Face saver One of the most anticipated notebook computers with Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system to be released is the Latitude Z (pictured, top left): the world's thinnest (14.55mm at its narrowest point) and lightest (2kg) laptop with a 16-inch display, according to Dell. Despite those tapered measurements, it sports a widescreen high-definition liquid crystal display. The integrated two-megapixel autofocus webcam uses Dell's facial-recognition security, which locks the system when the user steps away. The touchpad responds to gestures and allows users to zoom, rotate and surf though websites without using the keyboard. Thanks to Windows 7 functionality as well as Dell's own EdgeTouch LCD sensor and capture technology, users can conveniently scan and save business cards to Outlook Contacts and copy documents to PDF format via the display. Prices for the Latitude Z, which is available with an optional 3G mobile broadband module, start at HK$16,499.
Stay focused German brand Leica's new flagship product is the S2 (top right), which it describes as a professional medium-format camera with the body of a consumer-friendly 35mm digital single-lens reflex camera. This high-definition snapper has a Kodak-designed sensor that enables it to take photos at 37.5-megapixel resolution. Its high-speed Maestro processor allows users to shoot up to three images every two seconds at maximum resolution. It also comes with Leica's first-ever autofocus system, providing S2-compatible lenses with a microprocessor. The camera's body is made of robust die-cast magnesium with a leather-grain finish for a firm grip. The camera can also withstand exposure to rain and dust. The Leica S2 costs HK$213,900.
Long shot Sleek and eco-friendly, Samsung Electronics' K44 high-definition camcorder (bottom left), with a 16-gigabyte solid-state drive, is estimated to be 12 times lighter, be seven times smaller and consume eight times less power than the average hard disk-based camcorder. The K44 is equipped with a high-end Schneider-Kreuznach lens with 52X optical zoom and 65X digital zoom (for enlarging a portion of an image). An image stabilising feature helps ensure clear and sharp recording. Face-detection technology identifies up to five faces within a frame and adjusts the focus and exposure so they are all captured in the best possible light. The K44 Camcorder sells for HK$5,980.
Look and learn The latest Walkman video MP3 player, the NWZ-S745 (bottom right), comes with an improved noise-cancelling system and headphones, which Sony touts as being effective in reducing up to 90 per cent of ambient noise. A bundled aeroplane plug and an adaptor allow flyers to connect the Walkman directly to an in-flight entertainment system. The player also features a language learning mode, for playback of sections of any instructional audio programme, which has a "quick replay" function that reverses audio tracks at three-second intervals. Tracks can be played at various speeds without affecting tonality, so users can focus on pronunciation. The Walkman NWZ-S745 has a two-inch screen and battery life of up to 42 hours of music and 10 hours of video on a full charge, and costs HK$1,798.
GADGET CORNER
