http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-6338486291606550545&hl=en I’m a little late to the pleasures of Skype-ing, but Belkin was kind enough to loan CrunchGear one of its Wi-Fi phones to use with the service. Setup was easy, just connect to a network (it tells you if there’s an open one to connect to or you can type in an SSID and password for a secured one) and then punch in your Skype account info and you’re done. It loads up your contacts and that’s that. It’s so very nice when things just work right out of the box, and this phone does. We’ll have a full review soon, but for now, here’s some video. Belkin Wi-Fi Phone For Skype → Read More
. Products labeled with the Intel “Connect with Centrino” Identifier, such as Buffalo’s new AirStation Wireless–N Nfiniti Dual Band Router and AP (WZR-AG300NH), are thoroughly tested by Intel for product compatibility, performance, range, co-existence with 802.11b/g clients and elimination of dead spots. Other certified access points include models from ASUS, Belkin, NETGEAR and D-Link. → Read More
Now this is what I’m talking about Belkin! They’ve released some nifty devices lately like their Cooling Stand and the Flip DVI-D is definitely at the top of my list of must-haves. Who knew such a simple device could make life so much easier and clutter free on your desk or work area. The Flip allows you to connect all your peripherals in one cozy little spot. If you’re like my brother and have a laptop as well as a PC, you’ll definitely want one. Have a single display that you want both your laptop and PC to go to without having to unplug one to plug in the other? Get the Flip and switch back and forth with a flick of the button. One easy connection point for your keyboard, meece, speakers and a DVI monitor! Pick one up next month for $149. Flip [Slashgear] → Read More
I have an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system, and I hate it. Not because it doesn’t work, ’cause it does. I hate it because when the power does go out, I invariably turn the thing off while trying to turn off the alarm it uses to let you know you’ve lost power. Belkin seems to have heard my cries, as its advertising a new UPS (or Battery Backup) that not only has room for six full-sized power bricks and capacity enough to keep your stuff running long enough for a soft shut-down, but also includes an integrated flashlight that turns on auto-magically so you can actually see what the hell you’re doing behind your desk in the dark of night. We’re filing this under the “why the hell didn’t someone think of this before?” category, as this device is a no-brainer when it comes to making sure your stuff goes down easier than Britney in Vegas. And at less than $100 MSRP, it costs less, too. Belkin Battery Backup with Flashlight [Belkin, via SlashGear] → Read More
As I’m writing this post on my couch watching the Karate Kid I can’t help but wish I had one of Belkin’s Cooling Stands so my junk wasn’t getting roasted off. Powered by USB, the fan pushes the hot air upward, the natural flow if you didn’t know, and away from the laptop to keep it cool and fresh. So remember Daniel-san, “Look eye, always look eye!” Protect Yo Junk [Belkin] → Read More
Belkin hinted to us about a CES announcement for musicians and here it is: the Belkin TuneStudio. Designed for use with 5G iPods, the four-channel mixer lets you record digital audio directly to your iPod at 16-bit, 44kHz quality. Basically a portable audio recording studio, the compact unit (I don’t have dimensions, but in comparison to the iPod pictured, it’s fairly small) can handle up to four audio sources (instruments, microphones, etc.), with each getting its own three-band EQ, pan and level controls. There’s also a USB port for moving audio to and from your computer—Windows or Mac. This is definitely not a toy, with XLR connectors you’d find on professional equipment with phantom power that Belkin claims will provide up to 60dB of microphone gain. And LEDs give you visual feedback for master audio level, power status, peak indication, compressor activity and recording status. It rolls out in the U.S. this summer at an MSRP of $179.99, with launches in Asia, Europe and Australia to follow. → Read More
The wait for CES is yawn inducing, but it looms at least. That means no more slow news days; no more staring blankly at my monitor, possibly drooling, waiting for something interesting to happen. It also means that Reader Response is drawing to a close for awhile. Today we’re giving away one Belkin SportCommand. It’s a great device that has completely changed my cycling habits. So who wins today? → Read More
I was supposed to post these last night, but I got wrapped up watching LSU annihilate Notre Dame. Sorry bout that. Anyway, I managed to find two winners for yesterday’s Reader Response at some point after LSU blasted the Irish by nearly 30 points. The prizes, of course, are twoConcealed Surge Protectors from Belkin. → Read More
Happy Jan. 2! You know, I only recently got used to writing 2006—and now it’s 2007. I wonder if I’ll adapt to writing the correct date sometime this side of July. At least on CrunchGear, WordPress handles the date for me. I bet you all are waiting eagerly for your daily winners, which is good, because I have them for you. Two of ‘um. A lucky pair who will each be walking away with a Belkin Clamp-On Surge Protectors. So who are the winners? → Read More
Happy New Year everybody. I hope everyone had a pleasant evening and managed to remain safe. We’re currently working off our drunks, but semi-consistent posting should resume tomorrow. At any rate, I’ve got the final installment (for awhile) of Reader Response for you all. Reader Response: Countdown to CES. → Read More
It may sound soooo last year to talk about “iPod accessories,” but there’s a new wave on the horizon. Or at least there should be. So far, add-ons to the world’s top-selling MP3 player have mostly been limited to relatively basic functions that (as iPod haters love to point out) aren’t included in the player itself, like an FM tuner and transmitter, Bluetooth, voice recorder, and camera connector. And now Samsung yepp K5 owners can brag that at least their MP3 player has a built-in speaker. Die-hard members of the Apple cult don’t seem to mind paying extra for features—to say nothing of high-priced add-ons like the Bose SoundDock—so where are all the seriously high-tech accessories that could really take advantage of that digital dock connector? → Read More
Engadget got its hands on the wireless fun that is the Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub and did a tight little testing summary. And sadly, while yesterday I was pretty psyched about picking one of these up, after reading this it sounds like it’s just one more piece of tech flotsam that needs time to mature. The upsides are that the hub is small, the setup was relatively painless and it does in fact wirelessly transfer data. Now for the suck: the dongle is huge (causing the reviewer to remove a peripheral plugged into an adjacent port), its range is less than good (6 feet compared to the “up to 30 feet” mentioned on the packaging) and the speeds were more like USB 1.1 than 2.0—probably the biggest disappointment. Hands-on with Belkin’s Cable-Free USB Hub [engadget] → Read More
Though I won’t believe it until it’s sitting in front of me on my desk (I’ve seen prototypes of it for a long time now), Belkin has announced that its wireless USB hub will be available for purchase by mid-December in the US. The $199 four-port hub uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) via a Wisair chipset to wirelessly send data from your computer to your peripherals at up to USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps). Being able to stuff my printer, scanner, iPod dock and external hard drive into a cabinet without having to run a cable to my desktop is pretty sweet. And then if I want to access them all from my notebook up to 30-feet away, all I have to is move a USB dongle. Aside from the coolness of the wireless, the hub actually looks nice as well. More pictures are after the jump. Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub (F5U301) [press release] → Read More
As you know, this past weekend we ran a national giveaway for a Microsoft Zune with a Belkin Folio Kickstand Case. We had received hundreds of entries by yesterday’s noon deadline. After much deliberation, we were able to narrow the pool down to two contestants and we’ve been tallying the votes all day. In the left corner, stood Kristin from Baton Rouge, with her seemingly unbeatabke video of vicious attack dogs and “Kazaam.” Undaunted by Shaq, Scott arose in the right corner, from Louisville, with a website pleading his case. The poll ran neck and neck for a long while when Scott managed to take the lead. Then Kristin took the lead. Then Scott hit Kristin in the knees with a lead pipe and never looked back. Final count: 79 – 350 Scott. So congratulations Scott. You’ve won a Microsoft Zune and a Belkin Folio Kickstand Case. Yaaaay → Read More
<img src="http://tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/or roll fun from Monday's events, a day we are now renaming Zuneday. OK, not really, but Cesar would looooooove that. → Read More
OK Bucakroos, it’s high-Noon on Sunday, which means both of our contests to win Zunes (among other things) are officially over: the Seattle contest and the rest-of-the-country. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to enter. In our book, you’re all winners. Except you, Ryan Stickney of Seattle, WA. While we do love creativity, the image above was not on the list of photos for the contest. Also, there is no Crunchgear/Zune logo page, also a disqualifying infraction. He did, however, include an image of unicorns humping Cold-War style, so he gets honorable mention. Otherwise, we’re a little disappointed at the turnout of the Seattle contest. When we were giving away tickets to see Band of Horses with Zune Insider, you guys were ravenous. When we make you actually work for it, not so much. Next time we’ll keep it simple so as not to disturb your rainy day hangover. We’ll be randomly drawing two names from the dozen or so qualified entries right now, and we’ll be getting a hold of the winners shortly. Remember, if you can’t be at Minnie’s at 9AM, you forfeit your breakfast, your Zune, your Belkin Kickstand case, and notoriety. Forfeit, we say! The rest of you who’ve been slugging it out for the remaining Zune across the country: Nice work! While some of the entries are just lame, many of you went above and beyond the call of importunity. Well done. Our crack panel of celebrity judges are currently pouring over the gigabytes of submissions and will select a winner shortly. Stay tuned here to see the winning entry. And for those looking at the Win A T-Mobile Dash contest, fear not, it’s still going on. All you have to do to win is help impel our editor John’s no cellphone for 30-day cold-turkey detox. Can he do it? Only with your help. And if you’re the best helper, you’ll get a T-Mobile Dash, since he won’t need it. Thanks everyone, and thanks to Cesar from Zune Insider for the hookup, the nice people at Belkin for the Kickstand cases, and to The Stranger for double Slogging us (Seattle Reference). → Read More
. But it’s only because we wanted you to savor the coolness we’ve got in store for you. So what is this coolness, you ask? Well as you may have gathered, it’s a contest, and a badassssss one at that. Since we love other bloggers, we’ve gotten together with Cesar over at Zune Insider to give two lucky Seattle residents the chance to win on Monday, November 13, a Zune and a high-end Belkin leather. That’s a full day before they’re unleashed upon the world. So here’s the full deal: Two winners will receive a Zune at a special breakfast on Monday at Minnie’s in Belltown with Cesar from Zune Insider, the wonderful band the Secret Machines and yours truly. If you’re down with indie rock, you most likely know who this band is, and you most likely love them, no touching though—at least not without asking. After breakfast, we’re off to Westlake Center, where the band you just enjoyed your eggs and sausage with will rock faces at a super special show. And then, later that evening, you’ll be invited to another formerly-secret show, this one with the lovely Blonde Redhead at the War Room (but remember, there is no fighting in the War Room) on Pike and Harvard, where we will drink booze. So what is it you have to do to win this Price Is Right-worthy prize package? We want you to show us how much you love CrunchGear and Zune. We want you to print out this document. Then we want you to have a photograph taken of you holding this document with four places around Seattle in the background: the Fremont Troll, the arrow over the Cha Cha, Safeco Field, and the Experience Music Project building-blob-thing. Once you’ve got all four photos, email them to matt at crunchgear dot com with the subject “Seattle Zune Contest.” We’ll randomly pick two winners from the pack. Make sure to include your name and a phone number. Your deadline is Sunday at Noon, got it? You don’t necessarily have to live in Seattle, but it’ll help for the photos. And, in order to get your free Zune and Belkin case, you MUST be at the breakfast on Monday morning in Seattle, SO MAKE SURE YOUR MONDAY IS OPEN. If not, we’ll go the next lucky Seattlite. So get busy. We’re checking our emails, we’re waiting for your photographs, → Read More
So if you don’t live in Seattle, or can’t reasonably be there by Monday morning, don’t fret, we’ve got your back. In addition to our Super Zune Sweepstakes thing, we have one Zune and one Belkin Folio Kickstand Case for Zune to give away to anyone in the States. Winning is simple. All you have to do is beg. That’s right, beg. Send us an email begging for a Microsoft Zune and Belkin Folio Kickstand Case. The entrant who sends in the most convincing begging will be selected to receive the Zune package. Put “Please give me a Zune!” in the subject line of your entry and send them to blake at crunchgear dot com and be sure to include your contact information (real name, address, phone number, etc.). One entry per person. I should also note that entries to this contest are being judged on the merit of your begging, not just pleading. We’re looking for creativity here. Your begging can consist of pictures, video, sound, words, whatever, just as long as it is a creative cry for Zune! All entries must be received by Sunday at High Noon (PST), so get to groveling. Edit: OK, so “beg” was intended to be humorous, but some people seem to be taking offense to the premise. So for those of you who are having issues with the comical element here, perhaps it would be more effective for you to consider the contest thus: Tell us why you need a Zune more than anyone else. Your appeal can be conducted in basically any medium, just be creative with it. The whole idea here was to provide a contrast to the fairly involved scavenger hunt taking place in Seattle, we weren’t trying to be assholes or anything, we’re just trying to give away a free Zune. Great entries so far everyone. Disclaimer: If you’re in Seattle, or within a reasonable commute from Seattle, you should not enter this contest. Instead, focus your attention on the special Seattle Zune Contest for a chance to not only win a Zune and Belkin Folio Kickstand Case, but the opportunity to meet Secret Machines and spend the day rocking out to them and Blonde Redhead. → Read More
While we won’t spoil the surprise on this review, I can say from experience that the Netgear phone is really nice and works extremely well in almost any WiFi environment. Clearly this tips the Laptop hand but both these Skype phones are extremely compact, extremely useful, and very cool. Now slap some Skype into my cellphone, guys, and I will love you forever. Skype Face Off: Belkin vs. Netgear [LaptopMag] → Read More
I first encountered the Belkin SportsCommand at Digital Life about a month ago and I was intrigued by its design. There are a lot of Bluetooth iPod controllers out there, but none that can stand up to the demands of serious athletics. I do a lot of cross country mountain biking, and over the years I’ve searched for a product of precisely this caliber.After using the SportsCommand for about a week, I feel that it is a simple yet excellent product that is ideal for anyone who participates in endurance sports. → Read More
San Francisco, CA
