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Hitachi intros Simple Modular storage system
2007-10-16 08:47:00
Hitachi sure seems to be big on storage today, with the company now following up its 4TB disk announcement with its new "low-cost" Simple Modular Storage Model 100 aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. Promising enterprise-class capabilities with "consumer levels of simplicity," this one boasts a wizard-based GUI setup that Hitachi says will get things fully operational "in minutes," along with a range of backup measures and features to ensure "non-stop data availability." Most importantly, the system will also give you plenty of space, with it able to be scaled from under 1 terabyte to nearly 9 terabytes. All that, of course, comes at a price, with the system starting at just under $5,000.  
More About: System , Hitachi , Itachi

Asus' R300 navigator surfaces, gets spec'd
2007-10-16 08:47:00
Nearly a month ago to the day we were taking a peek at leaked information regarding two upcoming Asus navigators, and now it seems that we've got more concrete data on the smaller of the two. Reportedly, the R300 will be packin' a 3.5-inch touchscreen with a 320 x 240 resolution, SiRFstarIII GPS chipset, an FM transmitter, Bluetooth 2.0, handsfree capabilities, a 400MHz Samsung 2440 processor, 64MB of SDRAM, a microSD expansion slot and a rechargeable Li-ion for taking things off-road. Additionally, it'll be available in silver or white and boast USB connectivity, Windows CE.net 5.0, an integrated music / video player and maps covering France. We're still hearing that it'll ship next month for a currently undisclosed price, but check out one more shot of the unit posted after the break.[Via NaviGadget]  
More About: Navigator , Gato

Syntax-Brillian intros new 1080p Olevia LCD HDTVs
2007-10-16 08:46:00
Just before folks really get their minds set on waiting for Black Friday, Syntax -Brillian is unveiling a trio of new 1080p Olevia LCDs. Up first is the 65-inch 265TFHD, which features the Silicon Optix Realta HQV video processor, a black aluminum bezel, built-in ATSC / NTSC tuner with Clear QAM support, USB port for firmware upgrades and a decent assortment of ports including two HDMI / component / S-Video / composite jacks and a single VGA input. We're left to assume the 52-inch 252TFHD sports a similar set of amenities, while we're told the 47-inch 247TFHD touts an MTK MDDI video processor but otherwise remains identical to its 65-inch sibling. Price wise, the 265TFHD is set to run you a stiff $6,999, while the 252TFHD and 247TFHD will ring up at $2,499 and $1,999, respectively.[Thanks, Dave]

Canon's EOS-1D Mark III DSLR gets reviewed
2007-10-16 08:45:00
Although Canon's powerful EOS-1D Mark III has priced itself right out of consideration for a large sect, the niche that has been waiting in tense anticipation to see a solid review of the unit need wait no more. The folks over at Digital Camera Info were able to put the beastly DSLR through a gauntlet of tests, and while it did end up shining gloriously in the bulk of them, one persistent problem seemed to mar the otherwise flawless camera. As expected, the design, speed, live LCD, color accuracy, noise / low light performance and controls were all highly praised, but the white balance and a nagging autofocus problem did prove troublesome. Granted, the reviewers did state that a firmware fix seemed to solve the issue, but it was apparently so aggravating that patient folks (who?) may want to consider holding off until things get ironed out. Nevertheless, the unit was still regarded as a fantastic DSLR, and if you've got five grand just burning a hole in your pocket, w...
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HP launches new low-power PCs, recycling program
2007-10-16 08:42:00
HP unveiled a couple new desktops, a new monitor and a slick recycling program in China Taiwan today, and our boys from Engadget Chinese were on the spot just as you'd expect. The HP Pavilion S3260 low-power desktop has a peak power consumption of just 45W but still rocks an Athlon X2 BE-2350 dual-core processor, 256MB NVIDIA 8400GS graphics, 1GB of RAM, a 320GB disk, a multi-format memory card reader, a dual-layer burner and three years of on-site support for an estimated price of NT$29,900 yuan ($3,982 $917). HP was also showing off the 24-inch 2308 LCD, which pivots from portrait to landscape, and the Pavilion m9090 multimedia computer, which sports an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB disk, and 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8500GT graphics, for the insane price of NT$49,900 yuan ($6,646 $1531). Topping it all off is the recycling program, in which HP will take in five old PCs and "re-assemble" them into a new PC to be donated to disadvantaged families. Consider...
More About: Power , Recycling , Program , Gram

Hyundai shows off W-100 watch phone
2007-10-16 08:42:00
Remember that mysterious CECT cellphone watch we peeked back in July? Unless our eyes (badly) deceive us, that very piece has morphed into Hyundai 's W-100, the latest watchphone in town. Reportedly, this device sports a 1.3-megapixel camera, a 176 x 144 resolution touchscreen, Bluetooth, support for English / Chinese languages, an integrated MP3 player and a microSD slot for loading up your tunes. Regrettably, no pricing or release information was readily available, but feel free to click on through for a couple more looks.[Via AkihabaraNews]
More About: Watch , Phone

Nyko introduces Intercooler for Nintendo's Wii
2007-10-16 08:40:00
Just in case your Wii has suddenly and unexpectedly become some sort of flamethrower in recent weeks, Nyko is introducing a cooling solution of its very own. Granted, we don't really expect that most Wii consoles will actually need this thing, but we're sure the "better safe than sorry" crowd will have a field day. Regardless, the clip-on device won't require any fancy modifications to operate, and while it will only run you $14.99, your money is probably better spent elsewhere (read: anywhere).  

Samsung showcases VM-DX10 DVD / flash hybrid camcorder
2007-10-16 08:40:00
Over at KES 2007, Samsung has been busy showing off its newest camcorder, a unit that actually records to both mini DVDs or internal flash memory. The VM-DX10 allows users to store footage on a three-inch DVD or on the 4GB of flash memory within, and it also boasts a 2.7-inch touch panel, 3D Noise Reduction Filter, 26x zoom, and Hyper Image Stabilizer. The unit is slated to land in Korea next month in either black or white motifs, and while it sure is tiny, the ₩700,000 ($763) asking price seems a bit steep considering how limited 4GB really is. Check out a few more looks after the break.
More About: Flash , Hybrid , Camcorder , Corder

iPhone report: most owners left Treos, Sidekicks behind
2007-10-16 08:39:00
While we've seen a variety of surveys pitting the iPhone against its most notable rivals, a recent study conducted by the NPD Group breaks down the numbers behind who left what phone (and what carrier) to acquire an iPhone. Not surprisingly, iPhone early adopters were "ten times more likely than other new phone buyers to have previously owned a Treo and three times more likely to have owned a T-Mobile branded phone, such as the popular Sidekick model." When it came to carriers, Alltel and T-Mobile were said to have lost the most customers to AT&T, as consumers who "switched carriers to buy an iPhone were three times more likely to switch from Alltel or T-Mobile than from other carriers." Notably, the lack of "corporate email support" was pinpointed as the main reason that many BlackBerry users didn't make the leap, but it did praise the iPhone for helping to "bridge the gap between consumer-focused feature phones and productivity-focused smartphones."  
More About: Iphone , Report , Left , Treos , Owners

Panasonic intros 5.1-channel RP-WF5500 wireless headphones
2007-10-16 08:37:00
For those out there who still believe that 5.1-channels of audio can be wrapped around your two ears in a single set of cans, say hello to Panasonic 's RP-WF5500. These 'phones feature 40-millimeter drivers, around six hours of playback on a full charge, a range of about 30-meters and weigh in at 0.56-pounds. Additionally, you'll find a pair of optical digital audio inputs, a single analog audio input, one optical audio output and a bass boost function for crankin' up the low-lows. No sign of a price just yet, but word on the street has 'em going on sale in Japan late next month.[Via I4U News]
More About: Wireless , Headphones , Channel , Chan

Internal AT&T site foretells Tilt launch
2007-10-02 09:11:00
We figure this website wasn't intended for public consumption -- either that, or we're all invited to the "2007 National Launch Tour" for the imminently available AT&T Tilt , and we should be speaking to our regional sales managers immediately to confirm our eligibility. The picture here looks pretty much like what we'd seen of the HTC Kaiser variant in the wild, confirming that the front cam is gone (no surprise), though it's a little chubbier looking than we thought, yeah? Or is it just us? Anyway, the site gives nary a clue about when we might actually be able to get a Tilt in our hands simply by walking into a store, but happily, everything we've heard still points to an October launch. Now if you'll excuse us, we're going to go track down our regional sales manager.[Thanks, regenC]
More About: Site , Internal

XM XpressRC gets evaluated
2007-10-02 09:08:00
We'll admit, the XM XpressRC sure looked mighty nice from a distance, and judging by CNETs take on it, it's equally fine up close. Quite frankly, this device was hailed as a notch above the alternatives, boasting a full-color display "that not only jumped out at you with its beauty, but could be easily read and understood while driving." Granted, not everything was entirely peachy, as the reviewer took issue with the knob's design and the small power button -- both grumbles that could certainly be overlooked. Additionally, the unit's ability to pause / rewind up to an hour of programming was very appreciated, and the other small bonuses (i.e. SongSaver) filled out the feature set quite nicely. All in all, this little gizmo was seen as "the way to go" if you've been scouting a device of this nature, but the $170 pricetag could still be a hindrance.

Cowon intros upgraded iAUDIO 7, D2 players
2007-10-02 09:03:00
We heard rumors of a beefed-up D2 way back in July, but Cowon has just now made that upgrade a reality, and it's giving its iAUDIO 7 player a storage boost for good measure as well. Both upgrades will apparently only be available available on the red versions of the players, with the D2 now topping out at 8GB and the iAUDIO 7 pushing things all the way to 16GB. Otherwise, both players appear to be the same as before, with the former boasting a 2.5-inch LCD, an FM radio, and a promised 52 hours of playing time, and the latter packing a 1.3-inch LCD and an even longer 60 hours of purported battery life. According to Cowon, both should be available any day now (if they aren't already), with the new top-end D2 running $250, and the upgraded iAUDIO 7 setting you back $300.
More About: Players , Iaudio , Layer , Graded

Samsung LN-T4061F Television
2007-10-02 00:49:00
Samsung LN-T4061F Television Price Range: $1,200.00 - $1,800.00Samsung's 40" LN-T4061F LCD delivers the full brilliance of HDTVWith super big size of screen and combined with superb sound that already use amazing SRS TruSurround XT? system,  Samsung LN-T4061F  will be the leader of a luxury television set. With those affordable selling price, it isn't just a dream to have this  television set on your home.  One tools that you must have to fullyfill your thirsty about ente rtainment.
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Riding Shotgun on an Apache Gunship
2007-09-11 14:23:00
As if it wasn't cool enough already to be an Apache pilot, these pictures arrive to make us even more envious. If an Apache is nearby a rescue situation then they will sometimes try to lend a hand - even though they only have two seats. I imagine that noisy, uncomfortable and fun doesn't even begin to describe this.The lucky/unlucky co-pilot has to step outside and sit on the wing stub, to make room for the evacuee. These guys at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo are practising the manoeuvre. [Strategy Page]
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Nissan's Mixim Concept EV
2007-09-11 14:21:00
OK, now everybody's getting in on electrics. It's almost like it's the 90's again. Except, I'll be honest, the concepts are a bit cooler, and starting to get more practical. Now it's Nissan's turn. In a few days at the Frankfurt Auto Show, they're announcing their Nissan Mixim concept vehicle. Some people will love it, some will hate it, but everyone will recognize that it's over-the-top with innovation.But while it definitely suffers from the it's-a-concept-so-we-made-it-craaaazy disease, it also has some extremely attractive features. Of course, I love the car because it's pretty much marketed directly at me. Young men with middle to low incomes who care about the environment and play lots of video games. There's only one seat in the front of the car, in the center of the sweet, wrap-around windshield. And the controls are apparently "inspired by video games."The car will be powered by compact lithium ion batteries of unkown origin. Presumably, Nissan will be letting t...
More About: Concept

The Toyota Volta: Hybrid Sportscar
2007-09-11 14:17:00
While Toyota 's supremacy in the current hybrid car market is undeniable, they're going to have to keep up the innovation if they're going to stay on top of their game. And while they've been having some trouble with their lithium ion batteries of late, that doesn't mean that they aren't planning for the future.Witness the Toyota Volta , a high-performance, concept hybrid named after the man who invented the battery. Now, this is seriously a weird car, but before we get to that, lets start with a 435 mile driving range, all-electric at low speeds, and 30 miles per gallon when being driven the way it was designed to be driven. How was it designed to be driven you ask? Well, by using the electric engine to boost the internal combustion and taking advantage of it's super light-weight, carbon fiber body, it can go from zero to sixty in four seconds and hit speeds of up to 155 mph.But, even weirder, the concept seats three people. But instead of a triangular seating we most recently...
More About: Hybrid , Ports

Sony's PRS-505 ebook reader leaks out
2007-09-11 14:11:00
Given the many opportunities Sony's had to demo new gear in the past month, you'd think we'd have seen this earlier, but it looks like the company's latest ebook reader, the PRS-505, will be making its grand debut on the website of Chicago's own Abt Electronics. The update to the original Sony Reader will come in either silver or blue, feature a slightly redesigned layout, twice the internal memory, and may potentially rock what seems like an updated display. No word on any other changes, but it looks like the price is the same at $299.[Thanks, hamster]
More About: Ebook , Leaks

Logitech intros Alto Cordless laptop stand / dock
2007-08-23 02:39:00
Logitech just busted out a couple of new additions to its Alto line of laptop stands a few months ago, but it looks like the company has found yet more ways to make your laptop a bit more comfortable to use, with it today introducing its new Alto Cordless model. The main distinction here, of course, is that the keyboard is now freed from the main unit thanks to some newfangled wireless technology although, as with the original Alto, you'll have to supply your own mouse (which can be accommodated by one of the three USB ports on the base). Also like the original, the Alto Cordless can elevate your laptop for some more comfortable viewing, although it's apparently not recommended for use with laptops larger than 15.4-inches. Look for this one to be available sometime next month for an even $100, with an optional $20 power adapter also available for those that need powered USB ports.[Via HardwareGeeks]
More About: Laptop , Logitech , Dock , Stand

Grundig's Davio 7 portable LCD TV appears at IFA
2007-08-23 02:37:00
Grundig, fine purveyor of all sorts of electronics, is worried that you're not watching enough TV. Sure, you've got one in the living room, the bedroom, and the kitchen, but what about out in the garden? At your beach house? What about one to take camping? Well that's where the company's Davio 7 portable LCD TV comes in. Your new best friend boasts an active matrix, 7-inch, 720 x 576 screen, a DVB-T digital tuner with MPEG2, standard analog tuner, passive magnet antenna, and a whopping two hours of playing time with its lithium-polymer battery. Grundig claims that it's the perfect thing for "TV fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts," which would seem to be a contradiction in terms -- unless of course you're trying to sell a portable TV. Priced at around ?179 (or $241), no word yet on availability.
More About: Portable , Pears , Ears

Genius Offers 2nd-Gen Vibrating Headphones
2007-08-23 02:35:00
Back in May, I started some "buzz" on Genius ' new vibrating gaming headphones, the Vibration HS-04V. Powered by USB or batteries, it provides gamers with pumping bass to the head (ouch!).Well, Genius is back to announce yet another pair of vibrating headphones (to please the Weird Hunter, perhaps?). The HS-03U ($39.99) "has an embedded vibration system that carries superior digital sound so that users can practically feel the experience of whatever they are listening to." It's also completely portable thanks to its foldable design, and the built-in noice-cancelling microphone lets gamers chat while gaming.The HS-03U Vibration Headset is Windows Vista-compatible and will be available online in September at Buy.com, Geeks.com, NewEgg.com, and other popular retailers. Good vibrations!
More About: Headphones , Offers , Vibrating , Offer

Stade de Suisse becomes "world's largest" solar stadium
2007-08-23 02:29:00
Bern's Stade de Suisse stadium was already a pretty impressive example of solar power, with 7,930 solar modules soaking up the rays, but a recent addition of 2,808 more solar modules from Japan's Kyocera looks to have been enough to earn it some new bragging rights as the "world's largest stadium-integrated photovoltaic system." With the new modules up and running, the stadium now boasts an overall power output of 1,346.774 kWp, or 1,134,045 kWh per year, which is apparently the equivalent of 350 four-person households. While that's certainly impressive as far stadiums go, it's far from the largest solar power project around, some of which are even aiming to power entire cities.[Via MetaEfficient]
More About: Solar , Stadium , Largest , Large , Adium

Suissa Computers Introduces Wooden External HD
2007-08-23 02:28:00
Who needs new and slick when you can have old and wooden? The Shadow hard drive from Suissa is a beautifully-made wooden 750GB external hard drive that faintly resembles something your grandmother would store jewelery in. Compatible with any computer, the inappropriately-named Shadow has four USB 2.0 ports that are prominently visible on the front of the drive and is made out of sustainable, harvested maple.The drive will be available this holiday season in standard and luxury models and will cost you $730 and $875 respectively -- you'll also get a free old woman with every purchase. [Suissa Computers via Treehugger]
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First Look at Microsoft's Crazy Sidewinder Gaming Mouse (Designed by Darth
2007-08-23 02:26:00
The first joystick I ever bought was a Msft Sidewinder. Some hands on time with their new mouse, the first ever to carry this brand, was very positive: it's worthy of the marquee and a is a well engineered pointer, even if it does look like a Darth Vader's Imperial interrogation droid-ette. Or a hydrofoil. First off, a button can be assigned to have your character spin 180-degrees to about-face the punk firing over your shoulder. Then, interchangeable weights can add up to 30 grams of heft under the mouse's center of gravity, and swappable pads offer 3 levels of glide. I've got a gallery of press shots and hands on, if you care to read on.(There are, I think 6 buttons total.) There's even an LCD that displays the currently selected DPI (up to 2000). The case those weights come in double as a cable organizer, keeping the cord out of your way during play. $80 in October. [Microsoft]
More About: Gaming , Crazy , Mouse , Ming

Rowing Across Canada in a 'Road-Boat'
2007-08-23 02:24:00
In 2001 some Canadians tried to row across their home country using a "road-boat." This is a vehicle made of several rowing machines, powered by a group of muscular Canadians. They failed then, but now they're trying again. The team will be fund-raising for The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada , so we hope that this time they make it all the way. [Rowing Acro ss Canada]
More About: Boat , Road

Water Chopper Modded from Yamaha and Nissan Parts
2007-08-23 02:22:00
Almost like a sedate version of a Jet Ski, this water chopper was modded by a Maryland pizza parlor owner, using a 1985 Yamaha Virago motorbike frame and a 1990 9.9-horsepower Nissan outboard motor, and a trio of hydrofoils. Find out more about Jim Garlitz's creation after the jump.With a top speed of 37 mph, the amateur inventor's first-ever creation worked the first time he took it onto a nearby lake for a test-drive. The hydrofoils propel the craft off the surface of the water noiselessly. "You can sustain that flight on the foils for as long as you want to," said Garlitz. "You're virtually flying."Having three foils, the Water Chopper is very stable indeed, and can even go backwards. "It doesn't matter who you are, you can get on and ride it," said its inventor, who admitted that he didn't even draw up any plans for his $1,000 creation, which took two months to put together. "I just had it in my head this would work." [Book of Joe]
More About: Parts

Epson intros LED-equipped Perfection V500 flatbed scanner
2007-08-23 02:19:00
It's been a hot minute since a flatbed scanner was able to impress, but Epson 's USB 2.0 Perfection V500 manages to do exactly that. Sporting a 6400dpi optical resolution and 48-bit color depth, the V500 steps it way up by also throwing in the firm's ReadyScan LED technology, "which delivers fast scans and no warm-up time." Furthermore, you can expect nonexistent wait times when flipping between reflective and film scanning, less power usage, and a LED that automatically "adjusts the color of the light source based on the type of original being scanned, using white light for positive film and blue light for negative film." Not too shabby at all for $249.99, and for those needing an Automatic Document Feeder, the optional add-on will soon be available for $199.99.
More About: Scanner , Flat

New Samsung LCD TVs Do 1080p24 and Connect the Web
2007-08-23 02:17:00
is warming up their engines as IFA2007 approaches with these two new PAVV 40 and 46-inch Full HD LCD televisions. Their 120Hz engine supports 1080 progressive playback at 60, 120 and 24 frames per second and 25,000:1 contrast ratio for extra movie-like feeling, as well as their System Link technology ?which apparently allows it to connect to the Internet. Korean-only for now, we hope we can see them in Berlin. Until then, check the obligatory TV-next-to-Sexy-Ninja shot after the jump. You know, for scale.[Akihabara News]
More About: Samsung , Connect

USB-Powered CD Destroyer Mauls a Disc in Five Seconds
2007-08-23 02:14:00
Keep that schoolmarm from perusing your porn with this USB-powered CD destroyer from Brando. In just five seconds, this hungry beast renders any CD or DVD unreadable, grinding in devastating circular scratches and resulting in a strangely beautiful coaster that reminds us of a Spirograph.It even includes a leather case for destroying CDs on the go. Sure beats breaking up a CD into little pieces, resulting in glass-like shards that might actually be able to draw blood.Believe it or not, some desperate dweebs rummage around in the trash looking for things like old CDs and DVDs, hoping that perhaps a bit of financial data might have been carelessly left on board. If you keep such data on removable medias, this mutha might be worth a $29 investment. [Brando]
More About: Five , Disc , Destroyer , Seconds

Weirdest Guns Ever Amuse and Scare the Hell Out of Me
2007-08-23 02:11:00
This terrifying revolver-knife straight from Resident Evil is real and ready to hunt zombies, like all the weird guns in this gallery. My favorites: the three-barrel pirate gun for my Guybrush Threepwood moments, the Thunder for my Lieut. Cobretti moments and the old-style black handgun with ultra-big knife ?for when I have to shave, John Wayne style. Check them all in the amazing collection after the jump and pick your own. [Gallery updated with another strange wonder - Thanks Windowi.]
More About: Guns , Hell