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Seen@PAX08 LAN room: Waldo and a lonely MacBook
Call it dumb luck, but we caught that ever-elusive striped shirt aficionado taking a break from the PAX 2008 showfloor to play some Team Fortress 2 (we'd love to say he was playing as the appropriately-elusive spy, but we think it was actually Heavy class). Also spotted amongst the masses of giant modded PCs, a lone MacBook Pro. Check out some more crazy sightings from the BYOC (that's "Bring Your Own Computer") room.%Gallery-30811%%Gallery-30788%
Wii Warm Up: wi-fi vs wired internets
So your Wii has built in wi-fi to connect to the internet, but that doesn't mean everyone is down for that. Many of the fine folk cruising these tubes that make up the interweb still do so through trusty wires, perhaps too scared to enter the domain of wireless solutions available. Are you one of these individuals that had to snatch up a LAN adapter to get online or are you down with the wi-fi?
Play PC games on your PS3 with StreamMyGame
We're not just ragging on the PS3 when we say this -- we're all admittedly going through a bit of a video game drought. Perhaps there's a few PC games from last year's surplus that you'd like to play, but you've recently developed serious allergies to computer monitors ... and you lack the appropriate cables to hook your PC up to your television. Okay, the requirements for the StreamMyGame service to be useful are somewhat outlandish, but at least you have the option now, right?The service lets you stream games running on your Windows or Linux PC onto your Linux-enabled PS3 via a LAN. It's not as complicated as it sounds, and is completely free of charge -- plus, imagine how freaked out your friends will be when they walk in the room and see you running Halo 2 off your PS3. Tell them it's the new PS360, and cackle maniacally as they run to Best Buy to get their own.
Network card crash leaves 17,000 stranded at LAX
According to reports, a single computer crash on Saturday in the Customs office of LAX caused hours of delays for more than 17,000 airline passengers. US Customs officials say that a malfunctioning network card on a single desktop created a "domino" effect with its other computers, leading to a total system failure that caused massive wait times. According to a Customs spokesman, "We lost access to our national systems, as well as our local area network." He went on the claim that it took over ten hours to diagnose the problem, halting screening operations and leaving passengers stranded on planes or in the airport -- unable to enter or leave the US. From the sounds of it, Customs need to hire a handful of Engadget readers, who we're pretty sure could have located the source of the problem in considerably less time.[Thanks, Darleene]
WoW TCG: At the Darkmoon Faire Chicago
I spent last Friday evening at Upper Deck's Darkmoon Faire event in Chicago, IL (actually Schaumberg, as our readers have pointed out). And once there, I learned all about the WoW trading card game. I got to meet both Ben Drago, who organizes these events for Upper Deck, and Mike Hummel, who developed and created the game with the rest of his team.I also saw lots of people playing the game-- there were beginner and advance tournaments running all weekend-- as well as a special section Blizzard had set up with Upper Deck to allow visitors to play on a special LAN server, where they ran scavenger hunts and PvP events ingame. Tons of people brought tons of cards, and everyone got to throw down and try to outlast their opponent's heroes more than once over the weekend. A gallery of pictures from the Faire is below-- thanks to Upper Deck for putting on the event in Schaumberg, and we can't wait to see you guys again at Blizzcon.%Gallery-4040%
Amigo's R622AG WiFi router mirrors Xbox 360 design
We're fairly sure Amigo Technology's R622AG WiFi router meant no harm when it came out of the laboratory looking exactly like Microsoft's latest console, but we'll be surprised if no legal teams are contacted over this one. The four-port router supports 802.11a/b/g, includes a pair of USB 2.0 connectors for sharing external data or printers over the network (shown after the jump), and should look like a long lost twin situated beside your Xbox 360. No word yet on price nor availability, but this thing definitely outdoes the other 360 copycat we saw just days ago in terms of closest resemblance.
Yamaha's PSR-S900 piano offers up USB, Ethernet ports
Electric keyboards have long sported hardware components more commonly associated with a desktop PC, but rather than cramming a 3.5-inch floppy drive in its newest device, Yamaha opted for a USB port and Ethernet jack. The PSR-S900 packs 392 "realistic instrument voices" and 305 accompaniment styles powered by MegaVoices, and aside from also playing nice with MIDI-related information, this 61-key piano sports a 5.7-inch 320 x 240 display and 1.4MB of internal flash storage. Of course, you can load up your excess data via a USB HDD or thumb drive, and tech-savvy keyboardist should enjoy the video out port, USB audio recording ability, and Internet Direct Connection access that "enables users to browse and download thousands of songs" as well as learn of product updates. Expect the flagship S900 to hit the market on June 1st for ¥220,500 ($1,815), while the two lesser-spec'd siblings (S700 and S500) hit at ¥131,250 ($1,080) and ¥78,750 ($648), respectively.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Psion Teklogix's WORKABOUT PRO gets rugged with WinMo
We've seen handheld workhorses before, but Psion Teklogix is taking Windows Mobile 6 to the tough side in its new line of WORKABOUT devices. Offering users the choice of Windows CE 5.0 or WinMo 6 Classic / Professional, the WORKABOUT PRO C sports a full alphanumeric keypad, while the PRO S trims down by nixing the alphabet. Both units are powered by a 520MHz PXA270 CPU, and boast 128MB of Flash ROM, 128MB of SDRAM, optional 802.11b/g via a CF adapter, GSM / GPRS / EDGE WWAN connectivity, Bluetooth, a 3.6-inch VGA touchscreen, built-in speaker / microphone, and the obligatory dust, rain, and shock proof qualities that you'd expect on such a rugged machine. Additionally, a bevy of scanning expansion modules are included, and while pricing details aren't readily available, anyone that's likely to be interested in this one can just charge it to the corporate card and fuhgetaboutit.[Via PocketPCThoughts]
Fujitsu's FLEPia e-reader features color display, WiFi
While cranking out a couple of new e-readers may be big doings for some companies, it's just what we've come to expect from Fujitsu. Adding to its collection of e-ink-related niceties, the FLEPia "portable information terminals" will reportedly be available in an A5 size (weighing 480 grams) and an A4 flavor (320 grams), and both are just 12-millimeters thick. While details are admittedly scarce, you can reportedly read "up to two year's worth of magazines" on a single 4GB SD flash card, but you'll be recharging the battery every 50 hours or so along the way. Additionally, users will enjoy the convenience of WiFi connectivity built right in, and the six control buttons (plus a scroll key) should keep your pages aligned. The device is slated to land in white pearl, silver, and the obligatory pink pearl motifs, but considering the presumably lofty pricetags attached to each of these desirable units, we can't imagine too many early adopters diving in just yet.[Via Pocket-Lint]
Classy wooden router literally gauges network utilization
Although Sprint didn't mind showing off its snazzy new router earlier today, a crafty DIY'er has concocted a classic of his own to balance things out. Admittedly, homegrown routers aren't exactly common, but this step back in time really puts the modern day approach to shame, as its wooden construction, curvaceous shape, and tasteful use of analog equipment would tempt even the neatest of neat freaks to keep this one outside of the networking closet. Granted, this certainly isn't the most simplistic of projects we've come across, and it will require quite a bit of handiwork beyond the usual steady hand, but if you're feeling courageous and want a dash of class to counter the rat's nest of cabling behind your rig, click on through to the read link for all the minutiae.[Via Slashgear]
A legendary HBO Halo LAN
We all know halo.bungie.org (HBO) is a great resource for Halo news, but did you know they throw some of the best LAN parties on the face of the planet? Recently HBO invited some close friends, community members, and Bungie employees to their "Connecticut HQ" for a memorable Halo 2 throw-down. The LAN was held at HBO stud Louis Wu's house and was packed full of people, televisions, gaming consoles, food, and did we mention people? Cheers to you HBO for pulling off another memorable Halo LANfest ... now only if we could get invited. Full story and lots more photos after the jump.
SMC ships trio of draft-spec 802.11n networking gear
It looks the barrage of draft-spec 802.11n gear being released isn't slowing down anytime soon, and helping the yet-to-be-ratified protocol gain more ground is SMC. Making good on its promise to ship draft-N gear, the networking company has reportedly launched the Barricade N, which utilizes "multi-antenna MIMO support" to connect at rates of "up to 300Mbps," sports a four-port Ethernet switch, and can automatically prioritize duties such as music / video streaming to keep things skip-free. Complementing the new router are pre-N versions of the company's EZ Connect CardBus and PCI wireless adapters, which will give your lappie or desktop the ability to take advantage of the ultra-speedy 802.11n standard. All three devices are purportedly available right now, with the Barricade N selling for $120, the PCMCIA adapter demanding $80, and the PCI card costing $90.
IEEE votes 100G as the next Ethernet speed, scheduled for 2010
We're confident these off kilter batteries have been keeping the IEEE quite busy in recent months, but they've apparently made time to agree upon the next major Ethernet standard, and have raised the bar way above the rumored "40Gbps" level by dropping the hammer on 100G. If you're hoping to pick up some newfangled NIC and take advantage of these crazy new speeds anytime soon, fuhgetaboutit. The IEEE's High Speed Study Group (HSSG) has quite a bit of work to go, including the actual assembly of a new task force, which will "work to standardize 100G Ethernet over distances as far as six miles over single-mode fiber optic cabling and 328 feet over multimode fiber." John D'Ambrosia, chair of the IEEE HSSG, has admitted that the need for quicker (and larger) pipes is imminent, especially considering the growing trend in downloadable media and Web 2.0 applications, but anticipates the forming of 100G to "not be too great a challenge." While we're most definitely writing anything these folks say in regard to promptness off, we're admittedly glad the gurus behind the scenes feel this next step up should happen rather smoothly, but the IEEE still doesn't think a "finalized standard" will go live "until 2009 or 2010."[Via Shashdot]
GamerBUS provides mobile Xbox 360 LAN parties
If you're incensed about wasting your weekend (and part of last week) cruising around in futility trying to locate a Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii, the GamerBUS can provide the ultimate painkiller -- provided you live around the Virginia Beach area, that is. If you've got 63 friends or so, and you're not claustrophobic, you can pack your posse into the 37-foot customized RV and get your game(s) on. Sporting a bevy of comfortable seating options, sixteen Xbox 360 "gamer stations" (pictured after the jump) with their own 23-inch Philips HDTV, and all the CAT5 cable / electricity you could ever need, this redefines the party on wheels. Essentially offering a mobile gaming LAN, the bus operators will gladly wire up a 16-person system-linked round of Halo 2 (or a variety of other titles) while you provide the Cheetos and air fresheners. Although weekday hours boast an understandable discount, weekend rates range from $125 to $150 per hour, depending on how long you occupy the vehicle. Notably, no connection has been drawn between this newfangled gaming service and the Va Beach entrepreneur trickster hitting it big on vulnerable ATMs.[Via Digg]
Ronda's Media Chair revokes desires to visit the outside world
If you think the weekend was meant for kicking back in your ZipConnect Massage chair, or that uber-comfy Aeron apparatus for those fortunate enough -- we completely agree -- but Ronda's Media Chair makes even the most technologically advanced seats look like child's play. Sporting a stylish, modern design with questionably tall armrests, the Media Chair comes pre-loaded with a personal computer and a good reason to never leave the safe, familiar confines of your living room. Hanging off a polished aluminum swing arm is a fanless PC packing a 1.0GHz Intel Celeron processor, 512MB of RAM, Intel's 855 GME integrated graphics set, 20GB hard drive, built-in stereo speakers, USB 2.0, and the obligatory Ethernet / WiFi connections. You also get a 10.4-inch 800 x 600 resolution display, mini keyboard with integrated mousing device and "background illumination," and can get connected even in remote locations thanks to the optional UMTS unit. While we aren't quite sure how much coin you'd have to lay down to pick up this masterpiece of furniture design, we're sure the feeling of having everything you need all within arm's reach is indeed priceless.[Via Uber-Review]
Asus and Planex unveil snazzy new WAPs
With all this 802.11n hubbub going on, it's refreshing to see a trio of new 802.11b/g wireless access points that have set out to make the WiFi goodness we're used to even better. Planex Communication's GW-AP54SP-P (pictured after the jump) is a two-port WAP that supports automatic power-on functionality when detecting wireless activity, bridge / repeater capability, WPA2 support, and of course, up to 54Mbps transfer speeds. Meanwhile, Asus' latest power duo -- the WL-320gE and WL-320gP -- reportedly provide "up to 850 meters" of open space coverage thanks to their 5dBi high-gain antennas; they also sport SNMP to allow system administrators to manage multiple APs from remote locations, and somehow managed to pass the FCC's oh-so-restrictive transmission guidelines as well. The WL-320gP goes one step further by incorporating power over ethernet (compliant with 802.3af) to "eliminate the hassle of locating a power source." While pricing and release date information wasn't readily available, it's probably safe to assume these WAPs won't demand the same premium as those 802.11n-compatible alternatives -- and at least this trio operates on a standardized protocol, eh?Read - Planex Communication's GW-AP54SP-P Read - Asus' WL-320gE / WL-320gP
Kyocera develops ultrathin FWMG0-03 mobile WiFi module
We've got all sorts of incredibly tiny chips serving very unique purposes, but Kyocera has developed a 10- x 8-millimeter wireless LAN wafer that should feel right at home in those oh-so-cramped innards of certain diminutive mobiles. The FWMG0-03 module comes in at just 1.25-millimeters thick, and provides full support for 802.11b/g protocols; aside from mounting all of the circuity on a single side of the board, compactness has been aided by the low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) used, "resulting in an enhanced bending strength of 400 MPa which is approximately double that of the general LTCC." The chip draws just 0.85 milliwatts while in standby, 550 milliwatts when transmitting data, and 291 (802.11b) / 345 (802.11g) milliwatts when receiving. While we aren't sure which cellphone manufactures are vying for batches of these minuscule modules, we do know that a trio of operating voltages will be available when these start "volume production within 2006," and SDIO / SPI will be the supported interfaces.
WoW and LAN gaming
Having a WoW LAN at an event like BlizzCon seems only natural, but we're seeing an increasing presence of WoW at BYOC events. With an Internet connection as staple a feature as the local area network that gives LAN events their name, there's no reason why MMOs shouldn't be at these events, as they provide a great opportunity for players to meet up and play together.Blizzard's recent announcement of their competitions at the Lanwar event in Kentucky got me thinking. Competitions are a great part of LAN events, whether it's cash, swag or prestige that's on offer. However, the time-restricted nature of a three-day event means that certain aspects of WoW get a lot more attention than others.Rather like the earlier beta contest, two of the competitions revolve around levelling and PvP. How far can you get in three hours? Given a premade character, how well can you PvP? Finally, a test of teamwork and skill that can only really take place at a LAN event like this -- beat other teams in a Stratholme race. Personally, I think levelling and PvP contests are quite limited -- but special events like PvPing against the devs, or a levelling contest using only Draenei and Blood Elves, could make an event like this truly special. Other areas of WoW could be highlighted, too -- how about testing a guild's tradeskill organisation? Finding rare and unusual pets and items? Mini-tank races?
MMO players convene after E3
Those of us heavily invested in massively multiplayer games are part of a community, just as FPS clans have a brotherhood borne out of hours of playing together. Events like BlizzCon provide an opportunity for MMO guilds and players to meet up -- for the unknown to meet the infamous.E3 may have been over, but that didn't stop NCsoft arranging a player get-together last Saturday. Over 400 players signed up, some travelling from as far as Arizona for this one evening. While NCsoft had rented out a LAN centre for the event, players spent just as much time talking as they did playing, with a sizeable contingent of developers and community managers on hand to help the event along. NCsoft celebrities including Richard Garriott and Matt "Positron" Miller attended the event, showing a pleasing commitment to the player base.
Everlan
Jonesing for that rare murloc pet? Wish there was some kind of LAN based competition to compete in for WoW? Guess what... There is!Everlan is a LANparty in Denver CO that hosts 500-600 gamers and they are being sponsored by Blizzard. They have a whole slew of WoW competition lined up for party goers, including scavenger hunts, leveling races, and other in-game competitions. Makes me wish I lived in Denver :P.Kudos to these guys, I know it was a challange to throw a 120 person party, so I tip my hat to them for their 500-600 gamers!
