Erik's Picks

Erik's picks

in chronological order: i guess it's kind of like a blog..but better!

Elite ezCinema portable projector screen

The Elite ezCinema is a series of portable projector screens that provide good picture quality, affordably priced, and conveniently portable. The line is made of screen sizes ranging from 60" to 100" across the diagonal in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. The screen rolls up into its integrated case and features a built-in carrying handle.The screen is matte white and made from 3 layers of a vinyl material with 1.25" black masking around its perimeter. The screen has a gain of 1.1 and features a 100 degree viewing angle.

[home theater] | $250 | July 19 2007

Audioengine A5

The Audioengine A5 speakers are high-end amplified speakers ideal for hooking up to your mp3 player or computer without sacrificing any sound quality typically found in a good home theater speaker. They are powered by a Class AB amplifier contained in the left speaker rated at 45 Watts RMS and 70 Watts peak power.

[speakers] | $350 | July 17 2007

Orb Audio Mod2

The Orb Audio Mod2 Home Theater Speaker System includes 5 Mod2 satellite speakers and an acoustically matched Super Eight sub-woofer. While many satellite systems have been notoriously plagued by acoustic imperfections at the expense of the aesthetic design, this system is designed to provide a balance of audio quality and aesthetic appeal at a reasonable price point.

[speakers] | $1200 | July 12 2007

HSPC Tech Station

The HSPC Tech Station from HighSpeed PC is an open-design computer case marketed to wards IT professionals, technicians, and hardcore computer enthusiasts. It provides fast-access to the computer components, while keeping them very secure. It is available in a standard and large size in several color options: black, red, blue, white, yellow and green.

[computers] | $80 | July 11 2007

Alienware Hangar18

The Alienware Hangar18 is a home theater PC that simplifies your home theater by integrating all of the typical high-end media center components in one unit. Most notably, the Hanger18 has a HDMI output, and a built-in 5.1 surround amplifier eliminating the need for an A/V receiver.

[media center] | $2000 | July 09 2007

Planet Earth

Possibly the most talked about nature documentary of all time, the BBC's Planet Earth is a spectacular snap shot of our planet as it exists right now. The producers had one main goal in mind as they painstakingly thought about each shot and scene: photograph the Earth as it's never been seen before. The result in an incredible 11 episode story of Earth and its inhabitants.

[dvd] | $80 | July 09 2007

Saucony Grid Type A

The Saucony Type A is a performance light-weight trainer ideal for fast training and efficient runners. This shoe has two features that make it a potential good choice for triathletes: 1) mid-foot drainage holes to allow water to drain and prevent you from getting a soggy foot, and 2) pull-tabs on the heel to make it easier and faster to pull this shoe on quickly in transition.

[running] | $90 (I got it for $30) | July 09 2007

Transformers Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet

Darth Vader has nothing on this voice changing helmet. While Darth's mask is limited to speaking like James Earl Jones, this helmet from Hasbro modifies your own voice to make it sound like a robotic transformer. At the touch of a button you can channel the Autobot leader's own voice to make the helmet say various catch phrases. And lastly, through the touch of another button you can emit the unique sound of an actual transformer transformation.

[wicked] | $30 | July 08 2007

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint premium-grade, closed-back headphones feature active noise-cancelling and large, 40 mm drivers at an attractive price point of $220. These cans compete with the previously released competition Bose QC 3, but for 35% less expensive. They deliver excellent mids, and high frequencies, and adequate bass while removing up to 20 dB of the ambient noise. This is done with an active noise-cancellation circuit powered by a single AAA battery.

[headphones] | $220 | July 08 2007

Onkyo TX-SR605

Onkyo's new line of A/V equipment includes the TX-SR605 receiver supporting HDMI 1.3a (2 inputs/1 output) for a very affordable MSRP of $499. It is now available in some stores. It also includes 3 component, and 5 S-Video/composite that are transcoded and output to the HDMI output, simplifying your setup. This receiver is highly anticipated by gaming and A/V enthusiasts for its excellent lineup of specs (especially the HDMI support) and its low suggested retail price.

[receivers] | $500 | July 08 2007

Stewart's Cream Soda

Stewart's Cream Soda is a premium cream soda made by Stewart's Fountain Classics with a golden color and a creamy vanilla taste. Stewart's is most famous for its root beer, having sold it since 1924 in Stewart's Root Beer stands and Drive-Ins in Mansfield, Ohio. Stewart's soft drinks weren't bottled elsewhere until 1990 when the Cable Car Beverage Corporation bought the bottling rights. Stewart's Cream Soda was introduced in 1992 in their first product line extension.

[soda pop] | $1 | July 08 2007

Samsung 226BW

The Samsung 226BW is a value-priced 22" widescreen LCD monitor with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This monitor has a native resolution of 1680 x 1050 with its 0.282 mm pixel pitch, and boasts an incredibly fast 2ms grey-to-grey response time. It is also a very bright screen with deep blacks, coming from its 1000:1 contrast ratio and 300 cd/m2 brightness rating.

[monitors] | $350 | July 08 2007