Monday, February 01, 2010

ATI FirePro M5800 mobile graphics chipset listed, world awaits details with bated breath

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/01/ati-firepro-m5800-mobile-graphics-chipset-listed-world-awaits-d/

Existence of ATI's FirePro M5800 mobile graphics chipset confirmed, world awaits details with baited breath
ATI's FirePro series of graphics accelerators has been showing us that CAD rendering is serious business on laptops and desktops for awhile now, and now HP fans will seemingly be getting first taste of a new entry in the line, the FirePro M5800. All we know is a name at this point, and that it'll be an option in HP's (formerly NVIDIA exclusive) EliteBook 8540w, but HP Fansite goes on to speculate that it'll be based on the ATI Mobility Radeon 5800 series (the numbers certainly jive) and that it will have 1GB of memory. Think you can solve the puzzle and unearth more information? The whole sordid PDF is waiting for you at the source link below, with the wild and thrilling ATI support narrative beginning on page nine.

ATI FirePro M5800 mobile graphics chipset listed, world awaits details with bated breath originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink HP Fansite  |  sourceHP 8540w Support Manual  | Email this | Comments

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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sikuli Automates Almost Anything with Screenshot Ease [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/resrZL6K8HY/sikuli-automates-almost-anything-with-screenshot-ease

Windows/Mac/Linux: Ever wanted to write a script for some repetitive task, but don't know how to code? Sikuli makes it possible for pretty much anyone to automate tasks, by telling it what to do with just some screenshots and simple commands.

If it has a GUI, you can probably use it with Sikuli. Sikuli is an open source scripting app that uses a combination of very simple commands like click, type, and wait, and screenshots to tell Sikuli what to manipulate. There's no internal API support, it just searches the screen for the image in the screenshot—meaning you can use it with pretty much anything. Seriously, the world is your oyster.

If any of that sounds at all confusing, watch the video—and if you think it's just too good to be true, try it out. They have tons of tutorials and examples of useful scripts in their documentation, as well, to get your imagination rolling. Although you've probably already thought of at least one thing you want to use this for.

Sikuli is a free download for all platforms.



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Fring Brings 3G VoIP and Video Calling to the iPhone [Downloads]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/Ojj051cd0Q0/fring-brings-3g-voip-and-video-calling-to-the-iphone

iPhone only: Fring, a VoIP and chat app for the iPhone, got a nice update this week that lets users make video and voice calls over a 3G connection. Best of all, it's still free.

We've mentioned Fring before because it's a great way to turn your iPod touch into an iPhone, but until now the only way you could make calls with it was via Skype. The new update bypasses the need for Skype and lets you call or video chat with your contacts right from Fring using your iPhone's 3G connection (and, of course, Wi-Fi when you're near a hotspot).

If you already have Fring on your iPhone, you don't need to download anything else. The app will auto-update the next time you open it. If you get an error message on your first attempt at a voice or video call, click on More -> Go Offline and open Fring a second time.

Even if you don't have access to a 3G connection (we're looking at you, unlockers), Fring is a great app to have around anyway. It keeps you connected to all the friend and buddy lists you have spread out all over the place on AIM, Google Talk, MSN, and so on.



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Multi-Recipient SMS Comes to Google Voice [SMS]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/d4tVMQvMRBs/multi+recipient-sms-comes-to-google-voice

We haven't seen any official announcement, but a few eagle-eyed readers pointed out that the Google Voice web interface now allows users to send text messages to multiple recipients.

To send multi-recipient SMS, just click the SMS button, start typing in recipients in the Gmail-style auto-complete box, and send away. Nothing much to it beyond that, but it's a great—and much-requested—feature addition. Thanks Joseph and Farhood!



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Alienware now shipping 23-inch OptX AW2310 1080p 3D monitor

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/alienware-now-shipping-23-inch-optx-aw2310-1080p-3d-monitor/

Just a hunch here, but we're guessing that Alienware's CES stash all hit the production line at right about the same time. During the past day, we've seen the company's M15x, M17x and OptX AW2310 hit the shipping stage, the latter of which is the firm's first-ever 3D monitor. Checking in at 23-inches and boasting a full 1080p panel, this one also packs a 3 millisecond response time, 120Hz refresh rate and stereoscopic support when NVIDIA's GeForce 3D Vision Kit is utilized. It's up for order right now at $469, but if you follow that Logicbuy link down there, you'll be able to snag it (for a limited time) for $449.10. Too bad that 3D kit will set you back another $200, but hey, no one said that witnessing the third dimension was cheap. Or remotely interesting. But mostly cheap.

Alienware now shipping 23-inch OptX AW2310 1080p 3D monitor originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Logicbuy  |  sourceDell  | Email this | Comments

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Apple excises the false Flash in its iPad promo video

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/30/apple-excises-the-false-flash-in-its-ipad-promo-video/

It's not every day we get a nice, humble confession of fault from Apple, but it looks like the marketing department has seen the light on those overly optimistic web browsing mockups depicting Flash in "action" on the new Flash-free tablet device. Now the iPad promo video has been reworked to flaunt what we're coming to know as the Blue Lego Block of Ambiguity[TM] in sections of sites that would traditionally be populated by highly stimulating Adobe Flash-based content. It's not pretty, and it solves none of the other issues at hand with Apple's continued avoidance of Flash on its iPhone OS, but at least it's true.

Apple excises the false Flash in its iPad promo video originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Mac Rumors  |  sourceApple  | Email this | Comments!

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Intel and Micron start 25nm flash production; SSDs to get cheap, huge

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/30/intel-and-micron-start-25nm-flash-production-ssds-to-get-cheap/

Intel and Micron have a history of pushing the state-of-the-art in flash storage -- their joint venture IMFT was responsible for the first sub-40nm NAND flash and bringing it to production -- and it looks they've done it again: IMFT is now sampling two-bits-per-cell 25nm NAND, which will eventually push prices down and capacities up when volume production begins in Q2. We'll have to see how pricing works out -- 25nm is something like twice the storage density per dollar, so we're hopeful -- but at the very least Intel's third-gen X25-M will come in 160GB, 320GB, and 600GB sizes when it launches in Q4 using these new chips. Yeah, we're going to want one. AnandTech has the full breakdown, hit the read link for more.

Intel and Micron start 25nm flash production; SSDs to get cheap, huge originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAnandtech  | Email this | Comments

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Panasonic clamps down prices, release window for latest F-series line of compact cameras

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/31/panasonic-clamps-down-prices-release-window-for-latest-f-series/

Panasonic is nothing like shy about pushing out a plethora of compacts, but while it was talking up specs for the new Lumix F-series of compact cameras back at CES, we've just now got some prices and a release date to chew on. The FH1 (12 megapixel, 720p video) goes for $160, FH3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $180, and the FH20 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $200. In slim land, the FP1 (12 megapixel) hits at $150 and the FP3 (14.1 megapixel, 720p) is $230. Finally, some killer value can be found in the bulkier F3, which does 12.1 megapixels and 720p video for a mere $130, and the barebones 10.1 megapixel F2. All of the cameras should be out in mid-February.

Panasonic clamps down prices, release window for latest F-series line of compact cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAbout.com  | Email this | Comments

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MSI's new CX420, CR420 and CR720 laptops put Intel's new processors to good, workaday use

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/31/msis-new-cx420-cr420-and-cr720-laptops-put-intels-new-process/

Smell that? That's a smell of a real man's budget computer, doing real manly things like task processing and pixel churning. MSI's new CX420, CR420 and CR720 laptops aren't much for looks, but under the hood you can find new-gen Core i Series processors across the board and ATI Radeon HD5470 graphics in the CX420 (pictured). Sure, there's only Intel integrated HD graphics in the CR420 and CR720, and the 1366 x 768 14-inch displays in the CX420 / CR420 are a bit of a letdown, but knowing MSI we're sure the prices for this trio will more than make up for any mild disappointments on the spec sheet. Hit up the PR for the full breakdown, but there's no release date to be found just yet.

MSI's new CX420, CR420 and CR720 laptops put Intel's new processors to good, workaday use originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Laptoping  |  sourceMSI CX420 / CR420, MSI CR720  | Email this | Comments

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8.9-inch ExoPC Slate has iPad looks, netbook internals, Windows 7 soul

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/31/8-9-inch-exopc-slate-has-ipad-looks-netbook-internals-windows/

8.9-inch ExoPC Slate has iPad looks, netbook internals, Windows 7 soul
Yes, we realize that it's hard to provide too much visual differentiation between tablet PCs with large, ebony bezels, but we can't help but think that this 8.9-inch multitouch tablet looks a lot like another, recently announced 9.7-inch multitouch tablet. Nevertheless this one's quite different on the inside, delivering "the web without compromise," meaning full browser support with flash courtesy of Windows 7 on an Atom N270 at 1.6GHz, with 2GB of DDR2 memory and a 32GB SSD with SD expansion. Yeah, those specs are familiar too, and while we're not thinking this will deliver the sort of snappy performance seen on the iPad, it will certainly be a lot more functional. Battery life is only four hours, but at least it's user-replaceable, and a price of $599 matches the 32GB iPad. Likewise it will be available in March -- or you can get a non-multitouch prototype for $780 right this very moment. If, that is, you speak enough French to manage the order page.

[Thanks, Jean-Baptiste]

8.9-inch ExoPC Slate has iPad looks, netbook internals, Windows 7 soul originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceExoPC  | Email this | Comments

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PMA leak roundup: Olympus, Fujifilm and Hasselblad plan new shooters

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/31/pma-leak-roundup-olympus-fujifilm-and-hasselblad-plan-new-shoo/

Not sure if you've heard, but PMA is just around the corner. You know -- that camera show? At any rate, Photo Rumors has a trio of new leaks to swoon over this fine evening, starting with black and white (saywha?) shots of Olympus' supposedly forthcoming SP800 (or SP-800UZ, if we're talking specifics). The megazoom shooter is said to boast a 30x optical zoom, 14 megapixel sensor and image stabilization, though no further details have been let loose just let. Moving on, Fujifilm seems to have a whole gaggle of new cams planned for release this week, including a megazoom of its own and a whole host of point-and-shoot offerings. Finally, Hasselblad is expected to one-up the H3D by introducing the H4D, which we fully suspect will have a 489 megapixel sensor and a price tag that far exceeds 93 percent of salaries here in America. Hit the links below for the goods, and hang tight -- PMA kicks off in earnest in just a few weeks.

PMA leak roundup: Olympus, Fujifilm and Hasselblad plan new shooters originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePhoto Rumors 1, 2, 3  | Email this | Comments

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Slate Showdown: iPad vs. HP Slate vs. JooJoo vs. the Android Tablets [Tablets]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/DasO8o3-o-Q/slate-showdown-ipad-vs-hp-slate-vs-joojoo-vs-the-android-tablets

Everybody's talking about tablets, especially those single-pane capacitive touchscreen ones more specifically known as "slates." The iPad is the biggest newsmaker, but there are lots headed our way (most with built-in webcams). Here's how they measure up, spec-wise:

Click on the image to view it larger

As you can see, they have different strengths and weaknesses, some of which will become more clear in the coming months as we learn more about each tablet. (That Dell Mini 5 is especially inscrutable right now.)

The iPad has the most storage, cheap 3G, the time-tested iPhone OS and its mountain of apps, and a serious amount of Apple marketing juice behind it. But it's also famously lacking features common to the other tablets, such as webcam and multitasking. The Notion Ink Adam is perhaps the most interesting of the bunch, with its dual-function transflective screen from Pixel Qi: It can be either a normal LCD or, with the flick of a switch, an easy-on-the-eyes reflective LCD that resembles e-ink. Its hardware is also surprisingly impressive—but it remains to be seen if Android is really the right OS for a 10-inch tablet.

The Dell Mini 5 and forthcoming Android edition of the Archos 7 tablet are two of a kind, almost oversized smartphones in their feature sets. Is an extra two or three inches of screen real estate worth the consequent decrease in pocketability? Perhaps not. And finally, there's the maligned JooJoo, formerly the CrunchPad, a bit of an oddball as the only web-only device in the bunch. It doesn't really have apps, can't multitask, and pretty much confines you to an albeit fancy browser, sort of like Chrome OS will. The JooJoo is also the only tablet here to have no demonstrated way to read ebooks.

Data Sources:
Apple iPad: [Gizmodo]
HP Slate: [Gizmodo, GDGT; Tipster]
Fusion Garage JooJoo: [Gizmodo]
Notion Ink Adam: [Slashgear]
Dell Mini 5: [Gizmodo, Gizmodo]
Archos 7 Android: [DanceWithShadows, Gizmodo]

A quick word about "slates" vs. "tablets": These are tablets, and it's a word we prefer. The sad fact is, it's overused. There's no way to say "tablet" without including every godawful stylus-based convertible laptop built since 2002. (Thank you, Bill Gates!) And even the new touchscreen tablets come in single-pane and keyboard-equipped laptop styles. So "slate," good or bad, is the more apt term.



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Tobacco Plants Used to Grow Cheap Solar Cells [Solar Energy]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/oX1tif0b90g/tobacco-plants-used-to-grow-cheap-solar-cells

Scientists have discovered that they can coax a tobacco plant into growing temporary solar cells by injecting it with a genetically engineered virus. Freaky, but the process may provide us with cheaper synthetic photovoltaic cells once quirks are sorted out.

At a quick glance, "hacking" tobacco plants to grow these solar cells sounds like it's full of benefits:

Using live organisms to create synthetic solar cells has several advantages over traditionally made solar panels. No environmentally toxic chemicals are required to make biologically derived solar cells, unlike traditional solar cells. Growing solar cells in tobacco plants could put farmers back to work harvesting an annual crop of solar cells.

There's just one rather big catch:

[S]cientists haven't even demonstrated that the cells can turn light into electrical or chemical energy yet. But they hope to do soon.

They can grow the cells, but they can't do too much with them yet. Geez. Let's hope they get around to sorting that part out, because until that happens this will be yet another way-too-good-to-be-used-in-real-life concept. While waiting around for that to happen though, you can read more about the details of the process over at Discovery and Treehugger. [Discovery via Treehugger]



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149 Inches of Goodness makes Mitsubishi Size Queen of OLED [Oled]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/pSShqu0so-0/149-inches-of-goodness-makes-mitsubishi-size-queen-of-oled

It may be lagging three inches behind Panasonic's big telleh, but Mitsubishi's whopping great screen is OLED. Or should that be ZOLED? It was unveiled at ISE 2010, with Number 6 and Boomer dressy-likeys lending a hand.

The screen is actually made up of ten-centimeter-square panels, with a resolution of 1088 x 640p. Light output is 1500cd/m2 - that's loads brighter than your common-or-garden LCD display, meaning that it will work in brightly-lit areas indoors - CES 2011, I guess that means you. Time someone updated Chandler: "She was cute enough to make a gadget hack kick a hole in an OLED display screen." [Oled-Display.net]



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Fring for iPhone now lets you call with Skype over 3G

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/fring-for-iphone-now-lets-you-call-with-skype-over-3g/

Now that the iPhone SDK seems to allow for 3G VoIP, it looks like the floodgates are beginning to open. Joining the ranks of iCall in this somewhat uncharted territory is Fring. Same deal as the previous one, the ability is already inherent in the current build, and now that the restriction has been lifted, users can simply place calls as they usually do through the service -- yes, that includes Skype calls -- only now not tethered to the nearest 802.11 cloud. As for the native Skype app, last we checked it was still not working. But it's only a matter of time.

Fring for iPhone now lets you call with Skype over 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Pocket-Lint  |  sourceFring blog  | Email this ! | < a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/fring-for-iphone-now-lets-you-call-with-skype-over-3g/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments

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