Steve Jobs recently revealed in an open letter that Apple intends on switching it’s entire computer line to LED backlit monitors until the end of 2007. Besides being more environmental-friendly, these new displays are cooler, consume less energy, and distribute light better than the current LCDs we use today. The only “but” in the story is how fast the industry adopts the technology:
“We plan to introduce our first Macs with LED backlight technology in 2007,” he wrote. “Our ability to completely eliminate fluorescent lamps in all of our displays depends on how fast the LCD industry can transition to LED backlighting for larger displays.”
Hopefully Apple will also introduce new designs for their current computer line like Sony intends to this Summer
Friday, May 11, 2007
Apple reveals new iPod patent
Looks like Apple is starting to enjoy patenting gadgets that have interfaces on their behinds.
First it was a laptop with a CD drive underneath it, and now it’s a new iPod patent that isn’t exactly the touch screen experience people were waiting for but at least delivers a true widescreen, which is something that iPod fans have always asked for.
This patent, as explained by Gizmodo, has a touch-sensitive back which allows you to interface with the front screen without touching it, thus eliminating some of the negative comments regarding the iPhone’s multi-touch-screen.
First it was a laptop with a CD drive underneath it, and now it’s a new iPod patent that isn’t exactly the touch screen experience people were waiting for but at least delivers a true widescreen, which is something that iPod fans have always asked for.
This patent, as explained by Gizmodo, has a touch-sensitive back which allows you to interface with the front screen without touching it, thus eliminating some of the negative comments regarding the iPhone’s multi-touch-screen.
Microsoft shines more light on Silverlight (and happynappy)
Oh, hi! Here's Tuesday's IT Blogwatch: in which Microsoft reveals more details about Silverlight (née WPF/E). Not to mention baby diaper tracking graphs...
Eric Lai reports:
Microsoft Corp. kicked off its Mix07 Web development conference today by announcing that a full portable version of its flagship .Net programming environment will be fused to the next version of its Silverlight 'Flash-killer' rich media technology ... can allow multimedia developers to juice their Silverlight apps with .Net -- even on non-Windows machines....[Microsoft chief software architect, Ray] Ozzie also said that Web and graphic designers and developers will have free use of Microsoft's Windows Live Platform, a Web storage service, to store, run and show off their Silverlight applications and videos. Microsoft also released the alpha of its Silverlight Streaming service, with which developers will be able to store up to 4GB of high-definition video and stream it out to Silverlight users....The beta of Silverlight 1.0, which was known as Windows Presentation Foundation/Everywhere until two weeks ago, was released today. The final version is due sometime this summer
Eric Lai reports:
Microsoft Corp. kicked off its Mix07 Web development conference today by announcing that a full portable version of its flagship .Net programming environment will be fused to the next version of its Silverlight 'Flash-killer' rich media technology ... can allow multimedia developers to juice their Silverlight apps with .Net -- even on non-Windows machines....[Microsoft chief software architect, Ray] Ozzie also said that Web and graphic designers and developers will have free use of Microsoft's Windows Live Platform, a Web storage service, to store, run and show off their Silverlight applications and videos. Microsoft also released the alpha of its Silverlight Streaming service, with which developers will be able to store up to 4GB of high-definition video and stream it out to Silverlight users....The beta of Silverlight 1.0, which was known as Windows Presentation Foundation/Everywhere until two weeks ago, was released today. The final version is due sometime this summer
Dell does Feisty Fawn: Ubuntu Linux preinstall (and more)
No "dude" jokes in Wednesday's IT Blogwatch: in which Dell chooses Ubuntu for its promised PCs with Linux preinstalled. Not to mention 17 must-have free applications for new Ubuntu users...
Todd R. Weiss does the Timewarp:
Only 10 weeks after asking customers what products they'd like to see, Dell Inc. today announced that its upcoming Linux desktop PCs and laptops will be preloaded with Ubuntu Linux. They are slated to be avilable by the end of this month. In postings on Dell's IdeaStorm and Dell2Dell Web sites today, the company said it moved quickly to offer the Linux-based hardware because of customer interest. In February, Dell had set up an "IdeaStorm" Web site to get feedback from customers about what products they wanted. In late March, after hearing from more than 100,000 users who filled out surveys on Linux preferences, Dell said it would start preloading Linux on some of its laptops and desktop PCs....Models, configurations and prices of the Ubuntu-loaded hardware have not been announced. They will run Version 7.04 of Ubuntu Linux and will be available through a dedicated Linux Web page on the Dell.com site where buyers will be able to configure and price their machines.
Todd R. Weiss does the Timewarp:
Only 10 weeks after asking customers what products they'd like to see, Dell Inc. today announced that its upcoming Linux desktop PCs and laptops will be preloaded with Ubuntu Linux. They are slated to be avilable by the end of this month. In postings on Dell's IdeaStorm and Dell2Dell Web sites today, the company said it moved quickly to offer the Linux-based hardware because of customer interest. In February, Dell had set up an "IdeaStorm" Web site to get feedback from customers about what products they wanted. In late March, after hearing from more than 100,000 users who filled out surveys on Linux preferences, Dell said it would start preloading Linux on some of its laptops and desktop PCs....Models, configurations and prices of the Ubuntu-loaded hardware have not been announced. They will run Version 7.04 of Ubuntu Linux and will be available through a dedicated Linux Web page on the Dell.com site where buyers will be able to configure and price their machines.
Do we need a security industry? (and eliminating uncertainty)
Thank the flying spaghetti monster, it's Friday's IT Blogwatch: in which we ponder the fate of the security industry. Not to mention deterministic programming gone mad...
Bruce Schneier asks, "Do We Really Need a Security Industry?":
What [does] it mean for the IT industry that there are thousands of dedicated security products on the market: some good, more lousy, many difficult even to describe. Why aren't IT products and services naturally secure, and what would it mean for the industry if they were?...The primary reason the IT security industry exists is because IT products and services aren't naturally secure ... Aftermarket security is actually a very inefficient way to spend our security dollars ... Fold security into the underlying products, and the companies marketing those products will have an incentive to invest in security upfront, to avoid having to spend more cash obviating the problems later.
I know this is a utopian vision that I probably won't see in my lifetime, but the IT services market is pushing us in this direction. As IT becomes more of a utility, users are going to buy a whole lot more services than products. And by nature, services are more about results than technologies.
Bruce Schneier asks, "Do We Really Need a Security Industry?":
What [does] it mean for the IT industry that there are thousands of dedicated security products on the market: some good, more lousy, many difficult even to describe. Why aren't IT products and services naturally secure, and what would it mean for the industry if they were?...The primary reason the IT security industry exists is because IT products and services aren't naturally secure ... Aftermarket security is actually a very inefficient way to spend our security dollars ... Fold security into the underlying products, and the companies marketing those products will have an incentive to invest in security upfront, to avoid having to spend more cash obviating the problems later.
I know this is a utopian vision that I probably won't see in my lifetime, but the IT services market is pushing us in this direction. As IT becomes more of a utility, users are going to buy a whole lot more services than products. And by nature, services are more about results than technologies.
Digg users are revolting (and 09F911029D74E35BD84156C5635688C0)
Tut-tut. Tis Thursday's IT Blogwatch: in which Digg melts down over the HD-DVD "processing key". Not to mention what every geek will be wearing this summer...
Heather Havenstein reports:
Digg.com, the popular site where users determine the placement of new stories by voting, yesterday found itself in the center of what some are calling a test case for the power of user-generated content on social networking sites.
The brouhaha erupted when executives at Digg began removing posts that contained a [master] key needed to crack the encryption used to limit copying of HD-DVD ... discs. Digg, which began removing the posts after it got a cease-and-desist letter from another company asserting that the posts violated its intellectual property rights, also began deleting user accounts of those posting the key.
That move outraged many Digg users, who repeatedly posted the key until founder Kevin Rose relented last night and stopped the deletions. Stories about the key received tens of thousands of "Diggs," or online approvals from the community and by this afternoon, Digg's top two stories -- both about the keys and user response to them -- had received approximately 35,000 Diggs.
Heather Havenstein reports:
Digg.com, the popular site where users determine the placement of new stories by voting, yesterday found itself in the center of what some are calling a test case for the power of user-generated content on social networking sites.
The brouhaha erupted when executives at Digg began removing posts that contained a [master] key needed to crack the encryption used to limit copying of HD-DVD ... discs. Digg, which began removing the posts after it got a cease-and-desist letter from another company asserting that the posts violated its intellectual property rights, also began deleting user accounts of those posting the key.
That move outraged many Digg users, who repeatedly posted the key until founder Kevin Rose relented last night and stopped the deletions. Stories about the key received tens of thousands of "Diggs," or online approvals from the community and by this afternoon, Digg's top two stories -- both about the keys and user response to them -- had received approximately 35,000 Diggs.
Sun unveils JavaFX (and ID dog go home)
Wow! Wednesday's IT Blogwatch: in which Sun launches it's Silverlight killer. Not to mention how not to tell an Idaho dog to go home...
Paul Krill reports:
At the JavaOne conference in San Francisco, Sun will roll out a Java-based product family called JavaFX, which covers Java development from the desktop to the Web to mobile devices. It features a new scripting variant of the Java, called JavaFX Script. JavaFX is a line of products focused on opportunities in the consumer communications market, including desktops, mobile clients, and TVs. The first product release is JavaFX Mobile, a software system for mobile devices
Paul Krill reports:
At the JavaOne conference in San Francisco, Sun will roll out a Java-based product family called JavaFX, which covers Java development from the desktop to the Web to mobile devices. It features a new scripting variant of the Java, called JavaFX Script. JavaFX is a line of products focused on opportunities in the consumer communications market, including desktops, mobile clients, and TVs. The first product release is JavaFX Mobile, a software system for mobile devices
And Dell makes three (and rude error)
That would be Tuesday's IT Blogwatch: in which Dell joins the Microsoft/Novell partnership. Not to mention a strange and hurtful database connection error message...
Sumner Lemon's not bitter:
Dell Inc. is backing the Windows-Linux partnership set up by Microsoft Corp. and Novell Inc. As part of the deal, Dell will buy SUSE Linux Enterprise Server certificates from Microsoft for corporate customers that are not already using Linux ... Last November, Microsoft and Novell agreed to jointly develop and market products that allow Windows and Linux to work together more smoothly. As part of the deal, Microsoft also agreed to indemnify Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise users from patent claims. The first hardware vendor to join the alliance, Dell said in a statement that it hopes to tap customer demand for interoperability between Windows and Linux.
Sumner Lemon's not bitter:
Dell Inc. is backing the Windows-Linux partnership set up by Microsoft Corp. and Novell Inc. As part of the deal, Dell will buy SUSE Linux Enterprise Server certificates from Microsoft for corporate customers that are not already using Linux ... Last November, Microsoft and Novell agreed to jointly develop and market products that allow Windows and Linux to work together more smoothly. As part of the deal, Microsoft also agreed to indemnify Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise users from patent claims. The first hardware vendor to join the alliance, Dell said in a statement that it hopes to tap customer demand for interoperability between Windows and Linux.
Yahoo!/Microsoft! merger! talks! fail! (and game over)
Mercy! It's Monday's IT Blogwatch: in which Microsoft is merging with Yahoo! Isn't. Is. Isn't. Is too. Not to mention what happens when Mario leaves the Mushroom Kingdom and returns to Brooklyn as a mushroom addict deadbeat plumber...
John Blau reports::
Reports that Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc. are in talks over a possible acquisition or merger have come as anything but a surprise to analysts who question not if, but when, a deal will happen. Microsoft and Yahoo, which have held informal merger talks in the past, are at the negotiating table again, driven largely by the rising dominance of Google Inc. in the online advertising market...The possible early-stage negotiations over an acquisition, a merger or some other type of deal come on the heels of Google's move last month to snatch up online advertising powerhouse DoubleClick Inc. for $3.1 billion.
John Blau reports::
Reports that Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc. are in talks over a possible acquisition or merger have come as anything but a surprise to analysts who question not if, but when, a deal will happen. Microsoft and Yahoo, which have held informal merger talks in the past, are at the negotiating table again, driven largely by the rising dominance of Google Inc. in the online advertising market...The possible early-stage negotiations over an acquisition, a merger or some other type of deal come on the heels of Google's move last month to snatch up online advertising powerhouse DoubleClick Inc. for $3.1 billion.
Red Hat's desktop dream (and the roadkill wears Prada)
In living color ... it's IT Blogwatch! Today we look at Red Hat's announcement of an online desktop, and a strange graduate school fashion experiment ... Tom Sanders has the news from the Red Hat Summit in San Diego:
Red Hat is preparing to release a new "Red Hat Global Desktop" that over time will grow into an online desktop that integrates online services into a client desktop platform. The platform will allow users to access online and local data in a unified way.
Red Hat is preparing to release a new "Red Hat Global Desktop" that over time will grow into an online desktop that integrates online services into a client desktop platform. The platform will allow users to access online and local data in a unified way.
Wayward kids seek all-night gaming at Internet cafes
Can you imagine a world where kids stay out all night playing video games at Internet cafes? Believe it or not, that’s already happening in China. Read this news story: “China opens halfway house for Net addicts.”
According to the article, “Computer and online gaming has exploded in China in recent years, with an estimated 14 million people taking part. Amid growing concern that more and more young people are getting hooked, China has issued a raft of regulations aimed at curbing excessive game playing at Internet cafes and heavily fining owners that admit minors.”
Wang Hui, the chief social worker at the halfway house for Internet addicts that recently opened in mainland China, claims that they don’t force kids to go to the shelter. “We wander around in nearby Internet bars at night and bring them to the halfway house if the teen agrees.”
Internet addiction could very well be a legitimate thing, but I can’t help think about the family dynamics of the homes where these wayward kids are escaping from. Parents should be more involved with their kids’ lives, restrict and monitor the amount of time they can spend playing games on the Internet, and start taking responsibility for their jobs as parents instead of blaming everyone and everything else for how their children behave.
The final sentence of the article made me shake my head in disbelief. “In May, the parents of a 13-year-old boy who killed himself after playing a computer game for 36 hours sued the game’s Chinese distributor.” Do you think the game was even remotely responsible for this teen’s suicide? If you do, I’m eager to hear your explanation
According to the article, “Computer and online gaming has exploded in China in recent years, with an estimated 14 million people taking part. Amid growing concern that more and more young people are getting hooked, China has issued a raft of regulations aimed at curbing excessive game playing at Internet cafes and heavily fining owners that admit minors.”
Wang Hui, the chief social worker at the halfway house for Internet addicts that recently opened in mainland China, claims that they don’t force kids to go to the shelter. “We wander around in nearby Internet bars at night and bring them to the halfway house if the teen agrees.”
Internet addiction could very well be a legitimate thing, but I can’t help think about the family dynamics of the homes where these wayward kids are escaping from. Parents should be more involved with their kids’ lives, restrict and monitor the amount of time they can spend playing games on the Internet, and start taking responsibility for their jobs as parents instead of blaming everyone and everything else for how their children behave.
The final sentence of the article made me shake my head in disbelief. “In May, the parents of a 13-year-old boy who killed himself after playing a computer game for 36 hours sued the game’s Chinese distributor.” Do you think the game was even remotely responsible for this teen’s suicide? If you do, I’m eager to hear your explanation
Microsoft’s 64-bit timeline — it’s a 64-bit future for servers
This week, Microsoft senior VP Bob Muglia (the Windows Server head honcho) explained the timeline for 64-bit versions of Windows. The most interesting remark was that Longhorn Server Release 2 (scheduled for 2009) will only be released for 64-bit platforms.
The soaring rate of Internet addiction among today’s youth
If you think that Internet addiction isn't a very serious phenomenon, think again. A recent news story discusses the steps government officials in China are taking to curb the soaring rate of addiction: "China bans new Internet cafes for a year."
According to the article, "Internet cafes are often seen in China as hotbeds of juvenile crime. 'It is common to see students from primary and middle schools lingering in Internet bars overnight, puffing on cigarettes and engrossed in online games,' Xinhua quoted NPC deputy Yu Wen as saying in a separate report."
So, exactly how big of a problem is Internet addiction? "Last year, a report from the China National Children's Center, a government think-tank, said that 13 percent of China's 18 million Internet users under 18 were Internet addicts."
I'd be interested to see similar studies conducted in other countries. For example, what percent of the youth in the United States are suffering from Internet addiction? If anyone is familiar with this topic, I'd love to read your insight.
According to the article, "Internet cafes are often seen in China as hotbeds of juvenile crime. 'It is common to see students from primary and middle schools lingering in Internet bars overnight, puffing on cigarettes and engrossed in online games,' Xinhua quoted NPC deputy Yu Wen as saying in a separate report."
So, exactly how big of a problem is Internet addiction? "Last year, a report from the China National Children's Center, a government think-tank, said that 13 percent of China's 18 million Internet users under 18 were Internet addicts."
I'd be interested to see similar studies conducted in other countries. For example, what percent of the youth in the United States are suffering from Internet addiction? If anyone is familiar with this topic, I'd love to read your insight.
Linux and Windows continue to siphon server marketshare from Unix
The latest IDC numbers show that the trend of Linux and Windows stealing market share away from Unix is continuing. Windows servers showed a 15% increase in units sold over the same quarter last year while Linux servers showed a 20% spike. Unix units dropped 13.7%
As far as vendors go, IBM held a strong grip on the top spot, with HP second and Dell third.
Also, demand is increasing for blade servers and 64-bit servers.
As far as vendors go, IBM held a strong grip on the top spot, with HP second and Dell third.
Also, demand is increasing for blade servers and 64-bit servers.
New photos of the first working prototype of the $100 MIT laptop
Today at the Seven Countries Task Force Meeting, the first working prototype of MIT’s now famous $100 laptop was presented. Looking at these pictures compared to the earlier ones, I’m wondering where the hand-crank is now. Is it in those horns that are sticking up? Whatever the case may be, I think this project is great and has the potential of spreading the benefits of the communications revolution to far more citizens throughout the planet.
Here are some additional resources for the $100 laptop:- Images: MIT’s $100 laptop- Will the $100 PC fly?- Quanta to build the $100 laptop- Gates mocks MIT’s $100 laptop effort- $100 laptop expected in late 2006
Here are some additional resources for the $100 laptop:- Images: MIT’s $100 laptop- Will the $100 PC fly?- Quanta to build the $100 laptop- Gates mocks MIT’s $100 laptop effort- $100 laptop expected in late 2006
Red Hat focuses on desktop Linux and emerging markets
Red Hat announced a new desktop version of Linux at its Red Hat Summit in San Diego. Red Hat Global Desktop is aimed at desktop and laptop customers in developing nations. Intel is partnering in the design and distribution of the software, which is geared for Intel PC designs called Classmate, Affordable, Community, and Low-Cost for customers in emerging nations. Get additional details in the CNET Networks' News.com story: "Red Hat tries new desktop Linux angle."
For more information about Red Hat Global Desktop, take a look at these other news sources:
Red Hat takes OLPC knowledge corporate (ZDNet blog)
Red Hat Shuns 'Windows Clone' Model for Global Desktop (eWeek)
Red Hat to build 'Global Desktop' (vnunet.com)
How global is Red Hat Global Desktop? (iTWire)
Red Hat crafts new OS for the small and poor (Channel Register)
For more information about Red Hat Global Desktop, take a look at these other news sources:
Red Hat takes OLPC knowledge corporate (ZDNet blog)
Red Hat Shuns 'Windows Clone' Model for Global Desktop (eWeek)
Red Hat to build 'Global Desktop' (vnunet.com)
How global is Red Hat Global Desktop? (iTWire)
Red Hat crafts new OS for the small and poor (Channel Register)
Red Hat focuses on desktop Linux and emerging markets
Red Hat announced a new desktop version of Linux at its Red Hat Summit in San Diego. Red Hat Global Desktop is aimed at desktop and laptop customers in developing nations. Intel is partnering in the design and distribution of the software, which is geared for Intel PC designs called Classmate, Affordable, Community, and Low-Cost for customers in emerging nations. Get additional details in the CNET Networks' News.com story: "Red Hat tries new desktop Linux angle."
For more information about Red Hat Global Desktop, take a look at these other news sources:
Red Hat takes OLPC knowledge corporate (ZDNet blog)
Red Hat Shuns 'Windows Clone' Model for Global Desktop (eWeek)
Red Hat to build 'Global Desktop' (vnunet.com)
How global is Red Hat Global Desktop? (iTWire)
Red Hat crafts new OS for the small and poor (Channel Register)
For more information about Red Hat Global Desktop, take a look at these other news sources:
Red Hat takes OLPC knowledge corporate (ZDNet blog)
Red Hat Shuns 'Windows Clone' Model for Global Desktop (eWeek)
Red Hat to build 'Global Desktop' (vnunet.com)
How global is Red Hat Global Desktop? (iTWire)
Red Hat crafts new OS for the small and poor (Channel Register)
Epoq Video Watch: “What time is it? I don't know, I'm watching a movie
MP4 wristwatches are nothing new. They’re usually encountered in James Bond movies or in your wildest dreams. Still, there are companies that have tried to create these all-in one gadgets. Unfortunately, the wrist-wonders just failed miserably when it comes to video -->
quality and, well, screen size evidently. Weighing just 66 g, the new Epoq EMP-CVWC-2/4 "MP4" super-clock claims to have "le creme-de-le-creme" when it comes to integrated functions. The bad new is that it actually does everything at very low standards. The really bad news has to be the size of the 260 k OLED screen: 1.5-inch (there goes your eagle sight). After all, if the screen was bigger, you wouldn't call it a watch anymore (you would call it a mini-screen with a wristband). The main ingredients include a metal-and-leather case, 128 X 128 resolution, MP3/ WMA/JPG support, voice recorder, FM radio and a 2.5 mm headphone jack. The Epoq comes in 2 flavors: EMP-CVWC-2 features 2GB and the EMP-CVWC-4 boasts a storage of 4 GB. The lower end will cost you 170$. 2GB means about an hour and a half video, meaning you can barely brag to your friends that you can watch a full movie on your shiny video watch. Come to think of it, the gadget is quite useful for the ladies. Now, if someone tries a pick up a girl with the rusty line „What’s time is it?", she will probably cut the conversation short with "I don’t know. I’m watching a movie!
quality and, well, screen size evidently. Weighing just 66 g, the new Epoq EMP-CVWC-2/4 "MP4" super-clock claims to have "le creme-de-le-creme" when it comes to integrated functions. The bad new is that it actually does everything at very low standards. The really bad news has to be the size of the 260 k OLED screen: 1.5-inch (there goes your eagle sight). After all, if the screen was bigger, you wouldn't call it a watch anymore (you would call it a mini-screen with a wristband). The main ingredients include a metal-and-leather case, 128 X 128 resolution, MP3/ WMA/JPG support, voice recorder, FM radio and a 2.5 mm headphone jack. The Epoq comes in 2 flavors: EMP-CVWC-2 features 2GB and the EMP-CVWC-4 boasts a storage of 4 GB. The lower end will cost you 170$. 2GB means about an hour and a half video, meaning you can barely brag to your friends that you can watch a full movie on your shiny video watch. Come to think of it, the gadget is quite useful for the ladies. Now, if someone tries a pick up a girl with the rusty line „What’s time is it?", she will probably cut the conversation short with "I don’t know. I’m watching a movie!
Brica View Art 1000: the Swiss Army Knife of all Portable Gadgets
Just when I thought no one is brave enough to launch another all-in one gadget, I stumbled into this: the Brica View Art 1000. Yes, it does it all, but let me clarify one thing. The 1000 does not actually represent the things it can do, ok? The thing is purported to perform -->
half a dozen of things (none of them well, but of course).Here it goes. It's like the Swiss Army knife, except you can't open bottles of bears with it. Well, you can try that too. The thing combines all the features of a still camera, camcorder, MP3 player, FM radio, voice recorder, e-book viewer, webcam and a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The tiny-winy silver box that does it all can fit in any pocket. It boasts a 2.5-inch LCD screen and in addition to the media playback capabilities, it also features an on-board video encoder which can take an input from a DVD player, satellite or cable box, and record 320 X 240 clips. The music player that's haunting the video camera can support media files like MP3, WMA, WMV, AVI, Quicktime, MPG, Real Media and AAC formats. The digital still camera is supposed to boast a 4-megapixel (interpolated) resolution (2 Megapixels actually). Other features include a 512 MB of onboard memory and a 2GB SD card for extra storage. You really don't want to know about the CCD image sensor size. Don't go there!
half a dozen of things (none of them well, but of course).Here it goes. It's like the Swiss Army knife, except you can't open bottles of bears with it. Well, you can try that too. The thing combines all the features of a still camera, camcorder, MP3 player, FM radio, voice recorder, e-book viewer, webcam and a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The tiny-winy silver box that does it all can fit in any pocket. It boasts a 2.5-inch LCD screen and in addition to the media playback capabilities, it also features an on-board video encoder which can take an input from a DVD player, satellite or cable box, and record 320 X 240 clips. The music player that's haunting the video camera can support media files like MP3, WMA, WMV, AVI, Quicktime, MPG, Real Media and AAC formats. The digital still camera is supposed to boast a 4-megapixel (interpolated) resolution (2 Megapixels actually). Other features include a 512 MB of onboard memory and a 2GB SD card for extra storage. You really don't want to know about the CCD image sensor size. Don't go there!
LawBott: Programmable Lawnmower for the Slothful Gardners
I can take care of my garden even when I'm away!" level, you probably need a robot lawnmower. This friendly robotic may be exactly what you need. LawBott is a robotic lawnmower that looks like huge cycling helmet. Don't be mislead by its aerodynamic shape and red-Ferraro color though. You will definitely not catch this robot speeding up in your backyard. In fact, it's so quiet you will still hear the cicadas. The cordless, remote-controlled lawnmower boasts a flat blade that allows it to mulch the grass as it cuts it, thereby mowing and fertilizing your lawn all at once and lessening the use of lawn chemical. It needs to be charged up before you send it to the war against the weeds. The "robot" is programmable in six different languages and it can be set for up to 2-4 hours trimming grass sessions on a weekly schedule, or as often as you want. It will cut up to 33,000 square feet on a charge and it even parks itself when it finishes the job. LawBott doesn't require any gas or oil and is Eco-friendly. The device can also handle any slope up to 27 degrees, so better prepare for some surveying sessions before you program this baby. Other features include a rain sensor which allows it to cut during light rain but stops once it senses enough water that could drown a robot.The LB2000/Professional sells for $1,749.
Make a Wish Using the USB Fishbowl: “I Wish My Tamagotchi Were Alive!”
Enlarge pictureRemember Tamagotchi, the Japanese virtual being stuck in a tiny device that slowly dies if you don't virtually feed it? I do. Well, if you find the tiny-winy Tamagotchi too pretentious, -->
then maybe you should take a look at this.The USB Fishbowl is breaking new ground when it comes to taking care of tiny fish. If you're one of those people that can't actually get off the couch in order to feed your goldfish, this device may be exactly what you're looking for. Here's the gist of it. It comes with a USB cable and a specific software that allows you to take care of your bored goldfish. The USB connection links to the software suite that lets you irritate the little one by making bubbles, changing water temperature or monitor the filter deice. You don't even have to look into the eyes of the goldfish. There's even a monitor in the fish tank so you can avoid eye contact. The bad news is that you still have to clean the tank and feed the fishbowl swimmers. If you can't do that, stick to the goldfish screensaver. Or just cut the USB cable and keep the software fish (no, that's not actually an option). Given that the goldfish possesses some voodoo skills and can help your dreams come true, you should be very careful when selecting the seafood for its lunch. What if someday your fish will actually control your computer? Neh, that sounds too future-of-tech. The USB Fishbowl is currently available in South Korea for 49,000 GRW (about $53
then maybe you should take a look at this.The USB Fishbowl is breaking new ground when it comes to taking care of tiny fish. If you're one of those people that can't actually get off the couch in order to feed your goldfish, this device may be exactly what you're looking for. Here's the gist of it. It comes with a USB cable and a specific software that allows you to take care of your bored goldfish. The USB connection links to the software suite that lets you irritate the little one by making bubbles, changing water temperature or monitor the filter deice. You don't even have to look into the eyes of the goldfish. There's even a monitor in the fish tank so you can avoid eye contact. The bad news is that you still have to clean the tank and feed the fishbowl swimmers. If you can't do that, stick to the goldfish screensaver. Or just cut the USB cable and keep the software fish (no, that's not actually an option). Given that the goldfish possesses some voodoo skills and can help your dreams come true, you should be very careful when selecting the seafood for its lunch. What if someday your fish will actually control your computer? Neh, that sounds too future-of-tech. The USB Fishbowl is currently available in South Korea for 49,000 GRW (about $53
Accounting business software is important for the running of your business
As a business owner, you know that keeping your finaces straight can be the difference between success and failure. And, sometmes the margin between the two can be very slim. That’s where accounting business software comes in.
The Best Invoicing Software
With so many small businesses cropping up, especially since the advent of the Internet, invoice software has become a hot product for business owners everywhere. Business owners are looking to take care of all of their business needs with as much ease as possible—the fewer the hassles are, the better. Thanks to invoice software, business owners can manage the billing aspects of their business with relative ease and spend their time focused about more important business matters.
While some business owners elect to hire outside services to handle their billing concerns, many business owners prefer to deal with every aspect of their business. Invoice software makes it possible for them to do so. Invoice software is easy to install and use. Such software is created with a graphic interface that makes the program a delight: it takes little time to learn how to properly use the program and within a short time the business owner is well on their way to managing their own business finances
While some business owners elect to hire outside services to handle their billing concerns, many business owners prefer to deal with every aspect of their business. Invoice software makes it possible for them to do so. Invoice software is easy to install and use. Such software is created with a graphic interface that makes the program a delight: it takes little time to learn how to properly use the program and within a short time the business owner is well on their way to managing their own business finances
2003 Microsoft Office – Install The Best, Forget The Rest
The Microsoft Office concept is a huge success for the software giant. Just about every major business has a copy of 2003 Microsoft Office or some earlier version installed on their employee’s computers. Using the 2003 Microsoft Office programs you can do just about anything including writing form letters, tracking data, creating visual presentations, sending emails, creating graphic designs, combining text and images, and arranging online meetings.Read More Of This Special Report Here: 2003 Microsoft Office
Small Business Software for Accounting
Fortunately for you, there is specific small business software that will be suitable for your accounting needs. This kind of small business software will not just track your income and outflow, but will also evolve formats for you to draw up your profit and loss accounts, your petty cash flow etc.
For example, I use Quicken Premier Home & Business software. It not only tracks all my accounts, it provides me with customized invoices, statements, reports, tax planning and a whole lot more. This is highly functional small business software! Intuit’s QuickBooks is another great package in small business software
For example, I use Quicken Premier Home & Business software. It not only tracks all my accounts, it provides me with customized invoices, statements, reports, tax planning and a whole lot more. This is highly functional small business software! Intuit’s QuickBooks is another great package in small business software
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