LightDrops umbrella classes up your act, generates electricity

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/lightdrops-umbrella-classes-up-your-act-generates-electricity/

The brainchild of designer Sang-Kyun Park, LightDrops is an umbrella that uses the piezoelectric effect of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to transform falling rain into electricity, which is then used to light LEDs installed on the umbrella's underside. The heavier the rain falls (and the harder it hits the umbrella), the brighter the light shines. Combine it with the solar tie, and who knows? This might someday become de rigueur for the stylish tech professional. Ella, ella, ella...

[Via StyleCrave]

Continue reading LightDrops umbrella classes up your act, generates electricity

Filed under: Wearables

LightDrops umbrella classes up your act, generates electricity originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mac mini update rumors flare as Apple sales dip

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/15/mac-mini-update-rumors-flare-as-apple-sales-dip/

Although Apple just posted some ridiculous quarterly numbers, it doesn't seem like it's going to escape the current economic conditions in the US unscathed -- like pretty much everyone else, monthly sales are down in Cupertino, according to the NPD Group. The drop is only one percent total, but it's against a two percent rise in overall PC sales, which could indicate that Apple's premium pricing is hurting it as shoppers turn to netbooks and other bargain machines. That dovetails nicely with chatter we're hearing today about updated Mac minis making a debut at Macworld -- although Steve famously proclaimed that Apple doesn't "know how to make a $500 machine that's not a piece of junk" during the last earnings call, it sure sounds like he's going to try, with a $499 2.0GHz mini in a new MacBook-esque unibody enclosure rumored to arrive onstage in January. If you believe Wired, it'll be accompanied by a $700 2.3GHz version with NVIDIA graphics, and both models will feature mini DisplayPorts -- nothing shocking there. We'll see when we see -- we've been waiting for the mini to be updated forever, and while Apple did just uncharacteristically slam rumors of a new model, times like these could lead to drastic measures.

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Filed under: Desktops

Mac mini update rumors flare as Apple sales dip originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PowerGenix reveals potent NiZn rechargeable AA batteries

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/powergenix-reveals-potent-nizn-rechargeable-aa-batteries/

Move over Li-ion, Zinc is about to get all up in your area. Energizer has already announced the Zinc Air Prismatic, and now PowerGenix is gearing up to debut its variation at Ritz Camera locales across the nation. The Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) AA cells, difficultly coined Quantaray Super Z, pack up to 30% more voltage than other rechargeables (right in line with one-time use batteries) and are entirely nontoxic. Oddly enough, no price is mentioned, but you should probably go in expecting the worst in order to not be totally taken aback upon finding out. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading PowerGenix reveals potent NiZn rechargeable AA batteries

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

PowerGenix reveals potent NiZn rechargeable AA batteries originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mvix quietly reveals media playing / recording MvixPVR

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/mvix-quietly-reveals-media-playing-recording-mvixpvr/

Mvix has a history of pumping out reliable, multi-faceted media streamers, but it has evidently decided to branch out a touch with its latest piece. Taking a note from the HD PVR from Hauppauge, the box packs component video inputs that will likely capture high-def video from set-top-boxes and the like. It's also an HDD-based media player (bring your own hard drive, of course), which outputs content up to 1080p via HDMI. You'll also find integrated WiFi, a USB port for streaming files on external drives and UPnP / BitTorrent functionality. Mvix hasn't stated when this puppy will go on sale nor how expensive it will be, but those looking for a multi-purpose media streamer / recorder should probably keep a check on this one.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Mvix quietly reveals media playing / recording MvixPVR originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel delivering Classmate PC netvertible tablet at CES 2009

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/intel-delivering-classmate-pc-netvertible-tablet-at-ces-2009/

The FCC totally blew the cover of Intel's 8.9-inch convertible Classmate PC, but apparently the outfit doesn't even care. In fact, it's so anxious to get the word out that it's already showing off a pre-production rig. Reportedly, the outfit will be teaming up with longtime partner CTL in order to ship its first batch of education-minded netvertibles in January, and no, the traditional Classmate PC won't be going anywhere. The newcomer is said to have an impressively sturdy chassis, and the blue on white motif is much less sickening than the previous greenish / yellow abomination. Additionally, we're told that it'll come packing a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, a 60GB HDD and Windows XP. Tap the read link for a nice gallery of shots.

Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

Intel delivering Classmate PC netvertible tablet at CES 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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