Amazon has just released a software update for 2nd generation and DX Kindles. First-gen owners are out of luck.

The 2.3 version update goodies for U.S. and international wireless eReaders include an 85% increase in battery life (that’s about up to two weeks from just one), manual screen rotation from portrait to landscape, the availability to convert PDF files to the Kindle format, and a built-in PDF reader.

For DX models, specifically, will also get the option to convert PDF files to Kindle files and an extended wait time before the screensaver kicks in (from 5 up to 20 minutes now).

If you are a proud owner, you can download and install the update via USB. For the upgrade files and more detailed instructions, visit Amazon’s specific FAQ page on version 2.3.

Samsung and The New York Times are partnering for a new deal on the Samsung Go netbook, just in time before the real holiday shopping begins. 

Doesn’t really work for existing Go owners, but recent first-time subscribers can still take advantage of it until March 2010. Under the deal, You fork over $179.40 for the Times Reader 2.0 subscription, and then you get $100 off the laptop.

The Reader subscription includes a completely computerized version of the Times, and it also grants access to exclusive video content. Oh, and the crossword puzzle. Once their downloaded via Adobe AIR, you can read the last seven days-worth of news without an Internet connection.

As for the Go netbook you will get, the 2.8-lbs. device runs on Windows XP Home OS, features a 10.1-inch WSVGA screen, 1 GB of memory and 160 GB of hard drive space.

It’s quite a unique initiative, and It’s also a good opportunity for the Times to push further into digital publishing and content. It seems no print publication is entirely sure how to turn a profit digitally these days (with the exception of The Wall Street Journal, maybe), so it might just be crazy enough to work!

If you’re interested in learning more or picking up this deal, you can do so via the Times’ website. Anyone going to get it?

The iPAQ is back. (To some, it never left.)

HP and AT&T on Tuesday announced the new iPAQ Glisten, a 3G world phone with an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) screen powered by Windows Mobile 6.5.

Despite the sensual name, the iPAQ Glisten targets the business power user, with touch capability, Flash support, built-in Wi-Fi with dedicated on/off button, GPS, SMS/MMS and a full QWERTY keyboard and five-way directional pad.

Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel are on tap (with Powerpoint and PDF support), as expected. Oh, and that AMOLED screen, which should be a real beauty.

The Glisten also offers the ability to manage a single contact list and synchronize wirelessly or with a PC using a supported e-mail account. It also comes with an integrated inbox that summarizes recent emails, calls, and texts.

The Glisten also has a built-in speakerphone and hands-free control via Voice Commander voice recognition software that reads you your test messages, e-mails and appointment details.

Not sure how the Glisten will pronounce, “ORLY? IMHO IDK. LOL” from your daughter. But the spirit’s in the right place.

The device comes preloaded with Facebook, as well as a 3.1 megapixel camera.

The HP iPAQ Glisten will be available in “coming weeks” for $229.99 with two-year contract. It’s available through both companies’ consumer and corporate channels as well as consumer retail sites.

Best Buy on Tuesday announced that it will bolster its Black Friday deals with a $197 HP laptop.

Available in-store beginning Friday, Nov. 27, the HP laptop features an Intel Celeron 900 processor, 2GB memory and a 160GB hard drive.

It will be featured in Best Buy Black Friday preview ads today.

Best Buy’s Black Friday deals already featured a $249.99 Acer laptop, as well as extremely competitive Windows 7 netbook deals, including a $179.99 Compaq Netbook offering an Intel Atom Processor, 1GB memory and 160GB storage.

See all current Black Friday deals at ZDNet’s Ultimate Black Friday Guide 2009 (newly updated!).

Image: HP G60t. HP did not announce the model number of the $197 laptop.

Elecom has released a tiny, sleek new set of computer mice named “Like A Spoon.” I wonder if that’s supposed to be its name or it’s just a literal translation…

Available in white, red and black, the 2.4Ghz wireless device weighs 4.1 ounces and measures in at 2.6 x 3.5 x 1.6 inches. It’s built with stainless-steel edges and a smooth coating up top, so it should fit nicely in the palm of your hand.

And if you’re going to use this is a travel gadget (which seems like a good use for it considering its size and its powered by a single AAA battery you could replace anywhere), make sure to pack it in your carry-on. At approximately ￥8,000/$90, you wouldn’t want to lose it. Then again, you’ll also have to go to Japan to get it, since its not available in the US or Europe yet.

The super-curved, super-wide Ostendo CRVD monitor is now available for sale. Previously unveiled at CES last year, the 43-inch monitor features a 2880 x 900 resolution and 32:10 aspect ratio.

The target audience is anyone using it for defense training and simulation, and possibly serious gamers. They better be seriously rich gamers as well, as this screen comes along with a $6,499 price tag. Ouch.

Based on some review videos on YouTube (most of which have three of these screens linked together), it certainly looks like an experience. But it is it really worth it?

Reports are flowing in that some of the recently-shipped iMacs with Core i7 Intel processors are shipping dead-on-arrival. Whoops.

A currently 36-page thread on Apple’s official support Forums has a whole slew of unhappy customers listing their already-deceased desktops. Many of them cite cracked screens or just dead computers, and one even cites a footprint on the screen! (Would love to see a photo of that…) Even Engadget reports that they can’t even boot up their new iMac that just arrived. They were shipped via FedEx, but seriously, who packed these things?

This comes as quite a disappointment considering the hype surrounding the quad-core processors, being that they’re cheap and predicted to be quite useful in classrooms and media centers. Plus, after the excitement of ordering and then receiving a pretty new gadget in the mail, only to find it useless is ultimately disappointing. But apparently it’s not everyone as some people on the Forums are reporting that their new computers are fine.

Gizmodo reports that Apple has been “extremely responsive” over the problem, so it would be wise to contact their support center or maybe bring it to the Genius Bar an Apple Store if you’re near one, although chances are the line will be long.

Has anyone else received a DOA or perfectly-functioning Core i7 Mac recently?

Our mammoth Black Friday guide has been updated yet again, this time with deals from many of the big dogs: Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop, Office Depot, HP, Dell, Amazon, BJ’s, J&R and OfficeMax are all included in this round.

Deals to look out for include:

• $694 LG 37” LCD HDTV (list price is $1399; Amazon)
• $78 Magnavox NB500 Blu-ray Disc Player - $78.00 (Walmart)
• An assortment of Blu-ray movies for less than $10 (various)
• $59 TomTom One 125-SE GPS (pictured at top; Walmart)
• $179.99 Compaq Netbook w/Intel Atom Processor, 1GB Memory, 160GB hard drive (Best Buy)

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check out ZDNet’s Ultimate Black Friday 2009 Guide before the big day!

Attached to service contracts, mobile phones are an awfully hard gift to give. But if you’ve got a friend or family member who is always chatting away on their cell phone, a Bluetooth headset might be an easy, inexpensive (for a gadget) gift that keeps their hands warm when the weather goes south for the winter.

Aliph Jawbone Prime

The third incarnation of the Jawbone sets the standard for noise-cancellation and sound quality on a Bluetooth headset. It also cuts a sharp and colorful profile on the jawline, with seven colors (black, brown, silver, green, red, yellow, purple) to choose from.

[read the review] [compare to similar models] [check prices]

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]]> http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?feed=rss2&p=9674 http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?p=9666 http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?p=9666#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:30:59 +0000 Andrew Nusca http://blogs.zdnet.com/gadgetreviews/?p=9666

Own a Google Android phone and feel a little miffed that the Motorola Droid got all the good stuff?

Google announced on Monday that its Google Maps Navigation software, which offers turn-by-turn GPS navigation for your car and your palm, will be available for Android 1.6 Donut, the operating system found on an up-to-date T-Mobile G1, myTouch 3G, HTC Hero, HTC Droid Eris and most other Android phones out in the wild.

(Motorola CLIQ, HTC Hero and Droid Eris users, keep in mind that you’re using Android 1.5.)

While I can’t say for sure how well the program will run on the G1, which has the smallest amount of memory in the Android roost, I can certainly say that it’s a huge deal for those with the Hero and myTouch 3G.

Google Maps Navigation can be downloaded from the Android Market now.