmin C530" 5 stars. It's like a passenger knowing the way to that place i'm headed to. I especially like the rerouting feature; yes, this gem will re-negotiate your vehicle to your destination if you have other stops on the way. I love my Garmin c530 !!! Rob in Connecticut.

Lovin it
I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend and he loves it. It sets up in minutes and it's extremly easy to use. I recently had a tire going flat in a city I wasn't familier with and luckily we took the Garmin c530 with us. It took me right to an auto part store that was a pre-programed destination in the Garmin and saved me tons of time and frustration. I'm thinking of getting one for myself now.


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Nikon D80

The Nikon D80 is the long-awaited replacement the the best-selling D70 and D70s digital SLRs. It's basically a D200 with a slightly different CCD sensor (though still 10 Megapixel) and a slower burst rate. And at $999 for the body only and $1299 with the new 18 - 135 mm lens, it's also substantially cheaper than the D200.

Some of the new features on the D80 versus its predecessors include:

* A new 10.2 effective Megapixel CCD (versus 6.1MP on the D70's)
* A much larger and sharper 2.5" LCD display (versus 2.0")
* Now uses Secure Digital and SDHC memory cards (versus CompactFlash)
* Faster performance in all areas
* New autofocus sensor offers better performance and more focus points (11 vs. 5)
* Support for wireless flashes
* Improved battery life; new battery meter menu option shows vital stats
* New Image Retouch menu offers D-Lighting, redeye removal, cropping, image overlay, and other features that have been on Nikon's Coolpix cameras for years
* Refined menu system (just like the D200 now)
* USB 2.0 High Speed support


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Low-Frill Nikon CoolPix Cam: $130 L18 or $230 P60

For every super sexy, super slim, multicolored point-and-shoot, there's a meat-and-potatoes model aimed at classrooms and people on tighter budgets. Nikon's $130 CoolPix L18 comes in blue or red and has some nice enhancements like in-camera redeye removal.





The retro-styled CoolPix P60 costs $100 more, because it has a 5X optical zoom lens and an impressive 200,000-dot electronic viewfinder. With some manual controls, it's aimed at people who want to fiddle more, but don't want to break the bank. Both cameras run on AA batteries and have 8-megapixel sensors.

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