Samsung 'Baffin' pops up in FCC; reportedly mixes 5-inch WVGA display, quad-core CPU

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/24/samsung-baffin-5-inch-wvga-android-korea/

Apparently feeling we were running low on Galaxy smartphones after the current lineup of Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III mini and Galaxy Note II, Samsung's SHV-E270L just made the FCC rounds and is rumored to be next in line. Flashing its codename "Baffin" in the documents, this device does not seem destined for an appearance beyond Korean borders, but a unique blend of specs and rumors that it will arrive as the "Galaxy Grand" continue to intrigue. Listed as an LTE phone in the Bluetooth database, and appearing in GLBenchmark reporting a 1.4GHz (possibly quad-core) CPU like the Galaxy S III, but with a much lower 800x480 WVGA display. According to a report from Korea's Money Today, the idea is to create a device for older customers that's easier to read with bigger icons and letters on its large 5-inch low res screen (as opposed to the 5-inch 1080p pixel density monsters we're now accustomed to), with a quad-core CPU pushing Android 4.1 and its Smart Stay features plus a 2,100mAh battery. We're not sure if it will increase your parent's scores in Fruit Ninja, but vision-challenged KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom customers may have an interesting decision to make very soon.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: FCC, Bluetooth, GLBenchmark

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Hack a Dead PC Power Supply Into a Rechargeable Lantern

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5962823/hack-a-dead-pc-power-supply-into-a-rechargeable-lantern

If you have access to a dead computer power supply you can use the case, power switch, wiring, and power port along with a 5v lead acid battery and a landscaping lamp bulb to create a rechargeable lantern.

Computer power supplies can burn out after several years and unless you're an advanced electronics hobbyist they're not worth trying to rebuild. Instructables user 300mpg notes that You can reuse many of the components as long as you're careful to follow proper capacitor safety procedures. To make the lantern you'll open up the power supply and remove all internals except for the power switch, power plug, and wiring. Cut out the fan grating and fit a 12v landscape lamp, but don't permanently attach it until you test the wiring. Wire the switches, lamps, and battery together and test the function of the lamp. Once that's done cut two openings in the top of the power supply case for a handle made from the the wiring bundle that connects the power supply unit to a motherboard—zip tie the ends together from inside the power supply unit and you'll have a comfortable handle for your lantern. Now you'll just need to cleanup the case and glue the battery and lamp to the casing; adding foam spacers between the case and the battery would be a good idea and used mouse pads work well for this..

From the original design you would connect a 12v sealed lead acid battery charger to the positive and negative connections on the power supply plug. As commenters on the Instructable pointed out, mounting a battery charger inside the case might be a superior design as then you already have the plug and can reuse a standard 3-prong computer power cord.

This seems like a fun project that makes dead components useful again and is worth doing as long as you follow all electrical safety procedures.

Hack-A-Lantern: Recycled Computer Power Supply Flashlight | Instructables

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Samsung's SCH-W2013 is a quad-core, dual-screen flip phone, designed for Jackie Chan

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/23/samsung-sch-w2013/

It's been almost a year since the ridiculously expensive SCH-W999 launched on China Telecom, so it's about time for Samsung to come up with yet another dual-screen flip phone to lure folks with too much money. Launched in conjunction with a big charity concert (again) earlier today is the SCH-W2013, a 1.4GHz quad-core (likely an Exynos 4412) device with Android 4.0 and dual-3.7-inch 800 x 480 Super AMOLED touchscreens. On top of that there's 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, microSD expansion of up to 64GB, 1,850mAh of battery juice, an eight-megapixel main imager plus a whopping 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. As with many flagship devices on China Telecom, the W2013 comes with dual-SIM support: one for CDMA2000 800/1900 and the other for GSM 900/1800/1900. The damage? Well, there's nothing official yet, but it's believed to be somewhere between ¥18,000 ($2,900) and ¥20,000 ($3,210). After all, it ain't cheap to hire Jackie Chan (and he was also given a W2013 at the concert).

Gallery: Samsung's SCH-W2013 is a quad-core, dual-screen flip phone, designed for Jackie Chan

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: Samsung

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Sharp unveils bright, 90-inch LCD for uncannily life-sized signage

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/23/sharp-unveils-extra-bright-90-inch-lcd-for-life-sized-signage/

It would be a shame if Sharp kept that giant 90-inch AQUOS TV confined to living rooms, wouldn't it? The company is inclined enough to agree that it's building an industrial version, the PN-R903, for digital signs. Its 1080p resolution and local-dimming LEDs are as familiar as a well-worn pair of shoes, but that 6-foot, 8-inch width lets Sharp claim a record for public spaces: the R903 is supposedly the first LCD sign with its technology that can display average humans at real size when tilted to a portrait view, making it an ideal fit for fashion or most anything where one-for-one scale matters. The 700cd/m2 brightness helps by keeping the picture visible in harsher lighting. If you're not quite ready for the uncanny valley, you'll be glad to know that the R903 won't ship until January 28th, when it goes on sale with open pricing. Those who'd still prefer something less imposing can buy a 60-inch PN-R603 at the same time or wait for the 70-inch PN-R703 to grace storefronts on February 25th.

Filed under: Displays, HD

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Via: Impress Watch (translated)

Source: Sharp (1), (2), (3)

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Galaxy Note II with dual-SIM slots goes official in China

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/22/galaxy-note-ii-with-dual-sim-official-in-china/

Picking between LTE and HSPA iterations of Galaxy Note II was difficult enough already but now Samsung China has gone official on its previously-spotted twin-SIM variant. It's the same exotic mix of micro and full-size SIM slots, alongside that potent 1.6GHz quad-core processor and 5.5-inch Super AMOLED HD screen. The phone has a respectable collection of radios (GSM 850/900/1, 800/1,900, WCDMA 850/900/1,900/2100 MHz) too -- just ensure you have all your SIM sizes in order when the device goes on sale December 3rd.

[Thanks Terence]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: Samsung China (translated)

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