Subscribe

RSS Feed (xml)

Powered By

Skin Design:
Free Blogger Skins

Powered by Blogger

Monday, November 26, 2007

Siemens rolls out ultrasound-equipped MacBook Pro

 
Apparently designed specifically for cardiology and vascular applications, this one boasts an "array of transducers," along with an integrated stress echo function and a range of cardiology application packages which, Siemens says, "considerably simplifies and accelerates the workflow in echocardiography and vascular diagnosis.
We've seen MacBooks re-purposed for various uses in the past, but never quite like Siemens new "P50" laptop, which takes a standard issue (if slightly outdated) MacBook Pro and outfits it with some ultrasound equipment to accomodate doctors that just can't be tied down.
Mac fans may not want to boast too much about this one, however, as it seems that Siemens has opted to use Windows as a basis for the platform.
 
 

AT&T and Samsung quietly recalling Blackjacks?

 
 
We're still hunting down hard info on this one, but according to users on AT&T's official support forums, Samsung Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 are the subject of a quiet recall due to an antenna issue.
Like we said, it's all i607 Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 -- the date is printed on a label under the battery in YY MM format.
A service advisory has apparently gone out to warranty centers, so if your Blackjack is acting a little flaky, now's the time to get on the horn.
Update: Okay, we've gotten our hands on the service advisory.
Apparently certain internal components are wearing oddly over time and causing the antenna to loosen and disengage, causing dropped calls and poor signal strength.
 
 

Asus posts more Eee source code to comply with the GPL

 
 
While we're certain Linux fans will continue to pore over every aspect of the Eee's Xandros distro to make sure Asus remains in compliance with the GPL, it looks like the company is doing its best to make amends by posting the source to the Asus_ACPI module that kicked off the controversy in the first place.
The module's code was not originally included in the 1.8GB source .zip Asus had made available, but it's now chilling out on Asus' public FTP server -- we're certain three of you are absolutely thrilled.
 
 

AT&T and Samsung quietly recalling Blackjacks?

 
 
We're still hunting down hard info on this one, but according to users on AT&T's official support forums, Samsung Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 are the subject of a quiet recall due to an antenna issue.
Like we said, it's all i607 Blackjacks manufactured between November 2006 and February 2007 -- the date is printed on a label under the battery in YY MM format.
A service advisory has apparently gone out to warranty centers, so if your Blackjack is acting a little flaky, now's the time to get on the horn.
Update: Okay, we've gotten our hands on the service advisory.
Apparently certain internal components are wearing oddly over time and causing the antenna to loosen and disengage, causing dropped calls and poor signal strength.
 
 

Displaytech FLCOS microdisplays to be used in embeddable pico-projectors

 
Displaytech, best known for its LCOS microdisplays, announced today that it is hooking 13 companies up with Ferroelectric-LCOS (FLCOS) displays that can be used in uber-small projectors within diminutive devices of all flavors.
Unfortunately, no word was given on exactly what companies are placing orders, but Displaytech did admit that it expects to see "a number of ultra small projectors containing its FLCOS panels to be demonstrated at CES.
We've heard our fair share of promises when it comes to embeddable micro-projectors, but it sounds like the gears may actually be turning in the race to crank out cellphones, PDAs and other handheld gizmos with integrated PJs.
 We'll be on the lookout.
 
 

Transcend intros T.sonic 650 DAP

 
Like all the company's other DAPs, this one's a flash-based player (packing 4GB, specifically), and it includes all the features you'd expect in a unit of this sort, including an FM tuner, an OLED screen, and support for MP3, WMA, and WMA-DRM10 file formats.
Transcend certainly seems intent on keeping its T.sonic line of digital audio players well fleshed out, with it recently adding yet another model in the form of the T.sonic 650.
No word on a price just yet, but we wouldn't expect it to put too much of a hurt on your bank account.
Slightly less common is a so-called "Voice Activation Detection" function, which we presume is exactly what it sounds like.
 
 

Guitar Hero III wireless guitars hitting early 2008

 
If the endless amount of platform combinations between Rock Band and Guitar Hero III have you stymied already, here's a little tidbit to make it just a little bit harder to choose: Guitar Hero III wireless controller are going to be available early next year for all platforms.
Rock Band has wireless controllers on the way in a similar time frame for both the 360 and PS3, but for some reason the 360 version costs an extra $20, so hopefully Guitar Hero guitars keep some better price parity.
 
 

Switched video on cable coming to TiVo in 2008

 
TiVo and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) have announced a new external adapter that will allow cable operators to roll out switched video while still playing nice with third-party devices like the TiVo HD and Series3 DVRs.
The devices will begin shipping to TiVo customers -- and other compatible CableCARD devices -- in the second quarter of 2008.
The devices will hook up to a CableCARD host device via USB and use software to choose channels, eliminating yet another set-top box but giving cable providers a break on bandwidth requirements.
 
 

TiVo comes to Canada, but lacks HD

 
HDTV watchers will continue to wait patiently, though, as no plans for Canadian HD products were announced, and no Canadian cable companies use the CableCARD standard in the Series 3 high-definition boxes.
The Series2 will be available from Canadian retailers like Future Shop and Best Buy in early December for $199 CAD plus a TiVo subscription.
Canuck TV lovers have something to look forward to this holiday season, as TiVo is officially launching in Canada with the 80-hour Series2 DVR.
 
 

The Murider dancing media robot: so apropos

 
The new bot from Woori features a 4.3-inch display for watching DMB mobile television and support for audio playback when sourced from USB-connected devices or SD cards.
Check your servos Rolly and Miuro, there's a new media playing robot in town by the foreboding name of Murider.
Details are scant but it's said to stand (not roll) and a bust out a little dance with appropriately timed flashing lights.
Just don't be surprised to find little rolly muttering "Redirum, redirum" in response to this budget repetition of past events.
Oh, and it'll do so for a fraction of the price of its peers.
 
 

Meizu M8 MiniOne to debut at CES in January?

 
Compared to Meizu's native China, the US is a haven for intellectual property protection -- and as far as we're concerned, not a single tweak done to the M8's design since its intro has ventured far enough from the iPhone to keep Apple's sharks lawyers from circling.
Nevertheless, Chinese site CNMO reports that the M8 could make its first real, actual public appearance (as opposed to the countless renderings and dummies the company has produced so far) in Sin City itself as part of the CES festivities in early January with retail availability as early as February.
That would put us just shy of a full year since the M8 was announced, and probably just weeks (if not days) before Apple gets an injunction against sales here.
Just a guess.
Listen fellas, are you sure you want to venture onto US soil with this thing?
 
 

Does the Asus EeePC violate the Linux GPL?

 
A group of Linux users have spoken out against Asus and their apparent non-compliance with certain aspects of the General Public License attached to Xandros Linux distro that comes with the Eee PC.
This flustered controversy centers around Asus modifying a module of the Linux kernel without distributing the source code, something that breaks the rules of the license.
As for whether Asus will step up and do what it should have done from day one, that'll depend on how loud the developers involved make their case.
Your average Eee PC owner isn't going to give a damn about such a trivial point, so end users can safely ignore this debate.
Type harder guys!
 
 

Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and DDR get cheap rip-offs

 
The usual target audience for these kind of gadgets are unsuspecting parents looking for a present for the kids, so make sure you include a rigorous education program in the perils of game rip-offs when you hand in your holiday wish-list.
When you're out trawling for a copy of the rapidly selling out Rock Band, you may run into a cheap knock-off or two of the rhythm game genre.
All of them plug directly into a TV, but none are particularly cheap at around $40 each.
Our tipster spotted several units including a Guitar and DDR imitation in Macy's, and a Drum game in another store.
 
 

USB remote (doesn't really) store away in a PCMCIA slot

 
Unfortunately, that's exactly what the USB Media Remote from USB Geek does, and it also includes a USB dongle that sticks out too.
If you're gonna make a remote that stores away in your laptop's PCMCIA slot, you probably shouldn't make it so it sticks out.
Frankly, we'd rather go for any other option than deal with all the hassle that this $30 gadget promises to bring.
 
 

Teac's HD-R1 recorder stores audio on CompactFlash

 
Additionally, the unit touts a USB port, mic preamps, phantom power, RCA, XLR, Euroblock and S/PDIF inputs, and the blue-backlit display is a nice touch, too.
The outfit's HD-R1 Recorder relies on CompactFlash cards to store up to 24-bit / 48kHz PCM or MP3 files and can be controlled remotely via LAN or RS-232C.
If you just so happened to answer yes to the previous questions, Teac's got you covered.
Teac has apparently been busy showing its new toy off at Inter BEE 2007, but those tempted by the above specs can secure their own for around $1,100.
Scouting a 1U, rackmountable two-channel audio recorder?
What about a solid state version?
 
 

Nokia's N810 internet tablet gets unboxed

 
Well, at least one lucky gentleman has already had the pleasure of cracking open the sweet stuff -- AKA, Nokia's latest and greatest internet tablet -- and has put all sorts of nasty pictures on the internet (we suspect in an attempt to make us insane with jealousy).
The post also has some useful and interesting info in regards to the software and functionality of the device, so you can get informed while ogling the photos.
and don't forget -- the Engadget crew needs love too, so feel free to drop something silver in the mail for us come December.
Look, we're right there with you -- wishin', hopin', gettin' down on our knees and begging like crazy for someone to take pity on us and pop for the N810 this holiday season.
We recommend you hit the read link and check out all the graphic details.
 
 

Toshiba Tecra M8-S8011

 
Webcam, card reader, wow
Oh what a vivid display
And not too pricey
 
—Molly K. McLaughlin

Hands On with the Thrustmaster Wireless 3-in-1 Gamepad

 
In that time, I played everything from twitchy arcade shooters and rapid-fire adventure games to long RPGs using the gamepad, and found that how I fe;t about it depends heavily on the type of game that I was playing.
The Thrustmaster Run N' Drive 3-in-1 Wireless Gamepad may have a name that runs on for miles, but I was surprised to find that its range is almost as long as its name.
I was able to use the Thrustmaster Run N' Drive Wireless Gamepad for weeks;
Wireless gamepads are known to be flaky, especially when you begin to move further away from the console.
Some gamers believe that if you buy a gamepad or controller--especially a wireless one--from an off-brand instead of the one recommended by (and probably manufactured by) the console manufacturer, you're dooming yourself to a glitchy experience.
Plus, you can make peace between your PC- and console-gamer friends by using it with your PC as easily as with your PS2 or PS3.
it all but replaced my standard Playstation 2 controller, as well as the controller I use for arcade games on my PC.
My girlfriend was fanatical about it when she played Katamari Damacy, but I wasn't such a huge fan when I tried to play Onimusha on the PS2 or Gunbird on my PC.
 
 
All the buttons are programmable, which is especially useful if you plan to use the Run N' Drive with your PC, and the gamepad has internal memory so it can remember your custom configuration.
The Run N' Drive was designed for use with your Playstation or your PC.
Both the buttons and the analog sticks on the Run N' Drive were very sensitive.
At the same time, in games like Katamari Damacy, where the analog sticks are the only element of control and sensitivity matters, the Run N' Drive is a windfall and really improves gameplay.
The gamepad used 2.4-GHz wireless for extended range, and works equally well if you're lounging on the couch in front of the TV or standing a couple of dozen feet away.
The design is different enough from the standard PS2 controller that the handhold will take a little getting used to, but once you've used it for a few minutes you won't have a problem.
The controller resembles the original Playstation 3 controller, with long handles that made some people call the original PS 3 controller the In some games--third-person shooters, for example--in which you need some control over how quickly you turn to fire on a monster that's just leaped out of the shadows, oversensitivity can lead to turning too far, too fast, which was frustrating.
Even so, the Thrustmaster wireless gamepad was comfortable to hold and play with for extended periods.
Thrustmaster claims a range of up to 10 meters, and that's accurate as long as you don't have any serious obstructions.
 
The USB plug stays safely tucked into a port on the receiver when it's not in use, so if you move the gamepad from your Playstation to your PC frequently, you don't have to worry about carrying another cable or component around.
All in all, I found the Run 'N Drive fun to use, and a pleasure if you're playing the right game.
Similarly, the controller is great if you're playing PC or console games and want to be free of wires stretching across your living-room floor.
The controller is gorgeous, and the dual PC/Playstation receiver is pretty cool.
The PC version is $39.99, and comes with Windows drivers for the force-feedback motors.
I may be a little lukewarm to it, but my girlfriend swears by how much it improves her gameplay in Katamari Damacy, and that's enough to make it worth the $34.99 for the console version.
 
 
 
 
 

SanDisk Sansa View

 
In a world of dis-
posable technology...
why spend lots of dough?
 
--Tim Gideon

HP Photosmart C5280 All-In-One Printer

 
Great graphics, not text
Can print on optical discs
Scans and copies too
 
—Molly K. McLaughlin

Panasonic Toughbook CF-52

 
Tough as nails outside
Loaded with goodies inside
Media appeal
 
—Molly K. McLaughlin

Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Keyboard 8000

 
Couch surfing keyboard
Media-centric controls
A big chunk of change
 
—Molly K. McLaughlin

mAudio xSession Pro

 
It was a little easier for me to get used to since I'm a DJ, but even someone with no experience behind the turntables could plug this into a PC, import some music to a playlist, and get a party started with minimal effort.
It may not take a lot of skill to use, but I was pleased to see that it did take some skill to use well.
I found myself plugging it back in over the past couple of months just to play with it some more, hoping that I'd find something terribly wrong that would color my perspective, but I'm all out of snark.
My worries were soothed when I plugged it into my computer, installed the software, and wound up making some incredible mixes, all within minutes.
It looked cool, but when I picked it up I realized it was incredibly light.
I was skeptical when I unpacked the mAudio xSession Pro mixer and audio controller.
After I unplugged the mAudio xSession Pro for the last time, I resigned myself to buying one.
The xSession Pro is a fabulous mixer--you won't see professional DJs spinning major parties or club gigs with one of these anytime soon, but you might start seeing them show up next to the main turntable setup or devices like them next to a laptop near the main mixer.
Even so, by the time I was finished with the review unit, I was so pleased that I had already begun shopping around for one.
 
Torq, mAudio's mixing software that comes with the xSession Pro, is very easy to use, and all the features on the mixer are duplicated onscreen.
If you're like me and used to spinning vinyl, you can tell the software to respond to the mixer as if it were connected to turntables.
If you're used to mixing CDs, you can select that as well.
At the same time, the controls are so straightforward that anyone of any skill level can be up and running and playing with the effects and features within minutes.
Since I'm a DJ, getting acquainted with the xSession Pro was a bit easier for me than it would be for most.
 
The mixer itself has all the basic controls you'd expect on a two-channel mixer: a crossfader, volume controls for each channel, pitch controls (since you don't actually have turntables), and knobs to control the gain and the EQs.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the software and the mixer both support built-in effects such as flange and strobe.
After playing around with the effects, I found myself having so much fun that I decided to record what I was doing.
 
At the same time, because the Torq software integrates so well with your existing music collection, it's a must-have for iPod and laptop DJs looking for an easier way to mix without carrying a ton of records or CDs around.
 
The xSession Pro and the Torq software make it so easy to create mixes and line up tracks that I can easily see the most purist of DJs rejecting it outright.
Some DJs would laugh at a tool like the xSession Pro and how easy Torq makes putting a mix together.
You can beat-match and sync up two tracks in your playlist with a single click, even if the two songs are drastically different--a skill that DJs who are used to turntables and analog mixers spend years perfecting.
 
Torq is remarkably well-designed mixing software, and while you won't replace a studio-quality recording app with it, it's more than enough for someone who just wants to record a few mixes here and there for their friends to hear, or to get started as an amateur DJ.
The xSession Pro and Torq are winning hardware and software, respectively, but combining the two into the same package makes the bundle even more impressive.
I had some difficulty importing songs that were stored on my downstairs PC across my home network, but if you have your shared computers mapped as drives in Windows, you won't have a problem.
Torq snags your iTunes library as soon as you install it, and you can drag in any music from anywhere on your hard drive to your playlist.
Another pleasant surprise from mAudio was that Torq can play and mix your iTunes music.
 
They helped me understand the target market for the xSession Pro, and why it felt kind of flimsy at first: The device is aimed at amateur and at-home DJs, people like me who would use it to supplement their turntable setup, or someone who wants to be a laptop DJ in their spare time using an MP3 collection or music purchased at iTunes.
 
It's plastic and portable, though not meant to be dragged around to stadium venues or used by DJs whose names inspire thousands to line up for hours;
The xSession Pro gets its power over USB, so you don't need tons of cables--one USB cable and a free port on your computer is all that's required.
The mAudio xSession Pro is supported on Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Windows Vista, and retails for about $125.95, but I found it on a couple of sites for as low as $99.
mAudio has a world of professional products for that.
I had a chance to chat with some folks from mAudio at DigitalLife and grill them on the product.
 
 
 
 
 

Haier Ibiza Rhapsody

 
Rhapsody in hand
Is nothing to scoff at, man!
This year's sleeper hit!
 
—Tim Gideon

Gets More Fun with SENSA

 
Since we no longer have our Sansa Connect inhouse (yes, even analysts have to return the toys when they're finished), we'll have to rely on you, intrepid Connect owners, to tell us whether these features work well and increase the value of the device.
Just a quick note to all Sansa Connect owners who have not updated their firmware in a while: Your player does more than it used to.
Apparently, simply connecting to the Internet gives the player its upgrade automatically, so you may already have the firmware and not realize it--though it's hard to miss: Your "Photo" section is now called "Photo and Video.
The video specs look like this: 320 by 240 resolution at 30 fps, and it plays only MPEG-4.
You now have video playback!
" Let us know how it works!
Also, you can now do an artist search in the Get New Music tab when perusing Yahoo!
Music selections (the initial exclusion of this feature was something I may have whined about a few months back).
 
 

Comparison between Motorola Q or Treo 750

 
It's slimmer and lighter than the Treo 750, comes with Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard, and has both HSDPA 3.6 and integrated GPS--the Treo lacks GPS----plus superior Microsoft Office document handling due to its built-in DataViz Documents To Go Suite.
The 750's main advantage is that it runs Windows Mobile Professional, meaning that it has a touch screen, stylus, and better built-in document editing.
But it also has that nasty 240-by-240-pixel screen, a resolution that few third-party Windows Mobile apps support.
But if I was hell-bent on the touch screen idea, I'd probably scrounge up the extra $100 for the AT&T Tilt.
Unless I was married to the idea of a stylus and touch screen, I'd get the Q9h.
Ryan:
I can't decide between the Motorola Q and the Treo 750, on the AT&T network;
I use an original Motorola Q on Verizon, and the Q9h has a lot of nice updates compared with the original.
Amazingly, the Treo 750 is also still running version 5 of the OS.
it adds GPS to an already stellar phone, though the pricing plans are different.
then, mostly for calls, some text, and to check e-mail and weather online.
 
 

Velocity Micro ProMagix (8800 GTS SLI)

 
 
High-end gaming rig
Crazy in its excesses
Costs less than five grand
 
—Molly K. McLaughlin

Dell XPS One now Available

 
According to Crave, the thing wasn't actually supposed to go on sale until next Monday, but the folks in Round Rock just couldn't contain their own excitement.
Starting today, you can pick up the company's new all-in-one desktop via Dell's Web site (it should start shipping around 11/27).
News about Dell's Gateway-like XPS One leaked out late last month.
The XPS has four price points, running from $1,499 to $2,399.
The high-end models are stocked with a Core 2 Duo E6550 processor, a 256MB ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro graphics card, a Blu-Ray burner, and a 500GB hard drive.
All versions feature 2GB of RAM, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, Vista Home Premium, an analog/digital TV tuner, and Adobe Elements.
 
 

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Oh poor little Bestlink Electronics BL 3280.

 
You can boast about your "dynamic GUI" all you want, or flaunt your FM radio and "gaming functionality" (though we're not sure how that works with your lack of buttons), but deep down you're just another, shoddy knock-off -- and we know it.
Sure, they say that you can play MPEG4, MP3, WMA, WMV, ASF and WAV files, and that you're no slouch at viewing e-books or JPEGs, but does that help you get to sleep at night?
Hey, at least you're not called the Pouch.
You look just like the HTC Touch, but you have no phone, no touchscreen, and your casing appear to be made from reconstituted Batman action figures.
Price and availability unknown -- we guess cheap and soon.
Oh poor little Bestlink Electronics BL 3280.
 
 

DualShock 3 said to be in short supply from importers

 
It looks like those hoping to get a jump on the DualShock 3 action by importing one of the controllers from Japan may be in for some disappointment, as importers are now reportedly warning that stock could be "extremely limited.
Some retailers are apparently even being advised by suppliers to only sell the controller with the purchase of a PS3 console, although it's not clear if anyone's actually going that far.
According to GamesIndustry.biz, Play Asia says that it's already filled all its pre-orders, and it's speculating that prices could "skyrocket" when the controller's released on November 11st.
National Console Support, however, says it expects prices to return to normal within two to three weeks of the Japanese launch, which would still give you plenty of time to taunt your friends with it before it's available 'round these parts.
 
 
 

Acme Research cranks up the silly with "LeDoc" iPod rig

 
There's certainly no shortage of solutions out there for hooking an iPod up to your TV, but Hong Kong's Acme Research nonetheless looks to have found a bit of room for some innovation, although you'll have to judge for yourself if it's an improvement or not.
On the upside, that roundabout system does at least make the dock cheaper than some other solutions, with it setting you back an even $100, although it seems you'll only be able to take advantage of it if you have a pre-2007 iPod.
As you can see above, the "LeDoc" (which does appear to be a legit device, despite appearances) employs a video camera to allow for some big screen iPod-viewing, and thankfully includes a remote so your hand doesn't get in the way of the menus.
 
 

Dell brings the 24-inch E248WFP Stateside

 
Dell's latest 24-incher, the E248WFP, got a little overshadowed when it was released in Japan next to the webcam-sporting SP2208WFP, but now that it's coming Stateside we're ready to love it just as much.
The lowest-priced Dell 24-inch display, the E248WFP features a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 5ms refresh rate for just $469.
You're not getting a lot of frills for that number, of course, with inputs limited to just DVI-D with HDCP and VGA, no speakers, and and no USB ports, but as a pure screen it's a pretty slammin' deal.
 
 

Tranquil rolls out Windows Home Server-based T2-WHS-A2

 
As before, you'll get fanless and near-silent operation, but with a larger casing that allows for more storage and expansion options.
You'll also get fairly low power consumption (24 watts), and a pair of PCI slots that you can load up with four-port eSATA cards for even further expansion.
Look for this one to start shipping next week, with it running £399 (or $830) for the base configuration.
Tranquil sure looks to be serious about its Windows Home Server devices, with it now following up its recently-released T7-HSA model with its new T2-WHS-A2 Harmony Home Server.
That includes two 3.5-inch hard drives for up to 2TB of storage (500MB by default), and six USB 2.0 ports to accommodate some additional devices.
 
 

Compact $99 PlayStation 2 rumored to land in 2008

 
We'll be straight with you: we're far from ready to etch this one in stone, but considering that Sony has already trimmed down the PlayStation 2 (twice), it's not unfathomable to think that an even smaller iteration could be in the pipeline.
" Of course, representatives for Sony "refused to comment" when questioned, so we hope you're ready for another fascinating round of wait-and-see.
According to MCV, Sony is aiming to launch a "compact" PS2 in early 2008 for just $99, and while we've no idea how different (or not) it would actually look, it will supposedly feature a "built-in power supply.
 
 

Apple posts fix for freezing iMacs

 
Available now for Leopard (iMac Software Update 1.3) and Tiger (iMac Software Update 1.2), the update reportedly "provides important bug fixes and is recommended for 20- and 24-inch iMac models with 2.0, 2.4, or 2.8GHz processors.
" Unfortunately, we're given absolutely no elaboration beyond that, so for any of you out there still limping by on a freeze-happy machine, why not get your download on and let us know if your troubles do indeed vanish?
Not a moment too soon, Apple has apparently delivered on its intentions to squash that annoying freezing bug that plagued some of its latest iMacs.
 
 

Wii not getting a hard drive

 
Although the Wii's Virtual Console channel has been a smashing success, there's always a price for fame: quite a few gamers are running up against the storage roadblocks of Nintendo's console and starting to wonder about expansion options beyond SD cards -- like, say, a hard drive.
Sadly, however, Ninty's not having any of it, with Nintendo of America PR manager Eric Walter saying that "we really don't want people storing every single game they buy on their drive.
This odd line of reasoning also led Walter to say that he likens the situation "to putting music on your iPod;
Either way, it looks like the mothership has spoken for now -- looks like it's up to the third parties to figure out a way to make it all better.
" Clearly Walter does not know how often we listen to the Clash on our iPods -- or how often we rock Super Mario Brothers 1 through 64.
you listen to it for a while, and then you get tired of it, and you pull it off, and you put some new stuff on.
" Sounds silly, but since VC titles are yours for keeps, Nintendo's position is that you can delete games and "go back and get them any time," or, presumably, build a small library of SD cards.
 
 

Toshiba's 22-inch monitor touts insane 3,840 x 2,400 resolution

 
Unfortunately, the specs fall off quickly (but not too quickly) from there: 235cd/m2 brightness, 300:1 contrast, and a weak-sauce 120-degree top/bottom and 100-degree left/right viewing angle.
Sorry, no picture, that's just a generic 22-incher to the right.
Right, a staggering $17,500 or about 50 of Dell's 22-inchers.
How 'bout if it was pumping 4 times as many pixels as just about every other monitor in its class?
Ready for yet another 22-inch LCD?
Shipping in Japan before summer for an anticipated ¥2,079,000.
We're talking 3,840 x 2,400 pixels for a WQUXGA display.
Of course you'll need a dedicated (dual-link, presumably) PCI graphics card to drive that resolution over the monitor's single DVI input.
 
 

Asus' Eee PC gets dissected

 
While there's not too many surprises on the inside, TweakTown's organized destruction of the budget-friendly laptop is nothing if not thorough, including eight pages of pictures and descriptions of virtually every component.
Like most others, they also seem to have been fairly impressed by the laptop as a whole, saying it is "perfectly positioned to prevail," although they admit it's "not for everyone.
First the Eee PC gets reviewed, then it gets ripped apart, in this case by the always curious folks at TweakTown.
" Check out a few more pics after the break, and hit up the read link below for the full blow-by-blow action.
Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later.
 
 

Gateway One, accidentally reviews the iMac again

 
Add in the fact that the entry-level One is $100 more expensive than the cheapest iMac and offers a smaller screen, no built-in webcam, and a slower processor, and you've got Walt telling you that the iMac is still the best all-in-one out there.
Walt's got the Gateway One this week, and while he praises the machine's design and slick power brick / I/O breakout box, he's not particularly impressed with the machine's 19-inch screen, processing power, or, most damningly, stability -- he suffered two blue screens while testing.
Unkie Walt's been playing with a couple slick desktops lately, and surprisingly, none of them are the iMac -- although he can't seem to resist the comparison.
We've seen a couple reviews of the Gateway One already, but when it comes to reviewing sleek all-in-one PCs, we turn to the master:
 
 

Pavilion Media Center TV m8100y PC Reviews

 
High-def combo drive
inputs and outputs galore
quad-core processor
 
—Molly K. McLaughlin

Sony Bravia KDL-46V3000 reviews

 
Color and contrast,
Vibrant, dynamic, and true!
But, oh my, the blur!
 
--Robert Heron

Final Standards, not Lower Prices, Panasonic Blu-ray

 
Or in the scene where the stuntman falls off the horse and inadvertently breaks his arm in two places, the director's window could explain how the horse was not injured in the fall.
A firmware upgrade obviously won't increase the amount of memory in the player.
It won't be the cheapest, but it'll have the most new features--including the Final Standard Profile--says Panasonic, introducing the $500 DMP-30 Blu-Ray player.
In summary for the Panasonic DMP-30: cool new features (supported if the discs have them), initially higher prices, no higher resolution than non FSP Blu-ray players.
To get the sucker out the door in mid-2006, Blu-ray players emerged with the promise of features being added as time goes by, some retro-fittable to early players, some not.
Some of these can be flash-upgrades to existed Blu-ray players.
On Thursday Sony said it would drive Sony Blu-Ray prices below $400, while competing entry-level HD-DVD players will be priced as low as $200.
nothing new and (this is new) playback of high-def content recorded in the Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) format, which means a movie you shoot on an AVCHD camcorder and store on an 8cm (3-inch) DVD disc or SD can be played directly on this player.
Regardless, this player supports resolutions and frame rates as high as 1080p (progressive scan), not just 1080i (interlaced scan), which is a feature apart from Final Standard Profile.
Blu-ray Final Standard Profile, also called BD 1.1, adds the ability for a player to output picture-in-picture to your TV and audio mixing, meaning you can switch between the main picture and the PIP window audio.
That might allow a lead actor to pop up and explain a scene, for those who care;
or the lead actor could pop up and hawk T-shirts.
You also get HDMI 1.3B, Deep Color Compatibility with 12-bit color gradation, 1080/24p playback without the need for 3.2 pulldown, and lots of other possibly cool stuff that requires a post-grad year at Caltech to understand.
FSP also calls for at least 256MB of onboard memory and an Internet connection.
This requires second video and audio decoders onboard.
Much of the rest of the high-def video crowd is headed downmarket.
It will ship this month, Panasonic says, apparently beating to market the Samsung BD-UP5000, anther FSP player.
The Panasonic DMP-BD30 includes an SD card slot for viewing digital camera images;
WalMart today is selling the Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD for $99 (which tops out at 1080i resolution).
Whoops, did we say $200?

DMX-HD700 : 'World's Smallest HD Digital Movie Camera'

 
" The Xacti DMX-HD700 is a sleek, pistol-styled camcorder powered by a MPEG4/AVC (H.264)-compliant codec that offers unmatched video file compression, enabling you to upload your video content easily to the Web.
One of the biggest advantages of using Sanyo camcorders is that you can use any SD or SDHC card for storing your filmed content (both audio and video).
You can also print the images without a PC, using the PictBridge.
You can also connect the Xacti to an HDTV via its HDMI port for instant viewing.
The Xacti can capture hi-def video at 720p and breathtaking stills at up to 7.1-megapixel resolution.If you are a sucker for crystal-clear still images, the camera's Face Chaser Function detects up to 12 faces during shooting.
At a mere six ounces, Sanyo is hailing its new Japan-only 7.1M mini HD camcorder as the "smallest and lightest digital movie camera ever to hit the market.
The DMX-HD700 limits the power consumption to 4.0 W.
The company, however, remains tight-lipped on its pricing to date.
Gone are the days when you had to compress those 'bulky' videos before embedding them on to your blog.
With its 'Simple' mode, even amateurs can create high-quality HD movies.
It's available in silver, red, and brown.
 
 

Samsung P2 Reviews

 
A three-inch touch screen
and a friendly interface!
But where's the Bluetooth?...
 
--Tim Gideon

Blu-Ray for the Holidays

 
Will this be the holiday season of the $299 Blu-ray player?
Here's a leading indicator: Sony says it will have Blu-ray players priced at $399, possibly lower, during the holidays.
Already some Blu-ray players are in the $350-to-$400 range, while the competing HD-DVD spec is flirting with $199 and $99 price points.
Sony's cheapest, the BDP-S300, is about $410 to $420 with aggressive pricing.
" That means Sony will take action to get the price of its least expensive player that low.
If Sony gets to $375, competitors can do $325, and if they can do $325, a couple of stores will look to the magical $299 price point.
Today, Sony Electronics president Stan Glasgow said, "[Sony] Blu-ray will be down to $399 and slightly below that, but not much lower.
My projection of a $299 Blu-ray player before Christmas is based on this reasoning: Other brands can undercut well-known Sony by $25 to $50 a unit.
Other Blu-ray players typically run $400 to $1,200 now.
(Though that's not as magical as $199.) Not bad for a product category that came to market in mid-2006.
And will such a low price usher in mass acceptance of high-definition video discs?
Six months ago, it was $600.
 
A prime customer for microdisplays will be the person with an expensive AV cabinet who's happier with a 50- to 60-inch microdisplay TV costing $1,500 to $2,500 than a 5-inch-deep plasma or LCD that costs twice as much for the same screen size.
But HD camcorders need to come down from their $1,000-to-$1,200 entry pricing, which means holiday 2008 will be the breakout year for high-def video recording.
Meanwhile, Wal-Mart electrified the consumer electronics industry by starting Black Friday-style pricing--those low sale prices the day after Thanksgiving--at the end of October.
If you shop, know this: Blu-ray has the lead in supporting vendors, titles, and sales, but the war is not yet over.
Some Blu-ray players out this fall will not support the enhanced BD 1.1 profile that includes a second video decoder for picture-in-picture (important to users);
a second audio decoder for, say, the director's commentary (important to directors);
Glasgow made his comments at a semi-annual briefing for editors and analysts in New York.
"It's not a mainstream TV," Glasgow notes, at $1,800 for an 11-inch display.
It's offering the entry level Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player that does 720p but not 1080p for $198, a $100 reduction, and via an online "secret promotion" (not so secret, I guess).
Sony believes sales of microdisplay TVs (rear projection sets using DLP or tiny LCD projection engines) may be off 70 percent this holiday season.
Sony sees less interest in plasma TVs this fall--but then, Sony bailed on the business (plasma king Panasonic may think otherwise).
Other news from the conference:
Sony's OLED TV, now sold in Japan in very limited quantities, has no U.S.
Doesn't hurt that Sony has backed away from the death-by-DRM-and-Memory-Stick features of earlier music players.
The bulk of buyers are travelers.
Some students are buying in, but to date there are few textbooks (and it's a monochrome unit).
Some not all 1.1 features can be added via firmware upgrade.
Sony's $300 e-book Reader will have enhanced PDF support in January, and current models will be upgradeable.
Apparently it's easier to believe Sony finally has a credible iPod killer--well, challenger--when you see it in person.
The iPod nano competitor NWZ-A818 ($180 street for 8GB) is picking up momentum, especially among in-person shoppers.
Also, know what you're giving up with the entry models.
You could be stuck with the loser.
He sees OLEDs with their bright, low-energy consumption being valuable on cell phones and PDAs.
The biggest surprise, Glasgow says, is how much readers like being able to switch genres as their moods change.
, those with lots of sales potential) as digital imaging, LCD TV, home video including high-def camcorders, desktop PCs, and notebook PCs.

Velocity Micro NoteMagix C90 Ultra

 
A strong performer
Coulda been a contender
Too hot-n-heavy
 
—Molly K. McLaughlin

USB Ferris Wheel Phone ( A Mobile Carnival )

 
The idea is to place your phone in the holder, and when you're receiving a call, the ferris wheel will begin to spin with red and green LEDs flashing.
The real kicker, however, is that while this is all happening, it plays the tune, "Rock-a-Bye Baby.
The latest one I've come across is the USB Ferris Wheel Phone Stand ($27) from USBGeek.com.
The abundance of USB gadgets available on the market today never ceases to amaze me.
It's powered via USB or two AA batteries, measures 22 by 9.2 by 18 cm, and is a fun gift for the mobile user in your life.
I'm not sure, but it does make me laugh just thinking about it.
 
 

(Apple) Upgrades Macbooks to Santa Rosa

The most significant upgrade to the company's 13-inch flagship notebook models is the eagerly-awaited (and much rumored) move to Santa Rosa architecture, bumping the chips from Intel GMA 950 up to Intel GMA X3100, a move that boasts 3X graphic improvements, though gamers looking to make the jump to Leopard will have to keep dreaming--these systems still won't be capable of running those high-end 3D games.
For those looking to spend a bit more, the 15- and 17-inch Macbook Pros can now be upgraded to 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 processors, for $250.
The midrange and high end Macbooks, meanwhile, now feature 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo T7500 processors.
The low-end Macbooks still feature CDRW combo drives--rather than the DVD burners that are now standard on most computers.
Apple bumped up its line of Macbooks this morning, forgoing the company's usual brand of Cupertino keynote fanfare.
The base model ($1,099) is getting the bump up to a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 processor, with 800 FSB support.
Highend Macbooks ($1,499) still ship with 1GB of RAM.
 
 

60 Zune 2 Accessories

 
The new player's November 13th launch will also see the release of accessories from a slew of manufacturers, including [deep breath]: Agent 18, Altec Lansing Technologies Inc.
The first generation of the player had a few accessories, but the Zune 2 will really hit the ground running.
The Zune, while often derided, had the enviable position of possessing brand-name recognition from the moment the first player launched, thanks to the Microsoft tag it bears.
Other companies, such as SanDisk, have made valiant efforts to roll out accessories for their own players, but no one has managed to come even close to the deluge of items marketed to complement Apple's player.
We could argue all day about exactly how the iPod managed to secure such an enormous marketshare, but one thing seems for sure: It wouldn't have stayed where it was were it not for the ridiculous number of third-party accessories that roll out every minute.
 
That's a total of 60 new accessories at launch.
 

Feature Energy-Efficient Chip in Sony Playstation 3

Using the smaller chip will save money at both ends, as it will be cheaper to manufacture (fewer materials) and cheaper to power: The Playstation 3 will use about 135 watts, down from 200.
And since it uses less power, it will run cooler and quieter.
I can't really call gaming "green"--I hear that reading a book uses less power--but I can't deny its appeal.
Try this new selling point: It's more energy efficient than the last one.
According to Engadget, Sony has put the 65-nm version (rather than the older 90-nm version) of IBM's Cell chip into the newest model.
Need another reason to get the latest 40GB Playstation 3?
So if you're in the market for a new system (or your first), you could do worse.
 
Post By Katherine Montgomery