Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

LG Digital Photo Frame TV makes sure there's always something on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/lg-digital-photo-frame-tv-makes-sure-theres-always-something-on/

Having triumphed over all concerns about what to do while your HDTV is on, LG has turned its focus to what happens when you switch your display off. The 47-inch Digital Photo TV flicks over to a low power idle memory mode, using 10-15 percent the power it would while on and displays a static picture like fine art, vacation pics, or perhaps that picture on Facebook your friend simply won't stop tagging you in no matter how many times you tell them you could get in really big trouble if anyone ever notices when and where it was taken. They're calling this a concept display, but we wouldn't at all be surprised to see televisions sliding into the digital photo frame space sooner rather than later. Check out the full release after the break.

Continue reading LG Digital Photo Frame TV makes sure there's always something on

Filed under: CES, Displays, HDTV

LG Digital Photo Frame TV makes sure there's always something on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI's upgraded Wind U100 gets tested and overclocked

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/msis-upgraded-wind-u100-gets-tested-and-overclocked/

While the original Wind U100 has stooped below $350 in many shops, the upgraded version -- complete with a 160GB hard drive and a much needed 6-cell battery -- is currently going for around $420. The PC abusers over at HotHardware managed to get this slab onto their testing bench, and test they did. After applying the recently released v1.09 BIOS, which enables press-of-a-button overclocking, they found that it worked remarkably well. In fact, they noted that this feature alone placed the Wind a step above its rivals for those who appreciate even minor increases in speed. They even went so far as to benchmark the OC'd machine against a standard U100 and a few other competitors, but we won't ruin the surprise by blurting out the results here. Have a gander at the read link for more, but don't blame us if you come away with an unexpected urge to buy a netbook.

Filed under: Laptops

MSI's upgraded Wind U100 gets tested and overclocked originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phoenix Technologies relaunches HyperSpace instant-on OS: now tastier, widely available

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/phoenix-technologies-relaunches-hyperspace-instant-on-os-now-ta/

Not that we've never seen this phenomenon before, but Phoenix Technologies' HyperSpace embedded OS was forgotten just about as quickly as it was introduced. Here at CES -- over a year since we first heard of the software -- it's being relaunched in very much official glory. Starting today, HyperSpace for Consumers can be downloaded directly onto any laptop in two flavors: Hybrid ($59.95 annually or $149.95 for three years) or Dual ($39.95 annually or $99.95 for three years). The former taps into the virtual technology in many Intel and AMD CPUs in order to let users toggle between systems; the latter forces you to stay in one or the other. Also of note, HyperSpace for Netbooks will begin shipping on pre-fab machines in just a few months, with Acer already signed on as a partner. The full release is after the break, and check out Laptop's hands-on at the read link.

Continue reading Phoenix Technologies relaunches HyperSpace instant-on OS: now tastier, widely available

Filed under: CES, Laptops

Phoenix Technologies relaunches HyperSpace instant-on OS: now tastier, widely available originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC not done with non-touchscreens yet, brings S743 to US market

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/htc-not-done-with-non-touchscreens-yet-brings-s743-to-us-market/

We'd never pegged the S740 as the kind of phone HTC would be looking to bring to the New World; it's an oddball by modern Windows Mobile standards, shucking the touchy, feely trend for a traditional numeric keypad that reminds us of a simpler, more innocent time. Miracles can and do happen from time to time, though -- and on that note we give you the S743, a dead ringer for the S740 that's had its Euro-friendly 3G gutted and replaced with HSDPA 850 / 1900 for North American use. It's got WinMo 6.1 Standard, a 2.4-inch QVGA display, and faceted styling inspired by the Touch Diamond, but the S743's real claim to fame is its slide-out QWERTY keyboard for those moments when triple-tapping and predictive text just aren't going to cut it. Look for this sucker to invade US retailers some time this quarter.

Filed under: Cellphones, CES, Handhelds

HTC not done with non-touchscreens yet, brings S743 to US market originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wrist-worn flexible OLED prototype is for the military, but kids like it too

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/wrist-worn-flexible-oled-prototype-is-for-the-military-but-kids/

Wrist-worn flexible OLED prototype is for the military, but kids like it too

Flexible OLED displays are becoming more and more commonplace (and festive), despite not actually being available in any devices you can buy just yet. When that day finally comes, Universal Display Corporation thinks one of those gadgets will be something like the above: a wearable, flexible, 4-inch prototype screen that CES attendees will be able to check out and maybe even try on -- albeit uncomfortably. It's been developed with military applications in mind (they always get the cool stuff first), but bendy consumer devices are naturally envisioned as well. There's no word on when we'll start seeing them in passports or flexi-phones, but we're thinking we have a while to wait yet.

[Warning: PDF link; via OLED-DISPLAY.net]

Filed under: Displays, Wearables

Wrist-worn flexible OLED prototype is for the military, but kids like it too originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's skinny Blu-ray player uncovered

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/samsungs-skinny-blu-ray-player-uncovered/

Stop staring at the plastic wrapped photos from our pre-CES tour and have a look at Samsung's totally uncovered 1.5-inch thick Blu-ray player. The BDP4600 is sure to kick off an all new battle of "thin for thin's sake" amongst CE manufacturers, but honestly, given the emphasis on design or complete lack thereof on most Blu-ray hardware so far, this can't come a moment too soon. What does it do? Your guess is as good as ours, until Samsung decides to let loose with the specifications.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Samsung's skinny Blu-ray player uncovered originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MM200 micro projector seeks integration within cellphones, cameras

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/3ms-mm200-micro-projector-seeks-integration-within-cellphones/

The MPro110 has picked up some pretty positive vibes in the burgeoning pico projector market, but 3M is already looking well beyond that. At this year's CES, the company is debuting the LCoS-based MM200, a micro projection engine that is destined to find its way into cellphones, handheld accessories and digital cameras of the future. Reportedly, the device can project a 50-inch image while only drawing a single watt of power, and best of all, it'll be "available for consumer purchase in 2009." Yeah, as in, this year. One more look is after the break.

Continue reading 3M's MM200 micro projector seeks integration within cellphones, cameras

Filed under: CES, Displays

3M's MM200 micro projector seeks integration within cellphones, cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple unveils all-new 17-inch MacBook Pro

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/apple-unveils-all-new-17-inch-macbook-pro/

Apple just confirmed the totally expected yet eagerly anticipated unibody 17-inch MacBook Pro. They're calling it the world's thinnest and lightest 17-inch laptop. It features a 1900 x 1200 LED backlit display, with a 700:1 contrast ratio, wider color gamut and a glorious $50 matte option. Most of the specs are otherwise quite similar to the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but unfortunately Apple went with a MBA-style non-removable battery, claiming that the lack of removable mechanism allowed for more battery -- they're speccing it at 8 hours of lithium polymer juice on integrated graphics, 7 hours on discrete, and it's rated at 1000 recharges. There will also be an exchange program, like with the iPod. The base model hits at $2799, spec breakdown and more shots after the break.

Gallery: MacBook Pro 17

MacBook Pro 17

MacBook Pro 17

MacBook Pro 17

MacBook Pro 17

MacBook Pro 17

Continue reading Apple unveils all-new 17-inch MacBook Pro

Filed under: Laptops

Apple unveils all-new 17-inch MacBook Pro originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eos Wireless' Converge system streams audio all over your home

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/eos-wireless-converge-system-streams-audio-all-over-your-home/

Considering that Eos Wireless is introducing its Converge wireless audio system at Macworld, it follows logic that the press release is geared towards Apple kit. So yeah, there's no question this stuff will stream jams from your iPod, iPhone, Apple TV or Mac to any room in the house, but you should also know that the system plays nice with the anti-Apple (but pro-USB / auxiliary port) crowd as well. It promises a wireless range of 150 feet, and it seems to be available in a variety of "Groups" depending on how complex or simplistic your home setup is. Look for the components to ship in March for as low as $89.95 per piece.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless

Eos Wireless' Converge system streams audio all over your home originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk outs Gen 2 pSSDs for blossoming netbook sector

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/sandisk-outs-gen-2-pssds-for-blossoming-netbook-sector/

SanDisk's Gen 1 pSSDs just starting shipping in August, but already we're staring at the successors. Here at CES, the outfit has introduced its Gen 2 pSSD lineup, which is comprised of the pSSD-P2 and pSSD-S2. Said drives are aimed at low-cost PCs (netbooks, in particular) as well as commercial applications such as POS terminals, printers and ATMs. Unfortunately, "aggressively priced" is as close as we're getting to an actual sticker, though we are told that they'll be available in 8/16/32/64GB capacities as early as next month.

Filed under: CES, Storage

SanDisk outs Gen 2 pSSDs for blossoming netbook sector originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D-Link's DCS-1130 WiFi monitoring camera sends footage to the web

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/06/d-links-dcs-1130-wifi-monitoring-camera-sends-footage-to-the-we/

Yeah, it's kind of creepy, but we're sure D-Link had the noblest of intentions when crafting the DCS-1130 802.11n Wireless Network Camera. Said device offers paranoid homeowners the chance to login from practically anywhere and view live streams of their camera, and the 16x digital zoom is sure to give you a totally pixelated look at whatever stranger happens to meander around in your yard before moving on. Better still, those who simply can't go a moment without a look back home can view the live streams on a 3G cellphone, though a wireless router supporting WPS must be involved in the configuration. Mum's the word on a price, but it should be noted that a wired-only version (DCS-1100) will also be available for those who don't trust the airwaves.

Filed under: CES, Digital Cameras, Household, Networking

D-Link's DCS-1130 WiFi monitoring camera sends footage to the web originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, January 05, 2009

Dropbox Updates Its Web Interface, Adds Drag and Drop [File Synchronization]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/tgbNkOt67MI/dropbox-updates-its-web-interface-adds-drag-and-drop

The free, cross-platform application Dropbox—which readers voted the best file syncing tool available—has updated its web interface, adding new and improved navigation and drag-and-drop support for all the files and folders in your Dropbox. If you're looking for ways to put your Dropbox account to good use after the holidays, the photos section of their web interface offers a simple way to get started sharing photos with anyone, whether they use Dropbox or not.

Bail Out of Your Cellphone Contract by Trading It [Cellphones]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/kPw2UmFJpBE/bail-out-of-your-cellphone-contract-by-trading-it

Buried in the fine print of many cellphone contracts is a bit about how you can transfer your plan to someone else—and you can find that someone online.

The NY Times reports on Celltradeusa.com and Cellswapper.com, two web services who match up people who want out of their contracts with folks who want in.

Why exactly would you want someone else's cellphone contract? Simple: you can get fairly new devices and accessories, often free, without having to swallow a two-year commitment or pay an activation fee of $35. This is especially useful to those who are waiting for a new device to hit the market but do not want to spring for a new phone in the meantime.

The two sites charge a service fee, but one that's a lot less than the penalty for ending your contract prematurely. Anyone use either swap site to get out or into a cellphone contract? Let us know in the comments.

Phone Smart - Want to Dump That Cellphone Contract? Trade It [NYTimes.com]

Stanza Turns Your iPhone into a Kindle [Featured IPhone Download]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/a6nK_Z0xnyU/stanza-turns-your-iphone-into-a-kindle

iPhone/iPod touch only: If recession budgeting meant choosing an iPhone/iPod touch over a Kindle when the dust cleared this holiday season, you're in luck: Stanza is a free and fantastic ebook reader for your iPhone.

The free application comes pre-loaded with several sources for downloading free or public domain books (including the entire Project Gutenberg library), so you can easily download books like The Art of War, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, or Walden in just a few seconds without spending a dime.

However, if you want to get new books, Stanza also comes with a bookstore with which you can purchase popular new titles as well. Prices range from $8 to $15 based on the books I browsed. The reader itself is fully customizable, so if you don't like the standard black text on white background look, you can just as easily pick something that suits you. Stanza is a free download for the iPhone or iPod touch.

If you can't imagine reading from your iPhone or iPod touch in public, consider turning your iPhone into a Moleskine book so it still appears to onlookers like you're reading dead-tree style.

Stanza [iTunes App Store via Wired]

New Year's Deal: Get 24 Months of Hosting + Domain for $11 [Deals]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/zl8KjHtPP0g/new-years-deal-get-24-months-of-hosting-%252B-domain-for-11

DreamHost is running a New Year's promotion right now. 95% off a 2 year hosting agreement which works out to $10.47.

QuickOnlineTips posted a promotion code earlier today that gives you a steep 95% discount off the 24 month package from DreamHost. Use the promotional code 202 when prompted for a promo code during checkout. For $10.47 you get unlimited transfers, bandwidth, a free domain registration and all the perks that come with a full account like unlimited MySQL databases, email accounts, and domain hosting. DreamHost also has a plug and play web control panel for quickly adding in popular components like WordPress. Disclosure: after reading about the affiliate program it would appear that QuickOnlineTips benefits directly from people using their promotional code. I'm perfectly comfortable with that for web hosting that costs $0.44 a month. If you're wondering what kind of experiences other Lifehacker readers have had with DreamHost, read over the comments on Call for Help: Reliable and Affordable Web Hosting? If you're wondering how to take advantage of a cheap web host, check out the Top 10 Way to put Your Remote Server to Good Use.

Dreamhost 95% Off New Year Hosting Sale [QuickOnlineTips]

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