June 2011

Review: Socorro islands on the Solmar V


Scubadiverinfo.com spent eight days on board of the 112-foot Solmar V live-aboard vessel. The trip began at Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, and took us to the Islas Revillagigedos, or Socorro islands, with diving at San Benedicto, Socorro, and Roca Partida. We saw giant mantas, sharks of all kinds, dolphins, other pelagics, and even whale sharks. [Read our full trip review of the Solmar V live-aboard experience]
-- Posted Monday, June 20, 2011 by chb

The 200th dive
I finally had my 200th dive, and just like #100, it was at a memorable location. Much went through my head as I plunged into the ocean backwards off a panga at Roca Partida, as remote and wild a dive location as one can find. More remote even than the tiny island of French Key off the coast of Providenciales for my 100th. [...read more] -- Posted Friday, June 17, 2011 by chb

Inexpensive WD Rugged Case adds moisture and impact protection to external USB 3.0 drive
Anyone needing more on-the-go storage for their pictures and such should take a look at Western Digital's new WD Nomad Rugged Case. It's an inexpensive box that provides moisture, dust and impact protection to WD's line of My Passport external drives. We tested the new WD Nomad Rugged Case (US$29.95) with a 500GB USB 3.0 My Passport Essential drive (US$99) and came away impressed. Vast storage, no power supply needed, super-fast, and perfect for a dive trip! [See description and impressions of the WD Nomad Rugged Case] -- Posted Tuesday, June 14, 2011 by chb

Ricoh introduces water-resistant camera
Ricoh announced their new 16-megapixel PX compact digital camera with a 2.7-inch 230k display, a 5X optical zoom that stars wide at 28mm, and 720p HD video recording. The PX records on SDHC cards, has 28 scene modes, measures 3.95 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches, weighs 5.5 ounces, and is available in green, silver and black. Best of all, the US$249 Ricoh PX is waterproof to ten feet and shockproof to five feet. Ricoh has been concentrating in special purpose cameras for a while now, and the PX looks like an interesting addition for anyone enjoying the great outdoors. [See Ricoh PC product page] -- Posted Monday, June 13, 2011 by chb