I am adding a new page for manufacturers who support my column.  This page will be for press releases I feel will benefit my readers.  This will be a nice addition for manufacturers to add additional information on products I review or that I am scheduled to review.  As you can imagine, I receive several press releases each day.  Not all will be published on this page.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilson Golf Introduces New Golf Equipment for 2011

The company that boasts more Major championship wins with its irons than any other manufacturer in history rolls out technology-driven equipment to benefit golfers of all skill levels

CHICAGO, September 1, 2010 – Building on nearly a century of designing, engineering and developing state-of-the-art golf equipment for every skill set, Wilson Golf proudly announces its 2011 lineup from Wilson Staff, Wilson Golf’s premium line of professional golf equipment. Wilson Golf remains the most prolific manufacturer of irons in the world, with 61 Major championships won with Wilson irons, more than any other golf company in history.

Innovation Leads to Expansion

With the success of Wilson Staff’s recent premium equipment offerings, the historic golf club manufacturer is expanding its customer reach and improving on classic designs.

Di11 irons – In the game improvement category, Wilson Staff Di irons have pushed the distance and accuracy envelope since the original Di5 first launched in 2005. Since then, Di irons have earned Hot List accolades and a loyal following that relies on its stable head and patented wide-tip technology to deliver unmatched distance and accuracy.

In its fifth generation in the Di iron franchise, the new Di11 iron features modifications and updates in virtually every performance area, all designed to deliver added power and greater accuracy for players looking for more distance and more forgiveness.  Once you hit it, you get it.

FG62 irons – At the other end of the player spectrum, Wilson Golf proudly launches its FG62 blades, the latest in its historic line of classic forged irons. The muscleback FG62 is a companion model to the cavity-back FG Tour model, winner of a Golf Digest Hot List award in 2010. The ‘62s are molded from Precision Forged soft 8620 Mild Carbon Steel that delivers buttery soft feedback at impact shot after shot. The delicate balance of top-line thickness, offset, blade length and blade shape are in harmony to suit the eyes of the blade player.

FG Tour wedges – Based on the FG Tour irons that have been used on the PGA TOUR by Ricky Barnes and Padraig Harrington, the FG Tour wedges pick up where our FG irons leave off. The new FG Tour wedges are a high-performance option for all-handicap players looking to score from tight fairway lies, deep rough and sand while controlling spin throughout the course.

In addition to the key offerings listed above, Wilson Staff is introducing a full line of technology-driven equipment for the 2011 golf season, including:

-       Wilson Staff DXi Driver and Fairway Utilities

• High performance driver with 5-Zone Face Technology and Trajectory Control Technology and Fairway Utilities with Large Radius Sole designs and 3-Zone Face Technology

-       Wilson Staff D-FY combo set for Women

• Golf Digest Hot List Gold medal winner D-FY combo set is now available in women’s specifications with AxivCore shafts

-       Wilson Staff Vizor putter

• Lock and Roll: new precise alignment feature locks the eyes directly over the ball giving it the straightest possible roll

-       Wilson Staff FG Tour Junior sets

• Junior golfers can play and look just like a pro with the new FG Tour Junior

-       Wilson Staff Cart and Carry Bags

• The new Rova and Tour Elite cart bags are designed for the golfer that demands optimum organization, new top designs and quality in a classic style
• The new Elite Carry and Feather bags feature iPure technology, new top designs and improved structures

All new Wilson Staff equipment introduced for 2011 will meet the USGA and R&A’s new groove standards which went into effect Jan. 1, 2010, for Conditions of Competition for Elite (Tour) Play.

About Wilson Golf

For nearly a century, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 Major championships, more than any other iron manufacturer in history. Wilson Staff’s FG Tour forged irons and D-FY combo set were honored with Golf Digest’s Hot List awards in 2010. Wilson Staff, Profile, ProStaff and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to all golfers to enhance performance on the course and overall enjoyment of the game.

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DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES TRON: EVOLUTION COLLECTOR’S EDITION WITH ICONIC LIGHT CYCLE COLLECTIBLE TO BE AVAILABLE AT RETAIL

TRON Video Game Portfolio Release Date Set for December 7, 2010 in North America

BURBANK, Calif. — (August 30, 2010) – Disney Interactive Studios today announced a collector’s edition of TRON: Evolution will be available at retail.  The TRON: Evolution collector’s edition package will include an exclusive TRON light cycle collectible based on the in-game model from TRON: Evolution. The light cycle model is being created by renowned collectibles manufacturer Sideshow Collectibles.  Available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the collector’s edition will be packaged in a special protective casing with a drawer for the game.

The company also announced December 7 as the North American release date for all its TRON: Evolution video games on popular platforms.  TRON: Evolution games will be available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Wii™, Windows PC, Nintendo DS™ and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.  The Wii game’s title is TRON: Evolution – Battle Grids.

The TRON: Evolution collector’s edition will only be available in limited quantities and will have a suggested retail price of $129.99 in North America.  The collector’s edition will be available on December 7 with the rest of the TRON: Evolution video game portfolio before the “TRON: Legacy” film hits U.S. theaters on December 17 in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.

Developed by Propaganda Games, Disney Interactive Studios’ action and role-playing game studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, TRON: Evolution is set during the era between the two TRON films, “TRON” (1982) and “TRON: Legacy.” TRON: Evolution conveys the story of significant events within the TRON mythology.  The game features an epic adventure across a massive digital world filled with high-mobility disc-based combat and advanced light cycles.

TRON: Evolution is one of the keys to unlocking the TRON mythology.  The game’s story takes place before the “TRON: Legacy” events and provides insight into the film’s past.  As an integrated entertainment experience, the film will reference elements of the game’s story.  Fans will want to play the game to learn more about the TRON mythology seen in the film, but each entertainment experience will stand on its own.

“TRON has proven to be a franchise that inspires loyal fans and collectors and will continue with the holiday’s new entries,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios.  “This collector’s edition will give fans of TRON: Evolution and the TRON movies a great opportunity to not only get the game but also a unique TRON collectible.”

TRON: Evolution is Rating Pending from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Disney Mobile’s TRON app (www.itunes.com/app/tron) for the iPhone^® and iPod^® touch is free to download and features an all-new version of the classic Tanks game from the Tron Arcade.  The app also features “TRON: Legacy” trailers, pre-sale order information for the TRON: Evolution game, and it will be updated as the premiere of the “TRON: Legacy” film in December draws closer with additional video, music, and free and premium games.

About “TRON: Legacy”

“TRON: Legacy” is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen.  Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the digital world of TRON where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey of escape across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous.  “TRON: Legacy” is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 17, 2010.

About Propaganda Games

Propaganda Games is Disney Interactive Studios’ premier action and role-playing game developer.  Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Propaganda specializes in great stories, immersive worlds and meaningful choices.  Propaganda created the platinum-selling 2008 game Turok and is currently developing two major releases: Pirates of the Caribbean: Armada of the Damned and TRON: Evolution.  Propaganda was founded in 2005 and acquired by Disney the same year.  For more information, log on to www.propagandagames.com.

About Disney Interactive Studios

Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has internal development studios around the world. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.

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© Disney.  Product name, release date and features may be subject to change.

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Epson Offers Free Printing App for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch Users

Easily Print Photos of Family and Friends During the Holidays

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 14, 2009 – Epson America Inc. today announced its free, easy-to-use iPrint photo printing app for iPhone and iPod touch is now available on the App Store. The app lets users print wirelessly on Epson network capable printers including the Artisan^® 810,  Artisan 710 and WorkForce^® 610, to name a few. The Epson iPrint App is a great enhancement for printing any photo from an iPhone or iPod touch.

“With the holidays quickly approaching, many special moments will be captured on an iPhone and Epson is providing users with an easy way to print high-quality photos of these special memories onto Epson printers using the Epson iPrint App,” said Steve Semos, planning and development for Consumer Ink Jets, Epson America Inc. “In addition, the Epson iPrint App gives iPhone and iPod touch users great flexibility by printing on a variety of photo paper sizes and on letter-size plain paper.”

The Epson iPrint App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.  For more information about Epson iPrint and compatible Epson printers, visit Apple App Store and search for Epson iPrint.

About Epson America Inc.

Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation and a leading provider of digital imaging products that exceed the vision of its customers. The company’s extensive range of printers, scanners and 3LCD projectors are renowned for their high quality, functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency. The Seiko Epson organization is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row is part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

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Epson and Epson Stylus are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Artisan and WorkForce are registered trademarks of Epson America Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

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NEW ACER AS1410 SERIES BRINGS STYLE AND AFFORDABILITY TO ULTRAPORTABLE COMPUTING

11.6-inch notebook lightens the load for mobile users who want to enjoy social networking, video and productivity applications on the go; available for just $399

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2009 – Bringing affordability to the ultraportable notebook platform, Acer America today announced the new Acer Aspire AS1410 Series.  These new notebooks integrate enough power for enjoying digital entertainment in a very sleek, stylish design for just $399.
“With the rising popularity of social networking, consumers are more connected than ever to the online world,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America.   “When it comes to selecting a notebook, they’re increasingly concerned with size, weight and style.  The AS1410 Series is small enough to be carried in a backpack or even a large purse but with enough power for spreadsheets and presentations.  Aggressively priced, the AS1410 is an affordable mobile solution for checking Twitter updates, viewing YouTube videos and handling productivity applications on a plane, at school or a coffee house.  Those in the market for a netbook should consider this notebook as an option, due to the step up in processing power.”

Just one-inch-thin and 3.08 pounds, these systems are sleek and light, but with a full-size keyboard.  The full-sized keyboard is comfortable and easy to type on, particularly for taking advantage of productivity applications.  The compact size combined with a traditional keyboard comprises a convenient platform for frequent travelers and students.  With the needs of mobile users in mind, the AS1410 Series is designed to suit an individual’s own personal flair with three elegant color options – Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue and Ruby Red.

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BIOWARE ANNOUNCES JANUARY 26 LAUNCH DATE FOR MASS EFFECT 2

TOGETHER WITH EXCITING PRE-ORDER INCENTIVES

Unique Armor and Weaponry Available with Pre-Orders at Select Retailers Worldwide

Edmonton, Alberta (October 16, 2009) – Mark your calendar and lock in your copy of Mass Effect 2 now! Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that the epic Shooter/RPG Mass Effect™ 2 will be on store shelves in North America on January 26, and on January 29 in Europe. With its larger-than-life hero Commander Shepard, intense shooter action, nuanced characters and a rich storyline, the much-anticipated sequel to the original award-winning opus is one of the most anticipated titles of 2010. In support of the launch, BioWare is releasing unique Mass Effect 2 pre-order incentives* at key retailers in North America and across Europe. Codes for downloading these items will be provided to players who have pre-ordered, usable when the game is released.

“Our fans are in for a genuine thrill in the New Year with Mass Effect 2 – the second installment in the trilogy will be of amazingly high quality,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder, BioWare and Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA. “BioWare’s fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting this epic sequel, and we couldn’t be more excited to reward them for pre-ordering by delivering some awesome bonus content!”

In North America, pre-order bonuses* include special-ops armor and weaponry that are designed to boost Commander Shepard’s skills and abilities. At GameStop, Terminus Gear is available with pre-orders, which includes the powerful Terminus Assault Armor and the M-490 Blackstorm Heavy Weapon:

• The Terminus Armor is designed for use in extreme planetary conditions, increasing run speed and personal shields, and augmenting weapons with an additional magazine of reserve ammo.
• The M-90 Blackstorm Heavy Weapon generates a high-powered localized gravity well, accelerating particles to near-infinite mass,  and ultimately expanding the selection of heavy weapons available to players when they gear up for combat missions in Mass Effect 2.

Players that pre-order Mass Effect 2 at other retail outlets in North America will receive the potent Inferno Armor, which is used by officers to monitor battlefield conditions by recognizing elevated heart rates, and regulates sub-systems with extreme efficiency to allow for greater response times – together these abilities translate in-game into a negotiation bonus for Commander Shepard and an increase in run speed and augmented damage from combat powers.

The Mass Effect trilogy is an emotionally charged science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will once again step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding their crew of some of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Mass Effect 2 will be available on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC. Pre-order incentive assets are available at info.ea.com. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/masseffect2.   For more information on Mass Effect 2, go to http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

*Restrictions apply. See actual pre-order offers for details.

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Toshiba Unveils High-Performance Qosmio X500 Multimedia Laptop

With Cutting-Edge Processing Power from Intel and NVIDIA, Plus Windows 7, Enthusiast-Class Qosmio X500 Laptop Delivers Advanced Mobile Performance for Demanding Hi-Def Multimedia Tasks

SAN FRANCISCO – Intel Developer Forum – Sept. 23, 2009 – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today unveiled the Qosmio^® X500 Series, an enthusiast-class line of performance laptops geared for high definition multimedia and gaming. Featuring a striking design on the outside and packed with premium technologies and features on the inside, the Qosmio X500 Series offers hardcore gamers and digital content creators a portable, well-equipped “pro-class” laptop.

Qosmio X500 Series laptops feature the new Intel^® Core™ i7 processor[i], delivering four cores of intelligent processing power, Windows^® 7 and Intel’s^® Turbo Boost Technology, which automatically allows processor cores to run faster than the base operating frequency if it’s operating below power, current, and temperature specification limits. The laptops also offer ultra-fast DDR3 system memory, dual hard-drive configurations, as well as NVIDIA^® GeForce^® GTS 250M graphics with 1GB of GDDR5 video memory[ii]. Together, this pairing of high-performance technologies allow consumers to rip through the latest 3D games at lightning-fast frame-rates or create hi-definition video and audio faster and more efficiently with smooth rendering and encoding.

For hi-def lovers, select models of the Qosmio X500 Series laptops will be available with an integrated Blu-ray^® drive, so movie fanatics can enjoy their favorite movies right from the laptop’s stunning, high-definition 18.4-inch diagonal widescreen display. A premium sound system featuring built-in harman/kardon^® speakers and Dolby^® Home Theater audio and an integrated HDMI-CEC port amplifies the entertainment experience, while adding the flexibility to extend the laptop’s playback capabilities to HDTVs and home theaters.

Sporting a new premium design, the Qosmio X500 Series features Toshiba’s striking Fusion™ Finish in Omega Black with stylish red chrome accents and a comfortable full keyboard with LED Backlighting and numeric 10-key pad. An intuitive touchpad with multi-touch control, enables greater flexibility to browse and control what’s happening on-screen with gesture-commands, such as two-finger pinch, swipe, rotate and scroll.

“Gaming and high-definition content creation continue to drive high-performance PC demand and Toshiba is extremely committed to serving those markets,” said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “This line combines premium design users crave with the highest quality of Toshiba engineering to offer one of the best audio-visual experience currently available on a laptop, at prices attainable for those who need it.”

The Qosmio X500 Series will be on display today at the Intel Developer Forum, taking place in San Francisco on September 23, 2009.

Pricing and Availability

Detailed specifications and pricing for the Qosmio X500 Series will be available on October 13, 2009 at laptops.toshiba.com/laptops/Qosmio/X500.

The Qosmio X500 Series will be available on October 22, 2009 at major retailers, e-tailers and direct from Toshiba on toshibadirect.com.

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