I think when products, even when they are designed for iPhones and iPods, add the "i" to their names, it smacks of desperation. The CVT Multi Media Center doesn't bother with the iMoniker, and it is better because of it. In fact, it is one of the first iPhone / iPod docs that I really like.

The CVT Multi Media Center features a 3.5 inch LCD display, FM receiver, all the necessary alarm functions, USB and SD card reading, iPod / iPhone charging, and some great style. Of course the radio and iPod play through the speakers, but you can also load music straight from USB and SD devices. That is a great feature that adds a tremendous value to the unit. I could go either way on the blue LCD, but the offset iPod doc is nice.

As I said before, the CVT Multi Media Center isn't relying on the iName to sell. To me, that seems classy. If you are interested in it, head over here to pick one up for a mere $99.95.

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I like how the Portable Media Player (PMP) market is improving all the time, and one of the newest improvements that I can see is the Cowon L3.

Very little details are known about this PMP, but we do know that the L3 has a seven inch touchscreen display with 800 x 480 resolution. Something tells me that this thing has lots of options, and we know about a few, like the FM transmitter.

We also know about the SiRF Star III GPS chipset, so I'm guessing this is a navigational device too. The L3 has a speaker and remote control, so that ought to be good for viewing video files or listing to audio ones.

Unfortunately, we don't have any word on the amount of memory (it is flash-based) that is here. We also don't have a price either, or an availability date.

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I used to carry a cell phone, iPod, and palm pilot. That was clearly idiotic, so Steve Jobs and Apple made me an iPhone, and now that fits all of those needs. I also carry around a pocket knife, a pen, and a small computer tool kit. In the spirit of Apple, firebox.com has combined the best of both worlds and is selling the 13-in-1 Multi Tool Pen.

for $14.95, you get a pen, but it isn't just a pen. You also get a few screwdrivers, a hole punch, file, knife, wire stripper, saw, fork, ear pick and a few other indispensable items that you didn't know you needed. I know, this gadget is a bit low-tech, but it fits so many purposes. I could actually get quite a bit of use out of this thing.

The different components screw into the aluminum base, so the pen isn't just handy, it is sturdy and light as well. Imagine what MacGyver could have done with this thing. When the pieces aren't being used to save the world, they fold nicely into the body of the pen.

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Sony has officially announced the newest hardware revision of the sleek, powerful, and sexy PSP. The PSP-3000 is set to hit the streets right around October 15th, and it features some fantastic and new mild and mediocre revisions.

The new PSP-3000 won't be faster, the battery won't last longer, it won't feature any storage, and it won't have a modified joystick. It will have a built in microphone and an LCD screen that is supposed to "work better outside," with less glare. I wouldn't go so far to call the PSP-3000 a hardware revision as much as I would call it a "tweak."

I suppose, if you have been waiting to buy a PSP, then you might as well wait for the new unit, but I don't see any reason to go rush out and replace your PSP-2000. The microphone does hint at voice control in some games, or possibly some VOIP action, but you can get all of that with a headset on your current unit. There is no official price yet, but with so little done, it better not go up much.

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Every once in a while, you find a concept that is not difficult to see where they got the inspiration from. In this case, the KDDI AU Design project takes its cue from Origami.

How else does one come up with a concept phone with a keypad and camera, and turn it into a box with its own speaker system and graphical bars on each side? In short, you have something music phone people will love. All you need to do is fold it into a box and let the music play for all to hear.

I have no idea when this item will be available. I wouldn't mind checking it out, though.

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Those of you who have no fear of the dark side should have no qualms about the Darth Vader Tie Fighter webcam watching you.

Not only will it sit atop your computer and record audio and video images with a built-in microphone, but it also has sound effects from the movies. You got to admire the two red lights in front of it, and it takes me back to the days of Kenner toys.

The Tie Fighter is available soon for the price of about $33.

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