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Supposed next-gen iPod Nano with camera leaks again, clip back in tow
If you'll recall, it was April of last year when we reported on pictures from Apple.pro, which claimed to show a seventh-generation iPod Nano chassis with room for a camera. Not long after, the site posted a second leak of the device, hinting at the omission of the Nano's famous clip in favor of optics. Fast forward to the present, and we're now looking another supposed shot of the unit, however, this time the clip is back and it's made room for the shooter. Like prior Nano-camera efforts, this prototype's loaded with a less-than-whopping 1.3-megapixels of resolution, which M.I.C Gadget claims in its non-final form, took overexposed photos. Apple's apparently also been toying with 2-megapixel prototypes, but those too were apparently deemed unsatisfactory. M.I.C. Gadget also muses the two month old prototype is nearing release, and that it could be released before the traditional fall schedule. Seeing as the Nano's long overdue for a hardware refresh, we'd file that under definitively maybe, but before believing, take copious amounts of salt as you hit the source link below for a bevy of pics.
Hands-on with SteelSeries Ikari mouse and new 7G gaming keyboard
We've been spending some quality time with the high-end gaming products from SteelSeries, and we have to say we're impressed. The Ikari laser mouse they announced last year is particularly great, with a built-in processor and sensitivity settings to allow for a customized and precise sensitivity setting in a plug-and-play setup particularly suited to professional gamers. Settings are easy to work, and the actual sensitivity and response of the mouse easily outclasses our prior mousing experiences.New to the market is the SteelSeries 7G keyboard, which is making its debut on Monday the 5th. The keyboard is fully mechanical, with no-click switches that give it a much stronger, smoother tactile feel, while simultaneously catering to gamers by registering half presses. The keyboard weighs a ton thanks to the heavy-duty iron-infused plastic and the gold electronics, and is quite capable of handling abuse. We grew up typing on heavy-duty keyboards, and this is easily the best one we've used this decade -- though the $150 pricetag also makes it the most expensive outside of the Optimus Maximus.Both of these products are obviously built for pro and casual gamers, but we found a productivity boost in our regular day-to-day blogging operations, which requires large quantities of precise link clicking (how's that for a resume line item?) and rapidly written posts. In addition to these two, SteelSeries is bringing its entire line of Euro-popular gaming peripherals to the States, including headphones and crazily fancy mouse pads.%Gallery-22036%
Samsung, LG get 2006 started off right
Does it look like April to you? Sure doesn't to me, cuz I haven't started pestering people for birthday presents yet. Anyway, Samsung's second 7G LCD production facility wasn't supposed to open till April, but they're opening today. I guess all those rumors of HDTV LCD oversupply will be coming true in the near future, because 4 screens per substrate, 45,000 substrates per month.....is a whole lot.I wonder if you drive by the plant, they have those signs like Krispy Kreme announcing fresh....LCD's?Edit: Looks like LG couldn't wait to get the party started either, as this later Reuters report mentions they are also kicking off production at their own seventh generation production facility, as we reported earlier. Geez man, before long everybody is going to have one, why buy an LCD when you can just get a whole LCD plant?From LG's press release: "LG.Philips LCD will be the only panel maker who operates both 6th and 7th generation lines, which will strengthen its position as a leader in the LCD TV market.Based on its system of fab dedication, LG.Philips LCD has developed a portfolio of facilities that concentrate on specific product categories. The 6th generation line in Gumi focuses on 32- and 37-inch TV panels while the 7th generation line in Paju will focus on 42- and 47-inch TV panels. This gives LG.Philips LCD an efficient production base, and will allow it to continue its leading role in the global standardization of LCD TV sizes."
