Personally, I never picked up the PSP’s camera kit or a 1seg tuner (since the US lacks the awesome 1seg television standard). But some people did. Important people. Important people who should be buying the PSPGo without worry.
So here’s Sony’s adaptor…prototype. Apparently the design is not final and there’s no firm pricing or release date. Given all the superfluous casing going on this photo, it certainly seems odd that there’s a random cord that inelegantly snakes along the back of the Go. And by odd I mean “lazy”. [Joystiq]

The Price: $US30

The Verdict: For the most part, it works. The cigarette 12V adaptor in my car does not charge my iPhone 3G correctly, but if I plug in through this converter, everything’s great.

The problem comes from the fact that it’s a pass-through, so if you’re not careful, the adaptor (and the charger) might snap off if bent too far in one direction. It also is awkward if you’re plugging your iPhone into this, and then into a dock from the top without proper support. There’s also the matter of it obstructing certain types of iPod/iPhone holders since they weren’t designed to have something in-between the connectors.

But as for being able to convert Firewire charging devices to USB charging devices, yeah, it works with most devices, but there were two “older” docks that we checked that it didn’t work with. So YMMV, since there are so many different iPod docks and chargers that have been made in the last five years. [Griffin]

Great when it works

Blocks or otherwise awkwardly arranges docking in certain chargers and accessories

Doesn’t work with all older docks and chargers, which makes this moot if you’ve got one of the devices it doesn’t work with

If you’re longing for the days of mixtapes burned dubbed to a gaudy looking Memorex cassette, this is for you. The USB port allows you to transfer files to the PlusDeck to be put on tape, so you can play them back in your circa-1988 Walkman.

But the PlusDeck Ex does have a few worthwhile features, such as recording FM radio to a digital file, phono jacks for playing and ripping vinyl, 7.1 surround sound support and a mobile phone In, which is presumably for recording voicemail and/or conversations. It also has RCA in/out, 3.5mm in, and a clock/timer that lets you schedule recordings.

The only problem is the thing runs about $US300, which is about $US250 more than I’m willing to pay, personally. [Think Geek via Uncrate via Wired]

Apparently all of those DTV ads are working, because right now the government is receiving 1.5 million requests for vouchers per week, which is charted to burn out government allocations within the first week of January. Once the $1.34 billion is spent, no more vouchers will be mailed out.

But these vouchers are not quite cash-in-hand. If unclaimed, cash from unspent vouchers can be reassigned to new vouchers (not confusing at all, right?). So there may be hope for those who miss the order window even if the government doesn’t appropriate more funds to the project. [Reuters via CEPro]

Oxnard, CA – October 16, 2008 – Scosche Industries (www.scosche.com), an award-winning innovator of mobile electronics and iPod accessories, announces the availability of its new passPORT iPod/iPhone car integration system. The passPORT utilizes a female pass-through connector to attach to any in-car iPod integration system to charge all iPhone and iPod models, including the iPhone 3G and the recently introduced nano 4G and touch 2G. With over 28 years of advanced mobile electronics and aftermarket accessory experience and knowledge, Scosche worked closely with Apple to develop the passPORT to ensure its compatibility and function for both OEM and aftermarket automotive products.

“The passPORT provides a seamless solution for anyone that wants to listen to their new iPhone or iPod in their car through their integrated audio system,” said Kas Alves, vice president, sales and marketing, Scosche Industries. “Scosche engineers developed a highly sophisticated product that maintains all functionality including audio, video and data of the iPhone 3G and new iPod models.”

With its superior knowledge in both the automotive aftermarket and home accessory categories, Scosche continues to develop and bring to market products for iPhone and iPod models. Scosche is currently developing a similar product for home use that will also allow consumers to use their home accessories including speakers, alarms and docking stations with the iPhone 3G and new iPod models.

The passPORT is priced at $29.99 MSRP.

In the end, Sound & Vision found that all three boxes worked well, but the RCA’s comfy remote, “On Next” feature and decent audio performance gave it a slight edge. Currently, the box will run you about US$50 or US$10 after you cash in your voucher–which is chump change compared to what you get with a digital upgrade. However, if you are still hoping for a US$40 “freebie” like the EchoStar TR-40, keep in mind that Sound & Vision believes that the EchoStar is a “dicey buy” given the fact that it has no front panel controls. In this case, it still might be a good idea to hold onto that voucher for a little while longer to see what comes available. [Sound & Vision]

It’s no badass like the 7200dpi Plustek OpticFilm 7300, but it costs US$100 less and goes beyond most standard scanners, including a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, 1800dpi resolution and 10-bit colour. It doesn’t look like it’s got a sheet feeder; instead it has a tray specifically suited to 3×5, 4×6 and 5×7s. Drop ‘em in, press a button, and presto, it magically becomes a picture on your computer screen—if you have Windows, that is. [Hammacher]

The HXC5 requires a double-run of standard CAT5/5E/6 network cabling and it is packaged as a complete, ready-to-connect system —including a compact “balun” transmitter and receiver. Could definitely be a valuable problem-solving tool for anyone setting up a serious home theater. Available now for $600. [Tributaries]