Gadget Access

As a man of twenty five I am comfortable saying that the most challenging, and truly self discovering journey of my life was the transference from CD to digital music. A process that took months of short activity spurts and endless accumulated hours of musical rediscovery from the very depths of my musical collection (talking about Morris Day & Time, and Hanson in one sitting). In the end, like Highlander, “there could be only one” device that is. My trusty iPod, filled with every song I have ever loved up until next new release Tuesday. All in all I tore through 572 CD’s, all colorful and slick, some with scratches, others with little dots indicating that they were not long for this world.

In the end the ipod mocked me, and I had only filled about 15% of its capacity. Nonetheless in the end I was left with those 572 plastic discs, most without jewel cases (I am a victim of a past version of myself who threw away such things, along with all of my GI Joes and Baseball cards) which makes them utterly un-ebayable. So what to do with all of that treasured music once it has been compressed into faceless microscopic files? I have a few suggestions.

Donate: Though charities like eco-encore only take pristine discs in there original case, someone out there might be willing to take on your unwashed, gently scratched bastard discs.

Décor: Thirsty people surrounding your fine wood furniture with not a can of pledge in sight? Fret not, Chet Atkins greatest hits can serve as an excellent coaster and interesting conversation piece. Bonus points if you actually use “Coasters” coasters.

Zombie Projectile: As seen in “Shaun of the Dead” records can be effective at killing, or re-killing zombies…I don’t know how, but if it was in a movie its just gotta be true. I’d assume CD’s would be as effective, though I have not tested this theory…yet. Not recommended for use against the living.

Jewelry: A chain and a Wilson Phillips disc, nothing says “Playa” quite like that.

That’s all I‘ve got. In the end you’ll probably do as I likely will, throw them away. Save for 1 or 2 in case the Zombies attack.

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While we have already seen the details being confirmed and even have some reviews starting to pop up, Asus has decided to (finally) officially unveil the Eee PC 900 with a press release.

Overall most of the details were just as expected and the 900 should serve as a nice upgrade to the current 701 and also a welcome announcement for those who were holding out for the larger display. The Eee PC 900 will feature an 8.9-inch display with a much improved 1024 x 600 resolution, standard 1GB of RAM, an improved 1.3-megapixel webcam as well as the new FingerGlide trackpad. The 900 will also include the other standards such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, built-in card reader, built-in speakers and microphone, Ethernet, three USB ports, a VGA-out and headphone jack.

The 900 will also be available in the same black or pearl white as the current Eee PC 701, with a choice of either Linux or Windows XP. Otherwise the one big surprise was the unusual storage configuration, which gives a 4GB SSD for the operating system and then the Linux models get an extra 16GB of storage, with the Windows models getting an extra 8GB of storage.

As we have seen the Eee PC 900 has already begun to roll-out to various parts of the world, sadly a US release date has not yet been mentioned.

Keep reading for the full release below, and be sure to check back for any new developments.

Read [Asus]

Taipei, Taiwan, April 15, 2008 – Amid the buzz of reaching a new milestone of 1 million Eee PCs sold in just 5 months after its launch, ASUS has provided yet another round of excitement with its release of the new Eee PC 900. This new generation of the ever popular PC packs in a whole range of hardware that includes a 8.9 inch widescreen, a 1.3M pixels webcam, the new innovative FingerGlide and 12GB and 20GB storage capacities for Windows and Linux platforms respectively – catering to wider consumer needs while still maintaining the “Easy to learn, work and play” concept by keeping the overall weight under 1kg.

Mobility is one of the major factors attributed to the Eee PC’s success; and this is in part due to the use of the built-in Solid State Disk (SSD) technology – which offers a quiet, energy saving and shock proof design for stable computing on-the-go. Traditional hard disks spin at 5400 RPM (Revolutions per Minute) – making them more prone to data loss or damage if shocks or bumps are received. Conversely, the Eee PC is able to protect against such incidents, and is the perfect tool for outdoor computing – suitable as an ideal companion for reporters, wildlife photographers and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

“Vital feedback from a wide variety of users have been received, which has spurred us on to create more options to cater to different user requirements.” said Jerry Shen, CEO of ASUS.

Take a New Look with the 8.9 inch Display
Through extensive R&D, the inclusion of the 8.9” display screen does not affect the overall weight of the Eee PC 900, which remains below 1kg – making it easy for children and women to carry it around; and maintains the ultra portable theme that has become synonymous with the Eee PC. With this large screen size of 8.9”, a resolution of 1024 x 600 is achieved – allowing users to view a single A4 page without the need to scroll left or right and making it much easier and more effective when reading or working on documents.

FingerGlide and Other User-Friendly Features
The new Eee PC will also incorporate an innovative FingerGlide feature that makes operating the Eee PC easy and convenient. For example, with just two simple finger movements on the touchpad, users will be able to zoom in and out of pictures (great for looking at image details), or scroll up and down for easier document viewing – making the Eee PC 900 more convenient to use.

“Due to its lightweight stature, most users will place the Eee PC on their laps or hold them in their hands during use. With the addition of the FingerGlide feature, users will find it even more convenient to use the Eee PC.” commented Jerry Shen.

Furthermore, the Eee PC 900 pairs a 1.3M Pixel webcam with its wireless Internet connection capabilities for web conferences anywhere, anytime for easier web communications and increased work efficiency.

Providing Suitable Environments for Different Needs
To suit differing user requirements, the Eee PC 900 comes in both Microsoft Windows and Linux versions.

The Microsoft Windows version allows more experienced users to seamlessly utilize the Eee PC through the familiar Windows interface, and incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging; and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on the user´s desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.

The Linux version is useful for users who desire an icon-driven and easy point-and-click interface. Well suited for children or users without any computer experience, it provides a fast boot-up time– ideal for fast Internet access while waiting for public transport, or taking notes on-the-go.

Specifications
Display: 8.9” Display, 1024 x 600 resolution
Color: Pearl White, Black
CPU: Intel® Mobile CPU
Processor: Intel Mobile Chipset
Memory: DDR II 1GB
Display Card: Intel UMA
Storage: 12GB (4GB built-in + 8GB flash) SSD (Microsoft Windows OS Version), 20GB (4GB built-in +16GB flash) SSD (Linux OS Version)
Audio: HD audio / built-in speakers
Wireless: Built-in 802.11b/g
Camera: 1.3M Pixel webcam
Storage Cards: SD / MMC (SDHC)
Input / Output: 3xUSB / VGA-out (D-Sub, 15pin) / earphone jack / mic / RJ45 10/100 Mbps
Power: Output: 12V, 36W;
Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Tracking Control: Utilizes FingerGlide
Operating System: Windows XP Home / Linux
Dimensions: 22.5cm(W) x 17.0cm(D) x 2cm~3.38cm(H)
Weight: 0.99 kg

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by Donald Melanson, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 8:06PM Sure, there’s plenty of far fetched concept devices from big players like Nokia, but it’s nice to see that folks without millions of dollars in research funding can also come up with equally unrealistic devices, as evidenced by this so-called “Scroll” contraption created by 13 Tech Design. What’s more, this one doesn’t get by on looks alone, with it packing a touchscreen-based cellphone, a 10 megapixel camera and 1080p camcorder, various media-playing features, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, and a full-fledged computer that runs on Vista or XP. That’s right, it seems that even fantasyland gadgets need to fall back on XP.

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Filed under: Handhelds

A new solid state drive from Panasonic was recently announced at the ongoing NAB Show. Called the Panasonic AJ-P2C064, this disc offers the ability to record more than 2 hours of DVCPRO50, 64 minutes of DVCPRO HD or AVC-Intra 100, as well as, more than 4 hours of DVCPRO footage. Sadly the new drive is yet to be officially available, as of now the pricing is still unknown, but the drive is expected to be available during the fall of 2008. At present, Panasonic only offers a 16GB or 32GB P2 card but thanks to the introduction of the 64GB P2 users will be able to take advantage of quite a bit more available recording time.

Via [I4U]

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by Donald Melanson, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 1:56PM It’s not everyday that researchers make some progress towards terahertz computing, but a team from the University of Utah led by Ajay Nahata appear to have done just that, with them announcing that they’ve “taken a first step to making circuits that can harness or guide terahertz radiation.” That, they say, could allow for the development of “superfast circuits, computers and communications,” and “in a minimum of 10 years,” no less. The key to this latest development, it seems, is the use of some sheets of stainless steel foil perforated with tiny holes, which can be arranged in different patterns to effectively form “wires” to carry the terahertz radiation. In their tests, the researchers were able to do so at a level of 300Ghz (or 0.3 terahertz), although they admit that they still have a long way to go, saying that “all we’ve done is made the wires” for terahertz circuits, and adding that there still needs to be devices like switches, transistors and modulators developed at terahertz frequencies in order for anything practical to become possible.

[Via TG Daily]

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Filed under: Desktops

by Nilay Patel, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 1:12PMUh-oh, it looks like wannabe Mac clone maker Psystar has more than one licensing issue with the Open Computer: the company didn’t get permission from developers working on the OSx86 Project to sell their work. Netkas, who developed the EFI emulator Psystar is using, posted up a blog entry yesterday calling Psystar “liars” and has re-released his code under a license that specifically forbids commercial usage. We chatted briefly with Netkas and he told us that not only did Psystar take his code without permission, it’s using other code from the project like the NVInject graphics patch developed by Gotoh, and that he contacted Psystar when he learned about the Open Computer with no results. We also talked to several other members of the OSx86 scene who believe that Apple is tolerant of (and even subtly assisting) their efforts, and are worried that the Psystar flap might end that relationship and bring the hammer down — after all, there’s no Psystar without OSx86.

Interestingly, when we called Psystar to get comments on all of this, Rudy Pedraza, the president, first wanted to know if we could make Netkas call him, then denied using the EFI emulator, then repeatedly asked us for Netkas’s phone number (in Russia!) so he could talk to him directly, and then finally promised to call us back. Yeah, he never called back. That’s a lot of uncertainty around a pair of machines that haven’t shipped from a company with two different addresses that’s been in business for less than a year — and Apple hasn’t even gotten involved yet. At this point we’re going to say that if you really want a hackintosh, you’re likely better off rolling up your sleeves and building one yourself — you’ll probably have it done well before this whole mess gets sorted out.

Read - Netkas blog posting
Read - The Guardian “So exactly who or what is Psystar?”
Read - Psystar listing at the Florida State Department website

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Filed under: Desktops

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 2:57PM
Here’s to hoping you North Americans don’t fall too hard for BenQ’s latest Joybook, as the R45 is destined for almost everywhere but here. Nevertheless, this globetrotter packs a 14.1-inch WXGA (1,280 x 800) display, Intel’s 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo T8100 processor, NVIDIA’s GeForce 8400M GPU, up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, an optional dual-layer DVD writer, 802.11b/g WiFi, optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 2-megapixel webcam and a 4-in-1 multicard reader. Additionally, you can count on four USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet / modem jacks, an HDMI output, VGA, ExpressCard slot, audio in / out, 4-pin FireWire and a six-cell Li-ion good for around 2.5 hours of use. Sadly, BenQ left us hanging in regard to a price, but look for this pleather-coated lappie to land in China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Russia later this month.

[Via PC Launches]

Gallery: BenQ introduces 14.1-inch Joybook R45

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Filed under: Laptops

by Donald Melanson, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 12:58PM It’s not quite implantable, but Insound Medical’s new Lyric hearing aid is about as close as you can get, with it designed to squeeze in deep in your ear canal and sit just a few millimeters from your ear drum. That, the company says, not only allows for the wearer to hear much more natural sounds since they don’t have to be amplified as much, but allows them to wear the hearing aid for 24 hours a day. Of course, a device of that size also poses a number of problems, but Insound appears to have all those sorted out, with it employing a special “spongy material” that allows moisture to escape and prevent infection, and a magnet to actually remove the device from the ear. On the downside, the device is apparently still too large for about half of potential patients, but the company says it’s now working on a newer version that should accommodate about 85 percent of patients. It also, as you might have guessed, doesn’t come cheap, with it costing between $2,900 to $3,600 for an annual “subscription” for both ears, which includes replacement devices for whenever the non-replaceable battery dies.

[Via Medgadget]

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Filed under: Misc. gadgets

Pioneer’s latest and greatest Blu-ray player is coming to Europe this summer. The Pioneer BDP-LX71 blu-ray player features the new BonusView Profile 1.1 for blu-ray film interactivity, 1080p HD output with 24p (24fsp) support for the very best output format avaliable. From using the HDMI 1.3a output 12-bit deep colour (with 297MHz 12-bit video encoder) the BDP-LX71 delivers an unprecedented range of hues and shades bringing you perfect, realistic images.

By offering 1080p / 24p with 12-bit deep colour support the Pioneer BDP-LX71 really does bring the very best possiable HD image avaliable. Delivering the same frame rate as the films are recorded in giving you a natural high quality movie experiance. The BDP-LX71 blu-ray player also features Pioneer’s advanced PureCinema Deinterlacer which upscales standard DVDs to a full 1080p resolution to bring you the best in quality from your existing DVD collection.

Pioneer has not forgotten the audio on the audio either, the BDP-LX71 supports a vast array of advanced audio formats, and can decode, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD and DTS HD Master. From using 4x Wolfson Professional Audio DACs the Pioneer BDPLX71 ensures the highest audio performance.Other features include; Advanced Audio Bitstream & decoding of all formats, Video Adjust fine-tuning options, 7.1 Channel Analogue Output, Gold Plated Terminals and an Aluminium Front Panel.

When I was in high school, I read this dark science fiction novel by Piers Anthony entitled The Ring. In this work, the author (who is most famous for his fantasy) presents us with a world full of gyrocars, one-passenger vehicles that somehow rode on just one wheel.

I don’t know if Tilmann Schootz, German designer of the Audi Snook, has ever read The Ring, but it certainly looks like his inspiration for his auto-stabilized monowheel concept car. Maybe the bright idea light bulb went off above his head, and he designed his car in the shape of it. Whatever the case, Schootz has won a Michelin Challenge Design Award at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show for his vision.

You may look at the Snook and think “that’s impossible” or “there’s no way that could stand” or “I’m not driving that”. However, I believe we were all thinking the same things when the Segway was revealed. The Snook achieves its one-wheel balance with “agility through instability, controlled by artificial intelligence”.

If this concept ever does become reality, then we really need to change the name. Just what is a Snook? That sounds like some creature on a Saturday Morning cartoon.

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