Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

ASUS K Series laptops hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/asus-k-series-laptops-hands-on/

Hope you're still hungry for even more new machines from the kids at ASUS, 'cause we've got let another lineup to share. The recently launched K Series is aimed at those looking for a portable PC that can handle the basics, particularly ones who won't much mind how the thing looks. Don't get us wrong, the K Series is a perfectly fine looking machine, but it is pretty far left on the drab-to-exciting scale. That said, the 15- and 17-inch variants we saw seemed ideal for multimedia duties and the occasional bout with Microsoft Office, with the keyboard being extra spacious and ripe for typing at length. Of note, the K Series is the first laptop family to get equipped with AMD's ultra-fresh ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4860 graphics set, so yeah, there's that. Click around below for looks from every angle.

Gallery: ASUS K Series laptops hands-on

Filed under: Laptops

ASUS K Series laptops hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

ASUS Eee PC 1008HA hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/asus-eee-pc-1008ha-hands-on/

While we initially assumed that ASUS' Lamborghini VX5 would be its sexiest laptop at CeBIT, now we're having second thoughts. After taking the wraps off of its downright stunning 10-inch Eee PC 1008HA yesterday, we spotted the bugger sittin' pretty today at the outfit's booth. Needless to say, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to snag a few snapshots and share 'em all with you. Much like the S101, the so-called "Shell" has very little "Eee" in its blood. In fact, you'd barely know it was part of the family without that descriptive placard sitting there beside it. ASUS engineered this one for fashionistas who'd like a little PC with their next style accessory, and everything from the glorious paint job to the ultra-clean lines screamed "gorgeous." Really, take a look below and see for yourself.

Gallery: ASUS Eee PC 1008HA hands-on

Filed under: Laptops

ASUS Eee PC 1008HA hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xandros announces Presto! instant-on Linux distro

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/xandros-announces-presto-instant-on-linux-distro/

We've always had a thing for instant-on OS environments like SplashTop, and now Xandros is looking to bring that concept to every laptop with Presto!, a new Linux distro that's said to boot in "seconds." The idea isn't so much to replace Windows as it is to supplement it -- you select between Windows and Presto at boot, you'll still have access to all your files, and you can even uninstall Presto from Add / Remove programs. Not a bad way to get your Linux feet wet, and Presto seems like it's pretty functional as well: Xandros already powers the Linux Eee PCs, and it sounds like Presto will run decently on similarly low-powered / older hardware. The stock install comes with Firefox, Skype, a media player and office suite, but Xandros is working on an app store, so you should have lots of other options soon. Sounds promising -- we'll see how it goes when the beta's released on March 16.

[Via GadgetMix]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Xandros announces Presto! instant-on Linux distro originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

MSI teases Winki, the internet device without an operating system -- that runs Linux

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/04/msi-teases-winki-the-internet-device-without-an-operating-syste/

MSI teases Winki, the internet device without an operating system -- that runs Linux

Okay, see if you can wrap your head around this one: MSI has announced a new device designed to simplify peoples' internet experiences by cutting out all the extraneous stuff, presenting a clean, decidedly OS X-like interface to commonly used apps. It's the same sort of skin we've seen applied many a Linux-powered device before, but MSI has taken the unusual decision to call this a "new internet interactive device without an operating system." We're not sure if that's supposed to be a subtle dig to the Linux community or just marketing misinformation, but, regardless, the device (which MSI has yet to reveal) will ship with a number of web-related tools like Firefox for browsing, Pidgin and Skype for chatting, and other apps for browsing media and whatnot. No word on whether users will be able to install their own apps, and if so what happens when they run out of room on that not-a-dock, but we are certain of one thing: this is clearly the cutest name for a non-OS device of all time.

[Via I4U News]

Filed under: Desktops

MSI teases Winki, the internet device without an operating system -- that runs Linux originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shops Seek Control in Social-Media Space

Source: http://adage.com/mediaagencyoftheyear09/article?article_id=134881

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Who owns social media? Agencies of all stripes want to lay claim, but for media agencies, the best answer might come in scaling social campaigns.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

PadMapper Puts Craigslist Rentals on a Google Map [Apartments]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/nLFQB9uRVho/padmapper-puts-craigslist-rentals-on-a-google-map

The two most important things to look for when shopping for a new apartment on Craigslist are price and location. PadMapper maps Craigslist's apartment listings on a Google Map for an at-a-glance look at available offerings.

Previously mentioned MapsKrieg covers the same basic territory, but PadMapper goes one step further, offering advanced filtering based on price, bedrooms, bathrooms, pets, and—if you live in New York—subway commute. When you click on a pushpin, PadMapper displays the Craigslist post complete with photos.

Making a move soon and want to bone up on your skills? Check out our apartment hunting 101 course and get an edge on the competition.

PadMapper [via MakeUseOf]

[Sponsored]

Kingdom of the Blue Whale – Sun Mar 8 8P

Blue whales are the planet's largest creatures, yet we hardly ever see them. Their calls travel thousands of miles, but we can barely hear them. Now, National Geographic embarks on a mission to witness what nobody ever has in these waters; blue whales eating and giving birth.
Click to Learn More natgeotv.com/bluewhale

Flickr Video Now Available to All Members, Goes HD [Flickr]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/O7LALA7vn_I/flickr-video-now-available-to-all-members-goes-hd

Previously a feature available to Flickr Pro users only, Yahoo's popular photo sharing site, Flickr, now supports video uploads for all members.

Now anyone can upload two videos/month, in addition to the 100MB monthly photo upload limit, according to Yahoo's post. Flickr has also enabled HD uploading and viewing. Only Pro members can upload in HD, but everybody can enjoy them. Can't argue with the crisp look of those HD Flickr videos.

More videos for everyone! [Yodel Anecdotal Yahoo Blog]

DisplayFusion 3.0 Manages Everything Across Multi-Monitor Setups [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/CjVHkNz5ws8/displayfusion-30-manages-everything-across-multi+monitor-setups

If you're looking to manage windows and wallpapers on multiple monitors, it's tough to go wrong with the reasonably priced, and recently updated, DisplayFusion.

We've sung praises for the excellent multi-monitor tool DisplayFusion before, for it's ability customize your dual monitors and help you make the most of your dual monitors. DisplayFusion has recently been revamped to include even more features including the ability to grab wallpapers from not only your computer and Flickr, but from the excellent wallpaper collection at Vladstudio—a popular wallpaper site based on responses to where you found your favorite multi-monitor wallpaper.

While the addition of new resources for new wallpaper is great, it isn't nearly as newsworthy as the addition of multi-monitor windows management. Like previously reviewed UltraMon, DisplayFusion now has the ability to span your taskbar across all of your monitors. You can switch windows between your monitors using hotkeys or by clicking on the title bar of the window with the middle mouse button. There is one small hiccup with the window management tool, though: if you're using multiple monitors, it doesn't allow you to select which monitor the window will move to like UltraMon does. Using the hotkey or middle mouse button sends the window to the next monitor in the sequence as Windows sees them. As you can see in the screen shot up top, my monitors are arranged in a 2-1-3 pattern, so to move a window from the center monitor to the far right one! require s two clicks. Not a deal breaker by any means, and not even an issue if you only have two monitors, but something to keep if you're sporting three or more monitors.

Here's a look at some of DisplayFusion 3.0's features and abilities (click for larger images):

If you can tolerate the loss of some of the tweaks available in UltraMon, like the multi-monitor screensaver tool, DisplayFusion costs less than half of UltraMon's $40 price at $16—technically $15.53, based on today's U.S./Canada currency exchange. I've used both over the last year with dual, and then triple, monitors and, dollar for dollar, DisplayFusion is a great value. The day DisplayFusion adds a handy titlebar button for tossing wi! ndows fr om one monitor to another, I'll stop using the two applications side by side and use DisplayFusion exclusively.

DisplayFusion has a limited-functionality free edition, and you can request a 30-day trial license to test out the full package before purchase. DisplayFusion is $16 for a lifetime license and is Windows only.

DisplayFusion 3.0 [Binary Fortress]

Samsung's NC20 gets hands-on treatment, US availability date

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/samsungs-nc20-gets-hands-on-treatment-us-availability-date/

We've already seen Samsung's borderline netbook unboxed and on sale across the pond, but up until now, us Yanks have had to sit and ponder whether waiting for this to come Stateside was a worthwhile use of time. For those that held off, kudos. Laptop has received word from Sammy itself that an Americanized version of the 12.1-inch, VIA-powered NC20 will ship here in the United States starting on March 6th. At least initially, the computer will be offered up exclusively through NewEgg.com, and we're told that the US version will be black in color and equipped with a 5900mAh battery. The only detail that wasn't disclosed was the price, so it seems we've a few hours yet to wait before that becomes clear. Check the read link for an unboxing of the white Korean model should you so desire.

Filed under: Laptops

Samsung's NC20 gets hands-on treatment, US availability date originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Eye-Fi does video with new 4GB Explore Video and Share Video cards, launching an iPhone app

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/eye-fi-does-video-with-new-4gb-explore-video-and-share-video-car/

Just like Eye-Fi promised in January, the WiFi SD card maker is adding video sharing to its repertoire. The new Explore Video and Share Video cards bring video sharing and 4GB capacities to the existing photo sharing lineup. The new cards go for $99 and $79, respectively, while the old 2GB Eye-Fi Home and Eye-Fi Share cards have been marked down to $49 and $59 each. The cards can handle uploads to YouTube and Flickr, and are built for HD uploads, and naturally the Explore card adds the hotspot service and geotagging on top of regular service. You can pre-order the cards today, and they should be shipping by the end of the month. Eye-Fi is also releasing a free iPhone app (as promised) this week, which works with your existing Eye-Fi account (yeah, you need to own a card) and allows you to upload iPhone shots to the same 25 services the SD cards work with, along with the computer syncing Eye-Fi is known for.

Gallery: Eye-Fi does video with new 4GB Explore Video and Share Video cards, launching an iPhone app

Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, Portable Video, Storage

Eye-Fi does video with new 4GB Explore Video and Share Video cards, launching an iPhone app originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple debuts new iMacs, including cheaper 24-incher

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/apple-debuts-new-imacs-including-cheaper-24-incher/

Apple just announced new 24-inch and 20-inch iMacs, with some friendlier pricing and Mini DisplayPort video out. Prices start at $1,199 for the 20-inch and $1,499 for the 24-inch. At the base level Apple offers a 20-incher with 2.66Ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB HDD and GeForce 9400M graphics, the rest of the iMacs are 24-inch numbers with 4GB of RAM standard. In the high end Apple has 2.93GHz and 3.06GHz processor for $1,799 and $2,199, respectively, with GeForce GT 120 256MB and GeForce GT 130 512MB graphics. In between there's a 24-incher for $1,199 with 9400M graphics, a 2.66GHz processor and a 640GB HDD. On the outside it's that same iMac candy shell you know and love, though Apple has oddly replaced the standard wired keyboard with a new numeric keypad-free model -- those pesky numbers are available as an option. All models are available now.

Update: Early information across the wires listed the new iMacs with Core i7 processors. Sadly, this is not the case, and we've updated the post to reflect the boring reality of the situation.

Filed under: Desktops

Apple debuts new iMacs, including cheaper 24-incher originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple announces Nehalem based Mac Pro

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/apple-announces-nehalem-based-mac-pro/

News is just breaking across the wires as we speak, but Apple has announced a new Nehalem based Mac Pro with a starting price of $2,499. The new systems feature either a single core 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 3500, or a dual 2.26 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5500, start with 3GB of memory, a 640GB hard drive, and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512MB of RAM. The PR claims the new systems will be available next week online and in stores, so warm up the credit cards. Full configurations after the break.

Gallery: Apple announces Nehalem based Mac Pro

Continue reading Apple announces Nehalem based Mac Pro

Filed under: Desktops

Apple announces Nehalem based Mac Pro originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:38:00 EST.! Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple refreshes Mac mini lineup with GeForce 9400M graphics

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/apple-refreshes-mac-mini-lineup-with-geforce-9400m-graphics/

After all that excitement in the run-up, Apple's done just about the bare minimum that was expected in a Mac mini update -- though we suppose the expected five USB ports will be a boon for homebuilt RAID enthusiasts, and the Mini DisplayPort and DVI plugs make for some nice dual monitor support. The new SKUs both run 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo processors and are backed up by the same NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics that've done wonders for the MacBook. For $600 you get 1GB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive, $800 nabs 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive -- both minis have 8x SuperDrives.

Filed under: Desktops

Apple refreshes Mac mini lineup with GeForce 9400M graphics originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Casio's new EX-Z29 10.1 megapixel compact does WVGA video

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/casios-new-ex-z29-10-1-megapixel-compact-does-wvga-video/

It's not HD, but we'll still give Casio's new EX-Z29 props for trying. The primarily bland compact camera (Casio itself describes the shooter as "Sleek & Sturdy") offers up a 848 x 480 video record mode and direct-to-YouTube setting to go along with the 10.1 megapixel sensor, 3X zoom and 2.7-inch LCD. The "Sturdy" camera is 0.91-inches thick, offers Anti Shake DSP for mildly less blurry photos and hits retail this month for $150, available in black, pink, blue, silver or purple. There's another photo of the camera after the break, brace yourselves for all its splendor.

Continue reading Casio's new EX-Z29 10.1 megapixel compact does WVGA video

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Casio's new EX-Z29 10.1 megapixel compact does WVGA video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

NVIDIA intros GeForce GTX 280M / 260M and GTS 160M / 150M laptop GPUs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/nvidia-intros-geforce-gtx-280m-260m-and-gts-160m-150m-laptop/

It's a big day here in Germany for NVIDIA, as it has chosen CeBIT to announce four new mobile GPUs. Without question, the biggest newcomer is the GeForce GTX 280M, which NVIDIA claims is "the fastest laptop GPU on the market, with up to 50 percent more performance than previous generation enthusiast laptop GPUs." The company is also pushing out the somewhat less exciting GeForce GTX 260M, GTS 160M and GTS 150M, all of which feature the company's own CUDA compiling architecture and support PhysX gaming effects. ASUS, Clevo and MSI are all showcasing lappies based on the new GeForce GTX 200M and GeForce GTS 100M Series GPUs here in Hannover, though there's no word on when any of those mysterious machines will ship to drooling consumers.

[Via HotHardware]

Gallery: NVIDIA intros GeForce GTX 280M / 260M and GTS 160M / 150M laptop GPUs

Filed under: Laptops, Pe ripherals

NVIDIA intros GeForce GTX 280M / 260M and GTS 160M / 150M laptop GPUs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)