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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

OWC rolls out USB 2.0 display adapter for Macs and PCs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/owc-rolls-out-usb-2-0-display-adapter-for-macs-and-pcs/

It's hardly the first product of its kind, but we're guessing there's still plenty of folks out there ready to jump on OWC's new USB 2.0 display adapter, which will let you add up to six monitors to your Mac or PC. As with similar products, however, you will be slightly limited in terms of resolution, with the adapter topping out at 1600x1200 for standard monitors and 1680x1050 for widescreen displays, although you will get full 32-bit color and, of course, your choice of mirrored or extended display settings. What's more, in addition to the main USB to DVI adapter, you'll also get a DVI to VGA and a DVI to HDMI swivel adapter right in the package, plus a regular USB cable -- all for $99.

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals

OWC rolls out USB 2.0 display adapter for Macs and PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/amimons-second-gen-whdi-spec-does-full-uncompressed-1080p/

AMIMON, the company behind the wireless HD technology (WHDI) in Belkin's FlyWire (among other devices), has just introduced its second-generation chipset. The device, which utilizes video modem technology operating in the 5GHz unlicensed band, consists of the new AMN 2120 transmitter and AMN 2220 receiver, both of which are angling to slip into set-top-boxes, HDTVs and all sorts of other HDMI-enabled devices in short order. AMIMON asserts that this chipset is the first capable of "delivering full uncompressed 1080p/60Hz HD content throughout the entire home," with a range of beyond 100 feet through walls, under one millisecond of latency and support for HDCP 2.0. Best of all, the new kit is available now for manufacturers to snap up, so for the legions of consumers waiting for someone to get wireless HD right, let us say this: "get to snapping." The full release is after the break.

Continue reading AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Wireless

AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA: 40 Atom-based ION platforms by end of 2009

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/nvidia-40-atom-based-ion-platforms-by-end-of-2009/

After being let down by the Atom 230 processor in our review of the Ion-based AspireRevo, we're comforted by NVIDIA's promise of more Atom / Ion configurations on the horizon. Forty of 'em by the end of the year including some based on the beefier dual-core Atom 330 processor just like this ASUS reference design that NVIDIA was showing off earlier today. Of course, the Computex show in Taipei (kicking off June 2nd) would be the obvious venue for such a full scale assault against Intel's GMA lethargy. Fortunately, Engadget Chinese will be on point to witness the carnage.

[Via Tweaktown]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

NVIDIA: 40 Atom-based ION platforms by end of 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Level One MobilSpot portable router shares 3G data over WiFi

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/level-one-mobilspot-router-shares-3g-data-over-wifi/

This isn't the first portable 3G router we've seen, but it certainly has the most convoluted name: the LevelOne 3G MobilSpot Portable Wireless HotSpot (WBR-3800) by CP Technologies. Just slot your EV-DO or HSDPA data card into the router's CardBus or USB interfaces and you've got an instant portable network for sharing to any 802.11b/g WiFi or Ethernet device. A 10/100Mbps WAN jack lets it double as your home router with auto-switching 3G backup for those of you with particularly troublesome DSL/Cable providers. The device measures 129 x 124 x 32mm (which isn't that small) but costs a reasonable $149.

Filed under: Networking

Level One MobilSpot portable router shares 3G data over WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung intros drop-dead gorgeous SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 camcorders

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/samsung-intros-drop-dead-gorgeous-smx-c14-and-smx-c10-camcorders/

We knew Samsung had a good thing going with the HMX-R10, and sure enough, that stylish has rubbed off heavily on the company's newest pair. The MX-C14 and SMX-C10 are both "ergonomic" camcorders which boast the company's Touch of Color finish and the practically iconic Active Angle Lens. Specs wise, we're told that they include include a 10x optical zoomer, Hyper Image Stabilization (oxymoron much?) and a 230,000-dot, swiveling 2.7-inch wide LCD screen. Strangely (and inexcusably, really), Sammy failed to mention what resolution these capture at, so we could be looking at two 4K RED competitors or VGA shooters that can't even outdo those uninspiring offerings from DXG. At any rate, we're told that the C14 comes with 16GB of internal flash along with an SD / SDHC expansion slot, while the C10 gets by with just a slot. Finally, both units include one-touch YouTube uploads and just under three hours of life on a single charge; they'll splash down this July for undisclosed amounts.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Samsung intros drop-dead gorgeous SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 camcorders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trying, but not buying -- Nielsen: Twitter�s audience is exploding; but 60% don't return the next month - http://tinyurl.com/dcvlxe

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Seagate Replica does automatic, incremental backup for the everyman

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/seagate-replica-does-automatic-incremental-backup-for-the-every/

Seagate's new Replica drive aims to be for PC users what Time Machine is for Macs (in fact, there's no Mac software included), and seems to do a pretty good job of it. You merely plug the drive into your computer, accept a license agreement, and you're off to the races with hassle-free incremental backups of your system. The drive is available in Single PC and Multi-PC models, with the former sporting 250GB of capacity, and the latter doing 500GB and adding in a vertical dock -- but to actually backup multiple PCs you'll have to move the drive around sneakernet style. ComputerShopper found the drive pretty slow, and while you can drag and drop files off of the drive, it doesn't actually allow you to toss specific files on and use the drive as way to move your projects around town. Still, it's simple, and the $200 starting price isn't criminal.

Read - ComputerShopper review
Read - Official Replica site

Filed under: Storage

Seagate Replica does automatic, incremental backup for the everyman originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Averatec debuts 12-inch $699 N2700 ultraportable

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/averatec-debuts-12-inch-699-n2700-ultraportable/

If it's fancy you're scouting, you needn't look here. If you're fine with a classic design, a relatively low price and plenty of oomph to handle everyday tasks, you've got your eyes right where they need to be. Averatec's latest rig is a 12-inch ultraportable that gets powered by a 2GHz Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, a WXGA panel, 4GB of DDR2-800 RAM, a 250GB SATA hard drive, 8x SuperMulti dual-layer DVD writer, WiFi, gigabit Ethernet, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, FireWire and audio in / out. Furthermore, you'll find a VGA output, 4-in-1 card reader, GMA X4500HD graphics set, 1.3 megapixel camera and Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit. This four pound lappie will set you back $699, and if you're already sold, we're happy to inform you that it's shipping right now.

Gallery: Averatec debuts 12-inch $699 N2700 ultraportable

Filed under: Laptops

Averatec debuts 12-inch $699 N2700 ultraportable originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unitek's 3.5-inch SATA HDD bay / MicroSD card reader is more fun than it looks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/uniteks-3-5-inch-sata-hdd-bay-microsd-card-reader-is-more-fun/

Aside from his stunning portrayal as Col. Kurtz ("I swallowed a bug"), Brando is our go-to guy for drive bays and memory card readers. If you're not holding out for a dock that plays DivX movies (or tells the temperature in your cube) this device should be right up your proverbial alley. The Unitek 3.5-inch USB Multi-Functional Bay sports a 2.5-inch SATA HDD enclosure, SD(HC) and MicroSD(HC) card readers, and a four pin power port -- 'cos you can't have too many four pin power ports. Since this is Brando, we were hoping to see something with a little more kitsch appeal, but we suppose that we'll just have to hold out for something from the Happy-Kid line. If a sane and sober-looking approach to portable storage is what you're after, be sure to size this guy up in the gallery below.

Gallery: UNITEK 3.5-inch Multi-Functional Bay

Filed under: Peripherals, Storage

Unitek's 3.5-inch SATA HDD bay / MicroSD card reader is more fun than it looks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/genius-g-shot-hd520-camcorder-does-720p-for-149/

It's been about a day after forever ago since we've seen a new camcorder from Genius, but if you're scouting a low-end, low-cost option that'll still capture clips at a halfway respectable resolution, you're in luck. Similar to many of the DXG offerings, the G-Shot HD520 provides 720p footage for under $150, and it can also capture 11 megapixel still shots when things slow down a bit. The six-ounce device records in MPEG-4 / H.264 format and features a 2.5-inch LCD and room for up to 8GB of storage -- you know, in case you fill up the 32MB that are included, which will probably never happen. It's available now from a smorgasbord of legitimate online retailers. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149

Continue reading Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149

Filed under: Digita l Cameras

Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple prototyping "iPhone lite" and MacBook Mini / media pad for Verizon?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/apple-prototyping-iphone-lite-and-macbook-mini-media-pad-for/

Hot on the heels of yesterday's reports of Apple and Verizon dealings comes some tantalizing, but still unconfirmed, new details from BusinessWeek. According to the publication, the gang in Cupertino has prototyped two devices for the carrier. The first one is a smaller, less expensive device that's been dubbed as "iPhone lite" by someone who's apparently seen it in person. The other is called a "media pad" (Joggler, anyone?) for music, photos, HD video, and placing calls over WiFi. Details are scant beyond that, and while that pad sounds a lot like an iPod touch to us, we can't help but wonder if it has something to do with those 10-inch displays that Quanta's rumored to be manufacturing. Don't put too much stock into this, as the reports could end up being all for naught, but one thing's for sure: you can bet the suits at AT&T are keeping a very, very close eye on this. In other, even sketchier and likely unrelated rumors, a listing for "MacBookMini" has popped up in Adium's statistics. While we wouldn't normally think anything of this -- as TUAW correctly notes, anyone can edit their computer IDs -- it was from these pages that we first heard the name MacBook Air. Chances are this is nothing, but with all this talk of 10-inch screens and media pads, it kind of makes you wonder.

[Via TUAW; image courtesy of Frunny]

Read - BusinessWeek
Read - Adium stats

Filed under: Cellphones, Laptops, Portable Audio, Portable Video

Apple prototyping "iPhone lite" and MacBook Mini / media pad for Verizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monday, April 27, 2009

Toshiba to ship 32nm process NAND flash memory

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/toshiba-to-ship-32nm-process-nand-flash-memory/

Man, talk about a lightning quick turnaround. Just over two months ago, Toshiba was caught showing off 32 nanometer NAND flash chips, and now the firm's gloating about being the world's first to hit the "ship" button. Er, it will be should everything continue as planned. As the story goes, Tosh will start mass production of 32Gb NAND flash memories in July 2009, while 16Gb products will begin to ship in Q3 of this year. The point to this madness? To get more memory into smaller devices, which ought to make future smartphone / MID / UMPC buyers quite jovial.

[Image courtesy of Tech-On]

Filed under: Storage

Toshiba to ship 32nm process NAND flash memory originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flip Ultra HD: Our Favorite Cheap Camcorder Goes HD [Flip Ultra Hd]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/OFMBYYz7zQM/flip-ultra-hd-our-favorite-cheap-camcorder-goes-hd

The most majorest problems with the Flip Mino HD are its squinty small screen and narrow lens, so seeing an HD rendition of our favorite cheap camcorder—the Flip Ultra HD—makes us happy.

Besides going HD—bringing it up to par with our other fave, Kodak's ZI6—the Flip Ultra HD gets HDMI, a rare rainbow unicorn for these cheap pocket cams. It's got two hours of record time, and removable rechargeable batteries. Gary walked out of Best Buy with the so-far-unannounced Flip Ultra HD for $200, which is high compared to Kodak's upcoming $150 Z1x. Still, we can't wait to get our hands on it. [Gaxonline via Engadget]

Follow the Deadly Swine Flu Pandemic in Real Time With Google Maps [Apocalypse Now]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/5xHp6SS8ooM/follow-the-deadly-swine-flu-pandemic-in-real-time-with-google-maps

The current H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic headlines read like those flashing through the intro sequence of a post-apocalyptical movie. Now you can see the cases spreading in real time—as the WHO declares them—in Google Maps.

In case you have not been paying attention to the news during the last few days, there's a pandemia going on. A spike of infections of the H1N1 Swine Flu—a mutation of a pork virus that jumped from pigs to humans—happened in the city of Mexico (103 dead already) and it is quickly spreading through the world now, thanks to airline connections.

Reading the map is very simple: ~~We are all going to die~~The pink markers are suspect, the purple markers are confirmed, and deaths don't have a black dot in the marker. The yellow markers are negative, but I don't see any.

Have fun watching. While you can.

View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map

P.S. Stupid Apophis can't reach us in time! Hahahaha. Ha. But it looks like pigs are getting their revenge for all these centuries of crispy bacon and pork buns. [Google Maps]

Seagate Replica Is Time Machine for Windows PCs [Backup]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/qx0pgSdq7_k/seagate-replica-is-time-machine-for-windows-pcs

For all of Windows 7's niceties, it still doesn't have an appropriately slick built-in backup system like Time Machine. Enter Seagate Replica, which Rob at BoingBoing Gadgets says works perfectly, just like Time Machine.

You plug it in, agree to the Terms of Service and it copies your entire hard drive—then every so often, records changes you make, so if your girlfriend has second or third thoughts about that home video you made together and deletes it to keep it from haunting her future Senate career, you can just zoom back a few hours into the past and retrieve it. Or any other precious file that mysteriously slips into the ether. If your whole system crashes out, it comes with a boot CD that you're not going to want to lose that'll let you restore your entire hard drive. Also, it looks like a hard drive for aliens.

It's $130 for 250GB of backup, or $200 for 500GB. [BoingBoing Gadgets, Seagate]

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