New products: Print supersized photos
— -- This weekly roundup takes a look at the practical and sometimes quirky aspects of tech products.
Printer handles big pics
Snapped a great picture? You can print it as a supersized photo on the Artisan 1430.
The wide-format machine from Epson can print pictures as large as 13-inches by 19-inches. The printer also uses a special ink that resists smudges, water and fading. In addition to printing photos, brochures and other paper items, it can print images on CDs and DVDs.
The wireless printer can handle commands from networked computers, smart phones and other connected devices.
Priced at about $300, it comes with Adobe Photoshop Elements software. A mail-in rebate from Epson can reduce the final tally to $220.
Gadgets take a stand
A Prizm can help your gadgets stand tall and look good doing so. Designed by Hub Innovations, the Prizm stand consists of two identical thin parts that slide together to create support for your tablets, smart phones, MP3 players and other gadgets.
Available in variety of hues, including green, blue, pink, purple, red, yellow, black, gold, brass and copper, the Prizm comes in two sizes. A stand big enough to hold tablet-sized gadgets costs $30 while one sized to hold smaller devices, such as media players and phones, is $25.
Display keeps athletes in the know
With the Sportiiiis Heads Up Display, athletes can check their workout data while running around the track. Designed to attach to your glasses — be they sunglasses or the real thing — the compact unit works with heart rate monitors, speed sensors and other monitoring devices that wirelessly share data over the 2.4 GHz band through the ANT + protocol.
Pronounced as "sport-eyes,'' the Sportiiiis system has a small, flexible boom that displays real-time feedback with colorful LED lights that don't block your view of the road ahead.
The system from 4iiii Innovations can display heart rates, speeds, pace and other performance data. If you'd rather hear the data, you can listen to it via the system's built-in speaker. Scheduled to ship early this year, it will cost about $200.
Device encourages exploration
Put on your hiking shoes. Magellan can lead the way with the eXplorist 110, a GPS navigator that can help you find your way while hiking, fishing or pursuing other outdoor activities.
The waterproof device provides helpful statistics, including the distance traveled, your average speed and your elevation gain and descent. Its 2.2-inch color screen can be set to display a mini-compass, a trip odometer, your latitude and longitude, and other useful info. When you're ready to call it quits, the device can guide you back to your base — be it a parking lot or camping spot.
Small enough to hang around your neck or attach to a backpack, it costs about $130.
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