Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Epson rolls out all-in-one EH-DM2 projector

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/378324809/

Filed under: Displays

While we can't say we've ever felt the need for a projector with a built-in DVD player and a built-in "surround sound" system, Epson seems to think there's at least some folks that want a big box of compromises, and it's hoping its new EH-DM2 projector will be to their liking. This one's a 3LCD projector, and boasts an "HD compatible" resolution and an adequate 1,200 lumens of brightness, along with a few non-standard features like a USB port to let you view photos, DiVX compatibility from the built-in DVD player and, of course, those built-in 8W speakers that somehow promise to surround you with sound. Not exactly for everyone, to be sure, but the €600 price tag (or just under $900) is certainly reasonable enough, and it'll apparently be available as soon as next month.

[Via About Projectors]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Friday, August 29, 2008

Hive Five Winner for Best FTP Client: FileZilla [Hive Five Followup]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/376620607/hive-five-winner-for-best-ftp-client-filezilla

Open-source FTP client FileZilla takes home the top spot in last week's Hive Five Best FTP Clients poll with an overwhelming 52% of the vote. The rest of the field was split up relatively evenly between 8% and 11%. That's good votin'.

UNetbootin Creates USB-Bootable Linux the Easy Way [Featured Download]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/376620606/unetbootin-creates-usb+bootable-linux-the-easy-way

Windows and Linux only: Free bootable image creator UNetbootin automates the downloading, imaging, and installing of Linux distributions onto USB thumb drives, creating a persistent, boot-anywhere desktop. We've previously featured rather involved guides to putting Linux on a flash drive, but UNetbootin does it all for you, from downloading the right ISO to setting up a USB stick as a bootable Linux drive. It can also convert almost any bootable ISO, so if you've got an old, smaller thumb drive not seeing much use these days, you can use UNetbootin to install a partition editor, a file-recovering live CD, or the Windows password-cracking Ophcrack. UNetbootin is a free download for Windows XP and higher and Linux systems.

UNetbootin [via Tombuntu]

iPhone 3G Modded with Macro [Mods]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/376462861/iphone-3g-modded-with-macro

The iPhone 3G's camera works alright until you want to grab a shot of something within a foot or so (like a butterfly, or unpopped pimple). And to address this dilemma, one modder softened the glue holding in his iPhone's camera and rotated the lens to macrofy the fovus. He was able to take several shots within 5 inches, but the most impressive is this picture taken just .25 inches away from its subject. For a phone especially, that's some impressive macro. If only it didn't require such delicate surgery to implement—ahem—Apple—ahem. [flickr via TUAW]

3-Channel Black Steath R/C Chopper For $30 [R/c]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/376620396/3+channel-black-steath-rc-chopper-for-30

The guys at Think Geek are bringing R/C junkies one of the cheapest 3-channel mini choppers on the market with the new "Black Stealth." Unlike dinky 2-channel versions, the Black Stealth can handle forward flight with ease—or so they claim. In fact, Think Geek goes so far as to say that it is the easiest to fly small copter they have ever used. I would be kind of skeptical with a price tag of only $30, but the video below does a good job of showing off its capabilities.

[Think Geek via DVICE]

Tatung Prototype The Nicest VOIP Phone I've Seen Yet [VoIP]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/376679070/tatung-prototype-the-nicest-voip-phone-ive-seen-yet

The difference between what I would like to look at and what I would like to use makes for a a gap wider than the Grand Canyon, in this case. One button, no tactile feedback and no screen make this VOIP phone prototype little more than an electronic lollipop. But my desire to lick one increases with every glance. [e-Nova via Yanko and BBG]

City-In-a-Pyramid Could House a Million Dubaians, Power Itself [Dubai]

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/376699453/city+in+a+pyramid-could-house-a-million-dubaians-power-itself

A particularly optimistic design firm in Dubai called Timelinks has proposed designs for the Ziggurat, a complete city to be layered inside of a massive pyramid that could serve as home for a million people at a time. Timelinks is currently seeking patents for a variety of technologies that would make such a building possible, including a three axis public transportation system that would run residents up, through and across the pyramid. They've also claimed that with a hybrid wind, solar and steam power the Ziggurat would be able to meet its own power needs, and that there would be enough room to allow for some minor agriculture in designated "green spaces."

Before you just write this off as another wacky internet design concept, consider the absurdly ostentatious structures that Dubai has already built, and the fact that unlike the hyperluxurious ego-boosters currently under construction, the Ziggurat might be a viable housing solution for people who don't have a natural resource-infused trust fund. [World Archictecture Review via Inhabitat via Dvice]

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Sighting - X58 Motherboards

Source: http://www.nehalemnews.com/2008/08/sighting-x58-motherboards.html

Here are some of the latest images and information available about upcoming X58 Core i7 motherboards (click to enlarge images)...

Foxconn Renaissance X58

X58/Tylersburg 36D chipset with ICH10R
Ultra-low resistance, crystal, ferrite salt-core inductors, and solid ultra-low SR capacitors
Six-phase power
2 PCIe x16 2.0 slots (blue) and 2 PCIe x16 1.0 slots (black)
2 FireWire IEEE 1394a ports provided by a TI TSB434B22A chip
Gig-E via Broadcom BCM5786KMLG
Realtek's ALC888S audio codec supports full 7.1 discrete analog output and optional Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect, and Dolby Home Theater for real-time encoding of audio signals to an external processor or receiver
6 SATA connectors
Two SAS ports!!!
Debugging LED lights and a clear CMOS button

More Info Here.

Asus P6T Deluxe

8-layer PCB with "Platinum Circuit Layout" for what Asus refers to as "Best Layout Design for Extreme OC Record" (we'll wait to see the end result for that one)
A "Unique Wind-Flow Thermal Design" - basically the northbridge heatsink acts as a duct for air off the CPU heatsink, that is, providing you use a normal top down heatsink design and not a heatpiped one like most of us use. Even if we're sceptical about how w! ell this works, it looks really very good.
It has eight USB 2.0, eSATA, optical and digital S/PDIF and 7.1 channel surround sound including DTS "Surround Sensation UltraPC" features unique to Asus - Virtual (5.1) Surround, Bass Enhancement, Dialogue Clarify and Soundstage Expansion
Two channel SAS (serial attached SCSI) RAID from the Marvell 88E6320-TFJ2 controller, as well as six SATA ports (that should not be interfered with when using long graphics)
Six DIMM sockets with three phase power regulation, for tri-channel DDR3 with a maximum support for 24GB of memory.
ExpressGate hardware with fast booting Linux OS on an in-built USB stick.
"5000 hour" Fujitsu capacitors, ferrite core chokes and Low RDS(on) MOSFETs.

More info here.

Gigabyte GA-X58-Extreme

12 Phase Power instead of 6 phases shown here
No additional (onboard RAID) other than ICH10R
SATA ports will be angled at 90-degrees
LED's for power phases and diagnostics
Four PCIe 2.0 x16 (Blue x16, Orange x8 but all four will operate at x8 only)
PS/2 ports, dual Gig-E, 8 USB Ports, optical/coax audio, firewire, and clear CMOS on real panel

More Info Here.

MSI X58 Eclipse

10 Phase Power
10 SATA connectors
2 eSATA connectors
12 USB
2 Gig-E
No onboard sound (likely an add-in X-Fi card)
Onboard Power, Reset, and Clear CMOS buttons
Rear panel Clear CMOS button

More info here.

Nokia 6650 flip coming to AT&T to redeem the N75

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/375823005/

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Well, here's one we didn't see coming: it seems that AT&T has wised up to the fact that Americans like their Symbian (well, at least a few of 'em do, anyway) and wants to keep S60-equipped options on the table. Yes, granted, AT&T is a founding member of the Symbian Foundation, but the proof is in the pudding, and the last Nokia smartphone to land there was the N75 in May of last year -- an eternity by mobile standards. More recently, the N75 grew up, got sexy, picked up some brushed metal, and emerged in Europe as the 6550; now, it's surprisingly and unexpectedly been retooled as the 6650 for North American 3G spectrum. It's got a 2.2-inch QVGA primary display, 160 x 128 secondary, 2-megapixel cam, AT&T Navigator (which means GPS), push-to-talk support, and HSDPA 850 / 1900 to compliment quadband EDGE. We don't know exactly when it's coming, but for S60 fans who cringe at the thought of having to blow several hundred on an unlocked set every time they want some fresh hardware, this should be welcome news.

[Thanks, Al and Oscar M.]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

photo tagging game

Homemade Experiments with Aerogel, the World's Lightest Solid [Aerogel]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/375693689/homemade-experiments-with-aerogel-the-worlds-lightest-solid

Jason Wells got to toy around with a few blocks of Aerogel, the fantastically light (and fantastically expensive) material made famous by its use as insulation in NASA spacecraft like the Mars Rover. Using just everyday materials from his house, he managed to test the futuristic product's strength, optical properties, reaction to different liquids and temperatures, and electrical conductivity.

He concludes from the experiments that it should work really well as a fire retardant or insulation, as well as pulling moisture out of pretty much anything (including his finger!). Aerogel weighs only three times as much as air, but is even more effective than your everyday pink insulation. It may only be the world's coolest insulation material, but are you the world's coolest anything? Didn't think so. [Jason Wells via Crunchgear]

Draganfly X6 UAV: UFO Thingy Packed With Carbon Fiber, HD/Night Cameras and GPS [Helicopter]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/375786540/draganfly-x6-uav-ufo-thingy-packed-with-carbon-fiber-hdnight-cameras-and-gps

The Draganfly series of heli cams have been impressive, but the just announced X6 is freaking amazing. The triple-tipped carbon fiber body has two carbon rotors on each end. The design allows it to move in all directions rapidly, provide enough control to zip around indoors yet resist up to 18 miles per hour of wind.

The oil-dampening vibration-killing mount can be loaded with an HD camera, night vision camera, still camera, low light camera or thermal imaging camera. The machine also has GPS, which feeds positioning data into the remote control's LCD. The X6 can even maintain flight if one of its 6 motors stops working. The battery can be charged in 30 minutes, yet can supply the device with 450 watts of power, which allows the machine to climb 23 feet per second, turn 90 degrees in the same time or do fly-bys at 30 MPH. I don't know how much these cost, but I'm getting enough enjoyment out of watching the videos at Dragonfly's site. [Draganfly]

Samsung Tweaks SSD Design for Low-Cost, Low Density Drives for Netbooks [Ssds]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/376040008/samsung-tweaks-ssd-design-for-low+cost-low-density-drives-for-netbooks

Samsung came up with news that it was going to make 128GB SSDs cheaper last month, and now its saying that it's adjusted its production to also give low-cost, low-density 32GB drives. The SATA II drives will be just 30% of the size of 2.5-inch SSDs, based on the same muti-level cell technology as the earlier 128GB devices, and will come in 8, 16 and 32GB versions. The 32GB version will even have pretty good access speeds: 90MBps to read data (sequentially) and 70MBps to write. Since the devices are "highly cost-efficient to manufacture" you should expect the pricing to be attractive—just the thing for your cheap netbook, perhaps—when they go in to mass production next month. Press release below.

Samsung Introduces High-Performance, Low-Density SATA II SSDs for Low-Priced PC Market
SEOUL, South Korea —(Business Wire)— Aug. 26, 2008 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, announced today that it has begun sampling low-density, higher-performance solid state drives (SSDs) that are only 30 percent of the size of 2.5-inch SSDs and highly cost-efficient to manufacture. With the introduction of these smaller, low-capacity SSDs, Samsung now offers an attractive replacement for existing hard drives used in low-cost PCs. Available in densities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB, the new multi-level-cell SSDs will be mass produced beginning next month.

"We've refined our manufacturing techniques and redesigned our low-density SSDs to get what the low-priced PC market is looking for in the way of improved cost, performance and availability," said Jim Elliott, Vice President, Memory Marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.

The low-density Samsu! ng SSDs use the same high-performance SATA II controller technology as that being used on Samsung's just-introduced MLC-based 128GB SSD.

Samsung's new MLC-based SSD at 32GB capacity will read data (sequentially) at 90MB/s and write it (sequentially) at 70MB/s - performance levels much greater than low-density SSDs on the market today. The 16GB reads at 90MB/s and writes at 45MB/s, while the 8GB reads at 90MB/s and writes at 25MB/s.

Samsung incorporates four individual 16 gigabit (Gb) MLC NAND chips in its 8GB SSD, as well as four dual-die packages and four quad-die packages of 16Gb NAND for its 16GB and 32GB SSDs respectively. Furthermore, by including a 32MB DRAM as the buffer and four-channel system for the new low-density SSDs, these solutions are better suited for high-speed reading environments.

Samsung has expanded its SSD market offerings since it introduced its first SSD in 2006 in 16GB and 32GB capacities targeted at the Ultra Mobile PC market. This was followed by the announcement of the 64GB SSD in 2007, a 128GB SSD in 2008, and sampling of a 256GB SSD in the second half of 2008.

With increased sales of low-cost PCs and recent efforts by most major PC manufacturers to develop their own low-cost PC offerings, the market for lower density SSDs has been experiencing explosive growth. By unit sales, the low-density SSD market is expected to increase annually by 57% until 2011, with SSDs for low-priced PCs being the main driver of market demand.

Sandisk Exreme III SDHC Cards Blaze Along at 30MBps, 50% Faster than Before [Memory]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/376125588/sandisk-exreme-iii-sdhc-cards-blaze-along-at-30mbps-50-faster-than-before

Sandisk previously popped new Extreme III versions of its Memory Stick lineup, and now it's extended the tech to SDHC. The new family of cards can cope with 30MBps read/write data rates, a 50% speed boost over previous versions and a "new speed record" according to Sandisk. They're designed for digital cameras that have a high-speed burst mode, like the Nikon D90, and can safely capture "39 images in continuous shooting mode at 4.5 frames per second with a file size of 6.0 MB JPEG L Fine per image." You'll have to wait 'til October, and expect to spend $64.99 for the 4GB card, $109.99 for 8GB and a sizable $179.99 for 16GB. Press release below.

TOKYO, JAPAN, August 27, 2008 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today set a new speed record of 30 megabytes per second1 for SD™ flash memory cards with the introduction of the SanDisk Extreme® III 30MB/s Edition line of SDHC™ Cards. The new cards, expected to be available worldwide in September in 4-gigabyte (GB)2, 8GB and 16GB capacities, are designed to deliver peak performance when used with the new digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, Nikon D90.

The Nikon D90 is the industry's first DSLR camera to support SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC cards at increased performance. Featuring a 50-percent speed boost from previous 20MB/s cards, the new SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC card makes it possible to record 39 images in continuous shooting mode at 4.5 frames per second with a file size of 6.0 MB JPEG L Fine per image.3 The Nikon D90 camera captures high-resolution, 12.3 megapixel still images, and it is Nikon's first DSLR to offer movie recording capability.

With ever-increasing technology advancements in D! SLR came ras, higher megapixel growth and new video capturing capabilities, SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s SDHC cards make it easy for consumers to capture and store more high-resolution images and video content. When placed in SanDisk's new ImageMate® Multi-Card USB 2.0 Reader/Writer, still images and video can be transferred from the new SDHC card to a computer up to 30MB/s, greatly reducing the waiting time to offload large files from the card to the computer.

"The high capacities and performance of the SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC cards give users the freedom to shoot lots of high-resolution photos and video clips," said Susan Park, director of consumer product marketing for SanDisk's performance cards. "The combination of our new SanDisk Extreme III 30 MB/s Edition SDHC card technology and the Nikon D90 camera maximizes performance."

According to research firm IDC, demand for DSLR cameras is growing as users replace older models with more sophisticated options. Global sales of DSLR cameras grew by 41 percent last year, which was nearly twice the growth rate of the overall digital camera market worldwide.4

"Increasingly we're seeing more second- or third-time digital camera buyers upgrading to more technologically-advanced prosumer DSLRs because they offer richer feature sets at more affordable prices than ever before," said Chris Chute, research manager of IDC's Worldwide Digital Imaging Solutions Group. "The new SanDisk Extreme III cards provide optimal performance levels and high-capacity points to match that latest technology innovation."

"Whether capturing a special moment in sports, a wilderness hike, or just your toddler running across the room, life doesn't always stop when you want to take a picture. The combination of the new Nikon D90 camera and SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition SDHC cards helps ensure that photographers capture winning action shots and experience quicker transfer of files from the camera's memory card to a computer,�! �� said Mr. Koichiro Kawamura, General Manager, 1st Designing Department, Imaging Company Nikon Corporation

Beyond their high capacities and performance levels, all SanDisk Extreme III cards are capable of functioning in extreme temperatures, from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit or -25 to 85 degrees Celsius. The cards also carry a lifetime limited warranty.5 SanDisk Extreme III SDHC 30MB/s Edition cards, which have a Class 6 performance rating, are fully backwards-compatible; working in any camera, card reader or other device that supports SDHC cards.6

Pricing and Availability
SanDisk Extreme III SDHC 30MB/s Edition cards are expected to be available worldwide in September. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is U.S. $64.99 for the 4GB card, US $109.99 for the 8GB card, and U.S. $179.99 for the 16GB card.

Epson Adds Moviemate 55 to Projector Lineup, 3LCD Tech, Built-in DVD [Projectors]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/376104081/epson-adds-moviemate-55-to-projector-lineup-3lcd-tech-built+in-dvd

Epson's just added to its Moviemate lineup of digital projectors with the 55 model. It uses a three-chip 3LCD system for high image quality, a new E-TORL lamp that can blaze up to 1,200 lumens, and has a built-in stereo speakers and DVD player. That's where its interesting though, since that player is just standard progressive-scan 480p, and nowhere does Epson make reference to the projector's resolution. It may indeed be able to throw a "16:9 widescreen 60-inch image from only six feet away" but this might not interest you if you're after HD imagery. Still it weighs just eight pounds and costs $699, so that might let Epson off. Due in October. Press release below.

LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 26, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) (PRIME NEWSWIRE) — Building upon its leadership position in the projector industry, Epson America Inc. today announced the Epson MovieMate(tm) 55, the latest model to join the industry's top-selling line of combo projectors(1). By combining a high-quality projector, a CD/DVD player and stereo speakers in one portable unit, Epson MovieMate 55 gives consumers an affordable, easy-to-use and convenient solution for home entertainment in the living room, on a vacation, and even outdoors. Within moments, Epson MovieMate 55 allows consumers to view their favorite movies in larger-than-life sizes — up to eight times larger than on a 40-inch widescreen TV — by simply plugging the unit into an electrical outlet. Featuring a new brighter lamp and Dolby(r) Digital audio, MovieMate 55 delivers instant home cinema on-the-go. Consumers can enjoy watching DVDs and playing video games when connected to Nintendo(r) Wii(tm), Sony(r) PlayStation(r! ) 3 and Microsoft(r) Xbox 360(r) videogame consoles. They can also play music from MP3 players and videos from an Apple(r) iPod(tm) on the big screen. For even more versatility, MovieMate 55 plays photo slideshows from photo CDs and USB flash drives and can connect to a PC or Mac to show content from the computer. With 3-chip 3LCD technology and E-TORL(r) lamp, consumers will experience brighter, natural colors that pop off the screen. "Epson is the world's number one selling brand of projectors(2) because Epson listens closely to its customers' needs," said Rajeev Mishra, director, Projector Marketing and Development, Epson America. "Epson MovieMate projectors can transform any space into a home theater environment. Anyone can enjoy the simple setup, transport and operation of these easy to use and portable projectors." More about the Epson MovieMate 55 Weighing only 8.3 pounds, the Epson MovieMate 55 features a sleek, compact design with a built-in handle and cushioned carrying case for portable convenience. Additional features and benefits include: * Projecting a 16:9 widescreen 60-inch image from only six feet away or a 120-inch image from just 12 feet away * Built-in progressive scan standard definition (480p) DVD/CD player * Great sound quality using two built-in 8 watt 5.1 Dolby Digital DTS(r) speakers * Compatible with Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PS3, and Apple iPod * Integrates a new, brighter E-TORL lamp with up to 1,200 lumens to project light more efficiently, maximizing brightness and uniformity across the entire screen throughout the lamp's life — White light output: 1,200 lumens — Color light output: 1,200 lumens About 3LCD Technology 3LCD is the world's leading projection technology, delivering unbelievably bright and natural color, amazing detail and road-tested reliability. Using an advanced, 3-chip optical engine, 3LCD offers full-time color for brilliant quality images without the possibility of color break-up. 3LCD is based on LCD technology, which is used by leading m! anufactu rers worldwide for the ultimate viewing experience in flat panel TVs and projectors. To find out why more users choose 3LCD than all other projection technologies combined and to get the latest list of leading companies offering 3LCD technology in their products, visit the 3LCD website at http://www.3LCD.com. Availability and Support The Epson MovieMate 55 will be available in October through national resellers for an estimated street price of $699. The projector also comes with the service and support only Epson can offer, including a two-year limited warranty with toll-free access to PrivateLine(sm), Epson's priority technical support, and free overnight exchange with ExtraCare(sm) Home Service.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)