By Chris Scott Barr

While yesterday’s support note didn’t specifically call out the Palm Pre by name, it was pretty obvious what they were talking about. Well Palm was listening, so now they have posted a rebuttal, which is below:

Palm’s media sync works with the current version of iTunes. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in a future version of iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we could consider.

I really hope that Apple doesn’t go out of their way to specifically block the Pre. Honestly I think it’s in their best interest to leave it alone. After all, media players are dime a dozen, however, Apple only stands to make money off of Pre users if they are able to purchase music from the iTunes store.

[ Wall Street Journal ] VIA [ Cnet ]

By Chris Scott Barr

I have enough devices in my home entertainments center to fill up an entire 12-port surge protector. While not everyone has a dozen devices to hook up, it can be a pain to get everything plugged in as it should be. Plus there’s never an outlet where you need it, right? Well here’s an interesting concept, fill your entire wall with outlets!

I’m no electrician, but I can imagine that this is a fire hazard waiting to happen. Not to mention dangerous for small children to be around. However, you have to admit that it looks pretty damn cool. With so many outlets, at first glance it just looks like the person has fancy wallpaper. Then again you could always fill most of the area with false plates if you just wanted the look. Of course that would defeat most of the purpose in the first place.

[ Ironic Sans ] VIA [ Dvice ]

By Shane McGlaun

Before the global economy went into the crapper, many businesses held quarterly or more frequent meetings to talk strategy and other items. Many firms flew employees in from all around the country to attend these meetings. With the poor economy today, flying people in has become too expensive and many businesses are going to video conferencing instead.

Samsung has announced a new video conferencing LCD called the VC240 that integrates all of the components needed for HD desktop video conferencing into a 24-inch LCD that works as a computer monitor as well.

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By Shane McGlaun

It used to be that the only cameras that had removable lenses were large and expensive DSLR cameras. Most people don’t want a DSLR because they are complex, bulky and heavy. To meet the needs of the consumer wanting DSLR quality photos in a much more compact camera the micro four thirds system was released.

Olympus has announced its latest micro four thirds camera called the E-P1. The camera has 12.3-megapixel resolution for DSLR quality images, in-body image stabilization, a 3-inch LCD, and a dust reduction system to keep the sensor clean.

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By Andrew Liszewski

Kingston may claim to be the first company to offer a 128GB flash drive, but DiskGO has already beaten them when it comes to pricing. While Kingston’s asking a wallet-lightening $546 for their 128GB DataTraveler, the DiskGO 128GB model will sell for a mere $389.95 when it becomes available sometime after July 31. And that’s with free shipping!

Of course if you don’t need 128GB right now it’s probably not a bad idea to wait it out because it’s inevitable that one day we’ll all have a drawer full of ‘tiny’ 128GB flash drives from trade shows or other promotions that aren’t even worth giving away.

[ DiskGO 128GB Flash Drive ] VIA [ The Gadgeteer ]

By Andrew Liszewski

There’s an endless number of pill containers and organizers on the market designed to help you remember when it’s time to take your medication, but I think the simplicity of the Dose Alert gives it a distinct advantage. It’s a basic one-button timer with an LCD display that simply sticks to the top of your pill container thanks to an adhesive backing. Pressing the button sets the timer from 1 to 24 hours, and when it’s time to take your pill(s) the Dose Alert beeps loudly and flashes to get your attention. Now I’m not sure if it’s re-usable when you get a refill (hopefully you can just swap the cap to the new container) but at just $8.98 it’s not terribly expensive to replace if needed.

[ Dose Alert ] VIA [ 7Gadgets ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Now here’s a serious piece of baby monitoring kit. The Avent DECT from Philips sheds the Fisher-Price-esque appearance of most baby monitors in favor of a more high-tech looking monitor and remote. But it doesn’t just look high-tech, besides the guarantee of zero interference from other wireless devices and privacy thanks to an encrypted connection, the Avent DECT also includes a humidity sensor alerting you to dry conditions that could irritate your child’s throat as well as a temperature sensor to monitor baby’s room for optimal comfort.

The base unit also has a night light and “specially selected lullabies” to help your child fall asleep if restless, and the remote monitoring unit’s rechargeable batteries are good for 24 hours and a range of about 900 feet. But what does this kind of peace of mind run these days? About $150-$200 at various online retailers.

[ Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]

By Andrew Liszewski

First there was Tengu, then there was a wooden Tengu, and now you can get one of three new versions known as the Tengu All Stars. They pretty much do exactly what the original version of Tengu did, except these come with the addition of a rocking head of hair and actual personalities! From left to right you’ve got Rotten, Stardust and Woodstock and each one includes a set of decals allowing you to dress them up with sunglasses, facial hair, tattoos and other musical genre appropriate adornments.

All 3 are available from the Tengu website for about $40 each.

[ Tengu All Stars ] VIA [ technabob ]

By Chris Scott Barr

I think my favorite thing about having a TomTom GPS unit is that there are so many different voice skins available for it. I mean, who really wants to listen to a half-robotic sounding guy or girl give them directions all day? If I wanted that I could just get married. (zing!) Having a voice that you’re comfortable with seems to make the trip more enjoyable. And who better to give you directions than the world’s greatest cartoon dad. Homer Simpson.

I’m actually quite surprised that no one thought of this sooner. Either way, you can now purchase the Homer Simpson voice skin for your TomTom GPS device. He’ll give you colorful directions like “take the third right. We might find an ice cream truck! Mmm…ice cream.” The skin will set you back around $13. For now I’ll stick to my Eddie Izzard voice, it’s hilarious.

[ TomTom ] VIA [ SlipperyBrick ]