Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Zer01 Mobile's a nomad, will roam with a variety of carriers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/24/zer01-mobiles-a-nomad-will-roam-with-a-variety-of-carriers/

It won't make much of a difference to the end user -- all they'll care is that they're getting unlimited voice and data for under $70 a month -- but it turns out that Zer01 Mobile's upcoming VoIP-based service won't be using AT&T alone to provide service. Instead, it'll have service agreements in place with a number of GSM carriers -- nationals and regionals alike, we'd imagine -- in an effort to keep its costs low. Because all voice calls will travel over VoIP instead of GSM or UMTS proper, it seems like things could get a little dicey if you find yourself on a crappy EDGE (or worse yet, GPRS) connection, but hey, just keep telling yourself: "$69.95."

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds, Wireless

Zer01 Mobile's a nomad, will roam with a variety of carriers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seagate unveils 6TB BlackArmor NAS

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/24/seagate-unveils-6tb-blackarmor-nas/

It's been a hot minute since we've seen a NAS from Seagate, and now we have news that the company is launching not one but two new secure storage devices. Both the BlackArmor NAS 420 and NAS 440 are billed as "fully-contained, out-of-box solutions with user-serviceable, [tool-less] hot-swappable drives that are RAID-configurable 0/1/5/10 arrays," designed to scale up to 50 workstations. The devices both sport a 1.2GHz processor, 256MB memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, they feature CIFS, NFS, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, Bonjour, Microsoft Rally network, and Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory, Access Control List (ACL), volume-level encryption, an iTunes server, and a DLNA-compliant digital media server. Available now, the 420 has a total storage capacity of 2TB and an MSRP of $799.99. The 440 is available either in a 4TB version for $1,199.99 or a 6TB version for $1,699.99. An 8TB version is due out in May.

Update: To clarify, Nas doesn't endorse this product in any way. We just thought this would make a killer Photoshop.

Continue reading Seagate unveils 6TB BlackArmor NAS

Filed under: Storage

Seagate unveils 6TB BlackArmor NAS originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP set to introduce 16-inch AMD-based dv6z laptop

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/24/hp-set-to-introduce-16-inch-amd-based-dv6z-laptop/

There's not exactly an abundance of details on this one just yet, but it looks like HP is set to introduce an AMD-based counterpart to its recently refreshed, Intel-based dv6t laptop, which will make the already affordable laptop even less expensive. Apparently, the AMD-based dv6z will start at just $599.99, which will be knocked down a bit further with a $30 coupon at launch, and further sweetened by a free HP DeskJet printer that'll be available with a mail-in rebate. Unfortunately, there's no word at all on specs, though you will at least be able to get the dv6z in the same Espresso Black or Moonlight White color options as the dv6t, with the latter still demanding a $25 premium.

Filed under: Laptops

HP set to introduce 16-inch AMD-based dv6z laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IOGEAR puts four USB devices on your network with USB Net ShareStation

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/24/iogear-puts-four-usb-devices-on-your-network-with-usb-net-shares/

We've seen a few devices that put your existing USB external hard drives on home networks, but IOGEAR's latest contraption does that crowd one better. The 4-Port USB Net ShareStation (shown left) enables everyone with access to a local network to access four USB devices (HDDs, printers, scanners, drink coolers, etc.), and moreover, that access can be cord-free if the hub is plugged into a wireless router. In other news, the outfit has revealed the 2-Port USB 2.0 Printer Auto Sharing Switch (shown right), which it describes as the "only automatic printer switch compatible with Macs and PCs." Both devices should be scattered across office supply stores by the end of this month for $99.95 and $39.95, respectively.

Filed under: Peripherals

IOGEAR puts four USB devices on your network with USB Net ShareStation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell unveils Nehalem-based Precision T3500, T5500, and T7500 workstations, EqualLogic PS6000S solid state storage arrays

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/24/dell-unveils-nehalem-based-precision-t3500-t5500-and-t7500-wor/

Well, what do we have here? An industry source has sent along information and images for a trio of new Dell Precision workstations using Intel's Nehalem architecture. The T3500 (starts at $999) sports up to 24GB DDR3 ECC memory. Just above that, we've got the T5500 (starts at $1,620) with up to 72GB of memory and dual socket Intel Xeon. Meanwhile, granddaddy T7500 (pictured; starts at $1,800) boasts 192GB of three-channel DDR3 ECC memory up to 1066 or 1333MHz, dual native Gen 2 PCIe graphics slots and supports NVIDIA SLI technology. All models feature an E-SATA port, up to 1.5TB SATA HDD, dual / quad monitor support, DisplayPort connectors, and for those trying to keep some assemblance of eco friendliness, these are all Energy Star 5.0 compliant. We also caught wind of new EqualLogic PS6000 and SSD-equipped PS6000S storage arrays, which start at around $17,000 and $25,000, respectively. Interests piqued? Hit up the gallery below for some pics. Update: Dell releases the official presser for the PS6000S.

Gallery: Dell Nehalem-based Precision T3500, T5500, and T7500 workstations, EqualLogic PS6000S solid state storage arrays

Filed under: Desktops, Storage

Dell unveils Nehalem-based Precision T3500, T5500, and T7500 workstations, EqualLogic PS6000S solid state storage arrays originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile webConnect available today, carrier's first 3G modem

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/t-mobile-webconnect-available-today-carriers-first-3g-modem/

"T-Mobile USA" and "3G modem" aren't two things you frequently heard uttered in the same sentence -- but now that the number four carrier's got a budding HSPA network that's all dressed up with no place to go, it's time to start rolling out some serious hardware (G1 aside) to take advantage. On that note, T-Mobile's finally getting serious about laptop data, launching its rumored webConnect USB stick today with an integrated microSDHC slot, HSDPA 1900 / 2100 / AWS for compatibility in the US and abroad, and triband EDGE for those times -- and there will be many at first -- when you're out of 3G coverage. The webConnect launches today for $49.99 on a two-year contract after rebate or $249.99 contract-free.

Filed under: Wireless

T-Mobile webConnect available today, carrier's first 3G modem originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: OnLive gaming demonstrated live, network latency discussed

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/video-onlive-streaming-game-demonstrated/

After yesterday's announcement, we've all wanted a first-hand look at OnLive's gaming performance. Can Steve Perlman, the creator of QuickTime and WebTV, really "change the landscape of the Games industry" using OnLive's new interactive video compression algorithm? Latency through the algorithm is just 1-ms instead of the 0.5- to 0.75-second lag inherent in conventional compression algorithms used in corporate video conferencing solutions, for example. While OnLive's backend servers do the heavy crunching, pretty much any PC or Mac has the power to decompress the video at what's perceived to be real-time. As Steve puts it, "video is trivial for us now." The demo starts at about 10 minutes into the video and looks damn impressive running on a Dell Studio 15 (16 minutes in) -- yes, it runs Crysis. Controlled yes, but very, very promising. See for yourself in the video after the break.

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for the Beta starting this summer.

Update: During the Q&A, the very real concern of network latency was raised (35:20 into the video). Perlman said that OnLive will work with a data center that is about 1,000 miles away from DSL or cable connections (probably 1,500 miles away with fiber). OnLive data centers already exist on the left and right coasts in the US with a 3rd coming on-line in the mid-west. When streamed to gamers in Australia "just for fun," OnLive found that "you can kind of play the game, but you see the lag."

Continue reading Video: OnLive gaming demonstrated live, network latency discussed

Filed under: Gaming

Video: OnLive gaming demonstrated live, network latency discussed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fallon Launches 'Life-streaming' Tool: Skimmer @bmorrissey - http://ping.fm/ooKXm

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

the greater efficiency of "digital" advertising means the overall advertising "pie" will shrink (less waste) - http://ping.fm/qA4WF

for every dollar taken out of traditional advertising, 50 cents or less will be put back into "digital" - the overall advertising "pie" will shrink - http://ping.fm/qA4WF

Monday, March 23, 2009

What the iPhone Has Needed All Along is Coming: Sparkle, A 3D Virtual World [IPhone Apps]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/dHbyjLNAbic/what-the-iphone-has-needed-all-along-is-coming-sparkle-a-3d-virtual-world

A company called Genkii is hoping to rope a chunk of the 40-million worldwide web-connected phones and iTouches into a new 3D avatar-based virtual world, Sparkle. Too bad virtual worlds died around 4 years ago.

Genkii appear to have had Sparkle in the works for quite some time, but they must have spat out whatever drink they were drinking at the time when Apple announced their inter-app micro-commerce structure for iPhone 3.0, which is perfectly tailored to Second Life's "pay 65 cents, increase penis length by 200%" mini economy.

Currently, Genkii has a $5 IM app in the App Store that ties into your Second Life IM account. They hope to expand their actual standalone virtual world later this year, preserving the ability to tie into pre-existing worlds like Second Life and Playstation Home.

If there is anyone out there who can't wait to get a mini avatar on their iPhone, buy it clothes and an apartment, and seek out other mini avatars to IM with, forgive my skepticism. But I think Sparkle has missed the boat by about a half decade. We'll see what happens. [TechCrunch]

ASUS CEO: Fold / Unfold laptop will cost between $1,000 and $1,500

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/21/asus-ceo-fold-unfold-laptop-will-cost-between-1-000-and-1-5/

We had already heard that ASUS' Fold / Unfold laptop concept -- which we originally spotted at CES in January -- would be shipping later this year, but that little fact just got a lot more official. In an interview with TechRadar, ASUS CEO Jerry Shen confessed that this very machine would be shipping in the September to October time frame, and that the end-user price would be "somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500." Just make sure we're not stuck with integrated graphics and we'll be pleased as punch, okay Jerry?

[Via Notebook Choice]

Filed under: Laptops

ASUS CEO: Fold / Unfold laptop will cost between $1,000 and $1,500 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scientists purportedly improve blue OLED efficiency by 25%

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/scientists-purportedly-improve-blue-oled-efficiency-by-25/

The holy grail of OLED is upon us. With scientists around the world working to improve efficiency of the short-lived blue OLED in order to better align with lifespans of the green and red counterparts, a team from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has reportedly taken a huge leap in solving the whole thing. These gurus have conjured up new host materials for a blue phosphorescent OLED that's at least 25 percent more efficient than existing blue OLEDs, but regrettably, details beyond that are few and far between. Word on the street has it that PNNL scientists are expected to gather and discuss the findings before heading to a meeting of the American Chemical Society later this spring, and we'll be crossing our fingers that whatever they've found is both a) cheap and b) easily implementable.

[Via OLED-Display]

Filed under: Displays, HDTV

Scientists purportedly improve blue OLED efficiency by 25% originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's NC310 netbook with claimed 11-hour battery

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/samsungs-nc310-netbook-with-claimed-11-hour-battery/

Oh look, a "new" netbook. New on the outside anyway. Within, Samsung's NC310 offers the typical 1GB of memory, 10.1-inch LCD, 160GB disk, 5-hour battery, 802.11b/g WiFi, 1.3-megapixel camera, HSDPA data, and WiBRO (mobile WiMAX) too if you live in SoKo. A claimed 11-hour enhanced battery is certainly intriguing and perhaps Sammy's got a surprise or two in store with the unannounced processor, graphics, and price when the NC310 goes global "pretty soon," according to Akihabara News. Available in teal and mauve because country kitchens motifs never go out of style.

Filed under: Laptops

Samsung's NC310 netbook with claimed 11-hour battery originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's NC10 successor, the N110, announced and reviewed

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/23/samsungs-nc10-successor-the-n110-announced-and-reviewed/

Samsung's NC10 successor, the N110, announced and reviewed

There's nothing like a little surprise to get the week off on the right foot, so thanks to Samsung for getting us rolling by sneaking a successor to its venerable NC10 netbook straight into the willing hands of Laptop Magazine, where it was stealthily given the full review treatment. From what we can tell this new N110 is mainly a style refresh, offering the same keyboard 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, memory, and storage of the NC10, as well as the bigger battery and more usable touchpad the company added to the recent special edition -- now clad in a sophisticated, red-rimmed, matte exterior. With battery life topping eight hours in real-world usage, and a price of $469, this one picks up where its predecessor left off and seems like a good choice for those who want a little more style with their netbooking -- or who are too impatient to wait for the NC20.

Filed under: Laptops

Samsung's NC10 successor, the N110, announced and reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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