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Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Verizon debuts MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/verizon-debuts-mifi-2200-portable-ev-do-router/

It was hardly a secret 'round these parts, but Verizon Wireless is finally ready to confess to that MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot we've heard so much about. Like the Novatel unit it's based on, the device harbors 802.11b/g and EV-DO Rev. A radios, and can share a 3G Verizon connection with up to five different WiFi devices simultaneously. Battery life is pegged at four hours of active use, and 40 hours of standby on a single charge. Data plans include a $40 monthly subscription for 250MB and 10 cents per MB overages, or $60 for 5GB and half the overages price. If you want to forgo the subscription and pay full-price for the MiFi, you can pick up a 24 hour "DayPass" for $15 -- any way you slice it, you'll be paying good money for the privilege of using the thing. The MiFi 2200 itself hits stores May 17th, and will run you $100 after a $50 rebate.

Filed under: Wireless, Networking

Verizon debuts MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mvix Nubbin Is the World's Smallest Wireless-N Adapter...And It's Cheap [Wi-Fi]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/YoBspwi5KZE/mvix-nubbin-is-the-worlds-smallest-wireless+n-adapterand-its-cheap

The Mvix Nubbin protrudes less than 2cm from your computer as it adds 802.1n Wi-Fi to your computer, making it the world's smallest Wireless-N adapter. It's also competitively priced at $40.

Compatible with PCs and Macs, the Mvix Nubbin can be used on 802.1b/g/n networks despite its stature of just 3/4 of an inch. I'm ever so skeptical about the Nubbin's ability to ferret a weak signal compared to its larger brethren, but I'll give the little guy the benefit of the doubt while adding that it ships tomorrow from retailers around the web. [Mvix]

LG's WirelessHD LH80 LCD TVs released in Korea

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/lgs-wirelesshd-lh80-lcd-tvs-released-in-korea/

With its 2009 LED-backlit LH90 LCDs already announced, LG has decided its LH80 line should be next up, its first of many -- following Panasonic's lead -- packing a Wireless HD media box to stream any HDMI, USB, or OTA content to the TV. Available in Korea is just this 55-inch model for about 5.1 million South Korean won ($4,008) but you can check out our CES '09 Wireless HD demo for a better look at the box and display while we wait for its LH85 branded U.S. cousin to make an appearance later on this year.

Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

LG's WirelessHD LH80 LCD TVs released in Korea originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Virgin Media testing DOCSIS 3.0 to new limits with 200Mbps, 3D and 1080p

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/virgin-media-testing-docsis-3-0-to-new-limits-with-200mbps-3d-a/

Forget 101Mbps Internet service or even the 160Mbps available in on J:COM in Japan, Virgin Media is about to put a lucky few of its slick new modems to real work, testing 200Mbps internet, "full HD" broadband content (we take that to mean 1080p) and 3D. All delivered via DOCSIS 3.0, the downside is that at least for the next six months this pilot project will be extended only to about 100 "lead adopters" around Ashford, Kent for testing. We've heard all we need to get packed for a move, how about you?

[Via Hexus]

Filed under: HDTV, Networking

Virgin Media testing DOCSIS 3.0 to new limits with 200Mbps, 3D and 1080p originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just How Big is the Enterprise's Viewscreen? [Space]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/hwdBi5F8nzU/just-how-big-is-the-enterprises-viewscreen

I woke up at 3AM last night with my mind racing. The extremely important question that woke me up? How big is the Enterprise's viewscreen? So I decided to do the math.

First off, it depends on which Enterprise you're talking about. The original Enterprise of the '60s, which I've been watching Season 1 of on Blu-ray (quite a good restoration, btw), had what seemed like a tiny ass screen when compared to the IMAX-like experience of the new movie Enterprise. But it's not actually that small.

Using the combined knowledge of the Star Fleet Technical Manual and some screenshots of the episodes, I was able to determine that the screen is a 136-inch display with a 1.73:1 aspect ratio. That's actually smaller than the retina-searing 150-inch Panasonic plasma that we played with before. Yes, Adam Frucci and various captains of industry that have way too much money have viewed things in their own home on a larger display than a captain of a STARSHIP.

But Picard isn't going to be showed up by 21st century technology. His glorious Enterprise D has a 212-inch screen with a 1.92:1 aspect ratio, which is big enough for Riker to jam chairs through while Picard's off in a fantasy land with Whoopi Goldberg. Nice job, Riker.

Not only is this screen gigantic, it supposedly displays stuff in three-dimensions, shifting views or something so Jean-Lu! c can pu t a face to Troi's feelings of "he's hiding something". The Star Trek Wiki explains thusly:

While it is a subtle effect, the viewscreen seen throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation clearly displayed 3-D images. This effect was created in some scenes by providing multiple angles on the viewer, with the image on screen displayed at a corresponding angle, rather than a flat, single angle shot.

But what about the newest technology? What have we learned from years of actual consumer electronics development that the tech-consultants on the movie set could incorporate into the latest iteration of the Enterprise? "Bigger is better."

The display on new-Kirk's ship looks massive, but only because it's so wide. If you're measuring the screen diagonally in display-talk, it's around 326-inches, which is larger in absolute terms than even Picard's screen. It also has a 3.25:1 display ratio, making it wider than most film ratios. But if you're talking pure width, it measures about 26 feet across. Quite impressive.

If they ever do remake TNG, I suspect that the viewscreen will wrap entirely around the side of the bridge all the way to the back where neo-Worf and neo-Geordi will be able to see what's going on behind the Enterprise. It's easier to turn your head to see a display than to tell someone to press a button to change the view.

So yes, this is our dream for when we go into space. Not only will we be able to be in space, we'll have really, really big screens to watch stuff on.

ZyXEL's DMA-2500 streams in 1080p content from your network

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/zyxels-dma-2500-streams-in-1080p-content-from-your-network/

The world needs another set-top-box like it needs another Kim Jong-Il, but we'll do our best to stifle the sighs and present to you the ZyXEL DMA-2500. This well-specced box streams in material up to 1080p from any networked storage device, is DLNA 1.5 certified and supports more formats than it would be healthy for us to list. The outfit also claims that it'll handle material laced in DRM, but the vagueness of it all has us skeptical. At any rate, users can also indulge in internet TV and online radio, and there's an S-Video, composite and HDMI port to get it onto your television. Finally, the unit even includes a USB port which can presumably be used for adding local storage or a USB WiFi adapter. It's filtering out now across the pond for the somewhat hard-to-swallow price of €223 ($296).

[Via HDTVInfo]

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

ZyXEL's DMA-2500 streams in 1080p content from your network originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon Kindle DX first hands-on (with video!)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/amazon-kindle-dx-first-hands-on/

We just got a quick first in-person look at Amazon's new Kindle DX. It looks bigger! Some quick thoughts on the device:

It's not really drastically different from the Kindle 2. Not in any way. The ability to auto-rotate is nice, and the big screen is definitely easier on the eyes when it comes to reading newspapers, but largely this is the same beast.
The screen looks great. It may just be the demo units here, but the blacks seem to be darker than they are on the Kindle 2. We'll have to hold this judgment for when we've got a review unit in our hands.
Screen refresh is largely unchanged. You'll still see those black flashes when you turn the page.
The keyboard seems better to us than the Kindle 2's. The keys are more raised, and there's more real estate for typing. It's still not an awesome experience, but it's improved.
The size difference really is notable. The DX is a large device. It's not the kind of thing you'll be throwing into a purse, though it's not so large that you wouldn't consider it over the Kindle 2. In fact, if we had to choose right now, the Kindle DX wins hands-down.
$489 is a lot of money for a device like this. Amazon is really going to have to show some considerable cuts on pricing for their deals with the NYT / schools to make this attractive to end-users.

And check out the videos after the break!

Gallery: Amazon Kindle DX first hands-on

Gallery: Amazon Kindle DX close-ups

Continue reading Amazon Kindle DX first hands-on (with video!)

Filed under: Handhelds

Amazon Kindle DX first hands-on (with video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell Studio XPS 13 reviewed, loved, and respected

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/dell-studio-xps-13-reviewed-loved-and-respected/

There's been much talk of Dell's leather-bound Studio XPS 13 ever since it made its first appearance... and now the fine folks over at Hot Hardware have put it through the motions for you, and we can tell you that they really liked what they found. Really really. In terms of overall build, they were very impressed, specifically with the chunky hinges and that decorative leather strip (the one which we found to be rippled in our own hands-on). They also claim that the Studio XPS 13 might have the "best keyboard" they've "ever touched" on an ultraportable, and they similarly loved the trackpad's clickiness (although we found the trackpad cramped and awkwardly placed). Performance-wise, they consider themselves blown away by the laptop, though they noted a few hiccups here and there (while tabbing around Firefox), and said that they felt the Studio XPS 13 outperforms others in its class. Hit the read link for the full on, glowing review -- one more shot after the break.

Continue reading Dell Studio XPS 13 reviewed, loved, and respected

Filed under: Laptops

Dell Studio XPS 13 reviewed, loved, and respected originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's PRAM chips hit mass production in June

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/samsungs-pram-chips-go-into-mass-production-in-june/

Mark your calendars, memory enthusiasts, for the date you've all been waiting for. Samsung's phase change RAM will go into mass production starting in June. The PRAM chips -- not to be confused with paramter RAM, often what you curse / reset if you've got a Mac on the fritz -- can rewrite data without having to erase what's already on there first. The company's still boasting it's 30x faster and has 10x the lifespan of traditional flash memory. You want to know what gadgets and gizmos will first use these chips? Us too, but we're all gonna have to wait because Sammy's not talking yet.

Filed under: Storage

Samsung's PRAM chips hit mass production in June originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 21:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/reald-lp-makes-3d-projection-a-touch-more-portable/

It may be stretching the definition of what we'd call "portable" around here by quite a large margin, but RealD's touting its latest creation as the world's first mobile, single-projector 3D solution. The RealD LP can blast video on screens up to 17 feet wide with a 150:1 contrast ratio -- glasses still required for the full effect, of course. No price mentioned, but we reckon it's still in the realm of "if you have to ask, you can't afford it."

Filed under: Displays, Misc. Gadgets

RealD LP makes 3D projection a touch more portable originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaCie adds to NAS catalog with Big Disk, d2 Network

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/lacie-adds-to-nas-catalog-with-big-disk-d2-network/

Looking to add some color to your extensive NAS collection? Well, you find it here, save for the company's characteristic blue button. If you're willing to look past that cold, aluminum exterior, however, LaCie's Big Disk and d2 Network storage solutions should serve you well. The former sports up to 1.5TB capacity with eSATA port for expansion, while the latter goes up to 3TB by concactenating two drives in RAID 0. Both support the usual array of backup software, including Apple's Time Machine, and work with all DLNA-compliant devices. LaCie says they're on sale now, $190 for d2 Network and $380 for Big Disk Network.

Filed under: Storage

LaCie adds to NAS catalog with Big Disk, d2 Network originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 00:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's HMX-H106 Full HD camcorder with 64GB SSD takes first peek at retail

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/samsungs-hmx-h106-full-hd-camcorder-with-64gb-ssd-gets-first-pe/

Here's one that might trigger an electrical pulse across the synapses, Samsung's HMX-H106. This tiny Full HD camcorder with a 64GB SSD tooling about its inanimate innards has been quietly preparing for May launch ever since its reveal back in January at CES. That's enough storage for an impressive 12 hours of 1920 x 1080 pixel video with further expansion by SD/SDHC card. Word has it that it launched this morning in its hometown Korea and is set for a May 22nd Stateside launch according Amazon.com. 900 bucks for a H.264 camcorder with an optical image stabilized Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan HD lens touting a 10x zoom and 37mm wide-angle focal length -- is that new baby worth it?

Read -- Korea launch
Read -- Amazon May 22nd pre-order

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Samsung's HMX-H106 Full HD camcorder with 64GB SSD takes first peek at retail originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 May 2009 02:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SmartQ 7 is an Internet Tablet with dedicated FN

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/06/smartq-7-is-an-internet-tablet-with-dedicated-fn/

Oh look, another 7-inch device with an identity crisis. Too big to be called a smartphone, definitely not a netbook, it must be a MID, UMPC, or maybe a PMP. Wait, we see it now, the SmartQ 7 aspires to be an "Internet Tablet." Good, because its WVGA (800ish x 480 pixel) resolution is the same as Toshiba's 4.1-inch TG01 (to name just one smaller device) only stretched across a 7-inch touchscreen display -- not exactly ideal for video in 2009. The SmartQ 7 runs an unspecified Linux distro with specs that include WiFi, a USB-host mode, stereo speakers, and up to 2-days of music off a single charge to its 4500mAh Li-Poly battery. More importantly, there's a dedicated FN button along the top for instant fun. No launch date or price but we've got the backside, front, after the break.

[Via Pocketables]

Continue reading SmartQ 7 is an Internet Tablet with dedicated FN

Filed under: Handhelds, Portable Audio, Portable Video

SmartQ 7 is an Internet Tablet with dedicated FN originally appeared on Engadget on We! d, 06 Ma y 2009 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009

The Problems with a Hackintosh Netbook, Six Months Out [Hackintosh]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/dkfTaZL0zfA/the-problems-with-a-hackintosh-netbook-six-months-out

More than a few Lifehacker readers were probably intrigued when reports popped up about how easy it was to install OS X on an MSI Wind netbook (and it's gotten easier lately with the Dell Mini 9). Before you splurge on what seems like a cheap, portable MacBook replacement, consider the experiences of Wired GadgetLab's Brian X. Chen, as he dealt with software, hardware, and hardware design problems. He's not alone, either—Dave "MacSparky" Sparks and Steven Sande at The Unofficial Apple Weblog are near the breaking point with their Mini 9s. Got a counter-argument for your beloved HackBook? Agree that it's best to go official with Apple products? Tell us your take in the comments. [Wired GadgetLab]

Manhattan Mapped Without a Horizon [Art]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/OMGYARBJ7aE/manhattan-mapped-without-a-horizon

It's rare that we get excited over maps, but this idea by graphic designers Jack Schulze and Matt Webb would be great for GPSs, combining 3D, first person and overhead views into one übermap.

The art project, called Here & There, bends the world into horizon-less, roller coaster loop topography, which allows the viewer to see their position from the first person perspective (complete with those 3D buildings that usually just get in the way) alongside the route/terrain to come.

For now, the designers' work is available in limited edition prints only that go for $65 (per a set of two). But we can still dream that someone like Google, Apple or Garmin might come around and drop a big pile of money on the small agency before automating this visualization for real time navigation. [Here & There and Background Info via FastCompany]

Also check out these two similarly themed, Dyson Spheresque images. The first, Halo. The second, RingWorld.

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