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Pantel readies trio of weatherproof Mirror TVs

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 26th 2008 at 9:41AM


Just because you haven't been remotely interested in seen a mirror TV in, oh, years, doesn't mean that companies aren't still interested in exploiting the niche. Take Pantel, for instance, who is totally stoked about debuting a trio of 'em at CEDIA 2008. Set to launch in 20-, 32- and 42-inch flavors, the Mirror TV line is aimed at folks looking to add a multipurpose display in their bathroom, shower or sauna. The 20- and 32-inch editions arrive with a 720p panel, while the 42-incher checks in with a full 1080p resolution. Price wise, you're looking at $1,200 for the little guy, $2,755 for the 32-inch sibling and $5,800 for the mack daddy.

Dell explains NVIDIA GPU issues, throws out BIOS updates to help

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 26th 2008 at 7:12AM


So yeah, quite a few NVIDIA GPUs have been acting up. Nothing new there. However, Dell's attempting to help its laptop owners out by making a few notable BIOS updates readily available for download. Apparently the issue "is a weak die / packaging material set, which may fail with GPU temperature fluctuations." In order to combat the problem, Dell's BIOS flashes "modify the fan profile to help regulate GPU temperature fluctuations," though the Round Rock powerhouse only promises that the updates will "help reduce the likelihood of GPU issues." Hit the read link and give it a go -- it can't hurt... we hope.

[Via Electronista]

Brando's Solar Mini Clip Fan ruins your shot at picking up friends

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 26th 2008 at 3:36AM


Unless you're strolling through Disneyland (or Dollywood, we suppose), we can't imagine anyone not giving you an awkward stare when you approach them with this on. Brando has triumphed once more by offering up the Solar Mini Clip Fan, which does a remarkable job of explaining itself. For those who can't understand what's going on here, it goes like this: clip on the fan, get out in the sun, experience a mild breeze on your brow and enjoy the solitariness. Obliterate your shot at being the life of the party for just a Hamilton.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

Fujitsu's Lifebook U2010 gets new pics, specs

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Jul 26th 2008 at 1:33AM


We've caught a few glimpses of Fujitsu's Lifebook U2010 in the past, but now we've got a whole handful of new shots of the crazy-versatile device, plus some fresh video and actual, honest-to-goodness specs. According to a Vietnamese forum, the miniature laptop / tablet will feature an Intel Atom CPU (at 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz), a 5.6-inch 1024 x 768 display, an 80GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, a 3G radio, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and will weigh 680 grams (about 1.5 lbs). No word on a street date or regions for the device right now, but the price is said to clock in around a hefty $1300.

[Thanks, Aki]

Revo's Blik RadioStation gets iPod dock, becomes iBlik RadioStation

by Donald Melanson, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 11:51PM


Apparently looking to give Bose a run for its money when it comes to long overdue product upgrades, Revo has now finally seen fit to gift its Blik RadioStation with an iPod dock, a move that follows its similarly risky forays into the rarely explored fields of WiFi and DAB radio. Apart from that welcome addition, however, this newly-dubbed iBlik RadioStation looks to be identical to its most recent predecessor, with it packing the same WiFi and DAB as before and, of course, the same love-it-or-hate-it styling. If that's a bit too much for you to handle, Revo has also kindly introduced the DAB-less iBlik WiFi, which will set you back £130 (or about $260), as opposed to the £180 (or $360) the full blown iBlik RadioStation will run you. Look for both of 'em to hit Europe next month.

[Via Slash Gear]

Sirius and XM merger approved by FCC, extreme partying commences

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 11:30PMBreaking News

In a somewhat unsurprising move, the FCC has approved the merger of Sirius and XM after protracted -- and incredibly boring -- multi-year negotiations. The Federal Communication Commission decided tonight to allow a deal that will bring the two satellite radio providers together, creating a combined subscriber base of roughly 18 million users. The deal isn't without catches, however, with the Commission stating that the companies must cap prices for three years following the merger, allow subscriber choice on content, and lower fees for channel packages. FCC head Kevin Martin seemed pleased with the final outcome, stating, "Consumers will get to enjoy the best of the programming on both services." You know who wasn't so stoked? Clear Channel.

Sandberg intros wireless keyboard / touchpad combo for HTPCs

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 10:36PM


Wireless keyboards with built-in pointing devices are usually pretty ugly, and Sandberg's new HTPC-oriented keyboard is no exception: sure, the dedicated Media Center Keys and 32-foot range are nice, but that two-tone color scheme is straight out of 1987. Plus, check the placement of the Media Center button -- yeah, that'll never get accidentally pressed. On the plus side, it's just £49 ($97), so you'll have plenty of scratch left over for fiber-optic lights and white shag rugs.

[Via Bios]

Fujitsu Siemens' Amilo Mini gets spied on video

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 9:11PM


Hey, remember that teeny-tiny Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Mini we spied a few weeks ago? You do? Good, because we've just discovered video of the as-yet-unreleased device in action. According to the source, the device will be officially revealed at IFA this year, and will be priced around €300 to €400 ($475 to $634). It won't blow your mind, but if you've been hoping to see a short, quickly moving fly-by of an extremely diminutive laptop, here's your chance. Enjoy!

Continue reading Fujitsu Siemens' Amilo Mini gets spied on video

Gateway ditches direct sales model, goes purely indirect

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 7:54PM


Gateway, long known for its (once) very active direct sales model, is continuing to morph as it attempts to revitalize itself. The most recent strategic change is pretty remarkable -- the outfit is completely and thoroughly ditching the aforesaid direct sales model. From here on out, prospective customers will only be able to snag a Gateway PC from retailers, e-tailers and other channel partners. According to the official verbiage, the change will deliver "significant cost savings, ultimately resulting in an improved value proposition for consumers." This all seems to have quite a bit to do with the recent Acer acquisition, with Mark Hill, Acer Group US General Manager, stating that Gateway is "shifting its distribution method to better align with Acer's successful global strategy, which was built upon an indirect model." At this point, we suppose it can't hurt to give it a whirl.

[Via Electronista, image courtesy of The New York Times]

How would you change MSI's Wind?

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 6:30PMFeatured Story


Now that MSI's Wind has (finally) started shipping out to eager customers, we're anxious to hear how you all like them. As was the case with HP's heralded 2133 Mini-Note, we're confident that you early adopters are champing at the bit to let loose some opinions here. In the end, was it worth the wait? Was it worth the asking price? It is nimble enough? Even if so, what would make the Wind an even bigger threat in the quickly growing netbook realm? Take all the time you need to get it all our, we're here for you.

ZeeVee's localcasting ZvBox gets hands-on treatment

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 5:18PM


Not that you haven't seen ZeeVee's ZvBox in the flesh before, but Dave Zatz got some hands-on time with the finalized unit. According to him, the box showed an impressive build quality though it ran "quite hot" -- likely a result of foregoing a built-in fan for a giant heatsink. He also noted that image quality was "good," though he did mention that he longed to see the ability to "selectively isolate a video window and present that content fullscreen." Anywho, feel free to read up on his initial impressions and peep the hands-on pics in the read link below.

iriver's Spinn hits the FCC, means nothing

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 4:09PM


Sure, it doesn't look like much thanks to the FCC's staunch aversion to photo glam, but that's iriver's Spinn PMP, a product which had us at a full, rigid swoon back at CES. While this would generally be good news, the model approved features a DAB radio and DMB television tuner -- in other words, it's not intended for US consumption. The user manual also confirms a FM radio, Mini SD slot, Bluetooth, D-Click System interface, 27 hours of audio and 5 hours of video, and support for SWF (Flash), TXT, MP3, WMA, OGG, JPG, AVI, MWV file formats. With FCC approval out of the way, the rumored UK August release date is presumably in the bag.

LEGO gets into classrooms with WeDo robotics systems

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 3:39PM


There was a time when the world was more innocent and Lincoln Logs in elementary classrooms were a given, but now that teachers are looking to squash every ounce of fun between 8AM and 3PM (okay, so maybe we just had a rough experience or two), LEGO's taking the back door in. The WeDo robotics kit is marketed toward elementary schools and the younger kids within them, with each package containing 158 blocks, gears, levers, etc., a USB hub for connecting to your Mac / PC, OLPC XO or Intel Classmate, a motor, one motion sensor, one tilt sensor and a CD with a smattering of sure-to-be-riveting activities. Mum's the word on pricing for now, but considering your tax dollars will be paying for 'em, it's not like you'll really benefit from knowing.

[Via BoingBoing]

Project: Alien Mouse gets your arm into it

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 2:51PM


Mizanur Rahman is clearly sick and tired of traditional mousing devices. So sick and tired, in fact, that he's kicked out a rendering of the Project: Alien Mouse. In short, this decidedly gigantic mouse shoots for ergonomics by providing a place for your wrist, lower arm and maybe your elbow if you're a small enough person. We'll be honest, all those gel cushions sure look comfy from here, but the amount of brain energy that would be required to use it kind of puts a damper on the whole deal.

[Via Wired]

'The Shining' gets remade with WowWee bots, cybernetically invades your soul

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Jul 25th 2008 at 2:16PM


All work and no play makes Robosapien a dull bot. All work and no play makes Robosapien a dull bot. All work and n0 play makes R0b0sapien a dull bot. All w0rk and no play makes R0101ap1en a dull b0t. A11 w0rk a1d n0 play m01es R0101ap1en a dull b0t. A11 101k 11d n0 p10y m01es R010101e0 a d011 b0t. 011 1011 11d n0 p10y m011s 0010101e0 a d011 b0t. 011 1011 110 10 p10y 1011s 0010101e0 1 d011 b0t. 011 1011 110 10 1100 10110 001010110 1 1011 001.

Continue reading 'The Shining' gets remade with WowWee bots, cybernetically invades your soul

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