Review: Bose MIE2i mobile headset

Recently I found myself in need of some replacement in-ear headphones for my Apple iPhone 4, and after a bit of research I settled on the Bose® MIE2i mobile headset.

I couldn’t try the headset out prior to purchase, so I had to go on brand reputation and on-line customer feedback comments. However, it was reassuring to know that Bose offer a risk free trial period. If you feel the product just isn’t right for you, simply call them within 30 days of purchase to arrange a return. Bose will collect the product from your home address – at their expense – and you will receive a full refund.

There are three models of in-ear headphones in the Bose IE2 range. The IE2 are straightforward audio headphones, whilst the MIE2 and MIE2i are mobile headsets for music and calls, with the latter also having iPod/iPhone control.

With a Bose MIE2i mobile headset you can take calls on your iPhone with one-touch ease and then switch back to your music at the touch of a button. With an integrated inline remote located on the back of the microphone, you can adjust volume, play/pause tracks, skip tracks forward/backward, fast forward/rewind and change playlists — and you need never miss a call. The remote/mic is located on the wire that goes up to the right-hand earpiece and there’s the facility to clip the wire to your clothing so you don’t need to hold the mic during a call.

There are one set of small, medium and large proprietary StayHear® ear tips provided (replacements can be purchased on-line). Once I’d chosen and fitted the correct size of tips for my ears, the earpieces nestle inside the bowl of the ear quite naturally and securely. Don’t be tempted to try and push the tip deep into your ear canal as you might with conventional in-ear headphones.

It’s worth noting that this headset is not designed to be noise cancelling, so whilst wearing them you can still hear what’s going on around you to a certain degree. So far, I haven’t found this to be a problem. They are not water resistant either, so the controls may not stand up to repeated sweaty gym sessions.

The headset cable is terminated with an angled 3.5mm plug that fits directly into mobile phones with recessed jacks.

There’s an Owner’s Guide in the box and a rectangular zipped case included that can accommodate an iPhone and the headset. The headset cable tends to get a bit tangled up when I use the case, and as I already have an iPhone cover, I would have preferred Bose to have come up with a better solution for storing the headset when not in use.

I wanted lifelike sound quality that wasn’t too bass heavy, comfortable ear pieces that stayed put, good build quality and the ability to make and receive calls without having to unplug the headphones from the phone jack. I’m pleased to say I haven’t been disappointed with my Bose MIE2i mobile headset purhcase.

Compatibility:

The MIE2i headset is compatible with iPhone (3GS and later), iPod touch (2nd generation and later), iPod classic (120GB and 160GB), iPod nano (4th generation and later) and iPod shuffle (3rd generation and later). The headset is also compatible with iPad, MacBook (unibody) and MacBook Pro (excluding MacBook Air).

Dimensions:

Headphones (one side, with StayHear tip)
3.3 cm (H) x 2.59 cm (W) x 1.5 cm (D)

Cable length from ear bud to headphone plug
115 cm

Weight with cables (two sides, medium tips)
19 g

Canon UK launches new compact photo printer

Canon today unveils its new SELPHY compact photo printer, the SELPHY CP810, designed to make photo-lab quality printing on the move, or at home, quick and easy. Replacing the SELPHY CP800, the new model offers a number of improvements, boasting a slimmer, compact and more portable design, expanded creative features and improved usability.

The SELPHY CP810 is ideal for those looking for a convenient printer that delivers high quality prints in less than a minute. The lightweight, portable design also provides a suitable option for business users who want to offer on-the-spot ID Photos or instant photo printing services.

Photos can be printed directly from a range of compatible memory cards, or from any PictBridge-compatible device, such as a camera or camcorder. The SELPHY CP810 can also print from USB flash memory sticks or from mobile phones via the integrated USB port, enabling instant output without the need for a computer.

For enhanced viewing and operation, a tilting 6.8 cm (2.7”) colour LCD screen features at the heart of the SELPHY CP810 operation. With support for 13 languages, images can be viewed easily and printed with a simple press of a button.

To produce the best prints, the improved Auto Image Optimizer function increases the quality of the print output compared to the quality of the original digital image, recognising scenes and improving the subject by making specific adjustments – for example controlling the brightness or contrast. In addition, a selectable Smooth Skin effect evens out skin blemishes for more flattering portraits, and manual brightness adjustment can be applied to fine-tune the prints produced.

Dye sublimation technology gives images superb depth and gradation of colour, providing a similar look and feel to traditional photo lab prints without the wait. Prints are dry and ready for handling the second they leave the printer, resistant to scratches, spills and fading. The printer is capable of producing postcard (148 x 100mm), L (119 x 89mm), and credit card (86 x 54mm) sized prints in super-quick time, on a range of Canon photographic media. The SELPHY CP810 also offers a range of image layout options, including the ID Photo layout which enables users to print a range of standard or custom-sized ID Photo images on a single sheet of paper.

The optional NB-CP2L battery pack provides the ability to print instantly whilst on the move. Ensuring that the printer is only portable when needed, a security cable, such as a Kensington lock, can also be attached to the added security slot on the printer body, while an optional Dust Protection Cover protects the printer and consumables when operating in dusty environments.

Owners of the new printer can also join the newly updated CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video, now providing up to 10 GB of personal storage capacity, perfect for storing many photos, even in full resolution. An easy interface allows users to search for images, create combined photo and movie Albums that can receive comments from friends, and to share Albums directly via email and Social Networking Sites.

The printer will be available in the UK from May 2012, priced at £99.00 RRP inc. VAT.

Comet discounts – February 2012

Here are some more amazing promotions brought to you by jtonline for use when shopping online at Comet.

Keep checking back as the list will be updated during the month as and when new codes are released.

Simply click any of the voucher codes below to activate them (prior to their expiry date), then enter the voucher code in the promotional code box when you get to the shopping basket page on the Comet website.

Code: 15BUILT
Save an extra 15% on all integrated large kitchen appliances
End date: 20th February 2012

Code: 15OVEN
Save an extra 15% on all built-in ovens
End date: 20th February 2012

Code: 10BOSCH
Save an extra 10% on all Bosch freestanding laundry and refrigeration appliances
End date: 23rd February 2012

Code: 10COLLECT
£10 off all products over £100 when you reserve online & collect in store! (Excludes iPods, iPads, SLR Cameras, Dyson DC33 Multifloor & Dyson DC19T2 )
End date: 20th February 2012

Code: 25BRACKET
Save 25% on any TV Stand or TV Wall Bracket
End date: 20th February 2012

Code: HOB15
Save 15% on selected Hobs, Hoods and Splashbacks (excludes product codes 420860, 433993, 679532)
End date: 22nd February 2012

Code: 10OVEN
Save an extra 10% on all built-in ovens
End date: 22nd February 2012

Code: 10BUILT
Save an extra 10% on all integrated large kitchen appliances
End date: 22nd February 2012

Code: 7FSC
Save an extra 7% on all freestanding cooking (Excludes Range cooking appliances)
End date: 22nd February 2012

Code: 20HP
20% off headphones (excluding Beats by Dr Dre & Sennheiser PMX product code 539937)
End date: 22nd February 2012

Code: 15PHONES
15% off all Landline Phones
End date: 22nd February 2012

Canon UK launches new PIXMA printers

Canon today announced the launch of three new affordable All-In-One printer models ideal for the home office environment; the PIXMA MX375, PIXMA MX435 and PIXMA MX515. Replacing the PIXMA MX360, PIXMA MX410 and PIXMA MX420, the new compact models feature fast printing speeds and new XL cartridges for reduced printing costs. The PIXMA MX515 also features a Dual Function Panel, 6.2cm colour TFT display and Auto Duplex printing.

The new MX435 and MX515 are designed to offer greater flexibility in terms of where and how users print within the home office environment, with a number of connectivity features. Built-in Wi-Fi means that documents and photos can be printed from any room covered by an in-home wireless network. Both the MX435 and MX515 also offer mobile printing solutions. The Canon Easy-PhotoPrint App (for iOS and Android products) allows photo and document printing from, and scanning directly to, a mobile device. Apple AirPrint™ is also supported, enabling direct printing from Apple iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®.

An Ethernet connection, which is available on the MX515, also makes it possible to share the print and scanning functionalities of the printer amongst multiple PCs.

The new models boast fast photo and document printing speeds with the MX435 and MX515 delivering enhanced ISO speeds of approximately 9.7ipm mono and 5.5ipm colour. They can also produce ISO A4 copy speeds of 21seconds. The MX375 delivers ISO speeds of approx. 8.7ipm mono and 5.0ipm colour and ISO A4 copy speeds of 23 seconds. All three new models come with fully integrated Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for easy copying, scanning and faxing of multiple-page jobs, whilst Super G3 high-speed fax provides the option to save to USB. The MX515 can save straight to memory cards through the built-in card slots as well as offering the ability to turn documents into PDF files and save to a PC.

The new PIXMA MX models feature a compact, FastFront design. This allows paper and ink cartridges to be loaded into the front of the printer, so it can be placed against a wall or on a shelf, saving valuable space. The new XL FINE colour ink cartridges, which can be installed in one easy click. Quick Start also ensures the new MX products power up quickly for on-demand printing.

The 6.2cm colour TFT display on the MX515 allows photos to be previewed straight from the memory card slots making it easy to see which functions are being selected. This model also features a Dual Function Panel which displays only the keys needed, depending on the function being performed, for greater ease of use.

All three printers are expected to be available in the UK from April 2012.
The Recommended Retail Prices inc. VAT are: PIXMA MX375 £59.00, PIXMA MX435 £79.00 and PIXMA MX515 £99.00.

Comet discounts – January 2012

Below are some amazing promotions brought to you by jtonline for use when shopping online at Comet.

Simply click any of the voucher codes below to activate them (prior to their End date), then enter the voucher code in the promotional code box when you get to the shopping basket page on the Comet website.

Code: 10MDA300
Save an extra 10% on all Laundry and Refrigeration appliances over £300. Including washing machines, tumble dryers, fridge freezers and USA Style fridge freezers.
Start date: 28th January 2012
End date: 29th January 2012

Code: 10TOMTOM
10% off all TomTom 1000 Series Sat Navs
End date: 3rd February 2012

Code: 20GAME
20% off selected games to help keep you fit in the new year!
End date: 25th January 2012

Code: 10KINECT
10% off the 250GB and 4GB Xbox Console and Kinect Bundles (product codes: 683485, 683477)
End date: 25th January 2012

Save up to an extra 15% on selected Healthy Eating appliances
No code needed, just click the link!
End date: 25th January 2012

Code: 15PHONES
15% off all Landline Phones
End date: 1st February 2012

Code: 10DVD
10% off selected DVD recorders
End date: 25th January 2012

Code: FREEVIEW10
Save an extra 10% on Freeview & Freesat Recorders over £60
End date: 25th January 2012

Code: 20HP
20% off all headphones (excluding Beats by Dr Dre)
End date: 1st February 2012

Code: 10MICRO
Save an extra 10% on all Freestanding Microwaves
End date: 25th January 2012

Code: 7FSC
Save an extra 7% on all freestanding cooking
End date: 1st February 2012

Code: 10BUILT
Save an extra 10% on all integrated large kitchen appliances
End date: 1st February 2012

Code: 10OVEN
Save an extra 10% on all built-in ovens
End date: 1st February 2012

Code: HOB15
Save 15% selected all Hobs, Hoods and Splashbacks (excludes 420860, 433993, 679532)
End date: 1st February 2012

Code: 15BOSE
15% off Bose speaker docks including Sound Link
End date: 1st February 2012

Apple release white iPhone 4

Apple have finally released a white iPhone 4 today.

White models of iPhone 4 will be available in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and the US, beginning today and in many more countries around the world soon.

“The white iPhone 4 has finally arrived and it’s beautiful”, said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “We appreciate everyone who has waited patiently while we’ve worked to get every detail right”.

The white version of Apple’s iPhone should have been released at the same time as the now familiar black version but was delayed because it was, according to Apple, “more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected”. Mr Schiller continued, “It’s not as simple as making something white. There’s a lot more that goes into both the material science of it – how it holds up over time – but also in how it all works with the sensors.”

Apple announces iPad 2

Apple today introduced iPad 2, the next generation of its tablet device for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading ebooks and much more.

iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 per cent thinner and up to 15 per cent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the innovative FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time.

“With more than 15 million iPads sold, iPad has defined an entirely new category of mobile devices”, said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “While others have been scrambling to copy the first generation iPad, we’re launching iPad 2, which moves the bar far ahead of the competition and will likely cause them to go back to the drawing boards yet again”.

With the new front and rear cameras, iPad 2 users can now make FaceTime calls to millions of iPhone 4, iPod touch and Mac users so they can see family and friends anywhere there is Wi-Fi. Photo Booth lets you apply fun visual effects, including eight photo special effects like Squeeze, Twirl and Kaleidoscope, to photos captured by either camera.

iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3, the latest version of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, with new features including faster Safari mobile browsing performance; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay; the choice to use the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute audio; and Personal Hotspot to share an iPhone 4 mobile data connection over Wi-Fi. Additional iPad 2 features include a built-in gyro for advanced gaming; HSUPA support for enhanced 3G upload speeds on iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, and HDMI Video Mirroring that lets users mirror their iPad screen on an HDTV using an optional adaptor.

The new iPad 2 Smart Cover provides protection for the iPad screen while maintaining its thin and lightweight profile. Designed with a unique self-aligning magnetic hinge that makes it easy to attach and remove, the new iPad 2 Smart Cover automatically wakes iPad 2 when it’s opened and puts it to sleep when it’s closed, and has a soft microfibre lining to help keep the screen clean. The Smart Cover also folds into a stand for typing or viewing videos.

The iPad 2 models are due to be released in the UK on 25th March and as a result, Comet have dropped their current iPad model prices by over £100 while stocks last. Click here to visit the iPad clearance section of the Comet website for more details.

Apple announces iOS 4.3

iOS 4.3 new features include faster Safari mobile browsing performance with the Nitro JavaScript engine; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay; the choice of using the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute the audio; and the Personal Hotspot feature for sharing an iPhone 4 cellular data connection over Wi-Fi.

“With more than 160 million iOS devices worldwide, including over 100 million iPhones, the growth of the iOS platform has been unprecedented”, said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iOS 4.3 adds even more features to the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, across three blockbuster devices — iPad, iPhone and iPod touch — providing an ecosystem that offers customers an incredibly rich experience and developers unlimited opportunities”.

The Safari mobile browsing experience gets even better with iOS 4.3. The Nitro JavaScript engine that Apple pioneered on the desktop is now built into WebKit, the technology at the heart of Safari, and more than doubles the performance of JavaScript execution using just-in-time compilation. With the Nitro JavaScript engine, Safari provides an even better mobile browser experience working faster to support the interactivity of complex sites you visit on a daily basis.

New iTunes Home Sharing allows iOS 4.3 users to play music, films and TV programmes on an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch from their iTunes library on a Mac or PC over a local Wi-Fi network. With a simple tap you can enjoy all the media in your iTunes library wherever you are in your home. You can stream a movie from your Mac in one room to your iPad in another or stream an iTunes mix to your iPod touch from the office to the kitchen. With Home Sharing on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch you’ve got your entire iTunes library in your hands wherever you are in your home.

iOS 4.3 includes enhancements to AirPlay, the breakthrough wireless technology that allows users to stream music, photos and video to Apple TV. With iOS 4.3 you can stream additional content including video from third party apps and web sites, videos from the Photos app and previews from the iTunes app to your TV. AirPlay also allows you to bring photos to life on the TV screen by using one of the stunning new slideshow transitions, or shoot a video on your iPad 2, iPhone or iPod touch and stream it directly from the Photos app to Apple TV.

The new Personal Hotspot feature in iOS 4.3 lets you bring Wi-Fi with you anywhere you go, by allowing you to share an iPhone 4 mobile data connection with up to five devices in a combination of up to three Wi-Fi, three Bluetooth and one USB device. Joining a Personal Hotspot is easy and once the feature is enabled a status bar displays how many devices are currently connected. Every connection is password protected and when not in use Personal Hotspot turns itself off to save battery life.

More than 10 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store and more than 350,000 apps are available, including more than 65,000 native iPad apps, to consumers in 90 countries. Users of the more than 160 million iOS devices around the world can choose from an incredible range of apps in 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel.

iOS 4.3 will be available to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users as a free software update on Friday 11 March. iOS 4.3 is compatible with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (GSM model), plus third and fourth generation iPod touch. For more information, visit www.apple.com/uk.

Panasonic to launch new selection of Viera Flat-Panel TVs

Panasonic has announced that it will be launching its expanded range of VIERA series plasma and LCD TVs for 2011.

According to Panasonic, choosing the right technology to purchase depends on a number of factors, including viewing environment and viewing choices. One thing is for sure, however, television enthusiasts have never been able to choose from such a wide selection of Full HD 3D TVs, whether Plasma or LCD/LED, from the company.

In 2011, Panasonic will be expanding its range of 3D and LED LCD televisions to include twelve different 3D and ten LED LCD models for discerning consumers to select from. These new models include Panasonic’s VT30, GT30, and ST30 NeoPlasma 3D TVs, but also the new DT30 series 3D LED LCD TVs.

Panasonic’s NeoPlasma models feature 600Hz sub-field drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro for excellent motion, excellent contrast ratios with Infinite Black Pro (VT30, GT30, ST30) and Infinite Black (G30) in combination with High Contrast Filter Pro (VT30) and High Contrast Filter (GT30, ST30, G30). They are especially suited for 3D thanks to 600Hz, fast response time (0.001ms) and newly developed fast switching phosphor that reduces crosstalk. Furthermore, Active Shutter technology delivers the best possible picture quality, thanks to Full HD resolution and clear separation of the two images (one for each eye).

The top-of-the-line VIERA VT30 series consists of four models, the 65-inch TX-P65VT30, the 55-inch TX-P55VT30, the 50-inch TX-P50VT30, and the 42-inch TX-P42VT30. All four VT30 models come in the new High Line Design and feature a one sheet glass design that gives the TVs a sleek new design. Having passed more than 30 rigorous tests, the VT30 series received the THX 2D and 3D Display certification. In addition to offering 3D viewing, the VT30 series comes with the internet service VIERA Connect; Skype video calling; Wi-Fi ready (one USB wireless LAN adaptor is included with VT30 series); VIERA Image Viewer for viewing 2D and 3D digital still images and both 2D & 3D HD video recorded on an SD Memory Card; USB HDD Recording as well as SD Card Recording. Two pairs of Full HD 3D eyewear are included with the VT30 series.

The VIERA GT30 3D series features three models, the 50-inch TX-P50GT30; the 46-inch TX-P46GT30 and the 42-inch TX-P42GT30. The series stands out through its slim and distinctive Highline design, features an Infinite Black Pro Panel; THX certification for 2D and 3D Display; VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready (through USB port); Skype Video calling; VIERA Image Viewer; DLNA certification; 4 HDMI connections and 3 USB ports.

The VIERA ST30 series, on the other hand, adds three screen sizes from 42-inches to 50-inches to the Panasonic family of Full HD 3D TVs. This series includes the 50-inch TX-P50ST30; the 46-inch TX-P46ST30 and the 42-inch TX-P42ST30. The new ST30 Full HD 3D HDTVs present a feature package that includes the Infinite Black Pro Panel; VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi Ready (through USB port); Skype Video calling; VIERA Image Viewer; 3 HDMI connections and 2 USB ports.

At the Panasonic Convention in London, Panasonic is currently showcasing the 3D LED LCD series DT30. The 37-inch TX-L37DT30 and the 32-inch TX-L32DT30, use an IPS Alpha LED panel to provide a wide viewing angle with almost no picture degradation, improved motion response and 400Hz backlight scanning Intelligent Frame Creation Pro technology for crisp, cross-talk minimal 3D images. Other features include VIERA Connect, Wi-Fi ready; VIERA Image Viewer; DLNA certification; 4 HDMI connections; 3 USB ports; a PC input and ISF ccc Setting Menu.

Other exciting new LED LCD TVs from Panasonic that will be hitting the market in 2011 include the Panasonic, E30 and E3. Panasonic’s new E30 LED LCD product line includes 42, 37 and 32-inch screen sizes and offers many popular features like 200blb Intelligent Frame Creation Pro for advanced motion reproduction, VIERA Connect and other networking functions. The Panasonic E3 LED LCD TVS, on the other hand, include 5 different screen sizes: 42, 37, 32, 24 and 19-inch. All come with V-Audio Surround sound technology. The G30 NeoPlasma range includes 50, 46 and 42-inch screen sizes that offer many key features like 600Hz IFC Pro, THX Certified Display, Infinite Black Panel and various networking functions including VIERA Connect and HDD recording.

Lexar introduces first 128GB SDXC card

Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, have announced new Professional Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) memory cards. The new high-capacity Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards enable the capture, storage, and transfer of extended lengths of 1080p high-definition (HD) video and continuous, rapid-fire image capture in a single, solution. The Lexar Professional SDXC card is the first available in a 128GB capacity, and is also offered in a 64GB capacity. Both cards are speed rated at 133x, providing a minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 20MB per second, and feature a Class 10 speed designation. For additional information about Lexar Professional SDXC cards, visit www.lexar.com.

“The professional photography industry is at a point where digital photo and video-capture methods are converging, meaning that professional shooters need a memory solution with the versatility and reliability to safely store both photos and videos,” said Pachi Chen-Wong, senior product marketing manager, Lexar Media. “The 64GB and 128GB Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards combine high-speed performance with large capacities to offer solutions for professionals who shoot large volumes of high-resolution images and HD video.”

The Lexar Professional 133x SDXC memory cards are compatible with all SDXC-enabled devices. The cards include the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue software to help recover lost or deleted photo and video files.

The new 64GB and 128GB memory cards have RRPs of £249.99 and £449.99, respectively.