BenQ FP222W 22-Inch Widescreen Monitor September 11, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
BenQ's 22-inch widescreen LCD monitor, baptized as the FP222W, is set to hit store sometime this month and brings with it a series of features that make it more than just a pretty face (or bezel, as the case may be). It tops out at a resolution of 1680x1050 pixels and its 5ms response time ensures that you're not sitting on your big Gaming Chair looking at trails and blurs. BenQ's thrown in their proprietary Senseye technology, which is supposed to "automatically and dramatically" improve image quality, kind of like beer goggles.
The FP222W has two types of inputs, D-Sub and DVI. DVI would've been noteworthy two or three years ago, the lack of HDMI is somewhat surprising. Not because it's any better, but because it's newer; we need the latest and greatest, regardless of improvements in quality.
Though BenQ's latest monitor is due this month, there's still no word on how much coin it'll cost you.
BenQ launch new 22-inch wide-Screen LCD Monitor (FP222W) [Crowdedbrain]
BenQ Home Page [BenQ]
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True Video iPod on the Menu for Apple Event? September 11, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
Zomg! Tuaw has what appears to be a camerphone shot of a banner featuring some kind of fullscreen video iPod. The shot was supposedly taken by am employee at the Yerba Buena Cener for the Arts in San Francisco—the same theatre that will be hosting the "Showtime" event from Apple tomorrow.
We've been speculating about the touchscreen video iPod for months—is it finally here? Honestly I was only expecting nano upgrades, and the true video iPod wasn't going to come until MacWorld in January, but I'll take this. Unfortunately, it could be a fake.
Banner for September 12th event? [tuaw]
Acer Ferrari 1005WTMi Laptop: With a 12-inch Screen, More Like a Go Kart September 11, 2006
READ MORE PC
Look here, a little Acer Ferrari Laptop with a 12-inch screen, at an impressive 1366 x 768 resolution. What sets it apart from many other notebooks of this size? The faux carbon fiber lid, and built in 1.3Megapixel camera.
Inside? an AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 CPU, and an ATI XPRESS 1150 chipset that provides integrated graphics. Hmm...integrated graphics aren't very racy. Still, this machine has a decent set of ports and wireless options. The rest of the stat-smather after the jump.
When it comes to connectivity and multi-media options, the notebook promises the best. With options like Gigabit Ethernet , Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and Extensions ports like AC adapter, Docking-port, Firewire, Infra-red, Line In, LineOut, RJ-11, RJ-45, S/PDIF, S-video ,USB 2.0 and VGA-out.
No info forthcoming on US availability or pricing.
Acer Ferrari 1005WTMi Laptop [Mobilewhack]
PMPINSIDE UREN Car-Based Multimedia PC September 11, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
Installing a full-fledged multimedia PC inside a car is still a bit of a challenge, but the urge to be surrounded by music that you thought was cool in high school dictates that companies will keep trying until they get it right. Enter the UREN V1 from PMPINSIDE, an ultra mobile PC that's designed for cars. Sitting atop a 30GB hard drive, the UREN also includes a DMB TV tuner (useless in the U.S.!), a 3-megapixel camera, GPS and a memory card slot. All that crazy info is displayed on its 7-inch, 800x600 screen.
Right now, the Uren is Korea-only and unless the planets allign, it'll probably stay that way.
Zigview S2 Digital Angle Finder: Eye On the Finder, 30 Feet Away September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
The Zigview S2 Digital Angle Finder is a detachable high-rez 2.5-inch viewfinder that clamps onto your digital SLR's eyepiece, and you can either use it as a waist-level finder or take it off the camera and still get a good view of your shot even if your camera is in one of those high- or low-angle situations.
Plus, there's a TV output for viewing on a remote monitor, and a remote video accessory that includes cables and extensions that let you snap those shots from up to 30 feet away. So now you can park that camera up a tree next to a bird's nest, keeping an eye on your viewfinder while you stay safely on the ground. You'd better be pretty serious about this, because it costs $467.
Zigview S2 Digital Angle Finder [PhotographyBlog]
Xbox 360 Laptop Mod September 11, 2006
READ MORE PC
Tired of the Xbox 360's "look-how-hard-I'm-trying-to-look-hip" aesthetics? Mod it, young man. That's what Ben Heckendorn did, transforming the Xbox 360 into a much smaller, laptop-like fun adapter. Something like that. The laptop mod incorporates a 17-inch high definition LCD along with a built-in keyboard and Wi-Fi and stuffed into a shell that's no more than 2.8-inches deep.
The laptop 360 is water-cooled and cools more efficiently than a regular Xbox 360. Maybe Microsoft should've put Mr. Heck on the 360's development team.
Pictures of the laptop Xbox 360's construction, along with the creator's running commentary, can be found on Heck's portion of the world wide web.
Brando Mini Bluetooth Keyboard: Slightly Larger than Tiny September 11, 2006
READ MORE Peripherals
If you grow weary of feeling like you're all thumbs when you're typing on tiny smartphone keys, Brando gives you a Bluetooth keyboard that's slightly larger than minuscule but still small enough to be portable.
It works with Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphones and PCs and it's small enough for your pocket—at just 3.7 inches wide when it's folded up, it weighs less than 3 ounces. It's $56.
Toshiba Creates Three-Layered Disc September 11, 2006
READ MORE Storage
Toshiba has been tinkering with the HD DVD and DVD disc formats, putting together a hybrid format with three layers that contain both formats. The DVD section will be playable on conventional DVD players, and with a firmware update, standard HD DVD players can play both formats.
So it looks like we'll be seeing either a single-layer 4.7GB DVD along with a dual layer 30GB HD DVD, or conversely, a dual-layer 8.5GB DVD and a single-layer 15GB HD DVD, all together on one disc. One more layer, lots more content.
This idea could add more capacity to those already-existing single-layer hybrid discs, where a movie is offered on DVD for use today and also includes a high-def HD DVD copy on the same disc for those who think someday they may be suckered into buying an HD DVD player. However, this is at cross purposes with movie studios, who prefer the idea of selling the same content over and over. – Charlie White
Toshiba Hybrid DVD and HD DVD [Akihabara News]
Sony HDPS-L1 80GB Photo Storage Unit September 11, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment
The HDPS-L1 (have we met before?) is an 80GB photo storage unit from Sony that serves as a central place to store your digital photos, with all the appropriate outputs so you can watch edge-of-your-seat slideshows for when Grandma visits. It's about half the size of the average DVD player, so while not portable in the strictest sense of the word, it shouldn't be too much of a problem to bring it to and fro—the neighbor's house, the in-laws, jury trials, etc.
Images are transferred to the HDPS-L1 either via the built-in USB port or you can plug in any of the many types of supported memory cards, including Sony's MemoryStick and the ever-present CompactFlash.
Look for the HDPS-L1 in Japan starting on October 27 for around $300.
Press Release (in Japanese) [Sony via Fareastgizmos.com]
Eliminate Logos on Cellphones with Sugar - Sweet September 11, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
Large corporations can be so greedy. Even though you spend hundreds of dollars on a new gadget to call your very own, they want their name on it!
Instructables posted a tutorial on scraping logos off electronic devices using sugar. You cover the logo with scotch tape and rub the hell out of it with a sugar cube. The results seem perfect, erasing the logo completely while the faux silver finish stays intact. If anyone is unsure about their sugar scraping skills, the tutorial has a video (but it doesn't look much different than it sounds). Now to pull out the old label maker...
Update: I guess you don't cover the logo, but in one picture it looked like he taped over everything.
Tutorial [instructables]
40gb Nintendo DS - Eat Your Heart Out Sony September 11, 2006
Modders are really just geekier versions of Tim Allen. Take Natrium42 - if he weren't adding 40gig drives to Nintendo DS units, he'd probably be fitting dragster engines into snow blowers.
Essentially, Natrium exploits the IDE interface of CompactFlash for the hack, which was cool enough to pull me out of retirement for at least one more post. His step-by-step is very clearly assembled for anyone interested in giving up a lot of their time. My favorite part was Natrium's melancholy acceptance of success: "And that's the end of this hack. Now I need to find something useful to do with my 40GB NDS system."
Instructions [via makemag]
Asahi Beer Robot - GREATEST INVENTION EVER September 11, 2006
READ MORE Robots
Though I have worked at Gizmodo for only a short time now, I am officially putting in my resignation. It's been a good run of smartphones and mp3 players, but today I stumbled across the greatest invention of all time and no longer have interest in any other technologies. Who would have thought my lifelong quest would be over at such a young age? I would urge you to watch the video below, but be warned, it's all downhill from here. Good night, and good luck.
[via newlaunches]
iPods iNvisible iN Ads? September 11, 2006
READ MORE Portable Media
From Tipster Jonah:
"Just finished reading my Sunday New York Times. Intersting fact, every electronics ad--Circuit City, Best Buy, etc.--had zero iPods listed...Strange, given that every week, for months now, there have been iPods for sale. I think the big retailers know something we don't."
Of course he is referring to Apple's big, huge, spectacular, somewhat random September 12th press conference. I haven't been keeping up with the big boy electronic ads weekly (Gawker keeps me locked up in a dungeon with nothing to look at but a computer screen and the funnies), so I can't confirm this iPod suspicion either way.
LEAKED: Motorola loves Linux - E690 PDA Phone September 11, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
It looks like Motorola is making another non-RAZR, which in itself is exciting news. The E690 is a PDA/phone that runs on Linux, yes, Linux. It has standard PDA touchscreen and writing functions, as well as some decent multimedia support - including every video and audio file you could want played through two "3D surround" speakers (where you actually store the media, we don't really know). The phone also supports Bluetooth, WPA with full Internet browsing, and Office App viewing. But USB 1.1 only? That's like selling us a Cadillac without automatic windows.
We know some of you Linux fans out there are probably writhing in Linux ecstasy. You can read more about Linux on mobile devices here. More blurry amateur phone porn after the jump - "no baby, these E690 shots are just for us...I promise..."
Macbook Problems? Fix 'em! September 11, 2006
READ MORE PC
Nothing is worse than buying a new computer and finding out it's a lemon - especially when it comes to slightly overpriced, fully beautiful Apple hardware. MobileTechReview user CorbieD posted an extensive rundown of known Macbook issues and solutions - it's a highly worthwhile read for anyone who owns (or just really wants to own) a Macbook.
We would list off CorbieD's top tips about dimming screens, stained plastic and kernel panics, but they're all just so good! How can we decide? Though, this issue does confuse us (and by us I mean me): people avoid buying white sneakers because they get dirty. But when white computers get dirty - BIG PROBLEM!
Sick Macbooks [via mobiletechreview]
Pre-order Wiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!! September 11, 2006
READ MORE Consoles
Yes! The Nintendo Wii is officially on preorder! And the best part? It looks like you don't have to put any money down - at all. Many sites have had Wii game preorders for quite some time, but Liksang may be the first to allow pre-orders on the console.
With no money down (just like the Real Estate) I'm not sure how committed Liksang will be to getting you a console right away at launch, but for those who can't wait to play with the Wii, this may be a good option.
Preorder Wii thanks Adam!
$100,000 Bulletproof Toilet September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Terrorism has scared the shit out of people...literally. While that actually makes no sense, it sort of explains the $100,000 toilet. Evidently a necessary invention in a world filled with terror, the structure is not only bulletproof, but can withstand a 15 ton blast as well. While we don't know of any units in America (yet), Beijing has 8 floating around in their Zhongguancun Plaza. Just wait until the sirens go off and we are all forced to hide in porta-potties. Crap.
Translated Page [via bornrich]
LED Wallpaper: Rave at Grandma's September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Traditionally wallpaper is for Victorian era old people who live in houses that smell like cats, but lighting designer Ingo Maurer feels differently. This month he unveiled LED wallpaper at Spazio Krizia 2006 in Milan. Remember how in the '80's everybody was sticking digital clocks in old inventions and calling them new? Now it's a toss-up between LEDs and iPod docks. We're hoping for LEDs because the technology is still completely underutilized. And while this wallpaper is surely the price of Hawaii, it's only a matter of time before Ingo sells out to Target and we have glowy walls in every home. Check out the jump for more pictures of his "bright" designs.
Formac External Portable Hard Disk Comes in Darth Vader Black, Luke Skywalker White September 11, 2006
READ MORE Storage
The Formac Disk Mini comes in both all-black and all-white versions, and despite its name, works on both Windows and OS X.
The drives come in 60, 80 and 120GB sizes, can be connected via USB 2.0 and Firewire, and is bus powered, so you can power it off whatever connector you use. Prices range between £70 ($130) for the low end and £160 ($298) for the high end.
Product Page [Formac via Tech Digest]
Pyramid Clock: Look Ra, No Hands September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Tell time like an Egyptian with this Pyramid Clock by Brando. There are no hands on this clock, just three rotating pieces. The top represents seconds, the middle minutes, and the bottom hours. The marker on the base indicates what time it is "now", as you read up the clock. Fifteen bucks gets you this desk gadget.
Pyramid Clock [Brando]
Glow in the Dark Bubble Bath September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Have you ever wanted to take a Bath with the lights off? Sure you have, and now you can do it without injuring yourself with the Glow in the Dark Bubble Bath solution. Just put your bottle in front of a light to charge the pigments, draw a bath, and then mix for some dark time fun. Haven't you wondered what neon green gonads look like? Find out for $15. Hulk smash.
Glow in the Dark Bubble Bath [Latest Buy]
SIRIUS Stiletto Preorders Suspended, Smells like Trouble September 11, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
The SIRIUS Stiletto has been available for pre-order on many sites for a while now, but today in a shocking turn of events, SIRIUS has asked retailers to suspend pre-orders. At first thought you would think it is a supply issue, correct? Nope, not according to the initial sources checked. The folks over at Orbitcast seem to think the RIAA is busting some chops. I think I'll take a stab at it by saying the FCC is involved. They have been busting the balls of the satellite radio companies as of late.
Retailers Told to Suspend SIRIUS Stiletto Pre-Orders [Orbitcast]
Jangl Lets You Share Phone Numbers Without Sharing Phone Numbers September 11, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones
Jangl allows you to exchange IDs to strangers to allow them to call you without actually revealing your phone number. The recipient of your Jangl ID plugs the ID into Jangl, which generates a phone number that routes to your regular phone. You can then call this same number to reach the other party. All this goes on without either side exchanging real phone numbers. Simple and effective.
Why would you use this? Two examples we can think of are dating and online eBay sales. If you don't want to give away your home phone to strangers, Jangl will protect your privacy for free. You can even route Jangl calls to any phone, whether it's your cellphone, landline or VoIP number.
Product Page [Jangl]
Press Release [Yahoo]
Formac Does Sexy Disk Mini HDD September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets , Home Entertainment , Laptops , PC , Peripherals , Portable Media , Storage
Having just splurged out on a 300GB external hard disk drive, I’m feeling lots of love towards all things storage-related.
With my gigabyte overload my PC, which usually runs like a hobbled Johnny Vegas, is now running at just above slow which is a massive boost, I can tell you. While I went for brawn over beauty, Formac has just launched its dinky little Disk Mini which certainly wins in the pretty stakes.
Measuring just 129 x 92 x 22mm, the shiny black drive comes in 60GB, 80GB and 120GB flavours. Handily, its bus-powered and comes with USB 2.0 and fast Firewire 400 connectivity. In performance terms, that 15MB/s transfer with USB 2.0 and an a excellent 35MB/s via Firewire.
Prices for this little slinky start at £90. – Martin Lynch
technology storage techn HDD PC laptop
iDea Wireless Home Dock – One Device To Rule Them All September 11, 2006
READ MORE Digital Audio , Gadgets , Home Entertainment , Peripherals , Portable Media , Wireless
I generally avoid writing about docks since there are so damn many and too few of them offer anything that separates them from the bland herd. This, at least, takes a good stab at it.
The iDea Wireless Home Dock will let you dock your iPod, PSP, MP3 player or MP3 phone and wirelessly transmit your tunes to your chosen output device. It will send tunes to numerous devices in different rooms simultaneously. Even better, there is also support for iPod Video and photos, allowing you to play them back on your TV via S-Video or composite hook-ups. The company blurb also says:
Supports the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound via the Hi-Fi output and connected A/V amplifier.
The only wireless dock that supports the "Night Listening*" mode - It playbacks iPod/PSP Audio and displays the Apple iPod photo/ video on the connected Home Stereo and TV. (*Night Listening : Because the Wireless Dock supports Wireless Broadcast, you may dim the TV and Hi-Fi volume to keep it quiet outside; yet still enjoy the music through the self-amplified FriendTech iDea Wireless Hi-Fi headset.)
Yours for around £85. Read a review here. – Martin Lynch
music audio gadgets ipod PSP MP3
Second Life Online Game Hacked September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets , Games , Home Entertainment , Laptops , Online , PC , Software
A harsh life lesson has be learned at the massively popular online game Second Life, following confirmation that a hacker, or hackers, gained access to the database of its 650,000 users. The database just happened to hold lots of personal details like addresses, names, passwords and, oh dear, encrypted credit card information.
Luckily, a separate database with unencrypted credit cards details was not hacked. Game maker Linden Lab is taking the issue very seriously, as you can imagine, and has requested every user to create new passwords. In a statement, it explained the alarming news:
Linden Lab reported today that it is notifying its community of a database breach, which potentially exposed customer data including the unencrypted names and addresses, and the encrypted passwords and encrypted payment information of all Second Life users. Unencrypted credit card information, which is stored on a separate database, was not compromised.
“We're taking a very conservative approach and assuming passwords were compromised and therefore we're requiring users to change their Second Life passwords immediately," said Cory Ondrejka, CTO of Linden Lab. "While we realize this is an inconvenience for residents, we believe it's the safest course of action. We place the highest priority on protecting customer data and will continue to take aggressive measures to protect the privacy and security of the community. "
It just goes to show that even virtual life can suck too. – Martin Lynch
news games gaming online technology
Loewe's Artistic Display LCD With Built-In Speakers and Sub September 11, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment , TV
If the peppermint rainbow-striped display stand on this Loewe's LCD hasn't blinded you by now, you're probably either already blind or just colour blind. Either way, this LCD definitely is not your ordinary LCD. Designed by Loewe, the TV and base have a set of speakers and sub integrated, which "intensify the surround sound experience". We wouldn't recommend this for your house unless you're going for an '70s insane asylum look.
LOEWE to present a colorful and artistic TV [AVING via Born Rich]
Has EBay Become a Scam Site For Electronics Sales? September 11, 2006
READ MORE Online
Has eBay become scam-central for small electronic sales? John from Crunchgear put his phone on eBay, expressly saying that he didn't want to send it out of the country for fear of fraud and customs problems. So what happens? Some guy from Canada wins the bid. Second try, some guy in Lagos. Third try, a Rooski. Are scam artists just outbidding everyone else now with their stolen credit cards? At least on Craigslist you can look the guy in the eye before he pops you in the face and steals your wallet.
How are readers faring on eBay? Deal or no deal?
EBay is Decadent and Depraved [Crunchgear]
Toshiba Dual-Screen UMPC PDA E-Book Doohickey September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets , Laptops , PDA , Portable Media , Storage , Wireless
It's hard to describe what exactly this device is, but it obviously falls into a lot of categories. First and foremost, it has two screens, at least one of which is a touchscreen meant to replace the keyboard. Not much other information is know. It runs Windows CE, has a slot for SD and is pretty portable. This thing could either flop or be the next big thing, but I'm predicting a flop.
Oh, and Toshiba—Nintendo called. They want their idea back.
PDA with e-book conceptual design [AVING]
DIY $5 Macro SLR Lens September 11, 2006
READ MORE Digital cameras , Online
Got a SLR camera and want a macro lens without shelling out the big bucks? It's quite simple if you are flickr user, Rautiocination.
an ungodly abomination, a EF 90-300 mm lens which is male to male filter coupled to a EF-S 18-55 lens ...potential magnification is around 300 / 18 = ~16x (not taking into account non-full frame sensor, for which i am not sure how it would affect the result in the end)! granted at this mag the lens would be well over a foot long and need the subject to almost be almost _in_ the lens...total cost for me: £5 adaptor from e-bay (as i already had the lenses)
Bravo. And it looks so damn cool, too. Check out the macro images shot with this "ungodly abomination" here.
Super magnification camera [Make]
bCODE SMS Drink Sending: Good Idea, Poor Execution September 11, 2006
READ MORE Mobile phones , Online , Software
bCODE is a new SMS service that allows you to buy drinks for a friend via a SMS or text message. It's a pretty awesome idea, but there are some major flaws. First and foremost, the service costs a ton, for the consumer and the bar. Mainly because the bar has to install special scanning equipment. It also sucks for the consumer because you can't easily buy stangers a drink, you have to know the phone number of the person. So if you really want to send a drink to a stranger, you have to go get their cellphone number first, therefore eliminating the entire purpose of this system.
The bar is probably the only place in town that I can forget about all things tech and just drink myself stupid—the way it should be. Lets keep it that way.
Scary Tech: bCode SMS Service Lets You Buy A Friend a Beer via Cell Phone [Real Tech News]
Red Digital Cinema Camcorder Sensor Reveals First Footage: 4K Digital Cinema for $9K? September 11, 2006
READ MORE Digital cameras , Portable Media , TV
The Red Digital Cinema camcorder set digital filmmakers into a tizzy when it was introduced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention last April, because it's really hard to make a digital camera capable of 4K (4,520 x 2540 pixels) image acquisition for a price the company quoted at £8,750 (all near-competitors cost well over £50K). During its introduction, many were skeptical, and that doubt was fueled by the lack of any working prototypes. Now, Mike Curtis, a cinematographer who has been following the development of the Red camera, laid his own eyes on some of the first footage from its so-called "Mysterium" sensor. He was impressed:
"Red is onto something here. Something BIG. Something that if they continue to fulfill their stated specs and objectives, could and probably should substantially alter the landscape. The test footage I saw off the Mysterium ... makes me think Red is truly going to be a force to contend with, that it will compare favorably with existing high end digital cinema cameras...at ANY price."Maybe this low-cost, high-quality camcorder is for real after all. Red Digital Cinema, started by Oakley sunglasses founder Jim Jannard, didn't say when the camcorder would be available.
Mike sees footage from Mysterium sensor [HD for Indies]
Red Digital Cinema Intros Red One 4K Camcorder [Hollywood Industry]
Solar Driveway Markers: Landing Lights for the Brain Dead September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
Here at the Giz, we want solar everything, but wish those dang arrays were more powerful. Here's another item to add to our list, and these might be just powerful enough: solar-powered driveway markers that make your personal thoroughfares look like O'Hare on a slow night.
They're tough, made of aluminum alloy that's strong enough to be run over by a truck and keep on shining. Set their LEDs to shine steady or blink, and they'll run eight hours after a day in the sun. They're £50 for four. Light 'em up.
Product Page [Hammacher Schlemmer, via Luxury Housing Trends]
Online Alarm Clock Wakes You With an Electro-Chirp September 11, 2006
READ MORE Online , Software
We've shown you plenty of alarm clocks here at the Giz, many of which make you perform unusual tasks to earn your quietude. But forget the material world, go virtual with an online alarm clock that gives you big digits you can read from half a mile away, and you have a choice of colors, too.
Our only mild complaint is its odd wake-up call, an unpleasantly shrill-sounding electro-chirp. Maybe if we all request it, the clock's developers will program in a more-pleasing crescendo alarm. Got a PC in your bedroom? Get thee hence.
Online Alarm Clock [OnlineClock.net, via Digg]
Storybook Frames: 7-Inch Digital Picture Frames, Disguised as Old-Skool September 11, 2006
READ MORE Home Entertainment , Peripherals , Portable Media
These 7-inch 480x234 widescreen digital picture frames have a familiar look, enclosed in a conventional-looking frame that disguises their digital underpinnings. They'll look right at home among all those other conventional picture frames on your desk.
They're compatible with the usual array of flash memory cards, and can also play back MP3s with their integrated speakers, along with MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and DivX video files. Take your pick of styles appropriate as gifts for baby showers, weddings and such; all are £120.
Helpful hint from personal experience: digital picture frames are perfect gifts for semi-technical old folks, as long as you help them with setup—they'll love you for it.
Product Page [Storybook Frames]
Bandai's Ant's Life Studio Virtual Ant Farm September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets , Home Entertainment
Bandai is set to release Ant's Life Studio this November in Japan, a virtual ant farm simulator that could very well become the next Tamagotchi. It's apparently being aimed at the hordes of Japanese men who do nothing but slave away at a tiny desk all day, working until their eyes fall out. Maybe Bandai's making some sort of social justice metaphor here, but, then again, they could just be wanting to cash in on a fun idea.
Like real-world ant farms, people simply watch the virtual ants go on with their lives, moving dirt, making tunnels, getting nervous when approaching the queen to ask for a favor, etc. Up to 100 different nests can be built by the ants, ensuring that no matter how dull and meaningless your work day is, you can always watch your pets toil away.
Look for Ant's Life Studio (in Japan, at least initially) in November for around £35.
Salary Man Sims [Tokyo Times]
IKEA TROFE Mug: Dishwasherowned September 11, 2006
READ MORE Gadgets
This isn't so much of a gadget, but an extremely handy device that I wish I would have thought of. This TROFE mug from IKEA has a simple notch on the bottom of the mug that prevents water from pooling up around the base during a dishwasher run. What is even more amazing—IKEA makes these mugs, but they only cost 50p each! That's probably the cheapest IKEA product ever manufactured.
Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]
MacBook Joins the Club of Igniting Laptops September 11, 2006
READ MORE Laptops
Reader Eric has a little problem with his MacBook. The bottom left corner of the screen managed to somehow catch on fire, in turn toasting the entire left side of his notebook. Oddly enough, it doesn't seem that this problem was caused by an overheating battery. Eric said the employees at the Apple Store were shocked and told him to contact AppleCare, which was closed at the time.
What the hell is going on with all of these laptops? It must be a sign of the times that I am now nervous when using my own laptop. Apple will surely replace his laptop, but I am still concerned about what caused this incident. Time for another recall methinks. Thanks, Eric.