Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Impossible-to-Steal-or-Puncture Bicycle Won't Last a Day In NY [Bicycle]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/98qzn7CnlzE/impossible+to+steal+or+puncture-bicycle-wont-last-a-day-in-ny

Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman thinks that his beautiful Tron-like dream bicycle will never get stolen—even if it looks so cool that nobody would be able to resist. Fortunately, he says that they will be common in 20 years.

The new bike design has a built-in locking system that can only be activated and opened by the owner's fingerprint. The computer-equipped machine can also monitor the amount of calories burned. Made of carbon fiber, it will even have a battery that will assist you when going up a steep hill, as well as puncture-proof, self-inflating tires.

Unfortunately, for now it is just a concept, even while Boardman believes "it could be built now if there was a will. All the technologies are already there, it's just that nobody's put them all together before." The future is not coming soon enough. Heck, I would be glad if the weekend came already. [Daily Mail]

Best Buy Acknowledges the Obvious, Displays Hackintoshed Dell Mini 9 [Honesty]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/PBwIQGiBtPw/best-buy-acknowledges-the-obvious-displays-hackintoshed-dell-mini-9

Everyone involved knows exactly why Dell won't let the Mini 9 netbook die, but nobody can outright say it, officially. That didn't stop one Best Buy—or at least, a few of its employees—from coming clean.

That's a fully Mac-ified 16GB Dell Mini 9 on display there, boldly masquerading as a "Windows XP Home" model. It's easy to understand why Dell and Best Buy can't officially market the Mini 9 as a hackintosh machine, but come on, why else would there be such demand for this outdated, outspecced, outmoded netbook? The specific Best Buy location will not be included, so whoever did this—they were just being honest!—doesn't get immediately shitcanned. Our tipster even shot a bonus video, below, for the skeptics. —Thanks, Amin!

Kingston dials things up to 256GB with new SSDNow V+ line

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/kingston-dials-things-up-to-256gb-with-new-ssdnow-v-line/

Kingston is still a relative newcomer to the SSD game, but it looks like it's already well on its way to endless, somewhat confusing product refreshes, with it now rolling out three drives in its new SSDNow V+ line. Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities, the new drives best the previous non-plus SSDNow V line with read and write speeds up to 220MB/sec and 180MB/sec, respectively, and pack some higher input and output operations per second (or IOPS) to boot, which should also help to deliver an overall boost in speed. As you might expect, however, while things start a somewhat reasonable $254 for the 64GB model, things get decidedly more out of reach from there, with the 128GB drive running $500 firm, and the 256GB drive setting you back a hefty $992.

Filed under: Storage

Kingston dials things up to 256GB with new SSDNow V+ line originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP to sell contract-free, WWAN-equipped PCs in Japan

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/hp-to-sell-contract-free-wwan-equipped-pcs-in-japan/

In a presumed effort to shake up the Japanese wireless industry and provide consumers with 3G-equipped PCs that aren't tied to multi-year contracts, Hewlett-Packard has quietly announced a deal with Japan Communications that will allow its machines to be sold with SIM cards that can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis. For those unaware, JCI leases network space from NTT DoCoMo, and as part of the agreement, HP will not only get to choose which devices can connect, but it'll get to keep a nice slice of the mobile data revenue as well. Here's the crazy part: the initial wave of netbooks will be sold for between $50 and $100 sans contract. That's about what users pay in America now for subsidized WWAN-ready netbooks, but there's a two-year contract tagging along. If all goes well, we could even see full-sized laptops, smartphones and digital cameras hop on the same bandwagon, but for now, we'll be keenly watching how brisk sales are when things kick off next month.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Tablet PCs, Wireless, Internet

HP to sell contract-free, WWAN-equipped PCs in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds! .

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Intel issues X25-M G2 SSD firmware fix for BIOS password conundrum

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/intel-issues-x25-m-g2-ssd-firmware-fix-for-bios-password-conundr/

Eagerly waiting to change that drive password within the system BIOS on your fancy new X25-M G2 solid state drive? Good news, storage junkies -- today you can. After Intel saw its next-gen SSD launch party hit a snag with an off-the-wall quirk that could cause data corruption for those who altered or disabled a drive password within the system BIOS, the company has finally come forward with a firmware update that solves the dilemma, along with world hunger, "the economy" and an undisclosed amount of other universal pains. Hit the read link for instructions on how to update your drive, but don't blame us if every precious memory you've ever collected goes down in flames during the process. Just kidding.

[Via HotHardware]

Filed under: Storage

Intel issues X25-M G2 SSD firmware fix for BIOS password conundrum originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ion-equipped Samsung N510 netbook shipping stateside next month

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/ion-equipped-samsung-n510-netbook-shipping-stateside-next-month/

Momma always said you had to pay to play, and it looks like those Europeans won't be the only ones coughing up dearly for the pleasure of having NVIDIA's Ion platform shoved within Samsung's forthcoming N510 netbook. According to the fine folks over at Liliputing, a Samsung rep has confirmed to them that said machine will begin shipping to US soil starting in September (far later than the "July" date we heard earlier in the year), bringing with it a sizable 11.6-inch display, HDMI output, GeForce 9400M GPU, Atom processor and the ability to handle high-def and Blu-ray content. Trouble is, all that multimedia prowess will demand a stiff premium, and by "stiff," we mean "$599." So, is anyone actually planning on laying down six bills for a netbook, or did you just convince yourself that a thin-and-light is the way to go?

Filed under: Laptops

Ion-equipped Samsung N510 netbook shipping stateside next month originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt nabs shaky 230 MPG rating, might not ship in 2010

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/chevy-volt-nabs-shaky-230-mpg-rating-might-not-ship-in-2010/

We've always heard that you've got to take the bad with the good, but who said it had to be done at the same time? This morning, ~~Government~~ General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson had some rather sensational news to share about Chevrolet's Volt, but according to a report over at Autocar, that very vehicle is looking at some serious (potential) issues. As for the good news, we're told that the Volt has snagged a staggering 230 MPG rating in the city, but we should caution you that it's not as cut and dry as GM would have you believe. The EPA has released "a new methodology for determining a draft fuel economy standard for extended-range EVs like the Volt," and it's that murky measurement system that has blessed Chevy's wonder child with a triple digit MPG rating.

Now, for the bad news. This past Sunday, GM reportedly submitted a regulatory filing with the US Treasury, and while it can't be taken as official word per se, it does provide reason to believe that the promised November ship date will slip to an undisclosed month and year. The report also noted that there is "no assurance" that it will qualify for any remaining energy loans to develop advanced fuel technology automobiles, and if you needed more reason to doubt the whole ordeal, have a look at this zinger: "Our competitors and others are pursuing similar technologies and other competing technologies, in some cases with more money available; there can be no assurance that they will not acquire similar or superior technologies sooner than we do." Ah well -- at least we know the four or five prototype models destined for eBay will do Ma Earth proud, right?

Updat e: CNN has a nice look at this incredibly large MPG figure, and -- surprise, surprise -- it's not nearly as fantastic as it looks at first glance.

Read - Chevy Volt gets "230 MPG" rating
Read - Chevy Volt may be delayed [Via AutoblogGreen]

Filed under: Transportation

Chevy Volt nabs shaky 230 MPG rating, might not ship in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's first 'wireless' pacemaker talks to your doctor daily, whether you like it or not (though you probably do)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/worlds-first-wireless-pacemaker-talks-to-your-doctor-daily-w/

In the past we've been clued in to both deadly pacemaker hackers and the development of a cloaking device to deal with that sticky situation. Now, according to Daily Tech, a woman in New York has become the first in the world to receive a pacemaker that communicates wirelessly with a monitoring service, which is in turn accessed daily by her doctor. "If there is anything abnormal," says Dr. Steven Greenberg from St. Francis Arrhythmia and Pacemaker Center, "it will literally call the physician" and notify him or her. In addition, most of the tests that were done in the doctor's office are now automated, saving everybody time and effort. There is no word yet on possible Twitter integration, but we're sure "Biz" Stone is already on it.

[Via Switched]

Filed under: Wireless

World's first 'wireless' pacemaker talks to your doctor daily, whether you like it or not (though you probably do) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Netpal finally up for pre-order, ships this week

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/disney-netpal-finally-up-for-pre-order-ships-this-week/

We've waited... oh, how we've waited! After two long, torturous months of anticipation, Disney is finally letting the "Magic Blue" and "Princess Pink" Netpal netbooks out to play with us. Featuring the zaniest paintjobs this side of the RilakKuma, customized XP themes, shell control for parents and no shortage of magic dust, the two machines are available to order now for $350 with deliveries likely by next week.

[Via Netbooked]

Read - Toys R Us
Read - Amazon

Filed under: Laptops

Disney Netpal finally up for pre-order, ships this week originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android turns up on MIDs from Eston, SFR

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/android-turns-up-on-mids-from-eston-sfr/

Two more MIDs were spotted running Android recently, and the kids over at Pocketables were kind enough to clue us in on the developments. First off, Eston's MID-02 (also known as the M4301) is a dual Windows CE 6.0 / Android device that boasts a 4.3-inch touchscreen, a Marvell XScale PXA300 (624MHz) CPU, 128MB DDR-RAM, 256MB Flash (supports up to 16GB) and a screen resolution of either 480 x 272 or 800 x 480, depending on whose product page you believe. Apparently one of the company's main markets is Europe, so keep your eyes peeled if you're interested. And why not? The keyboard is "almost entirely in English." But that ain't all! There's also an interesting video making the rounds of the SFR's Intel-powered M! PC Pocket at least booting the open source OS -- not necessarily compelling evidence that the rumors are true, but if the French wireless carrier isn't developing an Android device of their own at this very moment, it isn't a stretch to believe that they're toying with the idea. See for yourself after the break.

Read - Eston MID-02 slider runs Android and Windows CE 6.0
Read - SFR M! PC Pocket caught on video booting Android

Continue reading Android turns up on MIDs from Eston, SFR

Filed under: Handhelds

Android turns up on MIDs from Eston, SFR originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/

So you're thinking about going to Windows 7, eh? Chances are your head is swimming in a sea of TLAs and confusing charts -- enough to have the most adamant Microsoft defender reaching for a something with an Option key. Fear not, noble purchaser of legal software. Though XP users have been punished for skipping Vista by not being able to directly upgrade now, the process of backing up your data, formatting and installing Windows, and then restoring your goods again has never been easier -- even if you're on a netbook with less storage than your smartphone. Vista users have even less to worry about. We'll have our full impressions of the finally finalized OS later this week, but for now let's journey hand in hand down the gently sloped path of the upgrade process.

Continue reading How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software

How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Vostro All In One now available in North America

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/dell-vostro-all-in-one-now-available-in-north-america/

Vostro fans may have been counting down the days since Dell's new Vostro All In One desktop made its debut in Japan last month, but those not among that select few may still be pleased to know that the system is now finally available in North America, right on schedule. Better still, the all-in-one rig now packs a starting price of just $599 (after a $30 instant savings), which will get you a somewhat lightweight Pentium Dual-Core E5300 processor, along with 2GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a built-in DVD burner and, of course, that integrated 19-inch display at the heart of the system. Things are also still pretty affordable when you max out those specs, with the top-end Core 2 Duo-based model with 4GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive setting you back just over $900. Hit up the read link below for the complete breakdown, and to get your order in if you like what you see.

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Desktops

Dell Vostro All In One now available in North America originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint details proposed $14 million ETF class action settlement

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/sprint-details-proposed-14-million-etf-class-action-settlement/

It's a far cry from the $1.2 billion number that was bandied about at one point, but it looks like Sprint could still be taking a fairly sizable hit over those pesky early termination fees, at least if a proposed class action settlement plays out as it seems likely too. As Sprint itself announced today, the company's reached a $14 million settlement in the case, which will be placed in a common fund to be distributed accordingly to all the parties involved, which is where you come in (assuming you're a current of former Sprint, Nextel, or Sprint Nextel customer, that is). The short of it is that you can either sign on to the class action suit or opt out of it by hitting up the site linked below, and then you'll have to wait for the final approval hearing now scheduled for October 21st, which should actually settle the settlement once and for all. Details on the exact payout amounts to customers are buried in the documents on the settlement website, but it looks like the majority of customers will be receiving between $25 and $90 depending on their contract, plus some free bonus minutes.

Read - Sprint ETF Settlement website
Read - Sprint statement

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Cellphones

Sprint details proposed $14 million ETF class action settlement originally appeared! on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Sony lithium ion batteries promise 4x the capacity, 99% recharge in 30 minutes

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/new-sony-lithium-ion-batteries-promise-4x-the-capacity-99-rech/

Sony's certainly had its share of battery problems but, like most battery-makers, it's also doing its part to try to improve things, and it's now announced a new lithium-ion battery that should not only be more stable, but last significantly longer than traditional batteries as well. That's apparently possible in part due to its use of an olivine-type lithium iron phosphate for the cathode material, which should help boost the battery's overall lifespan to four times that of conventional lithium ion batteries, not to mention provide an 80% capacity retention after 2,000 charge-discharge cycles and, perhaps most impressively, a promised 99% recharge in just 30 minutes. According to Sony, the batteries are especially well suited for use in power tools (where they'll first show up), but it does say they'll also eventually be "expanded to a wide range of other mobile electronic devices."

[Via Sony Insider]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Household

New Sony lithium ion batteries promise 4x the capacity, 99% recharge in 30 minutes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Gigabyte T1028X unboxed, handled, available in good ol' USA

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/video-gigabyte-t1028x-unboxed-handled-available-in-good-ol-u/

Looks like we've got not one, but two nuggets of good news for you today: firstly, the latest Gigabyte swivel-screen tablet has been unboxed, undressed and appropriately groped up, and secondly, Amazon have now got stock of the device at $679 plus shipping. That might still seem a bit rich for a netbook, albeit with expanded functionality, but it's significantly more affordable than what our European comrades have to pay. As to the unboxing -- and there's a lot of it since Gigabyte decided to pack the unit in like a matryoshka -- the Liliputing crew do a thorough inspection as well as a size comparison against devices from ASUS and Lenovo. Slide past the break to see the pair of videos and judge for yourself.

Continue reading Video: Gigabyte T1028X unboxed, handled, available in good ol' USA

Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

Video: Gigabyte T1028X unboxed, handled, available in good ol' USA originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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