From the archives
Copying music from cassettes or vinyl records to a CD is easy with Teac's LP-R500 CD recorder system (below). It updates the GF-350 model by combining a cassette player with the turntable. The process is simple: load a blank digital audio CD in the recorder drawer, place your cassette tape in the machine and press record. If using the turntable, just press record and lower the stylus. The system also has an FM tuner, bass reflex speakers, a remote control and a port for headphones. The Teac LP-R500 sells for HK$3,180 at the Dah Chong Hong Audio Visual counter at MegaBox in Kowloon Bay.
Industrial strength
Casio Computer, which introduced the rugged G-Shock wristwatches in 1983, claims its shock-resis- tant, waterproof and dustproof EX-G1 digital camera (above) is among the toughest on the market. The 12.1-megapixel camera has a two-layer construction, with an outer body made from stainless steel and a waterproof inner made from polycarbonate reinforced with fibreglass to absorb shock. A resin cover protects the body side near the shutter and there's a resin lens ring and a strap holder made from die-cast zinc. The EX-G1 costs HK$2,780.
Extra memories
Sony's Handycam DCR-SR68 (below) is a standard-definition camcorder with a hybrid recording system; use the camcorder's built-in 80GB hard-disc drive - which can store up to 61 hours of video in long-playing mode - or a removable Memory Stick PRO Duo (sold separately). A professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 60X optical zoom lens allows the user to snap sharp shots even from a distance. Face-detection technology pinpoints up to eight people and automatically adjusts the exposure. The Handycam DCR-SR68 will be available next month for HK$3,480.
