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AQUiVO's weatherproof HDTV meets a fire hose blast, survives
Rest assured, we've witnessed our fair share of hardcore devices, and while we've seen fancy LCDs that purport to be waterproof, AQUiVO's IP56-rated weather resistant LCD took one on the chin to prove its claim. The aluminum-framed, completely sealed HDTV was hoisted onto a wall outside, and with little mercy shown, a fire hose blast tried its best to infiltrate the screen. Amazingly enough, the display appeared relatively untouched after its midday shower, and if you've got those skeptical genes, feel free to check out the video for yourself after the break.[Via ShinyShiny]
Novac intros external HDD enclosure with sizable cooling fan
Paranoid about excessive heat? Looks like the folks at Novac share your worries, as the NV-HDS392U external hard drive enclosure packs one of the largest, most prominent cooling fans you're likely to find in such a device. Boasting an all-aluminum frame and measuring in at 2.16- x 7.2- x 4.69-inches, this unit plays nice with any 3.5-inch IDE / SATA hard drive that you've got hanging around, and connects up with your Mac or PC via USB 2.0. If things get a bit heated, users can simply flip the "on" switch to crank up the side-mounted cooling fan, and those interested can snap this one up early next month for ¥4,980 ($43).[Via AkihabaraNews]
Apple 24-inch aluminum iMac review roundup
Now that you've had time to watch us fool around with Apple's latest iMac and even chew on a few benchmarks, it's about time the aluminum-clad machine suffered through its own gauntlet of reviews. Overall, the response to the new 2.4GHz 24-inch iMac has been mildly positive, and while it was noted that the update is far from revolutionary, the aesthetics are undeniably sexy. Interestingly, the glossy display didn't prove to be the disaster that some folks expected, and MacWorld even stated that it was "really more of a personal preference than a design flaw." Performance wise, the hardware updates provided respectable -- albeit not life-changing -- increases, and yes, the keyboard was well regarded whilst the white Mighty Mouse now seems so "out of place." So if you've been lured into thinking that the iMac may be right as your next machine, it doesn't sound like you'll be disappointed, but do yourself the favor of peeping one up close before pulling the trigger.Read - MacWorld (4.5 out of 5)Read - AppleInsider (3.5 out of 5)Read - PCWorld ("Svelte and appealing, but wait for Leopard to come bundled in")Read - CNET (8.2 out of 10)Read - PCMag (4.5 out of 5)
Apple announces new iMacs with aluminum enclosure, glass displays
Well the rumors that date all the way back to May were true - today Apple announced a redesigned, cheaper iMac and the loss of the 17-inch model. Let us all take a moment of silence for our fallen comrade.Now that that's over, let's get to the good stuff. The new iMac tosses aside the old 'n busted plastic and LCD design for two of Apple's increasingly favorite materials: aluminum and glass (Exhibit A: the iPhone). Steve says customers absolutely love the glass and glossy displays, so the new iMac now continues the trend. With the loss of the 17-inch, however, the lineup has been slimmed down to two primary model sizes: a 20-inch now starting at $1199, and a 24-inch at $1799. For their respective sizes, this is a price drop of $200 across the board, but this now means that the barrier to entry for the iMac lineup has actually risen by $200.The new models, their features and prices are as follows: 20-inch introductory iMac: 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 250 GB SATA Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT video card - $1199 20-inch mid-level iMac: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 320 GB SATA Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro video card - $1499 24-inch top line iMac: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 320 GB SATA Hard Drive, 8x SuperDrive, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro video card - $1799 [Update: Wow, now that I can finally get into the store (barely), I can confirm commenters are right: there is a 4th iMac at the top of the line offering a 24-inch display, 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM and a 500GB SATA Hard Drive for $2299.]All new iMacs feature that fancy, 0.33-inch keyboard that was leaked not long ago, and all models are available and shipping immediately. Ladies and gentlemen, you may now let the credit cards fly!
Apple's new iMac
Who could've seen this one coming? Apple surprised no one this morning with brand new iMacs. Built from aluminum and glass, the new all-in-one desktops feature a complete, slimmer redesign and will come in two sizes: 20-inch and 24-inch. There's the usual compliment of ports like USB 2.0, Firewire 400 / 800, a slot loading SuperDrive, iSight camera and so forth. The new look features a glossy display to match the majority of Apple's consumer lineup, and new keyboards are indeed coming along for the ride -- in an extended wired version as well as a mini wire free model, running the Bluetooth 2.0 spec. Under the hood Apple has up to a 2.8GHz Core 2 Extreme processor, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro graphics, up to 1TB of storage, 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0, with 8x SuperDrives and 1GB of RAM standard across the board. Prices start at $1,199 for the 20-inch, $1,499 for a processor and graphics bump, $1,799 for the 24-incher and $2,299 for Core 2 Extreme. The full rundown of Apple's stock models is after the break.Update: Corrected the 2.8GHz Core 2 Extreme spec, and added a fourth configuration to the rundown.%Gallery-5646%
DS Lite cover is TOTALLY METAL
If you're looking for a matte black look for your DS, look no further. Replacement cases are way better than DIY solutions, at least in this instance. This sleek aluminum shell is, frankly, pretty hot, especially with all that white peeking through. And hey -- just in case you harbored a secret desire to replace your soccer ball with a DS Lite one afternoon, this may be just the thing you need. Because it's metal.The black aluminum shell sells for ¥2,520, or a little more than $20.[Via Famitsu]
Isabodywear underwear fends off cellphone radiation
If you thought donning tin foil caps was excessive, Isabodywear is out to make those contraptions looks mighty mild. While the debate about just how dangerous (or not) cellphone radiation is still rages on, there's certainly a paranoid sect that will snap up anything that claims to "protect them," and this Swiss garb maker is latching onto said opportunity. The briefs are purportedly constructed with threads made of silver, which the company claims will fend off harmful cellphone radiation; moreover, in an effort to really prove just how effective these undergarments are, it suggests that phone calls originated within the confines of your new underwear simply won't connect. Reportedly, 4,000 pairs have been created so far, and for folks willing to give these a try and fill out a survey, the first 500 of you to email in and request one will seemingly have one sent out gratis. There's no word on when you can expect the Slipways to hit the market, but they should sell for CHF29.90 ($24) apiece when retailers start stocking.[Via Textually]
Apple's Mac mini gets ruggedized, aluminum shell
While there's long since been ways to make your Mac mini even more portable, the vulnerability typically increases right along with the downsizing. VictorSystems is out to throw mobility to the wind in exchange for assurance that your precious mini can withstand just about anything the world throws at it. The company has conjured up an entire computer system, peripherals and all, that is based around a mini and its accessories being sheathed in "aircraft grade aluminum alloys made from wrought plates, extruded rails, and finned heat sinks." Attention to detail was crucial, as even the power supply, a flat-panel display, keyboard, speakers, printer, and mouse were also given the ruggedizing treatment for a lengthy stay in the Amazon wilderness (or similar). Unfortunately, the setup doesn't sport a pricetag due to the BTO nature of the company, but if you're interested in removing every ounce of sexiness from your machine in order to carry it through unthinkable circumstances, VictorSystems can apparently do it up.[Via Slashgear]
KEF's Muon speakers: 253 pounds of aluminum, no sense of decency
Catering to the highest of the high-end in speakers will grab the attention of both consumers and designers, and KEF has contracted Ross Lovegrove, who designed such throw-aways as the Walkman and the iMac, to create this spendy new "Muon" series of speakers. These curvy monsters are carved out of a six-foot block of solid aluminum using computer-aided manufacturing and take a week to create. The four-way, eight-speaker setups weigh 253 pounds each, and will retail for £70,000 ($140,500 USD). If you've got the pocketbook, better have your butler write out a check right quick, as the edition is limited to 100 pairs.
All-aluminum Front Runner hydrofoil watercraft plays in the kiddie pool
Sure, it's no USS Ronald Reagan, but Joey Ruiter's conceptual Front Runner is one sweet ride if you're looking to exercise 215-horsepower on a slick body of water. Shown at the recently concluded Grand Rapids Boat Show in Michigan, the designer unveiled his latest concept watercraft, a hydrofoil with "twin forward-mounted jet-drive motors." The futuristic design is fairly easy on the eyes, and would certainly garner quite a bit of positive attention skimming across the shallow end at your local YMCA. Aside from being crafted entirely of aluminum without a hint of glue holding anything together, the unique construction allows the boat to cruise in "extremely shallow water," which could definitely brighten up an extremely rainy day if you're in a low-lying area. Still, we've no idea if Joey has plans to commercialize this gem, but if he adds a hovering feature in the near future, count us onboard.
Mustek readying brushed aluminum SI302A webcam
Mustek's taking a break from those digital photo frames and whatchamacallits to offer up a rather stylish webcam, donning a brushed aluminum outfit and a few sexy curves to boot. The SI302A looks to perch atop your display's lonely frame or make itself at home on a desk top, and aside from the glamor aspects, the innards aren't half bad either. The device will reportedly boast a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor, auto-focus lens, USB 2.0 connectivity, and can capture 1,280 x 1,024 resolution at 30fps sans compression. Additionally, this minuscule eye toy will house an integrated "condenser microphone" for video chats or audio transmissions, and while Mustek hasn't quite nailed down an MSRP for this presumably iSight-inspired device, it plans to have it on store shelves in March.[Via SciFiTech]
iOPS mimics the mini, showcases diminutive X11 PMP
You won't color us surprised to find that another Asian company has knocked off one of Apple's products, and we certainly aren't shocked that this time around it's iOPS (again). The firm's X11 is crafted from white or graphite aluminum, comes in at just 9-millimeters thick, and boasts a very, very familiar click wheel mechanism. Regardless, this PMP offers up 1/2/4GB capacities, and features a 1.3-inch color LCD, rechargeable Li-ion battery, JPEG / text viewer, FM radio tuner, built-in equalizer, USB 2.0 connectivity, and upgradeable firmware. On the audio front, it supports MP3, WMA, and OGG music files, while it plays nice with AVI, MPEG4, DivX, XviD, and WMV video files, and although we aren't certain of how much coinage this thing will require (if it actually makes it to market, that is), this looks like a very functional alternative to Apple's rendition if you get the itch to import.
Engineuity developing hydrogen-creating, emission free vehicle
Just in case there weren't enough alternate fuel developments going on around the world, it looks like we've got yet another vying for business over in Israel. Engineuity, a company started by Amnon Yogev, has reportedly developed a method for vehicles to "produce their own fuel" using metals such as magnesium and aluminum to create hydrogen and steam. Similar to a solar-powered "zinc-to-hydrogen" approach that gained attention in 2005, this method utilizes a "long metal coil" which would be inserted into a metal-steam combustor that stands to "separate hydrogen out of heated water." After intense heating, the metal atoms would purportedly bond to the oxygen from the water, creating metal oxide; the result would free up hydrogen molecules to be sent to the engine alongside the steam to provide the juice. The firm also insinuates that "refueling" the vehicle would be "remarkably simply," and construction could be completed on current production lines without requiring entirely new infrastructures. According to Yogev, the "running cost of the system should be equal to that of conventional cars today," and hopes to have a full scale prototype ready to rumble in "around three years."[Thanks, Mike]
First pics of RED "Spike" camcorder prototype surface
It's been quite awhile since a single camcorder, of all things, got as much hype as the elusive RED machine from Oakley founder Jim Jannard, but this mysterious beast is escaping the treacherous realm of vaporware and emerging into reality according to the man himself over at DVXuser. Aside from shooting HD footage at 60fps with those fine 11.4-megapixels, the all-aluminum cam is finally making its debut, and a few glamour shots of the first prototype, dubbed "Spike," have now been released. It's noted that actual production units will not sport a shiny finish (sorry, blingsters), and the official forums will open up tomorrow at RedUser.net. Ole Jim also mentioned that the machined prototype "should be operational" within days, and hopes to garner a good bit of attention at the next NAB expo. While the initial batch of $17,000 pre-orders are long gone, the firm just might take more orders for a small window of time in "early 2007," but it's shakily committing to a "May 31st" or earlier ship date for those lucky (and loaded) individuals already on that coveted list. Be sure to tag the links below for more very-not-fuzzy sneak peeks.[Via DVGuru]
MPIO readies brushed aluminum MG100 PMP
While it's been a hot minute since we've seen the tried and true brushed aluminum look exemplified in a DAP, MPIO is apparently prepping its MG100 (formerly dubbed the FG300) for release. Not deviating too far from its other stylish units, this portable media player reportedly houses 1GB or 2GB of internal flash memory and features voice / line-in recording, an FM radio, and even "adjustable playback speed" to turn even those slow jams into a chipmunk remix. It'll also play back video files in the MTV format, and while prices haven't been confirmed just yet, we're hearing that the 1GB rendition will demand about €99 ($130), and the 2GB variety will require around €125 ($165). So if you're itching for more details about the forthcoming player, be sure and hit the read link for a bevy of glamour shots.[Via DAPReview]
iPod nanos get storage boost, aluminum bodies, and colors
Dare I say, 'Return of the iPod mini?' Apple just revamped their entire line of iPod nanos, and the first thing that strikes you is that they are available in colors. Silver, pink, black, green, and blue though no white. The nanos also have a new aluminum body that makes them even better for jogging and other fitness activities.What else is new? Brighter screens and longer battery life, Apple claims that the nano will get 24 hours of life out of a single charge.You can choose from 2GB (silver only, $149), 4GB (silver, pink, green, blue $199), or 8GB (black only, $249) models, and Apple will throw in free laser engraving.Continue reading for a look at a nano in profile.
Apple to give new iPod nano an aluminum makeover?
With some iPod revisions just around the corner -- at least according to the more optimistic rumor mongers among us -- there are new whispers of Apple pulling another design revision reminiscent of their iPod mini to nano transition. This time, though, they're taking it in reverse, and are supposedly outfitting their miniature player in aluminum to combat those scratches and durability problems that the nano was so given to. The aluminum is supposed to even come in various colors just like the mini did (pictured above), but the player is said to retain the same form factor as the nano, along with bumping the storage capacity to 8GB. These rumors are based on AppleInsider "sources," so we really have no way to verify their accuracy, but it seems pretty reasonable that Apple will do something about their players to combat those scratches and the accompanying lawsuits.
Enermax's Crystal aluminum keyboard: quick, look away!
So you dropped a few grand on the latest aluminum Core Duo laptop with matching LCD for the home only to find that plastic-ass, white keyboard soiling your kit? We feel ya, so here's the Crystal keyboard from ENERMAX. Now this isn't one of those cheapo, aluminum-look keyboards; the Crystal is all aluminum, all the time and diamond cut to create what they call the first "massive aluminum keyboard" consisting of a not so massive 1.55-millimeter (0.06-inch) thick aluminum plate fused to the key assembly. It features scissor-mounted, laser printed keys (for good feel without fade) with an audio in/out interface and 2 x USB ports along the sides. Oh, and they'd like you to know that up close, this 2.42-pound peripheral is "not safe to look at due to risk of hypnosis." Yeah, whutevah. On sale in Japan starting July 10th for an expected price of ¥9,800 or about $86 of the green. [Via Impress]
