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Shuttle's KPC ready for prime time, starts at $299 for a ready-made unit
It sounds like Shuttle was being a little optimistic in January when it promised a $99 barebones PC and a $199 version with a full complement of internals and a Linux OS. That said, the KPC is still a decent deal, with the K45 barebones kit including quite a bit to be getting on with for $199, and the K4500 pre-configured system offering an Intel Celeron 430 processor, 512MB of RAM, an 80GB HDD and Foresight Linux pre-installed. Other perks that are present even in the barebones kit include Intel GMA 950 graphics, gigabit Ethernet, 5.1 audio, WiFi and a decent bit of room to grow. Newegg should start selling the K45 this weekend, while Shuttle will be selling a user configurable K4500 soon.[Thanks, Curtis B.]
Shuttle launches $199 KPC linux box, $99 barebones kit
Apparently Asus and Everex aren't the only ones capable of shipping dirt cheap linux boxes these days. Shuttle is getting into the game with its new KPC box. Unfortunately, we're way short on specs, but we do know that it'll be coming in $199 pre-built and $99 barebones versions. At least it's a looker, here's hoping there's something decent under the hood. No word on release date. More pictures after the jump!
Astronauts repair torn solar panel in seven hour spacewalk
Astronaut Scott Parazynski pulled the short straw (probably on purpose: you know what these astronaut types are like) and had the task of repairing the ripped solar array on the International Space Station. Mission complete, as Parazynski managed to move the guide wires that caused the damage out of the way and "stitched" together the two and half feet rip, the whole time managing to avoid touching the panels and their 100 volt charge. It's the furthest any astronaut on the ISS had been outside the cabin, and as such it took an hour to get there on a 90 foot robot arm. What would we do without duct tape?[Via Crave]
Shuttle intros X38-based XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro desktop
It looks like those tempted by Shuttle's display of an X38-based XPC desktop back at Computex this summer can now finally get their fix, as the company has officially rolled out its new high-end XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro based on the aforementioned chipset. It'll let you take advantage of Intel's latest and greatest 45nm multi-core processors, not to mention up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM that can be overclocked to 1066MHz. You can also expect some similarly high-end features across the board, including a pair of PCI-Express 2.0 slots with support for ATI CrossFire graphics, Intel Turbo Memory, OASIS Cooling Technology, and a 400-watt power supply, with some built-in fingerprint recognition thrown in for good measure. No word on a price, but we're guessing that won't be a top concern for anyone considering building a system around one of these.[Via PC Launches]
Shuttle's new XPC barebones get hooked up with HDMI and DTS
Sure, it may not look that different than previous Shuttle offerings, but the company's new XPC Barebone SN68PTG6 rocks quite a few under-the-hood features that might make you take a second glance. The first model in the company's G6 line features AMD Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64, and Sempron processor support, an NVIDIA GeForce 7050PV graphics chipset, a PCI and PCI-E X16 slot, up to 4GB of RAM, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, USB Speed-Link, and a built-in fingerprint scanner, plus a whole batch of ports including USB, Gigabit LAN, Firewire, and eSATA. The system really gets interesting on the audio and video end -- especially if you're looking for some media center options -- as it includes eight-channel HD audio with DTS support and an HDMI output (in addition to the standard D-SUB jack). Shuttle also offers a stripped down version of the system called the SN68PTG5, which axes the WiFi, amongst other things. The system will be available in the next few with weeks, with the SN68PTG6 clocking in at €315 ($427), and the SN68PTG5 at €239 ($324).[Via casedesigns]
Shuttle intros XPC G5 3201M, complete with Blu-ray drive
Although Shuttle just recently unveiled an XPC machine that stepped up in the HD realm, the G5 3201M leaves no doubt about its intentions. Packing that typical SFF Shuttle chassis and a VFD display, this bad boy includes Intel's E6300 Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 250GB SATA hard drive, NVIDIA's 256MB GeForce 8600GTS graphics unit, a DVB-T TV tuner, 7.1-channel audio output, a wireless remote, and the obligatory Blu-ray drive to top things off. Notably, users can choose between the HDCP-compliant DVI or HDMI ports for video output, and a number of upgrades are available if you've got the necessary coinage. Per usual, this XPC won't run ya cheap, as the base configuration rings up at €1,419 ($1,953) -- and that's sans a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.[Via GadgetTastic]
Microsoft, NASA team up on 3D photo shoot of Endeavour
As NASA awaits the newly rescheduled launch of its latest mission, Microsoft has been busy creating a "3D montage" of the space shuttle Endeavour. According to the team, this venture will enable individuals around the globe to "view 3D images of Endeavour and surrounding buildings at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida before it launches into space." The environments are being constructed using hundreds of snapshots and an imaging technology dubbed Photosynth, which stitches together 2D digital images to give a three-dimensional view "that can be navigated and explored in a highly intuitive manner." This go 'round, it seems that the goal was simply to provide a wow-factor to remote onlookers, but both entities are reportedly "looking into ways of using this new technology to support future missions." Check out the results here.[Via PCWorld]
Shuttle intros barebones XPC Glamor Series SN68SG
They may not stray far from their tried and true design, but the folks at Shuttle sure seem to be keeping up a steady pace with their barebones PC, to which they've now added the AMD-based XPC Glamor Series SN68SG. Designed around the NVIDIA GeForce 7025/630a chipset, this one will support the latest AMD AM2 multi-core processors, along with up to 4GB of RAM, and some SATA2 or eSATA hard drives of your choosing. While you won't get 10 USB ports like some Shuttle systems, you will get an ample six, along with a pair of Firewire ports. No word on price, but we wouldn't expect it to put too much of a hurt on your bank account.[Via PCLaunches]
Shuttle's XPC SG33G5M barebone sports HDMI, VFD display
If you like your PC hardware to be wrapped in only the glitziest, most showy enclosure that money can buy, Shuttle's latest XPC isn't exactly numero uno, but it can certainly hold its own if you aren't willing to spend a fortune. This SFF chassis is built around Intel's G33 Express chipset, can accommodate up to 4GB of DDR2-800 memory, touts an HDCP-compliant HDMI port, and also includes a snazzy integrated VFD display on the front for wowing your guests. Additionally, you'll find onboard GMA 3100 graphics, a 7.1 audio chip with Dolby Digital Live! and DTS Connect certifications, gigabit Ethernet, an infrared remote, I.C.E. heatpipe cooling system, and a 250-watt SilentX power supply. Mmm, hot stuff for "just" €328 ($453).[Via CaseDesigns]
Shuttle's XPC SG33G5 hearts HD, touts HDMI port
Before Shuttle goes and entertains any potential bids to sell itself, it's answering the demands of HTPC admirers hankering for a small-form-factor barebones system that integrates well into an AV setup. The SG33G5, straight from the egotistical Glamor series, sports an Intel G33 Bearlake chipset, 250-watt power supply, supports Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad Intel CPUs, handles up to 4GB of RAM, and features the company's own I.C.E. cooling technology. Furthermore, you'll find a PCI Express slot, Intel's GMA 3100 graphics set (weak, we know), 7.1-channel audio, Dolby Digital / DTS support, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, SATA compatibility, VGA output, and the obligatory HDCP-compatible HDMI port. Of course, picking up a quasi-stripped box in order to snag the HD DVD / Blu-ray drive of your choice won't come cheap, as the currently available SG33G5 will set you back a whopping €303 ($405) right from the start.[Via PCLaunches]
Acer / ECS looking to pick up Shuttle?
While this one may seem a tad out of left field, rumors are swirling that either Acer or Elitegroup Computer Systems could be fixing to pick Shuttle up if it decides to sell itself. According to an admittedly brief writeup at DigiTimes, ECS reportedly has a "good relationship with Shuttle," and is being named "by market sources as one of two potential buyers" with Acer being the second. Interestingly, "sources" at ECS purportedly insinuated that there "was no need to acquire Shuttle" in order to meet its strategic goals, and while spokespeople for Acer were tightlipped, it wouldn't be too far-fetched for the partnership-happy firm to ink yet another deal.
TUAW Review: Higher Ground Shuttle
As a bag geek, I'm always excited to see something new and novel kinds of cases. While walking around the show floor at Macworld back in January, I was delighted to come across something I've been looking for as long as I can remember– a soft sleeve with rigid protection. The case in question turned out to be the Shuttle from Higher Ground, and I've had the chance to use and review it for the past month or so.
Shuttle X38-based desktop spotted at Computex
It looks like blistering fast DDR3 RAM and new Draft 2.0-spec 802.11n gear aren't the only new wares taking the stage at Computex, as an X38-based SX38P3 Deluxe was spotted comfortably residing within a Shuttle XPC. Of course, this isn't the first motherboard news coming from the Shuttle camp of late, but the camera-wielding crew at HotHardware was able to snap a few shots of the new flagship system all the while. The SX38P3 will reportedly replace the SD37PV2 as Shuttle's high-end Intel based barebone system, and will sport a single PCI Express x16 slot alongside a vanilla PCI slot -- something the SD37PV2 lacked and received healthy amounts of criticism for. Interestingly, the rear of the machine purportedly held no legacy ports whatsoever, instead opting for six USB 2.0 connectors in hopes that you've upgraded your input peripherals and printer relatively recently. As expected, no availability and pricing details were to be had, but feel free to click on through for more sneak peeks at the newfangled rig.[Via Inquirer]
NASA's Shuttle Launch Experience thrill ride simulates shuttle blast off
While just being in the presence of a full scale Gundam makes it worth the price of admission, we'd speculate that talking a stroll in the Land Walker would fall more into the thrill ride category. Of course, rocketing from ground zero into outer space takes things (almost) to another level galaxy, and that's precisely what NASA's Shuttle Launch Experience gives you a taste of. The $60 million attraction opened up yesterday to a team of nearly 40 astronauts, some of which reportedly said that the ride managed to best actual training simulators in terms of sheer realism. Apparently, the ride takes passengers through a simulated shuttle launch, and utilizes 13-channels of surround sound, rumbling seats, and an 84-inch HD screen to terrorize (in a good way) riders. Granted, we'd have no idea what cruising around at 17,500 miles-per-hour feels like, but for folks visiting the Kennedy Space Center, feel free to chime in if you can put it into words.[Via Wired]
Shuttle, Smooth Creations beat new gear with the ugly stick
While Shuttle and Smooth Creations are apparently both still in the business of selling PCs, they sure seem to be going about it in a strange way, with each company recently busting out systems that appear to be the result of some disgruntled designers in their ranks. If you can get past its blinding mass of orangeness, Smooth Creations' Diablo PC (above, obviously) does look to be a pretty decent system, with a Core 2 Duo E6700 Processor, 2GB of RAM, two 250GB hard drives in a RAID array, and twin GeForce 8800 GTX graphics cards. Thankfully, they'll also let you pick another color if you don't share their taste, with prices starting at $5,000. For those not willing to give up quite so much desk space for so much ugliness, Shuttle's got an eyesore of its own for you in the form of a new XPC (check it out after the break). Available in your choice of three "designs," you can load it up with your choice of Core 2 Duo processors, a max 4GB of RAM, and up to 500GB of hard drive space -- no matching peripherals here though, so you may need to bust out the finger paints.Read - Smooth Creations Diablo [Via Chip Chick]Read - Core Duo News, "Shuttle XPC gets spring color makeover"
Ill-fated Mars Global Surveyor has human error to blame
While we've no idea how much the Mars Global Surveyor actually cost to construct, launch, and manage whilst hovering around in space, it's entirely likely that a single human error wiped out even more than was initially lost by the Alaska Department of Revenue earlier this year. Sad to say, galaxy geeks everywhere now have a scapegoat to direct their wrath at, as a review board of the mishap found that "a single command (root@mars-surveyor: rm -rf /) that oriented the spacecraft's main communications antenna was sent to the wrong address," subsequently leading to a cataclysmic series of events that finally dismantled its communication system. Interestingly, the command caused the befuddled craft to think that one of its solar panels was "stuck," which eventually led to an autonomous decision to enter "safe mode," followed by a complete shutdown of the unit's onboard batteries. Intelligently, the LA Times report neglected to mention any specific culprit, and hey, living with the guilt of destroying the machine that showed us so much of the Red Planet is probably punishment enough.[Via Slashdot]
Shuttle's CarPC -- because you can't spell car without PC
Shuttle has a new PC for the car coming dubbed the CarPC, for uh, obvious reasons. The PC measures in at 279 x 230 x 70-mm and features the ability to automatically shut itself down gracefully when you turn off your vehicle. Inside Shuttle's heat radiating "fin flake chassis" you'll find a 1.83GHz Intel T2400 Core Duo processor, unspecified memory and "hard disk" drive (although a shock resistant SSD would make more sense), along with Intel's GMA 950 graphics and 7.1 audio out. Judging by the pix, it'll also feature DVI video out, 4x USB, and a fixed Ethernet jack among other in/outs -- though how you'll access those after installation is a mystery. While we've seen previous in-vehicle prototypes from Shuttle sporting WWAN data, there's no mention of such niceties in this release.
Shuttle XPC SD39P2 handles Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Extreme
Although Shuttle's been known to kick out a few majorly fresh offerings that deviated from the company norm from time to time, the XPC SD39P2 seems to be sticking quite firmly to the beaten path, as it retains the stylish good looks of its all-black predecessor and just adds support for a few new pieces of hardware. The SFF barebones kit boasts Intel's 975X / ICH7-R chipset and supports up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, Intel's latest Core 2 Quad / Core 2 Extreme processors, NVIDIA's 7950 GX2 / 8800 GTX and ATI's Radeon X1900 graphics cards, and eight-channel HD-audio as well. Moreover, users will find expanded BIOS settings for CPU clock ratio and DDR2 voltage, a PCI-Express slot, room for a trio of 3.5-inch hard drives along with a single optical drive, gigabit Ethernet, a whopping seven USB 2.0 ports, FireWire, eSATA, and a 400-watt SilentX power supply. The 12.8- x 8.7- x 8.3-inch box also sports Shuttle's I.C.E. heat-pipe cooling module and linear fan control to keep the heat (and noise) out of your machine, and while we still dig the idea of a portable LAN gaming rig at our disposal, we'd certainly think twice before dropping €419 ($554) for just the enclosure.[Via TGDaily]
Top Gear builds, launches Space Shuttle car
As if the folks at Top Gear didn't already have the best job in the world, they recently went and completely outdid themselves, building their own Space Shuttle out of a Reliant Robin, roughly the British equivalent of a Pinto or a Gremlin (minus a wheel). As you can see, it all came together quite nicely, complete with an external fuel tank, solid rocket boosters, and a spot-on paint job, although there doesn't seem to have been any room left for passengers, with the whole lot remotely-controlled instead. That proved to have been for the best, however, with the impressive launch followed by a less-than-successful landing, though that was still more than enough to claim the title of the largest rocket flown in the U.K. While it's unclear if they'll ever have another go at it, you can check out the complete rise and fall of this attempt in the video after the break.[Via Tech E Blog, thanks Grant B]
Mini-Z T-ray imaging device takes home the gold
We're all about giving golf claps where they're due, and a healthy round is certainly in order for Mr. Brian Schulkin. The doctoral student in physics developed a breakthrough terahertz imaging device, dubbed a T-ray, that has already demonstrated its ability to "detect cracks in space shuttle foam, image tumors in breast tissue, and spot counterfeit watermarks on paper currency." The Mini-Z marks the first time such a powerful device has become portable in nature, weighing just five pounds and taking up about as much space as your average laptop. Taking home the first Lemelson-Rensselaer Student Prize ($30,000), Schulkin explained that this device didn't pose the same health risks as typical X-rays, and unlike ultrasound, terahertz waves can provide images and spectroscopic information without contacting an object. As expected, the patent-pending technology is already up for licensing, and has already received quite a bit of fanfare and commercial interest from larger companies. So while you may never personally encounter Brian's earth-shattering invention, we're fairly sure this young lad's working days are already drawing nigh if he so chooses.[Via Physorg]
