Reviewed: The New Archos 705

Picking up the unit, it feels solid, and well built, which is important in any device.

The 7″ screen is framed by a silver textured metal exterior, adorned with the “ARCHOS 705 MOBILE DVR” and two speakers. The back is the same metal, and (with the writing) looks vaguely Halo 3-esque. There’s also a handy flip-out stand at the back, for watching media like one of those little portable TV units you can get.

I hold down the power button, and about 25 seconds later, the interface was ready.

Now, I have to say, up to this point I had been impressed by the slick shell and the idea of a 7″ touch screen. This is where the magic ended for me.

Read ahead for the horror that ensued.

Free BETA: SplashUp Photoshop-esque Web-Based Editor

If you use an image editor like Photoshop or the GIMP, then you can now take these features with you, with SplashUp.

SplashUp is a new web 2.0 online advanced image editor that supports great features like Layers and Blend Modes, Filters, Layer Effects, Brushes, Text Editing, and Webcam support.

Hit the link for more info, screenshots, and the link to sign up or try out the service.

Free BETA: My PictureTown, By Nikon

 

Newly unveiled by Nikon, My PictureTown is similar to Google’s Picasa, with a few differences. You can upload and download your pictures, and share then via email, or via Flickr.

To upload pictures, hit the ‘Upload’ button. This allows you to choose ‘Quick Upload’, which requires you to install a browser plugin (compatible with Windows XP Internet Explorer 6+, Windows XP Mozilla Firefox, and Mac OS Safari), or use the ‘Single Selection Upload’, which allows you to browse for, and upload up to 10 files, and add them to an Album or add tags. Only JPEG and MOV files are supported.

Reviewed: Wi-Fi Detector T-Shirt: Powered by ThinkGeek

So, you’re at a party, there’s food, drink, and it’s a great party, but you’re stuck in the crowd! You need a way to stand out - look no further than the Wi-Fi Detector T-Shirt!

A fantastic idea, this shirt is powered by a bulky battery pack that you have to keep in your pocket, and it runs on 3 AAA batteries - not so fantastic. And you can’t tell it to just detect open Wi-Fi spots, either.

The antenna on the front lights up when you turn it on, and the bands around it will light up, telling the signal strength.

Review & Video: Havoc Heli Mini Helicopter: Powered by ThinkGeek

The second in my roundup from ThinkGeek, the ‘Havoc Heli’ mini helicopter is really easy to use - it only has two controls - throttle and rotor speed, and left/right spin.

The ThinkGeek website has this to say:

• Amazingly small Infrared Remote control helicopter
• Flashing Blue LED for Night Flying
• Intended for indoor use. Outdoor flying only under ZERO wind conditions.
• Full Flight control with up/down and turn right/left
• Body is constructed from durable EPP foam
• Internal helicopter battery charges from remote control unit
• 15 minute charge time, 5 - 7 minute flight time
• Extra tail rotor included
• Uses 6 AA Batteries (Not Included)

You can launch it straight from your hand, just stand it in your palm and increase the throttle. It handles indoor environments very well, it will manage a bump from a wall, and it won’t crash horribly if it hits the ceiling, or the furniture (most of the time).

Check out this quick video of the Havoc Heli in action I shot:

Reviewed: The eStarling WiFi & Email Digital Pictureframe: Powered by ThinkGeek

 

The first of the gadgets I’ll be reviewing as part of the ThinkGeek Christmas roundup, the eStarling is - in my opinion - one of the best products that ThinkGeek have going for this Christmas season.

I slid the white sleeve off of the box, and popped the lid - revealing the contents of the box - an (American two-pin) power wire, a USB data cable, and of course, the frame itself. As the small notice above says, you can only set the frame up online, there isn’t a CD or manual provided. I guess this is because the frame is built to work with an internet connection, so an online setup is completely viable.