Friday, September 12, 2008

BenQ debuts Joybook Lite U101 netbook

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/390774390/

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It looks like there's some good news for folks that feel that the current crop of netbooks just aren't BenQ enough, as BenQ has now finally joined the fray with its new Joybook Lite U101 netbook. This one packs a 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display (an 8.9-inch version will apparently also be available), along with the usual 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a hard drive of unspecified size, a 3-cell battery, XP or Linux and, as is becoming increasingly common, optional 3G. Hit up the link below for a few more pics, and look for the 8.9-inch and 10.1-inch versions to roll out in October and November, respectively.
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Posted by Augustine at 11:55 PM

iPod touch 2.1 jailbroken

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/390774389/

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Well, that was fast -- iPod touch firmware 2.1 was just released on Tuesday, and the QuickPwn project already has it jailbroken. It's not quite the GUI one-click process it's been in the past, but if you're anxious for a little underground code to go with your Genius playlists, it's not overly complicated. Let us know how it goes, we'll let you know when the iPhone 2.1 jailbreak inevitably hits.

Update: The Dev Team just pinged us to say that this isn't one of their official releases, if that sort of thing matters to you.
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Posted by Augustine at 11:55 PM

French magazine offers evidence of Leica D-LUX 4, C-LUX 3

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/390870647/

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Sure, you can always save a few bucks and get the Panasonic equivalent to a Leica camera, but Leica fans are a pretty particular bunch, and they'll no doubt be pleased to see the company's new D-LUX 4 camera pictured above, which is apparently Leica's version of Panasonic's 10.1-megapixel LX3. What's more, if you look closely above, you'll also see a mention of a hereto unheard of C-LUX 3 model, which is supposedly Leica's take on Panasonic's compact FX37 camera, and an update to the its own C-LUX 2 model. Of course, none of this is quite official just yet, but it seems like we should be hearing more from Leica soon if it is, in fact, legit.
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Posted by Augustine at 11:51 PM

HP said to be considering making its own OS to counter Vista

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/390891687/

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HP unsurprisingly isn't ready to touch this one in any sort of official way just yet, but BusinessWeek is reporting that at least some folks at the company are "exploring the possibility of building a mass-market operating system," which would be positioned as an alternative to Vista. That OS, as you might have guessed, would be based on Linux, although BusinessWeek's sources say it "would be simpler and easier for mainstream users." By all indications, however, this so-called "skunk works team" within HP doesn't seem to have moved much beyond the brainstorming stage, and HP is sticking strictly to its official line that it is more interested in "innovating on top of Vista," with HP chief technology officer Phil McKinney even going so far as to say that the idea that it's funding a huge R&D team to go off and create an operating system "makes no sense."

[Via Electronista]
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Posted by Augustine at 11:51 PM

Toshiba's LED Pico Projector does its thing on video

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/390891686/

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We've waited ages for a real-deal pico projector from Toshiba (or anyone reputable, quite frankly), and it's looking all the more likely that we'll be absolutely bombarded with them come CES 2009. At any rate, Toshiba is apparently close to putting the finishing touches on its LED Pico Projector, which weighs in at 100-grams and measures 10- x 4.5- x 1.7-centimeters in size. Outside of that, specifications are few and far between, but you can catch a video of its powers in the link below.

[Thanks, Jan]
Read - Toshiba's LED Pico Projector
Read - In-action video
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Posted by Augustine at 11:50 PM

Lenovo's ThinkPad X301 gets reviewed

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/390957680/

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We all know the X300 was fairly widely praised, though that price tag was mighty prohibitive. Still, if you've got the coin to play around with ultrathin ultraportables, the X301 is a welcome upgrade. According to Laptop Mag, the Centrino 2 platform and built-in DisplayPort made an "already excellent machine even better." Most of the basics from the X300 are still here, but critics couldn't help but swoon over the new inclusions. Regrettably, the battery life was said to be an hour or two short for their liking, so it sounds as if you'll want to factor in an extra pack if you're the type who strays from power outlets. Hit the read link for the full rundown, just don't expect anything out of the ordinary.
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Posted by Augustine at 11:50 PM

avatars, chat, buddy-surf

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Posted by Augustine at 10:19 AM

Appreciate Water

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yankodesign/~3/388541691/

Many of us take water for granted. It’s difficult to appreciate something when in its purest form has no color, odor, or shape. Designer Hyun Ko promotes awareness and the significance of water by giving us a sweet juicy drink called Blooming Water. When your straw pierces a thin barrier holding the colored juice concentrate, it spills into the water forming clouds of color. For a brief moment, what looks still is actually always moving. Appreciate it.

Designer: Hyun-a Ko

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Posted by Augustine at 6:53 AM

iShow, Micro Projection for Your i-memes

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yankodesign/~3/388555583/

During his studies at H.I.T., Moti Barzilay had to design something iconic in the realm of Apple products - something he felt was missing from their lineup. He came up with the iShow. Yes another “i” meme. It’s a portable projector designed for Apple’s line of iPods, iPhones, and MacBooks. The clam inspired body turns on when you pull the two discs apart to expose a pico projector and ports. He doesn’t mention pixel resolution but the projection system is LED based and no you can’t use it as a Yo-Yo.

Designer: Moti Barzilay

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Posted by Augustine at 6:52 AM

Loop Concept is all Solar Panels and Touchscreen Windows

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yankodesign/~3/389498143/

Loop explores the relationships between the present and the future. Loop is Peugeot's green thinking for tomorrow’s megatropolis. It signifies the use of green thinking – how we use our resources today determines what we will receive in return in the future.

The roof spreads along the entire length of the body maximizing space for a solar panel which acts as a secondary power source for this family car. It also creates an interesting visual pattern. The primary energy source is a rechargeable lithium battery located at the rear of the vehicle. Materials proposed for the vehicle are eco-friendly tho the designer doesn’t specify what exactly.

A gangway feel is provided between two rows of seats. Semi-circular bags are located along this gangway. They come with customized options for storage, entertainment, interaction, etc, providing the user with greater flexibility and ease of use.

Space is also provided for a small indoor plant. This brings the outdoors into the interior and gives a sense of the natural surroundings beyond the gull-wing doors.

Another feature is a Hi-tech concept camera, embedded within the passenger windows. Whenever anything interesting is seen on the road, passengers touch their window to capture a snapshot.

Designer: Abhinav Dapke

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Posted by Augustine at 6:52 AM

Edit Video on Video, Confused?

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yankodesign/~3/389513394/

Okay so recording video is pretty simple nowadays. Companies have pretty much aced usability and made it super easy for even the most tech-challenged. Problem is a lot of video stays in memory, unedited and uninteresting because editing is a little harder than pushing a button. Of course people with Macs know iMovie does a great job editing video (OMG did I just plug Apple?) but what about the rest of us? Maybe you need the Video concept.

It consists of 2 components, the video recorder and a docking station connected to a TV. The recorder stores everything digitally. When docked, you make edits and add music and special effects via a touchscreen interface on the recorder. Once all is said and done, your work can be burned to DVD to share.

Designer: Jonas Buck

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Posted by Augustine at 6:52 AM

SENZ Umbrella Review. Marry Poppins Watch Out!

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yankodesign/~3/389536445/

The SENZ Umbrella is the most unique umbrella I’ve ever seen and used and that’s saying a lot because how “designed” can an umbrella be? What makes the SENZ different is its aerodynamic shape which keeps rain off your back and withstands up to 70 mph winds. I tried it out and found a couple other unique features that make this umbrella a must have for any rain drenched area.

It’s solid but still lightweight - the first two things I look for in any umbrella. The handle is foamed and rubberized to keep your grip from slipping which leads me to the next unique feature. To open the umbrella, you pull down. Yes the mechanism is reversed but it makes sense. The mechanism you’re pulling on actually becomes a part of your grip. As long as you hold steadfast, the umbrella refuses to invert.

At first glance the shape looks odd but again makes so much sense; I’m amazed no one’s thought of it before. The cab forward aerodynamic shape does two things. Firstly it keeps rain off your back, an issue I find prevalent with traditional umbrellas. This shape also channels high winds across the surface and behind you. I’m almost positive the drag coefficient is significantly less which helps in resisting gale force winds.

At almost 3-4x the cost of a traditional umbrella, you better live in an area where rain is more than a seasonal visitor. Unlike me, conducting this review was difficult since I live in L.A. but I’m resourceful enough to see how well it holds up against a hose and beach winds. I’m happy to report it aced both events.

The SENZ Umbrella comes in 3 sizes. The one is the review is the XL.

[ Buy It Here ]

(Left to Right: Senz Mini, Original & XL)

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Posted by Augustine at 6:51 AM

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