Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Sugar Labs debuts "Sugar on a Stick" beta, for LiveUSB-derived diabetes

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/sugar-labs-debuts-sugar-on-a-stick-beta-for-liveusb-derived-d/

After offering Sugar for the past while as an interface to run on top of your Linux distro of choice, Sugar Labs is prepping "Sugar on a Stick," a Fedora 11-based LiveUSB distro that boots most any PC from a 1GB+ USB stick and lets a user carry their Sugar environment, files and settings wherever they roam. While the beta is currently up for download, there seem to be plenty of kinks to work out, but as the team expands and refines hardware support, we could see this potentially being more of a boon for education than the XO-1 itself; turning any PC into a Sugar PC, not just the dramatically green ones. It's also nice to see how speedy Sugar can be free from the bonds of AMD Geode -- even Atom provides quite a bit of relative pep. Check out a quick (and slightly hyperactive) hands-on video from OLPC News after the break.

Continue reading Sugar Labs debuts "Sugar on a Stick" beta, for LiveUSB-derived diabetes

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Sugar Labs debuts "Sugar on a Stick" beta, for LiveUSB-derived diabetes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: MOTO Lab's multitouch display scalable up to 50-inches

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/video-moto-labs-multitouch-display-scalable-up-to-50-inches/

When the heads over at the MOTO Development Group aren't busy outfitting E-Ink devices with Android, they can often be found looking for bigger, better, and cheaper ways to build multitouch surfaces -- and they seem to be on to something. The video below shows full multitouch on a 19-inch display, although the company promises it is scalable up to at least 50-inches -- and it does this without the bulky projector. The capacitive touch screen forgoes the ITO (indium tin oxide) used in devices like the iPhone, relying instead on "extremely fine" wires to conduct the signals (which are lit up here for effect -- the company assures us that this will not be the case in production units). You know what this means: we may be getting that touch screen coffee table sooner than we thought! And we won't have to buy that yacht, either. But don't take out word for it -- peep for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Video: MOTO Lab's multitouch display scalable up to 50-inches

Filed under: Displays

Video: MOTO Lab's multitouch display scalable up to 50-inches originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epson launches next-gen Ensemble HD Home Cinema System

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/epson-launches-next-gen-ensemble-hd-home-cinema-system/

Considering that Epson's highest-end HTIB is nearly two years old now, we'd say an update was definitely in order. Today, the outfit has just taken the wraps off of its next-generation Ensemble HD Home Cinema, which gets updated by way of including the PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 or Home Cinema 6500 UB. As with the prior kit, these two also include a motorized 100-inch screen, integrated surround sound, AV controller with built-in DVD player, universal remote and all virtually components needed for installation. The only thing that's glaringly absent is a Blu-ray player, which -- at this point -- is completely and utterly inexcusable. At any rate, those content with treating themselves to upscaled DVD can fork out $4,999 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 720p, $6,499 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 6100 and $7,999 for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema 6500 UB.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment

Epson launches next-gen Ensemble HD Home Cinema System originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel further slashes SSD prices, ups production of 1.8-inch drives

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/intel-further-slashes-ssd-prices-ups-production-of-1-8-inch-dri/

Intel just cut a big chunk out of the MSRP on some of its SSDs a few months back, but it looks like it's already back for another go 'round, and it's also taking the opportunity to up the production on some of the models intended for netbooks and ultraportable laptops. The price cuts come to Intel's recently-fixed X25-M series of drives, with the 160GB drive dropping $100 (bringing its retail price down to $630), while the 80GB model dips a further $50 to $320, or close to half of what it originally cost when it launched back in December. What's more, while they aren't getting any cheaper just yet, Intel will reportedly be making more of its 80GB and 160GB 1.8-inch drives, which have apparently been in short supply since launching last year.

Filed under: Storage

Intel further slashes SSD prices, ups production of 1.8-inch drives originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iBUYPOWER's Core i7-powered LAN Warrior makes other SFF rigs weep

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/ibuypowers-core-i7-powered-lan-warrior-makes-other-sff-rigs-wee/

See that, Shuttle? Yeah, that's your worst nightmare. iBUYPOWER has just shocked the small form factor (SFF) world with a new rig that's potent enough to act as your standalone gaming machine. Equipped with a menacing look, a carry handle and room for two full-sized dual slot video cards, the aptly titled LAN Warrior caters to no one outside of the enthusiast niche. For the crowd willing to shell out for the latest and greatest, they'll find a Core i7 CPU (920, 940 and 965 Extreme available, up to five ventilation fans, an optional liquid cooling system, ASUS' Rampage II Gene X58 motherboard, up to 12GB of DDR3 memory, twin GeForce GTX 295 / Radeon 4870 x2 GPUs, four internal 3.5-inch bays, up to 6TB of HDD space, up to two Blu-ray writers, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n WiFi and a planet-killing 1000-watt power supply. Amazingly, the starting tag on this one is just $999, and it's available now from the outfit's website. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: iBUYPOWER's Core i7-powered LAN Warrior makes other SFF rigs weep

Continue reading iBUYPOWER's Core i7-powered LAN Warrior makes other SFF rigs weep

Filed under: Desktops, Media PCs

iBUYPOWER's Core i7-powered LAN Warrior makes other SFF rigs weep originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OWC rolls out USB 2.0 display adapter for Macs and PCs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/owc-rolls-out-usb-2-0-display-adapter-for-macs-and-pcs/

It's hardly the first product of its kind, but we're guessing there's still plenty of folks out there ready to jump on OWC's new USB 2.0 display adapter, which will let you add up to six monitors to your Mac or PC. As with similar products, however, you will be slightly limited in terms of resolution, with the adapter topping out at 1600x1200 for standard monitors and 1680x1050 for widescreen displays, although you will get full 32-bit color and, of course, your choice of mirrored or extended display settings. What's more, in addition to the main USB to DVI adapter, you'll also get a DVI to VGA and a DVI to HDMI swivel adapter right in the package, plus a regular USB cable -- all for $99.

Filed under: Displays, Peripherals

OWC rolls out USB 2.0 display adapter for Macs and PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/amimons-second-gen-whdi-spec-does-full-uncompressed-1080p/

AMIMON, the company behind the wireless HD technology (WHDI) in Belkin's FlyWire (among other devices), has just introduced its second-generation chipset. The device, which utilizes video modem technology operating in the 5GHz unlicensed band, consists of the new AMN 2120 transmitter and AMN 2220 receiver, both of which are angling to slip into set-top-boxes, HDTVs and all sorts of other HDMI-enabled devices in short order. AMIMON asserts that this chipset is the first capable of "delivering full uncompressed 1080p/60Hz HD content throughout the entire home," with a range of beyond 100 feet through walls, under one millisecond of latency and support for HDCP 2.0. Best of all, the new kit is available now for manufacturers to snap up, so for the legions of consumers waiting for someone to get wireless HD right, let us say this: "get to snapping." The full release is after the break.

Continue reading AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Wireless

AMIMON's second-gen WHDI spec does full uncompressed 1080p originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA: 40 Atom-based ION platforms by end of 2009

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/nvidia-40-atom-based-ion-platforms-by-end-of-2009/

After being let down by the Atom 230 processor in our review of the Ion-based AspireRevo, we're comforted by NVIDIA's promise of more Atom / Ion configurations on the horizon. Forty of 'em by the end of the year including some based on the beefier dual-core Atom 330 processor just like this ASUS reference design that NVIDIA was showing off earlier today. Of course, the Computex show in Taipei (kicking off June 2nd) would be the obvious venue for such a full scale assault against Intel's GMA lethargy. Fortunately, Engadget Chinese will be on point to witness the carnage.

[Via Tweaktown]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

NVIDIA: 40 Atom-based ION platforms by end of 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Level One MobilSpot portable router shares 3G data over WiFi

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/level-one-mobilspot-router-shares-3g-data-over-wifi/

This isn't the first portable 3G router we've seen, but it certainly has the most convoluted name: the LevelOne 3G MobilSpot Portable Wireless HotSpot (WBR-3800) by CP Technologies. Just slot your EV-DO or HSDPA data card into the router's CardBus or USB interfaces and you've got an instant portable network for sharing to any 802.11b/g WiFi or Ethernet device. A 10/100Mbps WAN jack lets it double as your home router with auto-switching 3G backup for those of you with particularly troublesome DSL/Cable providers. The device measures 129 x 124 x 32mm (which isn't that small) but costs a reasonable $149.

Filed under: Networking

Level One MobilSpot portable router shares 3G data over WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung intros drop-dead gorgeous SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 camcorders

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/29/samsung-intros-drop-dead-gorgeous-smx-c14-and-smx-c10-camcorders/

We knew Samsung had a good thing going with the HMX-R10, and sure enough, that stylish has rubbed off heavily on the company's newest pair. The MX-C14 and SMX-C10 are both "ergonomic" camcorders which boast the company's Touch of Color finish and the practically iconic Active Angle Lens. Specs wise, we're told that they include include a 10x optical zoomer, Hyper Image Stabilization (oxymoron much?) and a 230,000-dot, swiveling 2.7-inch wide LCD screen. Strangely (and inexcusably, really), Sammy failed to mention what resolution these capture at, so we could be looking at two 4K RED competitors or VGA shooters that can't even outdo those uninspiring offerings from DXG. At any rate, we're told that the C14 comes with 16GB of internal flash along with an SD / SDHC expansion slot, while the C10 gets by with just a slot. Finally, both units include one-touch YouTube uploads and just under three hours of life on a single charge; they'll splash down this July for undisclosed amounts.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Samsung intros drop-dead gorgeous SMX-C14 and SMX-C10 camcorders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trying, but not buying -- Nielsen: Twitter�s audience is exploding; but 60% don't return the next month - http://tinyurl.com/dcvlxe

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Seagate Replica does automatic, incremental backup for the everyman

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/seagate-replica-does-automatic-incremental-backup-for-the-every/

Seagate's new Replica drive aims to be for PC users what Time Machine is for Macs (in fact, there's no Mac software included), and seems to do a pretty good job of it. You merely plug the drive into your computer, accept a license agreement, and you're off to the races with hassle-free incremental backups of your system. The drive is available in Single PC and Multi-PC models, with the former sporting 250GB of capacity, and the latter doing 500GB and adding in a vertical dock -- but to actually backup multiple PCs you'll have to move the drive around sneakernet style. ComputerShopper found the drive pretty slow, and while you can drag and drop files off of the drive, it doesn't actually allow you to toss specific files on and use the drive as way to move your projects around town. Still, it's simple, and the $200 starting price isn't criminal.

Read - ComputerShopper review
Read - Official Replica site

Filed under: Storage

Seagate Replica does automatic, incremental backup for the everyman originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Averatec debuts 12-inch $699 N2700 ultraportable

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/averatec-debuts-12-inch-699-n2700-ultraportable/

If it's fancy you're scouting, you needn't look here. If you're fine with a classic design, a relatively low price and plenty of oomph to handle everyday tasks, you've got your eyes right where they need to be. Averatec's latest rig is a 12-inch ultraportable that gets powered by a 2GHz Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, a WXGA panel, 4GB of DDR2-800 RAM, a 250GB SATA hard drive, 8x SuperMulti dual-layer DVD writer, WiFi, gigabit Ethernet, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, FireWire and audio in / out. Furthermore, you'll find a VGA output, 4-in-1 card reader, GMA X4500HD graphics set, 1.3 megapixel camera and Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit. This four pound lappie will set you back $699, and if you're already sold, we're happy to inform you that it's shipping right now.

Gallery: Averatec debuts 12-inch $699 N2700 ultraportable

Filed under: Laptops

Averatec debuts 12-inch $699 N2700 ultraportable originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unitek's 3.5-inch SATA HDD bay / MicroSD card reader is more fun than it looks

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/uniteks-3-5-inch-sata-hdd-bay-microsd-card-reader-is-more-fun/

Aside from his stunning portrayal as Col. Kurtz ("I swallowed a bug"), Brando is our go-to guy for drive bays and memory card readers. If you're not holding out for a dock that plays DivX movies (or tells the temperature in your cube) this device should be right up your proverbial alley. The Unitek 3.5-inch USB Multi-Functional Bay sports a 2.5-inch SATA HDD enclosure, SD(HC) and MicroSD(HC) card readers, and a four pin power port -- 'cos you can't have too many four pin power ports. Since this is Brando, we were hoping to see something with a little more kitsch appeal, but we suppose that we'll just have to hold out for something from the Happy-Kid line. If a sane and sober-looking approach to portable storage is what you're after, be sure to size this guy up in the gallery below.

Gallery: UNITEK 3.5-inch Multi-Functional Bay

Filed under: Peripherals, Storage

Unitek's 3.5-inch SATA HDD bay / MicroSD card reader is more fun than it looks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/27/genius-g-shot-hd520-camcorder-does-720p-for-149/

It's been about a day after forever ago since we've seen a new camcorder from Genius, but if you're scouting a low-end, low-cost option that'll still capture clips at a halfway respectable resolution, you're in luck. Similar to many of the DXG offerings, the G-Shot HD520 provides 720p footage for under $150, and it can also capture 11 megapixel still shots when things slow down a bit. The six-ounce device records in MPEG-4 / H.264 format and features a 2.5-inch LCD and room for up to 8GB of storage -- you know, in case you fill up the 32MB that are included, which will probably never happen. It's available now from a smorgasbord of legitimate online retailers. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149

Continue reading Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149

Filed under: Digita l Cameras

Genius G-Shot HD520 camcorder does 720p for $149 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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