Thursday, November 05, 2009

Cheapism Helps You Find the Cheapest "Best Buys" [Frugality]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/sFfqbGgykTM/cheapism-helps-you-find-the-cheapest-best-buys

Thanks to the research power the internet bestows upon you, it's easy to find the best of class and the most expensive in any given category. What if you want the best of the cheapest picks? Cheapism can help.

The premise of Cheapism is this: You don't want the absolute best and premium priced item, you just want the best value among the cheaper options.

When you visit Cheapism you can browse their top picks for categories, read product reviews for products with budget-friendly prices, and read up on what to look for in economical products in the category you're researching. The latter might be the most valuable part of the site, the guides are quite detailed and offer lots of great information on shopping in the zone above cheaper-than-dirt and below ultra-premium—they even provide a scale for each product category showing where the common price divisions fall for that particular product.

Check out the link below to explore product reviews on everything from printers to coffee makers. Have a favorite site for finding great deals and comparison shopping? Let's hear about it in the comments.




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CompareMyDocs Helps You Compare Document Revisions [Productivity]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/oqzkyE0HOVA/comparemydocs-helps-you-compare-document-revisions

Free web service CompareMyDocs is an easy-to-use tool that compares up to seven revisions of a Word document or rich text file to help you put together a final draft based on revisions you choose.

After choosing the documents you want to compare, CompareMyDocs will choose one and highlight areas that have been changed in other versions of the document. You can accept or reject those changes by hovering over and clicking one of the buttons that pops up. The app also has a very basic text editor built-in, so you can add, delete, or do minor formatting on text within the document. After you're happy with all the changes, you can save the final version as a document for further work in your desktop word processor.

At the moment, the web app is a bit basic—which is a problem if you have more complicated documents. If, for example, it contains things like tables, images, or footnotes, they may be lost or reformatted in in the process. However, for simpler documents, the program is an easy, intuitive way to edit your way through a mass of revisions, and an interesting alternative to Word's built-in revision tracking.

CompareMyDocs is a free web service.




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T-Mobile 7.2Mbps HSPA rolling out now?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/t-mobile-7-2mbps-hspa-rolling-out-now/

Reports are coming in, by and large it seems via Android and Me, that T-Mobile's begun its rollout of its 7.2Mbps HSPA network for some extra speedy mobile browsing. We've done some testing in the listed cities, notably Chicago and New York, but so far are coming up with the usual, mundane speeds. It'd certainly make up for yesterday's snafu (almost), but at this point we're classifying as unconfirmed. Anyone else having better luck?

Read - 1MB mobile speed test
Read - Android and Me's report

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T-Mobile 7.2Mbps HSPA rolling out now? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympus E-P2 official, patches over E-P1 problems and jacks up the price

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/olympus-e-p2-official-patches-over-e-p1-problems-and-jacks-up-t/

Functionality-wise there's not much to complain about the new Olympus E-P2, and in fact it pretty much exactly addresses all the primary issues with the E-P1. The main physical difference is an accessory port right behind and below the hot-shoe, which allows for plugging in the new VF-2 Electronic View Finder, or alternatively the EMA-1 audio input module. We would've preferred to have both simultaneously, but we'll take what we can get. In movie mode the camera now supports full manual shutter and aperture control, and the new Continuous Autofocus tracking system works both for stills and for video. The E-P2 has a new black paint job, but otherwise seems mostly unchanged, with just a few effects and a new "iEnhance" color adjustment mode rounding out the new features. Olympus will actually sell both of these micro four thirds cameras simultaneously, but here comes the real kicker: the E-P2 will retail in kit for for $1,099, a whopping $300 more than the E-P1 -- less than the comparable GH1, but still more than an entry-level DSLR. That cash gets you either an ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or a 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, and both versions come with an Electronic View Finder standard. Check out the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Olympus E-P2 official, patches over E-P1 problems and jacks up the price

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Olympus E-P2 official, patches over E-P1 problems and jacks up the price originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's 320GB hard disk is world's largest 1.8-incher

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/toshibas-320gb-hard-disk-is-worlds-largest-1-8-incher/

That's the world's largest capacity 1.8-inch hard disk drive right there. A claim met by a list of specs going a little something like this: 3.0Gbps SATA interface, 320GB capacity, 5,400 RPM, 16MB buffer, and 19dB of emitted noise during seeks -- a 4dB cut from Toshiba's previous generation of 5,400 RPM 1.8-inchers. Of course, these 1.8-inch mechanical HDDs are the form factor most commonly found in those netbook-shoving CULV thin-and-light ultraportables now coming onto the market. Look for it in December when the MK3233GSG hits mass production.

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Toshiba's 320GB hard disk is world's largest 1.8-incher originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isabella Products' Vizit: first 2-way touchscreen photo frame headed to AT&T in early 2010

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/isabella-products-vizit-first-2-way-touchscreen-photo-frame-he/

We've been hearing about Isabella Products' cellular-connected Vizit photo frame since early this year. The 10.4-inch touchscreen LCD features a GSM/GPRS module that enables the digital photo frame to receive images via MMS, email, or internet sharing sites. You can even share images with friends and family via email or through Vizit-to-Vizit transfer directly from the frame. Now the company has announced a partnership with AT&T when the two-way frame begins shipping in "early 2010." Here's the problem: the price; $279.99 and it still requires an unspecified monthly or annual photo plan. With Wal-mart shoppers accustomed to spending about $140 for 10-inch digital frames... well, good luck with that pricing scheme Isabella Products, you're going to need it.

Show full PR text
Isabella Products' Digital Photo Frame Connects Families and Friends Over The AT&T Wireless Network

November 5, 2009

Vizit[TM] is the First Two-Way, Touch Screen Photo Frame to Deliver Images Over the Mobile Network

San Francisco, CA - November 5, 2009 - Isabella Products, Inc. and AT&T* announced today that the industry's first two-way, fully interactive digital photo frame -Vizit-will be powered by the AT&T wireless network.

Vizit enables people to send and receive digital photos over the air and features an easy-to-use interface, real time photo sharing, a full-touch interactive display and remote photo management from VizitMe.com. Vizit's unique combination of touch-screen technology, proprietary software and cellular connectivity creates a rich, yet effortless, photo sharing experience. Vizit will be available in early 2010 at www.VizitMe.com and other online retailers.

With Vizit, parents can take a picture of their child's first steps in San Francisco from their camera phone, for example, and send it instantaneously to a Vizit frame sitting next to the proud grandparents in a New York City living room. Images are delivered immediately to the Vizit frame, without any action required from the recipient.

"Digital frames have been a great step forward in viewing convenience, but there has not yet been a single product that allows consumers to fully interact with their photos in a meaningful way," said Matthew I. Growney, Founder and CEO of Isabella Products. "With Vizit, one can now interact with their photo collection, as opposed to only receiving photos to view. Vizit combines two-way capabilities with an attractive, innovative design and an interface that makes it simple for anyone to use."

Vizit will leverage AT&T's nationwide wireless network to receive photos from mobile phones, e-mail, computers or Internet photo management sites. Users can send pictures! directl y from the Vizit to friends and family's email or to another Vizit, enabling them to build a private community of friends and family who are sharing their lives all at the same time.

"Photo sharing has evolved to a new level with Vizit," said Glenn Lurie, president of AT&T emerging devices, resale and partnerships. "The days of stockpiling photos on a camera or wireless phone until you get a chance to load them to a PC or photo sharing site are behind us. With a Vizit and a wireless connection, we're able to share photos in the moment."

Vizit's 10.4" high-resolution touch screen features easy-to-use icons and an intuitive carousel menu to navigate through photos. Users can see all photos in the gallery view, create photo slideshows, rotate or enlarge photos to fill the screen. When photos arrive on the frame, users can send replies back to friends and forward photos along to other friends and family. The frame's connection to the mobile network allows for features currently in development for early next year, such as eCommerce on the frame, to be sent seamlessly over the air.

Remote photo management is part of the overall Vizit experience. Each Vizit owner will have a personal Vizitme.com online account where they can fully manage their photos on the Vizit frame, including editing captions, creating slideshows, archiving photos, and inviting friends and family to share their photo albums.

With an ultra-thin display, Vizit is wall mountable and is available in gunmetal with black or rosewood accents, and silver with white or teak accents measuring 10.9" wide x 7.4" high x .65" deep. The suggested retail price is $279.99, and requires a monthly or annual photo plan.

Vizit feature highlights include:

Sending photos with ease - Photos can be sent to the Vizit frame via MMS or email from one's phone, Internet, PC or even Vizit to Vizit.

Real-time sharing - Receive photos of important milestones and memories in real! -time fr om anyone, anywhere by way of the frame's two-way cellular network connection.

Full-circle experience - Share, reply and forward your photos directly from the Vizit frame with just a touch.

Full-touch display - The Vizit frame automatically scales your photos to ensure they look their very best on a clear 10.4" full-touch LCD. Touch the screen anywhere to pause the slideshow of photos and display the carousel menu, previous-next photo arrows, and an info balloon with photo date, sender and caption info.

Intuitive interface - The touch-activated carousel menu features simple graphic icons and large touch targets, providing easy and fun navigation for all ages and levels of tech savvy.
  • Gallery view displays thumbnails of all photos on the frame. Touch any thumbnail to select that photo for full-screen viewing. Touch the photo again to resume slideshow.
  • Favorite icon lets users tag a photo as a "Favorite" for the Favorite slideshow. A favorite will never be deleted from your frame.
  • Select play to view the various slideshows; All Photos, Favorites, or Most Recent (photos received within 48 hours).
Simple set-up - Plug it in and Vizit is ready to receive and share photos. No need to upload photos with memory cards.

Always up-to-date - Software updates are sent seamlessly over-the-air without requiring further action from the user or interrupting the Vizit experience.

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Isabella Products' Vizit: first 2-way touchscreen photo frame headed to AT&T in early 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Is The Crunchpad Dead? [Rumor]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/qhfNZkEkfmc/is-the-crunchpad-dead

The Silicon Alley Insider has heard that Mike Arrington's vision of an affordable Crunchpad web tablet is dying due to higher-than-expected costs.

The fact is that the timeline for the Crunchpad thus far reads like a vaporware gadget or the financially-challeged launch of the OLPC project. First, the Crunchpad was $200, then it became $300, then there was supposed to be an announcement in July or August. Of course, that never happened, but another summertime rumor placed the launch in November for $400. That was months ago—and nothing has materialized so far.

Rumors are rumors, but if rising costs are a major issue, that does not bode well—especially with the threat of a sub $1000 Apple Tablet looming. [Silicon Alley]




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Study Claims Motion Blur Is a Non-Issue In Most Mid-To-High-End LCDs [LCDs]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/xOXo__Hn_Hk/study-claims-motion-blur-is-a-non+issue-in-most-mid+to+high+end-lcds

A study conducted by DisplayMate Technologies claims that the issue of "motion blur" so long associated with LCDs is no longer an issue in mid-to-high-end LCDs. However, manufacturers have no problem selling you gimmicks that supposedly fix the problem.

The HDTVs included models from the top-tier brands of (alphabetically) LG, Samsung, Sharp and Sony - from the mid-line to top-of-the-line models. All of the units were from the 2008 model year. Differences between the 2008 and 2009 models are primarily in their marketing hype. For this article we had three flagship top-of-the line LCD models from Samsung (LN-T5281F), Sharp (LC-52D92U) and Sony (KDL-52XBR4). By studying the top-of-the-line models from the market leaders we were assured of examining the state-of-the-art for each display technology and each manufacturer. The consumer mid-line models included LG (42LG50), Samsung (LN40A550P3F), and Sony (KDL-40V3000). The remaining two LCD units were consumer HDTVs but not commercially available models.

The top-of-the-line Sony XBR and Sharp units had 120 Hz screen refresh, the top-of-the-line Samsung had strobed LED backlighting, and all of the other units had standard 60 Hz screen refresh. The goal was to determine the degree to which this varied advanced technology affected visible motion blur.

DisplayMate analyzed the blur using moving test patterns, moving photographs and live video (a Nikon D90 DSLR with a shutter speed of 1/160th a second was used for the photography) and found that no actual motion blur detectable in any of the live video content—although there! were in cidents that were passed off as defects in the source video or temporary optical illusions.

After extensive side-by-side objective testing with moving test patterns, moving photographs and live video we found that there was no visually detectable difference in motion blur performance for current mid to top-of-the-line LCD HDTVs, regardless of their Response Time, 60 or 120 Hz refresh rates, strobed LED backlighting, or motion enhancement processing. While there was considerable motion blur in the moving test patterns, motion blur was simply not visually detectable in real live video content during our extensive side-by-side testing. With only a handful of minor exceptions, whenever blur was seen in live video we always found it to be in the source content or a temporary visual illusion that disappeared when the segments in question were reviewed. This is undoubtedly due to the way the brain processes and extracts essential information from dynamic and complex moving images.

In other words, DisplayMate thinks you are probably seeing things. Don't be fooled by manufacturers charging extra for fancy motion blur technologies or claims of exceptional response times. If you purchased a mid to top tier model you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Of course, this test doesn't remotely cover all of the LCD brands out there, so I have to ask—based on your experience, do you believe that LCD makers have finally tamed the motion blur beast? [DisplayMate]




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OS X 10.6.2 Does Not Ditch Atom Support, Hackintosh Safe [Hackintosh]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/6E_GD_85sno/os-x-1062-does-not-ditch-atom-support-hackintosh-safe

It appears that Atom support has resurfaced in the latest developer build (10C535), so users running OS X on Atom netbooks are safe, for now. Although, anything can happen between now and the final build. [Stell via 9to5Mac via Crunchgear]




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The Mindflex Brainwave Game Gives Me a Headache [Review]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/8M7JB2k9WLg/the-mindflex-brainwave-game-gives-me-a-headache

Mind control games like Mindflex are poised to be a big seller this holiday season, but is it really worth spending $80 on? It gives me a headache just thinking about it.

The Game

The object of the game is simple. You must manipulate the vertical movement of the ball using the power of your thoughts. The headband detects the intensity of your brainwaves—the harder your concentrate, the higher the fan in the unit will elevate the ball. Clearing your mind makes the ball descend. Horizontal movement is controlled by a knob on the base. There are five game modes: Freestyle, Mental Marathon, Danger Zone, Chase the Lights and Thoughtshot. Each challenge provides a different test of your ability to guide the ball through a series of customizable obstacles around the track.

The Verdict

It works. Granted, it takes a little practice to master but, clearly, the Mindflex game does read and respond to your brainwaves/concentration level. I was able to alter the fan speed to raise and lower the tiny foam ball at will, although there were times when the accuracy or response time was less than stellar. Occasionally, I would relax and clear my mind only to find the LED concentration indicator (and the ball) rise to its highest level. There were also times when I would be concentrating hard, but nothing would happen. Maybe it's the game, maybe it's my awesomely complex brain—who knows.

There are five d! ifferent game modes, but I spent most of my time in "Freestyle" trying to improve my accuracy. I wasn't all that thrilled with manually guiding the ball around the course with the control knob, but I will admit that the customizable obstacles were a fun challenge—especially the funnel cannon.

You may think differently, but I'm not the kind of guy that finds this type of game interesting for long stretches of time. Although, it would be awesome if the technology matured enough to integrate it into a more complex, multi-dimensional board game. For now, Mindflex seems like something you would whip out at a party to impress your friends until everyone got a headache and stopped after 30 minutes. Speaking of headaches, I have to warn my big-headed brethren that the headset can be massively uncomfortable. I had it on it's biggest setting, but the metal sensor on the inside front part of the band was still digging hard into my gigantic grape. Plus, the clips on your ears don't help matters.

It responds fairly well to your concentration levels.

The customizable obstacles can be a fun challenge.

Some may find the game boring after the novelty wears off.

The $80 price tag is steep.

The headset can be uncomfortable.

[Mindflex]




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T-Mobile HSPA 7.2 Rollout Has Begun [T-Mobile]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/3kbJIagnQzM/t+mobile-hspa-72-rollout-has-begun

Some good news follows T-Mobile's recent outages: reports are coming in that some customers are experiencing download speeds above 2Mbps, meaning that the HSPA 7.2 rollout may have begun. Is anyone here seeing increases in download speed?

Android and Me is suggesting that T-Mobile customers try checking their data speed using Xtreme Labs Speedtest or Mobile Speed Test. [Android and MeThanks, Slacker!]




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HTC's HD2 has landed at Engadget (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/htcs-hd2-has-landed-at-engadget/

That's right... the HD2 has landed. Actually, we took the phone over to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the other day, but didn't get a chance to show it off, so here we are. Sure, you've seen this guy in action in earlier videos... but it's still nice to get a look at this monster up close. We're still blown away by the fact that this is a Windows Mobile 6.5 device -- the skinning job that HTC has done here is nothing short of a miracle. So far we've found the phone to be snappy and responsive, but we're currently putting it through its paces. We'll have a full review shortly, but for now, feast your eyes on the photos below -- and start saving for that imminent US launch.

Gallery: HD2 hands-on

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HTC's HD2 has landed at Engadget (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA confirms Intel chipsets won't support USB 3.0 until 2011

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/nvidia-confirms-intel-chipsets-wont-support-usb-3-0-until-2011/

What was once an unverifiable rumor from an anonymous source has now, sadly, become a confirmed fact. Intel won't be integrating USB 3.0 support into its chipsets until at least 2011. Motherboard makers such as ASUS can still opt to add discrete 3.0 controllers at an extra cost, but Intel -- already accused of dragging its heels on the standard's development -- won't be. NVIDIA spokesman Brian Burke has expressed, in no uncertain terms, his company's disappointment with Intel, while also claiming that chipsets by NVIDIA are more feature-rich and just plain better than Intel's own efforts. We'll add this to our ever-growing collection of things NVIDIA doesn't like about Intel, but we also hope that the immature outburst doesn't obscure the real issue. NVIDIA is correct in noting that Intel needs competition in the chipset space, and the new interconnect's dependence on Intel's whims demonstrates the market-alte! ring pow ers that reside in Santa Clara, CA. Unless another chipmaker gets serious about competing with Intel, we could face plenty more of these seemingly arbitrary delays in tech rollouts.

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NVIDIA confirms Intel chipsets won't support USB 3.0 until 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Courier interface explained in more detail

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/microsoft-courier-interface-explained-in-more-detail/

Steve Ballmer might have no idea what's going on with the Microsoft Courier tablet, but a new set of documents leaked to Gizmodo certainly suggests the product is more than just a couple videos the boss-man hasn't seen. The images detail the Courier's unique user interface, which draws on everything from multitouch gestures to pen-based handwriting recognition. The heart of the interface appears to be the Smart Agenda, pictured above, which pulls together all your disparate content like calendar entries, emails, and to-dos into one unified starting place, described as "Cliff Notes" to the Pagestream "novel." The journal itself appears to be searchable by all kinds of data, including time, location, and tags, and it's all accessed by a special multi-button pen. There's also a camera and an offhand mention of "boos and subscriptions," so it sounds like whoever was dreaming this all up considered using the Courier as an ebook reader as well -- which would be totally sweet, given the types of annotations you could do. Of course, none of this is real yet, but we're hoping against hope -- please, Mr. Steve, make our holiday dreams come true?

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Microsoft Courier interface explained in more detail originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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