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Astro's slick new A40 gaming audio headset
2007-12-09 07:23:00
Gamers always seem to get the hottest gear, and the A40 gaming headphone system from Astro is no exception. Sold as a complete kit with a headset and matching mixer, the $249 package lets you mix 5.1 game audio and communications audio independently to your liking, all without waking up your roommates. The daisy-chainable Dolby Digital processor / mixer also enables some other interesting features, like private comm channels for in-person Xbox 360 teams, and outboard surround processing from a PC. The headset itself features an adjustable boom mic and interchangable faceplates. Each is also available separately: the A40 headset is $199, while the mixer is $129, and it's all available on the 17th.
More About: Gaming , Audio , Gadgets , Headset , Tech

Lenovo's holiday sale musters 25%-off ThinkPads
2007-12-09 07:22:00
We're not sure why Lenovo is feeling so particularly jolly this holiday season, but we're certainly not complaining. The company just slashed prices on its ThinkPad R, T and X series laptops, and its ThinkCentre A desktops. All models have received a 25% price cut, except for the R series with a still-lovable 22%. Yeah, you know the person on your list with everything? We bet they don't have seven ThinkPads courtesy of their new favorite nephew.[Thanks, Joe K.]
More About: Holiday , Sale

New 3 Column Blogger Template:Nyoba
2007-12-09 07:18:00
Download Temp late Note: You can use your own picture as header image, Image Size: Width: 300px, Height: 130px
More About: Blogger , Column

Ricavision kicks out VAVE100 universal MCE / SideShow remote
2007-12-02 13:57:00
Following up on the RICA 100 that Ricavision unveiled in May is the VAVE100, which doesn't deviate too far from its past siblings in the design department, but does offer up a 2.4-inch QVGA LCD, a shiny green MCE button and SideShow functionality. As we'd expect, this thing is a Class 1 (~50 meters promised) Bluetooth device with A2DP support, and it comes with its own docking station, a BT transceiver and a power charger. The remote enables users to control over 20 different components from up to 50-feet away via IR, and the buttons are backlit to keep you from fumbling around in the dark while trying to switch tracks. Unfortunately, you won't be using one of these to control your new gear (you are asking for new gear this year, right?) until next February, but you will save $25 by pre-ordering now for $274.[Thanks, Ronald]
More About: Universal , Remote , Sideshow , Kicks , Avis

Yet more 32GB and 2GB Creative Zen confirmation
2007-12-02 13:56:00
As if the last two reports about a 32GB Zen from Creative weren't enough for you, here's another for a lazy Saturday. This time, Crave claims to have an unspecified confirmation that a 2GB and 32GB Zen is coming, and it's coming in flash form. Would that make this the highest capacity flash PMP out there? It'd certainly be pipping Sansa to the post.[Thanks, Cody B.]
More About: Creative Zen , Confirmation , Irma

RCA's S2501 Jet Stream gets reviewed
2007-12-02 13:54:00
Although we already had a chance to briefly try out RCA's Jet Stream DAP / wireless earbud setup at CES, the folks over at PCMag were able to get ahold of a finalized product and put it through paces of their own. Interestingly, they found a lot less to love when using 'em for more than a few moments on a crowded show floor, and while they did admit that gym rats could possibly fall in love, the average joe / jane probably won't. On the upside, the DAP proved durable and the wireless headphones exhibited strong reception, but reviewers found that they didn't fit well enough to really show off their talents. Additionally, the menu navigation was deemed "terrible," and they weren't exactly keen on plopping down over $130 for just 1GB of storage. 'Course, we're sure those who spend the bulk of their listening time on the track (listening to just a few CDs on repeat) could find room to argue, but for the rest of us, it was suggested that we wait for "a better implementation of Kl...

Venturi intros CREW vn740 DMB-equipped GPS unit
2007-12-02 13:53:00
We haven't heard much from the Venturi that makes solar/wind-powered vehicles lately, but the Venturi that makes generic PMPs and GPS devices still seems to be kickin' it, with it now showing off its new CREW vn740 model. While there's nothing too stand-out here, the device should certainly handle all your in-car distractions quite nicely, with it boasting a large 7-inch touchscreen, along with some DMB TV capabilities, a PIP function, and an integrated FM transmitter, among other standard features. No word on how much it'll set you back, but only those in Korea will have to worry about that little detail.[Via Navigadget]
More About: Crew , Unit

Brick is back with the Mini MOB retro mobile
2007-12-02 13:52:00
Is the mobile phone really mature enough for brick phones to make a retro comeback? According to the makers of the ironically named Mini MOB, the answer to that is yes. The Mini MOB is definitely designed in the retro brick phone style, but at only 3.5 cm wide, it could probably be considered a scale model. It includes some pretty standard specs -- camera, MP3 player, 128 MB card for the SD slot -- but also happens to have an amazing battery life of 30 days standby, and a full 72 hours of continuous talk time! That's almost enough to get us interested in picking one up, but at £160 ($320+) it ain't an easy decision.[Via TechDigest]
More About: Mobile , Retro , Back , Brick

Asus' Eee PC on sale with 8GB SSD, 1GB RAM for $499
2007-12-02 13:51:00
Don't look now, but those not quite satisfied with the Eee PC's 512MB of RAM and 4GB hard drive can finally get what they've been asking for. E-tailer Dynamism is offering up Asus ' 7-inch darling (in Pearl White and Galaxy Black) with 1GB of RAM and an 8GB SSD, but all of the remaining specifications look to be the same. Of course, you'll be coughing up nearly five bills for this version, so we'll leave it to you to decide if it's worth it. Oh, and don't expect either flavor to arrive before "mid-to-late December."[Via jkkmobile]
More About: Sale

AT-AT Gamecube mod now for sale, fanboys swarm
2007-12-02 13:50:00
There are mods, and then there are works of art. Without question, the item you see above falls squarely into the latter category, and it's likely to give any devout Star Wars fan a chance at fainting upon first glance. The AT-AT Gamecube mod (also referred to as the AT-GC in some circles) was built a few years back, but now the proud creator has decided to cash out and let the highest bidder take ownership. This beast maintains the original heatsink and cooling fans, and comes with the AT-AT pilot, four Wavebird controllers and a pair of memory cards. Check out a few more detailed shots and a video in the read link below, and go ahead and throw your bid in while you're at it -- resistance is futile, you know?
More About: For Sale , Sale , Swarm

Creative's 32GB Zen, again
2007-11-30 11:01:00
Ok, maybe the last evidence of a 32GB Zen was a false alarm (or was it?) but how do you explain this Creative? That's a screen shot taken just a few seconds ago of your live US site. Got something to announce do ya? Hit those read links to see for yourself -- right, links, it shows up more than once.[Via epiZENter, thanks Cody]Read -- features pageRead -- spec page
More About: Tech

AMD puts the kibosh on Quad FX platform
2007-11-30 10:58:00
Now that Spider's hogging the limelight, the question inevitably had to be asked, and it seems the answer is no. The inquiry, of course, is whether or not AMD would keep on keepin' on with the lukewarmly received Quad FX platform, and judging by comments from the chip maker's own Suzy Pruitt, the end for it is nigh. More specifically, Pruitt stated that AMD had "discontinued future planning and development" for the Quad FX platform, and also noted that it had shifted most of the effort over to initiatives such as the aforementioned Spider. Notably, it was stated that the outfit would continue to support customers that have existing Quad FX-based hardware, and while specifics weren't doled out, we did hear that upgrade options for those individuals would likely not include a Phenom-branded product. So much for unwavering dedication to its enthusiast-class dual-socket technology, eh?[Via DailyTech]
More About: Platform

WSJ: Google to join 700MHz auction party today
2007-11-30 10:56:00
The deadline for declaring an intent to bid on that sweet, sweet 700MHz spectrum in the US is December 3rd. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google will announce their intent, today. Hear that Verizon? All your legal posturing and lobbying to block the Open Access (only to about-face with talk of your own openness) have seemingly been for naught. Now it's time to put up or shut up in what's anticipated to be a very costly bidding war for the prime "C" block swath in January.[Via mocoNews ]
More About: Party , Auction , Today

iriver's W7 WiFi media player and D27 dictionary loose in the wild
2007-11-30 10:55:00
iriver just took the wraps off their D27 QWERTY dictionary and W7 personal media player they teased us with last week. The D27 if a full-size, electronic dictionary with plenty of audio and video support. It features a 480 x 272 display, FM tuner, 2GB of flash, and up to 27 hours of battery life depending upon usage habits. More interesting for westerners however, is the W7 touchscreen (finger or built-in stylus) media player which shares the industrial design of the W10 -- in fact, it may well be the very same WiFi device with Skyhook positioning only now sporting a W7 moniker for domestic S.Korea release. Video of the W7 in action after the break, plenty of pics and more video just beyond the read link.[Via iriverfans]
More About: Media Player , Media , Gadgets , Tech , Player

Venturer's SHD7000 HD DVD player now at Wal-Mart for $200
2007-11-30 10:53:00
Remember when all our hopes were lost after Fuh Yuan retracted a statement that got us worked up over a $299 HD DVD player at Wal-Mart ? Ironically enough, an off-brand player is indeed finally available through the aforementioned retailer some seven months later, but frankly, we're underwhelmed. Sure, the 1080i SHD7000 -- which is being sold at $199.98, a full $50 lower than we'd heard previously -- isn't exactly a terrible deal, but considering that Toshiba's own HD-A2 can apparently be had for the same, what's to get all jovial about? Nevertheless, we're also hearing that Venturer is getting set to launch the SHD7001 -- which should boast minor cosmetic enhancements, if anything -- a month from today through the UK's QVC TV Home Shopping Channel. Regrettably, there's no word on how pricey that model will be, nor if it will be a UK exclusive, but considering the exchange rate right now, we've all ideas the Americans won't be keen on importing one no matter what.[Via TVPre...
More About: Player , Wal-Mart , Wal Mart

Objet Geometries set to unveil multi-material 3D printer
2007-11-30 10:51:00
CAD fans, prepare to get stoked. Objet Geometries -- a "world leader" in photopolymer jetting -- has announced that it will debut a system capable of producing 3D parts and assemblies made from different materials in a single build. The device, known as the Connex500, utilizes the company's "PolyJet Matrix," which can create 21 composite materials and seven separate model materials. "The Connex500 opens a new chapter for the 3-D printing and rapid prototyping industry," said Adina Shorr, CEO of Objet. The machine is capable of producing both rigid and flexible material, and can create polypropylene-like surfaces. Honestly, the process the Connex500 uses is pretty complicated stuff, but you really only need to understand one basic fact: you will never again be missing a piece from your chess set. Hit the read link and get all the technical details on your next pricey purchase.
More About: Gadgets , Multi , Printer , Material , Materia

Patent Office upholds Tivo's "time warp" patent, EchoStar not so happy
2007-11-30 10:49:00
The long-running dispute between Tivo and EchoStar inched a little closer to resolution today, with the United States Patent Office issuing a non-appealable ruling saying that Tivo's DVR-enabling "time warp" patent is valid. You might remember that Tivo sued EchoStar for violating that patent in Dish Network DVRs at the beginning of 2006, and won a $90M judgment and an injunction requiring EchoStar to turn off existing DVR functionality and stop selling DVRs in the future. That injunction was then stayed pending EchoStar's appeals before the Patent Office and the Federal Court of Appeals, so sadly, this ruling doesn't mean the case is over yet -- now it's the Court of Appeals' turn to try and sort this out.[Thanks, Dennis]
More About: Time , Happy , Warp

Philips enters the notebook game in Brazil
2007-11-29 11:14:00
Details are pretty sketchy right now, but it looks like Philips is set to release its first two notebooks in Brazil in December. The two models both fall on the smaller end of the scale, with an 11-inch magnesium alloy model rocking a U2400 Core Duo, a 120GB disk, 1GB of RAM and a dual-layer burner for R$5499 ($2477), and a piano black 13-inch model (pictured) sporting a T7300 Core 2 Duo, a 120GB disk, a dual layer burner and 2GB of RAM for R$3,999 ($2165). We're still looking for model numbers, but Philips says these were developed "specifically for the Brazilian market," so don't expect to see them turning up Stateside anytime soon. Check a pic of the 11-inch model at the read link.[Thanks, Felipe]
More About: Notebook , Game , Hili

"Sphericals" project takes DIY speakers to eye-catching new levels
2007-11-29 11:09:00
While the idea of DIY speakers may not strike most folks as the type of thing they'd want to show off in their living room, the so-called "Sphericals" project from Parts Express puts as much emphasis on form as on function, and should at least appeal to those with more adventuresome taste. For the latter part of the equation, Parts Express relied on standard off-the-shelf components (which they'll gladly sell you), but for the former, they pulled parts from wherever they could get 'em, including steel tubing, some candle-making molds, and even the odd frying pan. Audiophiles will likely want to steer clear, however, as Parts Express only describes the speakers' sound as "pretty good," but the rest of you up for a challenge can find all the information you need to build your own by hitting up the read link below.[Via Audio Junkies]
More About: Project , Speakers , Eye Catching

College course via mobile phone being offered in Japan
2007-11-29 11:08:00
Finally, your greatest and weirdest dream can be realized. Besides being able to check your Facebook account, email your girlfriend, call your Mom on the holidays, or play a Java version of Golden Axe, you can take a college class via your mobile phone. The questionably named Cyber University in Japan has begun offering a mobile class on the "mysteries of the pyramids," but instead of a typical PC's display of text, images, sound, and video, the mobile version offers a streaming Power Point presentation on the topic. The university -- 71-percent of which is owned by Softbank, a mobile service provider -- has 1,850 students, and offers almost 100 courses, though only one is available for phones. Sakuji Yoshimura, head of Cyber University, says that the technology will allow those with jobs or who have disabilities greater access to education. "Our duty as educators is to respond to the needs of people who want to learn," he said -- then went on to add, "Even if the course is interru...
More About: Mobile , Phone , College , Mobile Phone

Micron reveals RealSSD lineup of 32GB / 64GB SSDs
2007-11-29 11:07:00
Check it -- we've got a new entrant in the ever-expanding solid state disc market, and it goes by the name Micron . The firm's first SSD lineup (dubbed RealSSD) will feature a native SATA II interface, a rugged, lightweight plastic casing, and suck down less than two-watts of power while active. Furthermore, the units will come in both 1.8- and 2.5-inch iterations, with a 32GB and 64GB flavor to be available in each size. The newly launched family is expected to slip into mass production in Q1 of next year, and on a related note, the 1GB to 8GB RealSSD Embedded USB range -- which is slated to ship en masse next month -- was also introduced. We know, you've hung around this long just to get the low down on pricing, but unfortunately, Micron has yet to dole out that oh-so-crucial information.
More About: Storage , Lineup

Toshiba hops on bandwagon, plants Carbon Zero Scheme
2007-11-29 11:00:00
Considering that (practically) every other mega-corp on the planet is doing something related to environmental conservatism, Toshiba is making sure it's not left behind. Consequently, the outfit has crafted the Carb on Zero Scheme, which allows customers (or philanthropists) to donate £1.18 ($2.43) in exchange for Toshiba "offsetting the lifetime carbon footprint of one's laptop." Interestingly, you don't actually have to purchase a new machine in order to participate, so you can still squash the guilt you're currently feeling as you gaze at the LCD of your five-month old, non-offset lappie. For each donation, the company will plant trees in a dedicated area in Cumbria, and you can supposedly rest easy knowing that you've done a small part to look after Mother Earth.[Via RegHardware]
More About: Plants

YelloMosquito delivers Qingbar Gp300: the wireless HMD
2007-11-27 14:16:00
Although you may not be familiar with Yello Mosquito, chances are you're totally aware of the business that 22Moo is in. Turns out, the former is simply a division of the latter, which is busy boasting about the Qingbar Gp300. 'Course, we've known that completely wireless head-mounted displays were in the works, but YM is claiming that these unsightly things are the world's first cordless LCOS video glasses to feature a built-in media player complete with DivX support. Reportedly, users can enjoy getting mocked while watching a 50-inch virtual screen, and they can load up their files via the built-in miniSD slot. If you just can't resist the urge to relive your Virtual Boy glory days, you can pre-order the December-bound unit now for $299 -- otherwise, you'll be laying down a Benjamin more (or smartly saving a mint) when it ships en masse.[Image courtesy of YelloMosquito]
More About: Wireless , Displays

Nyko's Perfect Shot Wiimote accessory -- less toy, more gun
2007-11-27 14:15:00
Those who found the Zapper a tad too childish for their sadistic imaginations should probably adore Nyko 's alternative, as the Perfect Shot Gun doesn't dumb down its appearance whatsoever. Rather, this Wiimote attachment resembles an actual pistol in most every way -- save for the plastic shell, vivid accents and its inability to fire actual bullets -- and it even features a pass-through port for the nunchuck / classic controller. Regrettably, it seems that this one won't be shipping in time for the holidays (unless Amazon's fibbing), but don't let that slow you down from paying your $12.99 and counting down the days till it hits your doorstep.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
More About: Accessory

Google gDisk to become official service?
2007-11-27 14:14:00
We've all toyed around with those gDisk exploits in the past right? You know, those programs which turned the left-over storage from your Google GMail account into a remote hard drive. Good, because The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google plans to launch a remote storage service as early as "a few months from now." Or so say "people familiar with the matter." While a Google spokeswoman refused to comment on specific storage plans, she did say, "storage is an important component of making Web [applications] fit easily into consumers' and business users' lives." The service would be free (GMail already tops 5GB of free storage) with additional storage available for a fee. Interesting when you consider the launch of Android, Google's possible bid for a chunk of 700MHz spectrum and rumored interest in Sprint's WiMax infrastructure. Hell, perhaps this might even kickoff that rumored .Mac overhaul you faithful subscribers have been waiting (and waiting) for.
More About: Service , Storage , Official

Toyota makes vehicles communicate with surroundings to prevent collisions
2007-11-27 14:12:00
We've already seen Intelligent Transport Systems discussed ad nauseum when referring to Nissan, but now Toyota is taking the time to demonstrate its latest advancements in vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems. Put simply, the aforementioned ITS technologies are being tapped to "enable communication between cars and elements of their surroundings in an effort to reduce collisions." Complementing the massive simulator also on display, the automaker was demonstrating its strides in implementing road-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian-to-vehicle communications, which can warn drivers via audio / visual cues and even slow the vehicle's speed in order to prevent an accident. Sadly, Toyota failed to mention when we'd see these newfangled safety features integrated into civilian rides, but we can't wait to wave such niceties in the face of our insurance companies as we campaign for lower rates.[Via FarEastGizmos]
More About: Transportation , Vehicles , Communicate

Shimura's full metal iPod jacket is born to kill
2007-11-27 14:08:00
Practical? No. Still, there's something about this Shimura full metal iPod jacket which makes us want to love it long time. It ships direct from Japan for something like ¥17,900 (about $165). Yeah, that's bit fubar.[Via Akihabara News]
More About: Metal , Gadgets , Ipod , Jacket , Full

Meizu M8 MiniOne to debut at CES in January?
2007-11-26 11:35:00
Listen fellas, are you sure you want to venture onto US soil with this thing? 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.[Via myminiOne and Meizu Me]
More About: Handhelds , Debut

The Murider dancing media robot: so apropos
2007-11-26 11:34:00
Check your servos Rolly and Miuro, there's a new media playing robot in town by the foreboding name of "Murider." 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. Details are scant but it's said to stand (not roll) and a bust out a little dance with appropriately timed flashing lights. Oh, and it'll do so for a fraction of the price of its peers. Just don't be surprised to find little rolly muttering "Redirum, redirum" in response to this budget repetition of past events.
More About: Dancing , Media , Robot , Tech , Prop

EIZO's 24-inch FlexScan for the colorblind
2007-11-26 11:33:00
Eizo's back with a new 24-inch Flexscan SX2461W-U monitor for the colorblind color-weak chromatically sight challenged interpeoples. It chews the same CUD (Color Universal Design) technology of their 19-incher which uses shapes, positions, patterns, and so on to communicate color information back to the user. The monitor itself is capable of 92% color reproduction on a 1,920 x 1200 panel with 850:1 contrast and 300cd/m2 brightness. It will source input from a pair of HDCP-enabled DVI jacks while passing USB back to your PC with a pair of USB 2.0 ports. Available in Japan starting December 6 for ¥136,000 or about $1,047 of the green stuff, or blue stuff, depending.[Via Akihabara News]
More About: Displays , Inch , Colorblind