3 Jun, 2008
by Darren Murph, posted Jun 3rd 2008 at 11:00AM Not like we weren’t totally expecting this or anything, but Canonical has chosen Computex as the expo where it will officially showcase Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Hailed as a “reworked desktop image of Ubuntu built specifically for a new category of portable internet-centric devices,” the operating system will probably not be too foreign for those familiar with the standard Ubuntu Desktop Edition. We are told that this flavor will feature a launcher that enables users to “get online more quickly and have faster access to their favorite applications,” and that it “leverages Moblin technologies optimized for the Intel Atom processor.” Unfortunately, devices pre-loaded with UNR aren’t apt to ship until “later in 2008,” though OEMs interested in getting in while there is still room on the bandwagon are encouraged to hit up Canonical. (Read the full post about ‘Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex’…)
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3 Jun, 2008
In what I only hope is the tip of the iceberg, Best Buy is testing out a free recycling program at 117 of its 922 stores across 8 states and DC. This is great news. So far, many of the big electronics retailers do offer some form of e-cycling, but charge fees to handle most larger items, particularly computer monitors. Making e-cycling easier for consumers should only increase acceptance and uptake of recycling.
Kudos to Best Buy, and continued kudos to Best buy and other retailers that already have recycling programs.
Posted in Miscellaneous
Tags: Ogg Vorbis, digital, PDA, gadgetry
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3 Jun, 2008
by Donald Melanson, posted Jun 3rd 2008 at 4:14PM It’s not quite shooting for the world’s smallest title, but Foxconn’s new PD-S2900 DLP projector will certainly turn quite a few heads nonetheless, with it boasting a form factor of just 4 x 3.6 x 1.4 inches and a weight just under a pound. That’ll still give you an SVGA resolution though, along with a whopping 55 lumens of brightness and an apparently decently-sized image from a few feet away. No word on a price just yet, but you can look for this one to hit Taiwan sometime in the third quarter of this year. (Read the full post about ‘Foxconn shows off pint-sized PD-S2900 DLP projector’…)
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3 Jun, 2008
Okay, this is one of those devices that is so crazy that I had to report on it. What you are seeing isn’t some new type of printer with spool-like rolls of paper. These paper rolls are ones that we are all familiar with, as we use it every day in the bathroom. That’s right, someone finally invented a printer that uses toilet paper to print on. This isn’t just any printer, but the RSStroom reader is so named because it can print the latest RSS updates on toilet paper. I know people who live and die by these RSS feeds, so this is definitely something for them. Of course, if they want to keep a hard copy, you definitely don’t want to wipe with it. (Read the full post about ‘RSStroom Reader’…)
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3 Jun, 2008
Have you been eagerly awaiting another podcast of Joel Evans talking tech on the radio? For your listening pleasure, Joel stopped by Rover’s Morning Glory again this week and answered all sorts of tough questions from the audience. This week they finally brought up the Eee PC and other subnotebooks and your’s truly got a mention! This is Joel’s fifth time on the show, so he’s basically part of the crew at this point. If you want to listen to some of the old podcasts, they are all available online. Listen to them all and you can track his progression from radio rookie to the smooth-talking professional that we heard today. Download the MP3 here. (Read the full post about ‘Geeks on the Radio: Week Five’…)
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3 Jun, 2008
Synaptics have announced the general OEM/ODM availability of their proximity sensors that ought to see action outside of Microsoft’s Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 Bluetooth Keyboard in the near future. This is a unique proposition, as the technology is smart enough to recognize human presence which can then be linked to various controls such as adjusting the backlight for the perfect setting. Take for instance, Microsoft’s mentioned keyboard - it enters standby mode to save power whenever the user moves away. With a new digital photo frame by Synaptics utilizing the same technology, it will definitely improve battery life while boasting proximity-controlled touch sensitive buttons to impress ordinary folk. (Read the full post about ‘Synaptics announces Proximity Sensors’…)
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3 Jun, 2008
Apple shows off its soft side by officially rolling out its largest back-to-school promotion ever by the company, giving away free 8GB ipod touch to both students as well as educational staffers who buy a qualifying Mac. In reality, this promotion involves a $299 rebate that is the same price as the aforemendtioned iPod touch, although the slightly better off can always top up that amount to pick up 16GB and 32GB models if they like. Alternatively, participants can also choose to receive a free 8GB iPod nano if they like, but if I were you, I’d settle for the iPod touch instead. If you’re wondering how to qualify, you’ll need to make sure that :- The iPod and Mac system must be purchased at the same time and appear on the same receipt. (Read the full post about ‘Apple Back-to-School Promo’…)
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3 Jun, 2008
XP Vehicles has the bright idea of selling inflatable cars to the masses, and these vehicles will be powered by batteries or fuel cells. It might sound as though it will be extremely subsceptible to punctures, but apparently XP Vehicles will be using the same material that NASA uses in its airbags for Mars Rovers’ landings, which means you will be able to shrug off pins and sharp objects on the road without much worry. Since it is so light, it apparently can travel for up to 2,500 miles on a single charge. Assembly of this £2,500 package will take around two hours on average, which ain’t too shabby. I wonder whether this will be able to survive in an accident with another vehicle made out of, you know, actual steel. (Read the full post about ‘XP Vehicles Inflatable Cars’…)
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3 Jun, 2008
We’ve reviewed a bunch of Ilium software’s titles in the past and I still find NewsBreak to be the best RSS reader out there. That said, we’re happy to announce that Ilium has reached the 11 year mark and to celebrate they’re discounting all of their software by 55 percent and doing daily giveaways on their blog all this week.
It’s a great chance to get some solid software at a discount, not to mention that you can try your luck at winning some great prizes, including Amazon.com gift cards.
Read more at iliumsoft.com
Tags: mobile phone, pvp, Hi-fi, lcd
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3 Jun, 2008
Leica’s M8 digital rangefinder will go under the hammer with auction house WestLicht Photographica hoping to raise a whopping $46,600 for a first-series production Leica M8 digital rangefinder. No idea on whether this is the very first unit assembled in 2006, it will boast the serial number 3100000. The bidding war will begin on June 7, and the winner will not only walk home with the Leica M8 in question but will have the original M8 box with a certificate of authenticity signed by Leica’s CEO, Andreas Kaufmann. Why so expensive, you ask? Well, proceeds from the auction will be donated to Reporters Without Borders, a journalist organization. (Read the full post about ‘Leica M8 Goes Under the Hammer’…)
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