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Goodyear announces five more GPS units in time for Christmas

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 18th 2008 at 4:37PM


The folks over at The NCC just hit us with details and pictures of their five new Goodyear-branded GPS models, three of which are due out in time for Christmas. Starting at $179.99 for the entry level, 3.5-inch GY130, and working their way skywards to $499.99 for the GY440 4.3-inch widescreen with Bluetooth and 12 months free MSN Direct, all models feature touchscreens, Instant Rerouting (the device calculates all alternate routes in a one-mile radius of the vehicle, so recalculation isn't needed if you get off course), a SiRF GPS receiver, turn-by-turn spoken directions and 3D view. There is plenty more to these units, however -- hit the gallery for plenty of truly breathtaking renders and check out pricing and stats after the break.

Gallery: New Goodyear GPS units for 2008

Continue reading Goodyear announces five more GPS units in time for Christmas

Zune 3.1 update out today - now featuring Sudoku!

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 18th 2008 at 2:52PM


We asked how you would change the Zune 3.0 software and Microsoft responded -- by upgrading Texas Hold 'Em. In addition to adding a multiplayer mode and some new single player difficulty levels to the venerable card game, the 3.1 update (out today) should find Zune Social easier to navigate, and a new "like minded listeners" feature lets you compare your music tastes to other users on the service. Additionally, the update promises an overall increase in stability and performance for the Zune PC app and the device firmware, including improved play count reporting and content synchronization. Rounding out this embarrassment of riches, the new software packs in freebies of Checkers, Sudoku and Space Battle. What are you still doing here, Zuneophiles? Hit the read link!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

South Korea to develop new high-tech battle uniform - Halo fans approve wholeheartedly

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 18th 2008 at 1:02PM


In an obvious attempt to seduce impressionable teenage gamers into their armed forces the Republic of Korea will begin development of their own totally badass science fiction battle uniform early next year. In addition to a whopping 95% increase in awesomeness, the uniforms will feature a number of other technical enhancements, including a multifunction helmet with video transmitter, GPS display and voice recognition, a backpack with command / control and friendly-or-foe identification systems, a BDU that offers protection from nuclear, biological and chemical attacks, and the laser-guided, multi-function XK11 assault rifle, which shoots both standard NATO 5.56mm rounds and 20mm grenades. Did the future just get way cooler, or way scarier? Or both? We're not sure. But you can check that gun out yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading South Korea to develop new high-tech battle uniform - Halo fans approve wholeheartedly

LG unveils new XPION R20, S20 Core 2 Quad desktops

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 8:57PM


The details have emerged today on a couple new LG "high performance" desktops in Asia, so if you've been lying awake at night wondering when a new XPION would be hitting the scene, perhaps this evening you'll rest a little easier. The R20 is a slim form factor desktop PC featuring a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Quad CPU, 3GB memory, a GeForce 9500GS GPU, and a cooling system "based on Multi Direction Platform Cooling, which also makes it run fairly quietly." Even less is known about the S20, aside from the fact that it's a standard-sized desktop, sports an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.66GHz CPU and a GeForce 9600GT GPU. That's all we have at the moment, little dude. So just try and relax -- you'll know more as soon as we do.

[Via Hallyutech]

Incase Power Slider for iPhone 3G doubles the juice, lets you sync

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 5:27PM


Been cursing your iPhone 3G's disappointing battery life? Don't have the heart to saddle the thing with that big ol' Juice Pack? The Power Slider by Incase promises to double your phone's power for up to 5 hours talk time on the 3G network (10 hours on 2G), increase your audio playback time to 26 hours, and increase your video playback time to 7 hours. If that wasn't enough, the iPhone can be left in the case while you sync it -- saving wear and tear on the case and on your phone. While the Slider isn't as svelte as your raw, naked iPhone, at the very least it manages to keep roughly the same shape (even if it does fatten it up quite a bit). No pricing yet, should be available starting November 28.

Skyla's Memoir scanning digiframe scans and frames your precious memories

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 1:21PM


So, you've been collecting Monkees memorabilia for so long that you have a two foot tall stack of photos clipped from Tiger Beat and no way to display them all? Well, you're in luck! The Memoir Scanning Digital Photo Frame is the first product from Skyla, Lite-On's brand new consumer electronics division. It looks like almost all of the other digiframes out there, for better or for worse (actually, for worse) but for one key difference -- this beauty features a 4 x 6-inch, 600 dpi photo scanner. Hits the streets in late December with an expected retail price of $219.99.

[Via OhGizmo!]

Dell's Intel Core i7-packing XPS Studio and XPS 730x desktops on sale now

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 17th 2008 at 11:54AM


OK, handsome -- we know you've been distracted lately. What's the matter? The economy? Post-election comedown? Do you feel that It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia just hasn't lived up to its potential? Or are you itchin' for one of those new Core i7 desktops? Well, the wait is over -- we've got the skinny here on new Dell systems, and if you feel so moved you can even go over to their website and order one up right this very minute. The XPS Studio desktop's base $949 model boasts 2GB memory, 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 graphics, and 500GB storage, while the top-end $1,499 configuration features a 512MB2 ATI Radeon HD 4850, 6GB memory, 750GB storage, and comes bundled with a 24-inch S2409W Flat Panel monitor. For you game-playing types, the XPS 730x updates the popular XPS 730 line with the new processor, up to 6GB DDR3 memory, updated thermal monitoring system and chassis and either ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB or NVIDIA GeForce GTX280 1024MB graphics -- starting at $2,599. As you'd expect, all systems ship with Vista Home Premium Edition. So, how do you feel? Better? We hoped you would.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read - Dell Studio XPS Desktop
Read - Dell XPS 730x Gaming System

Firemachines' Slyc: a lot less for a lot more

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 16th 2008 at 3:49AM


Introducing Firemachines' Slyc: this diminutive desktop is not the smallest we've ever seen -- and regardless of what they say in their product literature, it's hardly a bargain when compared to the Mac mini and other similarly sized desktops. It boasts a Core 2 Duo processor and is available in two flavors. For $999.99 you can expect 2.20GHz, 2GB memory, 200GB storage, and DVD +/- RW; but if you're looking to save a hundred bucks, you can scale back to 2GHz, 1GB memory, 120GB storage and DVD-ROM / CD-RW. The 3-year warranty will run you $129.99 -- which will be worthless if Firemachines isn't around in three years. What do you think? Looking for a machine that reminds you of your old, second generation Genesis? If so, go ahead and hit the read link -- just don't say we didn't warn you.

[Thanks, Dan]

Smooth Creations' LAN Shark reviewed, well loved

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 16th 2008 at 1:28AM


Tweak Town has given the new LAN Shark gaming PC by Smooth Creations a thorough once-over and they really seem to like what they see. The review machine (priced at $1,343.75) arrived kitted out with a 3.0 GHz Core 2 Quad processor, 4GB RAM, Diamond HD 4870 1GB graphics and Western Digital Raptor 150GB storage. The whole shebang is housed in an elegant acrylic case with a subtle, yet understated "flame" motif (as pictured above) and gently illuminated by a full compliment of LEDs and cold cathodes. In fact, the only real complaint they lodged about the case was that the fans were too loud. When it came time to roll out the benchmarks the reviewer remained pretty upbeat, citing "very good" processor calculation scores, "fairly smooth" game play at 1900 x 1200 and the machine's making short work of World in Conflict as among the reasons to give this machine some serious consideration. But don't take our word for it -- for the intense, 14-page review hit that read link.

Keepin' it real fake, part CLXVII: 2PG PSP knockoff adds second controller, nothing else

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 15th 2008 at 11:48PM


The 2PG TC8281 is one hard working portable game console -- and trust us, it ain't easy trying to make a living under the shadow of the PSP and its less expensive (and downright irreputable) siblings. Don't blame the poor guy if he was born with "brand name style," as they say in the business -- what he lacks in originality, or in technological ability, he more than makes up for in hard work. Yours for just under $50, this handheld is compatible with the ever-popular Cool Boy game console, and ships with 117 games (5 on-board, 112 on the cartridge) including Milk Nuts, Space ET, Zippy Race and perennial favorite Mappy. And if all that weren't enough, the device includes A/V outputs for bringing the party to your television, and a separate Playstation-like controller so you can get your game on multi-player style. Ready to take a chance? More pictures after the break.

[Via Technabob]

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake, part CLXVII: 2PG PSP knockoff adds second controller, nothing else

Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1a available for pre-order at Best Buy

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 15th 2008 at 2:06PM


As one astute tipster's pointed out, the XPERIA X1a is now available for pre-order on the Best Buy site. Now that the phone's really, finally, almost here are you totally psyched? Or have you been too busy playing with your G1 to notice? Like we saw last week, the phone will retail for $799.99 in its unlocked form, and there's no word yet on pricing with a plan. Order now and they claim you'll receive the phone as soon as November 28th. So... what are you waiting for?

[Thanks, Ian]

International Space Station crew 'thrilled' to receive new urine recycling equipment

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 13th 2008 at 9:20PM


If we've learned anything from The Ice Pirates, we've learned that in space -- and increasingly on our planet as well -- water is the most valuable substance. Among the host of upgrades that the International Space Station is set to receive over the next couple weeks is a water purification system that will recycle urine for use as drinking water. Similar technology has been used in the Salyut and Mir space stations to process water collected from the cabin's atmosphere (the result of perspiration, aspiration and A/C condensation) but until now claiming back as much as 92% of water consumed by astronauts was just a wonderful dream. The project is part of a 15-day shuttle mission aimed at increasing the number of astronauts the craft can hold from three to six.

Dell's Vostro A860 yours for a song (and $379)

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 13th 2008 at 6:40PM


The Dell Vostro A860 we've heard so much about has finally hit the Stateside scene, and it looks like we'll be able to get our hands on the laptop that those lucky folk in the "emerging markets" of Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America have been into since before it was cool (that is, late August). Starting at $379 with Dell's instant savings, the 15.6-inch, 5.4 pound laptop comes with either a Celeron or Pentium Dual Core processor, GMA X3100+ integrated graphics, up to 2GB of memory, up to 160GB storage, 1366 x 768 display resolution, WiFi and optional Bluetooth. This "speed demon" comes preloaded with Vista Home Basic or Vista Business and is available now at Dell's website.

[Via Laptoping]

Dell's Mini 12 netbook is ready for US orders, ships in December

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 13th 2008 at 12:29PM


It was bound to happen sooner or later. We received the birth announcement, we read the reviews, and it looks like Dell is finally set to unleash the Mini 12 upon us lowly North Americans. The 12-inch netbook is pretty much what we expected specs-wise, starting at $549 for a 1.33GHz Atom processor, 1GB of memory, 40GB hard drive and standard 3 cell battery. Perhaps $758 is a little steep for a netbook, but if you're game the top-end machine sports a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 80GB hard drive and a 6 cell battery. All configurations should be shipping with Windows Vista Home Basic starting sometime in early December.

[Via Electronista]

UMID F1 GPS-enabled, breathalyzin' UMPC available in Korea

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Nov 13th 2008 at 11:09AM


Does a UMPC with a breathalyzer still raise eyebrows? In addition to making you face your demons (something several family-led interventions have failed to do) UMID's F1 is a GPS-enabled device aimed clearly at drivers. This 7-inch, 800 x 480 LCD touchscreen PC sports HSDPA and WiMAX connectivity, a VIA C7-M 1.2GHz processor, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, a GPS receiver, DMB TV tuner, FM tuner, a remote control and Windows XP Home. Available with 512MB or 1GB memory and up to 60GB storage, this machine is currently on sale in Korea. No word yet on pricing.
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