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May 16, 2006

YAY Macbook

I wasn't expecting this until Thursday but Apple just updated their website with the new Macbook. So it's bye-bye iBook (may that name rest in peace) and hello to core duo goodness.

The Macbook comes in three versions. All have;

• 13.3" glossy widescreen display with a 1280 x 800 resolution
• 512MB of RAM
• Front Row, Apple remote, built in iSight
• MagSafe power adapter, MagLatch for latchless closing
• A new low profile keyboard that sits flush into the body
• Bluetooth, wireless networking, Gigabit ethernet
• Two USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire port
• Optical digital and analog audio in/out.

All that for just $1,099 on the lower end white model which comes equipped with a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo, 60GB, and a combo drive or . . . On the upper end you can get a 2.0GHz Core Duo with a SuperDrive for $1,299.

There's also a black version but that's only available as a color option for the upper end model and it's $1,499 instead of $1,299. Other than color, the only difference is an 80GB hard drive and the finish is less glossy, more professional matte.

Apple claims all models get 6 hours with its new battery tech.

I've long waited for a small widescreen laptop from Apple and this may fit the bill. I can get the higher spec'd version, drop in a 120GB hard drive and more memory and I can finally blog and surf on the go (in bed). I'll leave all my hardcore design stuff to my trusty desktop until the new Intel Power Macs come out. Hummm, is that the announcement this Thursday? Geez, what else might Apple have in store for me?!?!

NOTE:
Apple has also bumped up the processor speeds and added glossy displays as a free option for the higher end MacBook Pros but the price is still the same. Hummm, decisions decisions!

Posted by tranism at 8:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

May 15, 2006

Sony UX?

UPDATED:
Sony has finally gone official with the new Vaio UX Micro PC. I thought it might be Sony's version of a UMPC but it has more in common with the OQO. For starters, it has a full Intel Core Solo processor running XP Pro. Camera in the front for video conferencing, camera in back to snap some megapixel pictures. All the wireless goodies are as stated below. The screen is 4.5" with a 800 x 600 resolution and the device can be docked for desktop use.

Pictures of an unidentified Sony product have leaked onto the web. The ultra-portable looks to be a part of Sony's UX line (the now defunct palm top pda's that once dominated the market).

From the photos, you can clearly see this thing is equipped with bluetooth, wi-fi, QWERTY keyboard, and camera all packaged into a neat little slider.

Sony has created a teaser site for the device asking visitors, "is it red, green, or blue?" Ummm, blue? You mean blu-ray??? Is this a part of Microsoft's Origami project or does this mark the Clie's return?

via jkontherun

Posted by tranism at 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

Solar Lampion

Ecological lighting is still a niche market, either because of expense or actual value. We've all seen those solar powered garden stakes that charge during the day to light up your walkway at night. Most of them are unsightly and don't illuminate very much. Sounds like a job for an industrial designer.

In comes Damian O'Sullivan with his Solar Lampion. The Lampion is composed of an array of 36" standard solar cells held together by an open frame, each connected to an LED bulb, which is fed by a rechargeable battery. On a mid-sunny day, the Lampion is able to collect enough energy to stay lit for more than 24 hours. Portability is also integrated into the design with a handle allowing you to move and hang it anywhere you'd like.

more pictures after the jump

Posted by tranism at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

Shiny New Hardware

Now that E3 is over and all participants have played their cards (most of them at least), one question remains - What do you think of the final hardware? Since we all know what an Xbox 360 looks like, lets take a looksie at the remaining players, Sony and Nintendo.

Here's the PS3. I've criticized its design in the past and after seeing it in person, I haven't completely changed my mind, but I can accept it now. One thing you will have to admit tho is the system is def. sleek, sexy, and an evolution of the PS2. The chrome accents on the 60 gig model make it look SUPER EXPENSIVE. Sony's industrial design is good at doing that. How would it look in your home?

Its defining tech are blu-ray, CELL processor, wi-fi, bluetooth, online, and a revised wireless Dual Shock controller who has gained tilt functionality in lieu of the rumble feature. $499 for the 20 gig model, $599 for the 60 gig model. Do you love it yet?

Next up, we have Nintendo Wii. Ever since Nintendo revealed the console last year, little about the hardware has changed. The system is extremely small and very sleek. Clearly Nintendo wants out of its kiddie image and is determined to make a home amongst your other high end audio and video goodies.

It's defining tech are a slot load drive that can accept both full size dvd's and the Gamecube's 8 cm discs (Apple must be jealous). The Wii-mote and Nunchaku made a huge impression at E3 demonstrating how freehand control could possibly be the future of gaming and yes they are wireless. The build quality is EXCEPTIONAL and far surpasses that of Sony (yes I said it!). I don't know what kind of plastic Nintendo is using but it not only feels good, it looks good too. Nintendo also revealed the classic controller with your standard 4 action buttons, d-pad, trigger buttons, and 2 analog sticks. As its name suggests, it's designed for Nintendo's Virtual console service - yes all those classic games from Nintendo, Sega, and Turbo-Grafix 16 will utilize this controller. No official price announcements yet but speculations are somewhere in the $150 - $250 range. Do you love it yet?

Posted by tranism at 2:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | | |

A Waterless Toilet

The man behind the toilet is Swedish designer Pelle Petterson whom also designed the Volvo P1800 and Maxi boats.

Eco John is a waterless toilet that uses an incineration process to eliminate waste.

When you push the flush button, both liquid and solid waste are reduced to ash. The ash is so fine that the holding tank only needs to be emptied once a year. It also makes for a fine garden fertilizer if you add it to a compost heap.

Eco John's process is non-toxic and emits no odor, which I know is true having tested it myself.

Its design is typical Scandinavian; clean, elegant and simple. Eco John is almost completely maintenance free. It works off the grid and most importantly is environmentaly friendly. If this isn't a product of the 21st century, then I don't know what is.

Eco John was recently introduced in the US and I know they would be more than happy to answer any questions about their products but first visit their site for all the appropriate information.

more pictures after the jump

Posted by diverseawareness at 1:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | | |

May 10, 2006

GASP & SWOON, Xbox Portable

Writer Dean Takahashi claims to know Microsoft is working on its own portable game machine. In fact, he's so sure, he's written a book about it called Xbox 360 Uncloaked.

In the book, Takahashi says Microsoft has moved nearly half of its team onto this new project in hopes of getting the device on the market halfway thru the Xbox 360's life - to sufficiently bridge the gap between what will then be an aging Xbox 360 and their future game console.

Although the author doesn't reveal who his sources are, he does mention how Microsoft is not content to let Nintendo and Sony rule the portable market.

Very interesting if true. I don't know what to think of a portable Xbox. I'm pretty sure it will have Origami like functions and try to be an all-in-one portable device.

via game industry biz

Posted by tranism at 3:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

JBL Speakers Galore

Not to be lost amidst all the E3 news, JBL announced two new speaker systems/docks for the iPod and the PSP.

The PSP gets its own variation of On Stage. The 6 watt speakers will run you $129.95. If it sounds anything like its iPod cousin, I say save your money. It's not worth it.

On the other hand, the 60 watt Radial for the iPod seems very interesting. As the name suggests, the speaker wraps around to give you sudo 360º surround sound. It'll set you back $299.95.

Both will be available in June.

Posted by tranism at 2:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | | |

RevoPower

No, I'm not talking about the Nintendo Revolution Wii. I'm talking about turning your ordinary bike into an electric one.

RevoPower is patented wheel that incorporates a 25cc two-stroke engine and a gear train entirely within the front wheel. The 1.1 HP motor is equivalent to 5 humans. (5 humans equals 1.1 HP? That's really sad. We really are one of the slowest mammals on Earth). With all that extra power, you can ride longer, farther, faster, and harder. Okay, maybe not harder but we all like to dream don't we?

RevoPower isn't yet available but if you're really interested, sign up on their mailing list to be the first to receive info about it once it hits the market.

Posted by tranism at 2:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | | |

May 4, 2006

My Nintendo DS Lite

I finally got my DS Lite today. Sorry for the crappy photo. I got the "enamel blue" color. I find myself constantly wiping the fingerprints and smudges off just like I did when I got my PSP. It's funny how much more care I take with it now.

I'm off to E3 next week and I'm def. bringing my DS and PSP incase there are download goodies to be had.

plankton is getting a white DS. Too bad they don't make a hot ass pink one. He would def. get it in that color

Posted by tranism at 2:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | | |

May 1, 2006

SCOPE Watch

Looking like something out of a Tom Clancy novel or video game, the techno-geeks over at Tokyo Flash managed to get a handful of these SCOPE watches.

It accurately tells time by using a coordinate-graph system; columns indicate hour, rows indicate minutes.

Made of stainless steel with a 1 year warranty and comes with both English and Japanese manuals. Sells for $130 U.S. and like every other Tokyo Flash timepiece, it's sure to grab some attention.

Posted by tranism at 6:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | | |