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Fujitsu starts build-it-yourself PC service, lets you go homebrew without the electrical shocks
Big PC companies are often seen as being at odds with the concept of custom-built computers: apart from letting us tick a few checkboxes before we order, they'd rather we not fiddle with the internals. Fujitsu is breaking the mold and embracing some of that DIY culture with its upcoming Hands-on Custom PC Assembly Service. The Japanese can take classes that teach them how to install their picks (from a limited range) of processors, hard drives and RAM. While the program doesn't start completely from scratch -- the motherboard is already installed -- it takes would-be assemblers through many of the experiences of building their own PCs from the ground up. Builders can choose how many components, if they're not quite so ambitious, and learn smart practices like wearing anti-static wristbands. While there won't be as many unintentional jolts of electricity as the real deal, the courses should help PC owners feel comfortable working inside a computer -- not to mention save Fujitsu a few technical support calls. The variable-price courses start in Japan on August 9th for multiple Esprimo desktops and a LifeBook portable. We can only hope that American PC vendors take a few hints and encourage everyone's inner technician.
Pointgrab's motion sensing tech coming to more laptops, we go hands-off
Yeah, so we haven't been the biggest proponents of motion sensing laptops -- it's sort of hard to see the point when you've usually got your hands on the keyboard or touchpad to control the screen -- but apparently Pointgrab's software is gaining some traction. The software, which works with any 2D webcam, is currently being shipped on Fujitsu Lifebook AH laptops in Japan, but it'll be expanding to other markets soon. In addition, we were told another laptop maker would be preloading it "before the end of the year." Interesting. We got to spend some time with the Lifebook AH500, and we have to say the software / webcam combo does work quite fluidly -- all we had to do was wave at the screen to bring up the company's menu for opening programs or controlling media. And it was super responsive to our wax-on / wax-off movements to control the volume. But regardless, it's still really hard to imagine when we'd actually use this on a laptop... though, get it on a nettop, HTPC or all-in-one and we'll be all ears (or hands in the air!). It'll be interesting to see which laptop manufacturer feels differently and snatches up Pointgrab's tech soon, but until then check out the gallery and video after the break to see us (awkwardly) wave at a 15.6-inch screen. %Gallery-96268%
