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Thursday, July 21, 2011

5 Best Alternatives to Apple's New Product Lineup [Toolkit]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5823109/5-best-alternatives-to-apples-new-product-lineup/gallery/

Shocking as this news may be, not everybody uses a Mac (*raises hand*). For those of us not drinking the Cupertino Koolaid, here are 5 solid alternatives to the new products from today's Apple announcement.

MacBook Air = Samsung Series 9

The Series 9 is like the MBA, just slightly bigger. Unfortunately that includes the price as well. For $1199— what you'd pay for a 2.38 lb., 11.6" MBA with 4GB of memory and 128GB SSD—you get a 2.31 lb. 11.6" laptop with 2GB of memory and only a 64GB SSD. The other smaller thing about Series 9? Its processing speed: 1.33GHz vs the MBA's 1.6GHz. $1200

MacBook = Toshiba Portege R835-P70

In terms of performance for price, the R835 gives you more value. It has a 2.3GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 640GB HD, double the available RAM and triple the available standard HD in the last iteration of the MB (before, you know, Apple killed it and all) for $65 less. $835

Mac Mini = Dell Inspiron Zino HD

Sure the Mini isn't technically designed as an HTPC but some of its best work is done as a home theater-serving hockey puck. The Dell Zino does essentially the same job, albeit as two stacked hockey pucks. It's got the same basic stats as the Mini, 2.3GHz processor and 2GB of RAM, but the Zino is double the height in order to make room for the tray-loading CD/DVD/Blu-Ray combo drive. On the other hand, at $300, the Zino is half the Mini's height in money. $300

Thunderbolt = USB 3.0

Thunderbolt has a data transfer speed of 10Gb/s. USB 3.0 has a maximum data transfer speed of 5 Gb/s. It's half but available on things that don't start with Mac. What more do you want? (image courtesy of Maximum PC) $Depends on what it's attached to

Thunderbolt Display = Dell UltraSharp U2711

The Thunderbolt display's 27" viewing area with 2560-by-1440 LED-backlit resolution and ability to daisy-chain peripherals is just brilliant. But if you don't really give a shit about stringing your hard drives to your monitors (or you only have one of each and are already connected through your computer) then you'll want to check out the Dell UltraSharp U2711. It has a 2560 x 1440 resolution 27" display with 80,000-to-1 contrast ratio. And it's $100 less. $900

[Top image courtesy of Shutterstock]

7 Ways Google Labs Changed the Internet Forever [Video]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5823190/7-ways-google-changed-the-internet-forever/gallery/

Google closed the doors on Google Labs today. The ongoing projects aren't disappearing; they'll be absorbed into other departments, and many have already "graduated" into full-fledged products. The spirit and mission of the initiative will live on, just in a decidedly less centralized way.

Here are some of the coolest and most genuinely world-changing things that Google Labs's mad scientists have cooked up through the years.

Google Maps
Google Maps is basically neck-and-neck with Gmail as far as Google's most ubiquitous non-search product. It's the most widely-used map service on the planet, available to 30% of the world's population, and is still expanding and adding features.

Google Suggest
Sure it's fun to troll bomb Google Suggest results into suggesting searches like "Did Hitler really perform in nude burlesque shows?" But Eric Schmidt wasn't very far off when he said that "[Google] can more or less know what you're thinking about."

Google Docs and Spreadsheets
Back in 2006, most of us were still emailing things to ourselves if we wanted to access a file on another computer; synchronized online documents were so far ahead of their time that they didn't really catch on for a few years. If Google ever wanted to hipster out on the internet, Google Docs is all the cred it would need. They've been doing the cloud thing since before you even know what it call it, man.

Google Alerts
Google Alerts took the old school concept of the newsletter and mailing list and married it to the new school practice ingesting every damn piece of information on the internet. It's an ingenius fusion of online laziness and ambition: We want to know everything that's going on, but we can do without the hassle of scouting out and frequenting the actual sources.

Google Scholar
One of the better identifiers of a true nerd is how devastated you were the day you lost your college access to JSTOR and other uber-nerd academic publications. Google Scholar soothed away the nerd pain with a searchable index of freely accessible full text academic papers.

Google Goggles
Search-by-image is pretty awesome. It just made its way to Google desktop a month ago, and we're all pretty excited about it making an appearance in WP7 Mango. But Google's been doing it with Google Goggles since late 2009. It's really impressive, and a great example of how Google Labs helped keep Google ahead of the curve.

Mail Goggles
Sometimes knowing what you're thinking isn't good enough, and Google offers to step in and save you from yourself. Mail Goggles is a sobriety check for your email account that asks you to solve a series of math problems before you're allowed to send a dumbass 4AM message to your boss. It's the simple things, people.

Go Green With The Sprout Biodegradable Watch [Watches]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5823276/go-green-with-the-sprout-biodegradable-watch

Watches are one accessory that's crying out for some green love. They're worn daily, changed often and killed frequently with an accidental bump. Sprout understands and has developed a line of fashionable timepieces that can be tossed away without remorse.

These watches are great. They are good-looking, colorful and 80-93% biodegradable. They are made of wonderful materials such as bamboo, organic cotton, mineral crystal lenses, and mercury-free batteries. Sprout has even managed to sell them at a reasonable price. The entry-level model starts at $30, while the top-of-line model climbs to a pricey, but not exorbitant $75. [Sprout via Oh Gizmo]

You can keep up with Kelly Hodgkins, the author of this post, on Twitter or Facebook.

Apple refreshes MacBook Air with Sandy Bridge, Thunderbolt, and backlit keyboards

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/dnp-stub-apple-refreshes-macbook-air-with-sandy-bridge-thunderb/

They say Apple updates its products like clockwork, releasing something new at the same time in the same place every year. Not so with MacBook Airs anyway. The outfit's gone and freshened up its 13-inch and 11-inch ultraportables -- the second such update in nine months. Although the industrial design hasn't changed much since the last generation, both models step up to Sandy Bridge Core i5 and i7 processors, Thunderbolt ports, backlit keyboards, and, of course, OS X Lion.

The 11.6-inch flavor starts at $999 with 64GB of solid-state storage, 2GB of memory and a 1.6GHz Core i5 processor. The higher-end of the two configurations costs $1,199, with the extra two hundred dollars doubling your RAM and storage. The 13-inch Air, meanwhile, starts at $1,299, with a 128GB SSD, 4GB of RAM, and a 1.7GHz Core i5 CPU. Step up to the $1,599 model and you'll get a 256GB SSD instead. Regardless, you're looking at Intel HD 3000 graphics across the board, along with FaceTime webcams, two USB ports (plus an SD slot on the 13-inch version), 802.11n WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.0. The two differ when it comes to resolution and battery life: the 11-incher has a 1366 x 768 panel and is rated for up to five hours of battery life, whereas the 13-inch model has a 1440 x 900 screen and promises up to seven hours of juice. As for that 1.8GHz Core i7 CPU, it'll set you back an extra $100 on the 13-inch version, and $150 for the 11-inch version. Whichever size you choose, it's only an option for the higher-end configuration. Hit the source link to peep the specs and buy one, if you're so inclined.

Gallery: MacBook Air (mid-2011)

Continue reading Apple refreshes MacBook Air with Sandy Bridge, Thunderbolt, and backlit keyboards

Apple refreshes MacBook Air with Sandy Bridge, Thunderbolt, and backlit keyboards originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple updates Mac mini: Core i5 and i7, Thunderbolt, AMD Radeon HD, no SuperDrive

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/apple-updates-mac-mini-core-i5-and-i7-thunderbolt-amd-radeon/

Need a miniature desktop to match that petite MacBook Air that Apple just refreshed? Well, there's a Mac for that. The new Mac mini packs an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, Thunderbolt, AMD Radeon HD graphics, and Mac OS X Lion. Notably absent, however, is that familiar front-facing SuperDrive slot. Starting at $599 with a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5, the new models include Turbo Boost 2.0, letting you crank up the speed to 3.4GHz when using processor-intensive applications. Apple also announced a $999 server version that ships with a Core i7 processor and OS X Lion Server. As with the previous generation, the mini doesn't sacrifice on connectivity, including gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, HDMI, SDXC, audio in and out, Thunderbolt (with support for up to six devices), and four USB 2.0 ports on the rear. There's also 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. The Mac mini is available for purchase online today, and in Apple retail stores tomorrow.

Gallery: Apple Mac mini (mid-2011)

Continue reading Apple updates Mac mini: Core i5 and i7, Thunderbolt, AMD Radeon HD, no SuperDrive

Apple updates Mac mini: Core i5 and i7, Thunderbolt, AMD Radeon HD, no SuperDrive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple rolls out 27-inch Thunderbolt Display with FaceTime HD camera, built-in speakers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/apple-rolls-out-27-inch-thunderbolt-display-with-facetime-hd-cam/

In search of "the ultimate docking station" for your Mac notebook? Look no further than the new Thunderbolt Display, a single 27-inch model packing a 2560 x 1440 res 16:9 IPS display, one of Apple's fancy new connectors, integrated 2.1 speaker system, and even a Firewire 800 slot. There's also a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Mic, Gigabit Ethernet, three USB 2.0 ports and MagSafe charging for your laptop, but the big difference is that single speedy DisplayPort hookup. It can daisy chain up to six high speed devices and all those connectors mean when it's time to take your laptop on the go there's a minimum of cables mooring it to your desk. It'll cost $999 to bring home in just a few days, if resolving cable clutter to your Thunderbolt-equipped Mac (required) is a good enough reason to ditch your old Cinema Display.

Gallery: Apple Thunderbolt Display

Continue reading Apple rolls out 27-inch Thunderbolt Display with FaceTime HD camera, built-in speakers

Apple rolls out 27-inch Thunderbolt Display with FaceTime HD camera, built-in speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tango brings video calling to desktop PCs -- giant baby head not included

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/tango-brings-video-calling-to-desktop-pcs-giant-baby-head-not/

Back when we first laid eyes on Tango, the startup was sticking strictly to mobile, serving up free video calls over 3G, 4G, and WiFi to both iOS and Android devices (with front-facing cameras, of course). Now the company's thinking big -- quite literally -- with the announcement that it plans to bring its video calling service to PCs sometime later this summer. As of now, it looks as if this will be a Windows-only affair, and will remain free of charge -- as before, you won't need to register to get your videophone on. We've yet to see Tango at work on the big screen, but from what we gather from the press stills, the desktop edition will bring a bit of the old Apple to your PC. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Tango brings video calling to desktop PCs -- giant baby head not included

Tango brings video calling to desktop PCs -- giant baby head not included originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OLPC XO-3 cases may sport solar panels, satellite internet, grant three wishes

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/olpc-xo-3-cases-may-sport-solar-panels-satellite-internet-gran/

OLPC XO-3

We'll give Nicholas Negroponte one thing, he's nothing if not ambitious. The OLPC founder always has some pie-in-the-sky vision for the XO line of child-centric computers, including dual-screens and hand-cranks. Now that we've skipped right past the XO-2 for the ARM-powered, and still MIA, XO-3 it's time for a whole new round of concepts. The latest is a series of accessory cases for the potentially Android-sporting tablets that boast satellite internet capabilities or solar panels for charging its battery. The former MIT Media Lab head has even suggested that a more mundane cover with a keyboard could be on tap. Of course, it would probably help if the foundation could get the machines out the door first. We haven't heard much about the XO-3 since the last round of delays pushed its release back to February... of 2011. But you know what they say, better late, and all that jazz.

OLPC XO-3 cases may sport solar panels, satellite internet, grant three wishes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-app-on-android-updated-to-work-on-24-models-including-ga/

The number of Android devices officially compatible with the Netflix streaming app has more than doubled in v2.3, growing from 9 to 24. Last night the description was updated with a new list of devices but the actual updated APK only started pushing this afternoon, bringing Netflix not only to the Lenovo tablet announced last night but also to the Droid 3, HTC Thunderbolt, Motorola Atrix, several Galaxy S phones including the Epic 4G and Fascinate and more. Fragmentation is clearly still an issue for DRM'd apps like this and Hulu Plus, but at least now there's a growing number of recent superphones supported instead of sitting on the sidelines. We've got the updated list of devices after the break, hit the source link to download the app from the Android Market.

Update: As multiple commenters have noted, sideloading the Netflix APK will still work for devices that haven't yet made the list. We were able to confirm the app works fine on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Motorola Xoom, however we're hearing it's not up and running on the Tegra 2-based Transformer just yet. Itching for some Watch Instantly on your Honeycomb tablet? Check XDA-Developers for a download link.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!)

Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MIT's Backtalk project / art exhibit traces the unseen life of discarded gadgets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/mits-backtalk-project-art-exhibit-traces-the-unseen-life-of-d/

Sooner or later, the device you're reading this on will either be sold, donated, recycled or otherwise disposed of; and unless you're particularly nostalgic about old gadgets like us, you likely won't ever give it much more thought. But no matter how you get rid of it, that device doesn't just vanish off the face the Earth. It's that extra life that got the folks from MIT's SENSEable City Lab thinking, and the Backtalk project is what they've come up with. Part research project and part art exhibition (now on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York), the effort involved using GPS tracking devices to trace where things like cellphones, batteries and printer cartridges end up after being discarded -- and, in the case of 40 netbook computers, some tracking software and their built-in webcams, which recorded data and images that were sent back to MIT at regular intervals (with the new owners' consent, of course). Some of the results can be seen in the video after the break and the site linked below, but you'll have to check out the exhibit first-hand to see the full scope of their findings.

Continue reading MIT's Backtalk project / art exhibit traces the unseen life of discarded gadgets

MIT's Backtalk project / art exhibit traces the unseen life of discarded gadgets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MIT's Backtalk project / art exhibit traces the unseen life of discarded gadgets

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/mits-backtalk-project-art-exhibit-traces-the-unseen-life-of-d/

Sooner or later, the device you're reading this on will either be sold, donated, recycled or otherwise disposed of; and unless you're particularly nostalgic about old gadgets like us, you likely won't ever give it much more thought. But no matter how you get rid of it, that device doesn't just vanish off the face the Earth. It's that extra life that got the folks from MIT's SENSEable City Lab thinking, and the Backtalk project is what they've come up with. Part research project and part art exhibition (now on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York), the effort involved using GPS tracking devices to trace where things like cellphones, batteries and printer cartridges end up after being discarded -- and, in the case of 40 netbook computers, some tracking software and their built-in webcams, which recorded data and images that were sent back to MIT at regular intervals (with the new owners' consent, of course). Some of the results can be seen in the video after the break and the site linked below, but you'll have to check out the exhibit first-hand to see the full scope of their findings.

Continue reading MIT's Backtalk project / art exhibit traces the unseen life of discarded gadgets

MIT's Backtalk project / art exhibit traces the unseen life of discarded gadgets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Acer debuts WiDi-equipped Aspire 5755 laptop

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/acer-debuts-widi-equipped-aspire-5755-laptop/

Intent on buying a new Acer laptop but not satisfied with the just-announced TravelMate 8481 thin-and-light? Then perhaps you'll find the company's new and slightly larger Aspire 5755 model more to your taste. This one packs a 15.6-inch display with a rather lowly 1366 x 768 resolution, but it at least boasts some built-in WiDi so you can easily view movies (or anything else) on a larger display without the need for any pesky cables. Otherwise, you'll get your choice of Intel Core processors (up to a Core i7-2820QM), up to 8GB of RAM and a maximum 1TB of storage, NVIDIA's Optimus-enabled GeForce GT 540M graphics, and either a Blu-ray or basic DVD drive -- all for a starting price of £899 (or roughly $1,440). Still no word on a North American release, but this one's available in the UK right now.

Acer debuts WiDi-equipped Aspire 5755 laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arduino-based GVS1 video sampler is like a DIY MPC for pixelated clips

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/arduino-based-gvs1-video-sampler-is-like-a-diy-mpc-for-pixelated/

GVS1

Sweet merciful tech gods do we love the Arduino. Seriously, it seems there's almost nothing this little MCU can't do. The latest arrow in its quiver of awesomeness is this little sampler, called the GVS1, that can capture, loop, pause, and reverse pixelated clips of 1- or 1.5-bit video in stunning 128 × 96 clarity. (And, before you ask, we're not exactly sure what half-a-bit is either.) The creator, known as Gijs on Vimeo, plans to upgrade the GVS1 to 2-bit capture at some point and is working towards getting some kits out the door in either September or October. If you're impatient, and have have the necessary soldering skills, you can find schematics and the Arduino code at the source. But, before you go, make sure to check out the pair of demo videos after the break.

Continue reading Arduino-based GVS1 video sampler is like a DIY MPC for pixelated clips

Arduino-based GVS1 video sampler is like a DIY MPC for pixelated clips originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Six Fisker Karmas roll off the production line, coming soon to a city near you

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/six-fisker-karmas-roll-off-the-production-line-coming-soon-to-a/

It's been months since the first Fisker Karma came forth from the factory, and in the time since, the sleek saloon's production timeline experienced a delay or two along the way. Yet, here we are, and the next six production Fiskers have finally been constructed. Unfortunately, those with open wallets will have to wait to get one of the elusive EVs, as the sextet of Karmas is bound for a nationwide barnstorming tour -- so that the masses may caress the car's curvy lines and perhaps take one for a spin. Details are scarce regarding the test drives, but OC Metro reports that 44 fortunate cities and 3,000 people will get to cruise in the performance EV over the next three months. Now that's some good Karma.

Six Fisker Karmas roll off the production line, coming soon to a city near you originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba acknowledges Thrive's sleep addiction, fix apparently in the works

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/toshiba-acknowledges-thrives-sleep-addiction-fix-apparently-in/

Has your Thrive been acting more like sleeping beauty, and less like the tablet you paid for? Before embarking on a mythical tale, whereupon you eventually find its more charming compatriot, know help from Toshiba is forthcoming: "We're aware of the issue and are working on a fix." No further details on when it'll land, or what exactly it'll fix, but if you're anything like us, you're just happy it won't end up where another Tosh tablet did -- in eternal slumber.

Toshiba acknowledges Thrive's sleep addiction, fix apparently in the works originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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