Digital Innovations

Rewritable DVDs
Samsung Electronics' (www.samsung.com) SE-W164C external DVD drive reads and writes both the DVD+ and DVD- formats, supports double-layer 5x discs, and can store up to 8.5GB on one disc. The drive can also be mounted vertically, saving desktop space. The SE-W164C sports a large air vent on the back of the drive for air circulation to prevent overheating when running at high speeds. The drive offers 16x DVD+R and DVD-R write speed and can write DVD+RW at 8x and 6x on a DVD-RW disc.

The SE-W164C utilizes Speed Adjustment Technology that automatically optimizes the speed according to disc quality; Tilt Actuator Compensation Technology that gives the disc a tilt with the objective lens for reliable writing; and Double Optimum Power Control Technology that strengthens writing performance by controlling laser power in the inner and outer sides of the disc. The drive also includes a power save function and technology to prevent Buffer Under Run Errors. The SE-W164C has a street price of $199.

Shades For SLRs
Delkin Devices' (www.delkin.com) Pop-Up Shades are a cool stocking stuffer for digital SLR users. These LCD screen protective covers double as glare guards and are easily installed and removed. Pop-Up Shades are made with hard impact plastic that snaps over the camera's preview screen. The cover easily pops up to form a three-sided hood over the LCD to diminish glare, and when closed protects the screen. A camera grade, optically clear glass (protected with clear protective film) guards the LCD screen when the shade is up. They're available in snap-on and adhesive models and come in black or silver to match each camera model's colors.

The stick-on Pop-Up Shades are easy to apply and remove, and won't leave adhesive residue. Three families of Pop-Up Shades are available, including Professional, Digital SLR, and Point-and-Shoot. Delkin intends to introduce more than 100 models and plans to introduce models for new cameras within 30 days of a camera's introduction. Professional models cost $44.99, and stick-on versions for entry-level SLRs are available from $29.99-$34.99.

The Ultimate Geek Gift?
As the world's worst typist a blank keyboard is probably a bad idea for me, but here it is: Das Keyboard (www.daskeyboard.com) is a 104-key USB keyboard with 100 blank keys mounted on individually weighted switches. Most keyboards require 55 grams of force for each key but Das Keyboard has five different levels of force from 35 grams to 80 grams corresponding to the strength of the finger that touches the key. The result is more comfort. Since there's no letters to look at when typing, the thought process goes, your brain (but maybe not my brain) is supposed to be able to memorize the positions, allowing you to type faster with more accuracy. Das Keyboard is compatible with Windows, Linux, and the Mac OS. It costs $79.95.