e550

Samsung's HW-E550 sound bar 'morphs' into vertical speakers

Typically, sound bars are horizontal speakers that are designed to be placed below your TV.

Samsung's upcoming HW-E550 Surround Sound Bar is just that--but with a twist. Not only can you place it horizontally below your TV (the speaker weighs 4 pounds), but you can split it in two and turn it into a traditional 2.1-channel floor-standing system using the included bases.

Yes, there's also a subwoofer, but the sound bar (or speakers if you split it in two) connects to it wirelessly using Samsung's proprietary dual-band 5.2/5.8GHz wireless technology. Samsung says the … Read more

Car Tech Live 189: Getting to the bottom of the Chevy Volt fiasco (podcast)

Getting to the bottom of the Chevy Volt fiasco, beaming your iPod screen on your dash, the littlest Aston Martin gets a green light, and the world's most advanced driving simulator.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 189 SHOW NOTES

• Is the Chevy Volt a fraud, or just unfairly parsed?

• iPhone as radar detector

• The Prius will get a bigger sibling

• 10 concept cars that got lost in translation

• Pioneer shows laser-based HUD

RefurbDepot.com has the Fujifilm FinePix E550 6.3MP Digital Camera for $95.95, after $504 savings.

Save $504 on the Fujifilm FinePix E550 6.3MP Digital Camera from RefurbDepot.com >> Regular price is $599.95 >> Sale price is $95.95 >> Savings $504 (84%) >> Click here for deal

The Lincoln MKS takes on European V8s

The Lincoln MKS with an EcoBoost V6 engine is put to the ultimate challenge for speed and handling against four European luxury V8s up Loveland Pass, Colo. The challengers are the Maserati Quattroporte, the Jaguar XF, the BMW 550i, and the Mercedes E550.

Unfortunately, no real details of the challenge, such as fuel economy braking and handling, are released. More details about the challenge can be found at 6versus8.com.

135: Ford wants federal ban on driving while texting--you know why

Ford is backing a federal ban on texting while driving--well, of course they are! Do you need a nanny to hang up the phone for you? GM thinks its cars and technology are good enough for a money back guarantee. And we roll in the Mercedes that looks more expensive than it is.

Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio) SHOW NOTES

• Ford backs ban on driving while texting

• Mercedes S500 Plug-in Hybrid

• Frankfurt hottie: Audi R8 Spyder

• Mercedes E550 Coupe review and video

• New iPod Nano gets FM radio

Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe is brawny, brainy

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe makes a good first impression with its athletic good looks and eager, sporty V-8 engine. Even its seven-speed automatic transmission doesn't disappoint. The coupe possess a dual nature, made possible by a sport button that sharpens up its performance when necessary.

While a sculpted body is great, the E550 Coupe follows up with brains to go with its brawn in the form of a smart COMAND-based tech package featuring Bluetooth hands free with a smart voice command system, a hard-drive-based navigation system that actually utilizes its traffic data, and an audiophile-quality premium Harmon Kardon … Read more