Dell Adamo XPS: Waiting with Bated Breath

Dell Adamo is back and slimmer than ever if you can believe that. The latest iteration of the laptop whose name means "to fall in love with" is incredible 9.99 mm thick and will quite possibly be the slimmest laptop on the market -- for now. Aside from that, little else is known about the Adamo XPS except that the starting price will be a whopping $2000, that the little beauty is still made from aluminum and using the heat from your finger, the lid will automatically open.

I guess we'; have to continue drooling over the images until tomorrow when Dell finally launches the latest in the Adamo series. Although it seems almost obvious that the laptop will be running Windows 7, the steep price tag pretty much guarantees that this won't be a mass market machine. Limited images and stats aside, what kind of features would a computer have to include to make you eager to fork over $2000?

Via Engadget

Samsung announces Premium Plus memory cards for Taiwan

Branded memory cards from Samsung are soon set to see the light of a Taiwanese day thanks to Samsung's interest in fortifying its presence in the flash-memory retail market.

The memory cards from Samsung, called Premium Plus, will be available in SD, microSD and Compact Flash (CF) formats with capacities of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB. So what really makes them "premium"? The cards comply with the Secure Digital class 6 ratings for performance. And they are designed for rugged wear - shock-resistant, water-resistant and protected from damage caused by magnetic interference. The memory cards have an average read rating of 17MB/s, with the CF cards upping the ante several notches higher at 45 MB/s. Taiwan will be the first to experience the Premium Plus memory cards when they release this month.

Via Aving.

XShot iPhone case packs in a tripod adapter around your iPhone

Here's an iPhone case that does a teeny bit more than just snuggle around your iPhone. The XShot iPhone case (3G and 3GS) wraps around your phone to protect and exposes a 1/4? thread tripod mount to snap a few pictures, all at once. Though the case has been designed for the XShot tripods, it works with any other tripod or monopod as well. Your iPhone itself will be safely nestled within the chrome plastic case while you are shooting.

Though it maybe a bit frustrating to use your iPhone at other times with the case on as the adapter juts out rather uncomfortably, you need to use this accessory primarily as a tripod adapter for your phone. The XShot iPhone case starts shipping in November, but if you pre-order now, you get $10 off on the sale price of $29.95.

Via The Red Ferret.

Terracycle makes eco-friendly speakers from orphaned snack bags

Someone apparently doesn't believe in the word "waste". And you bet they are bound to have a few creative genes when they can defy such a powerful word. Well, apparently such creative genes must total much more than one can imagine, for these geniuses from TerraCycle have created the most unique products in their effort to turn waste into something useful.

The company, founded by Tom Szaky, collects waste from groups across the country and turns it into over 100 useful products, in addition to donating money to charities for each "waste" item that it receives. Consider the Frito-Lay Speakers, for example. These funky speakers are made from discarded chip bags. And they are functional. They are foldable speakers that don't require batteries and plug into your mp3 or other portable audio player with a 3.5 mm universal plug. TerraCycle sells them online at $19.99.

So the next time you toss out that used chip bag, think new and send it to over to these sensible folks at TerraCycle - you would have earned $.02 for a non-profit organization or school of your choice, plus the right to brag that you helped create the world's cleanest speakers.

Via Crave.

Sony's S Series Walkman: The S is for Style

Sony's new S Series Walkman Video MP3 players have just hit stores and they're looking mighty fine. Available in 8 and 16GB, the S Series is a stylish, affordable option for the overcrowded MP3 player market. At W 1 3/4 x H 3 5/8 x D 5/16 inches and weighing in at a mere 1.6 oz, the S series is the thinnest Walkman to date, but let its slight frame fool you, this Walkman has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Want to live out those latent DJ fantasies? Now you can thanks to the high quality, built-in “Digital Linear Phase Speaker System” that lets you share your great taste in music with others. In addition to the speakers, Sony has also added their patented “Clear Audio” technology to ensure listeners get quality playback every time.

The MP3 player also comes equipped with an FM tuner with the added bonus of an FM recording feature that allows users to record songs from the radio, just like we used to do in the good old days with tape decks and cassettes. There's also a voice recording feature so you can record memos and reminders. The S Series is compatible with iTunes 8.1 so songs can be transferred using the Content Transfer feature or use can just drag and drop what they need onto the device.

Gilt on the Go: Making Your Guilty Pleasure That Much Easier

For all you fashion mavens with designer tastes but only knock-off budgets, fear not, help is on the way. Gilt.com, the invite-only high end retailer that sells your favorite designer labels at near obscene discounts, recently launched their first web app. Called Gilt on the Go, the app allows thrifty bargain hounds to make the impulse buys of their dreams all by the stroke of noon when the warning bell on Gilt sales usually begin.

Thankfully, you don't have to be on the V.I.P. list to shop with the app, but you'll more than likely receive a form asking you to request membership. Which if the deals are indication, a membership isn't a bad idea at all.

Via Gadgetwise

T-Mobile lets loose glamor with the Sony Ericsson Equinox

T-Mobile adds more allure to its 3G phones with this latest from Sony Ericsson - the Sony Ericsson Equinox (earlier named T707). Otherwise a basic flip-phone in functionality, the Equinox carries some eye-catching bling to push itself to the limelight amongst the other established clamshell models in the market. First is the stylish exterior - after you update your T-Mobile favorites list with your caller friends' circle, the shell lights up to indicate the identity of the caller in one of the five available colors. Say "amber" for good friend Joe and "amethyst" for avoidable Erica. I say, a thumbs-up for people with good memory, and more confusion for those without. Other than that, the external shell also contains an 128 x 36 OLED screen that functions only when you get an incoming call.

If you didn't fall for that, here's the next - the phone flaunts a scratch-resistant 2.2-inch QVGA inner screen, a 3.2MP camera, stereo Bluetooth connectivity, GPS for navigation, and an FM radio. It uses motion sensing for some gesture control - to silence a call or an alarm without opening the device. The phone also supports picture messaging and the provision to directly upload videos to YouTube. Poser or not you decide, but don't say we didn't warn you. The Equinox is due to go on sale today (October 28th) in T-Mobile stores. The price is pegged at $50 with a 2-year contract agreement.

Via UnwiredView.

Pink is the Color of Love...and Gaming

I'm an avid gamer and quiet as it's kept, a hopeless romantic. So when I stumbled upon this during my journeys through the blogosphere, I had to investigate. A Flickr user, created this custom painted Xbox 360 controller for his girlfriend. Why? Because the girlfriend wanted a "special controller". You can let the simultaneous shower of Awwwwws begin now.

As you can see this is one lucky girl, as her beau obviously put some serious love and patience into the project to produce such a quality mod. When I first saw the pic, I thought Xbox had released a new controller. At any rate, this is a victory for quality modding, hours of uninterrupted co-op gaming, and of course, love.

Via Technabob

Philips releases SBA1700 uber-sleek portable speakers

Philips has unveiled its latest portable speakers for the Korean market - the SBA1700. And they are back with the disc-shaped profile, perhaps to please the purists. The speakers show-off an elegant silver finish and weigh a mere 0.3 kg - almost resembling a giant pocket watch, if only much sleeker. They are plug-and-play and connect to an audio source via a 3.5mm stereo connector with the promise of a 20-hour long playtime (3 AAA batteries, 1.5V). Then there is the trademark simplicity of design - the connector cable can be neatly hidden within the back-case when not in use and the speaker itself looped around your wrist like a vanity purse. The SBA1700 is rather dearly priced at around $60, but we bet it will be your every penny's worth.

Via AVING.

Bang & Olufsen puts the spotlight back on landlines with the BeoCom 5

While most of us are obsessed with our shiny smartphones and limited edition luxury cellphones, the landlines have silently borne the negligence. Yeah, remember that very first, "real" communication device which most of us thought we could never get enough of? And yet gave the boot as soon as we laid hands on the cellphone?

So the landline has decided to come back with a bang - oops - Bang & Olufsen's Beocom 5. And it carries the trademark
Bang & Olufsen oomph - great looks and superior audio quality that comes from the same audio technology used in their loudspeakers. The Beocom 5 can hold upto 400 contacts and allows for user-specific customization of display. It also offers a unique feature - the ability to rig up two separate phone lines with the same handset, say one personal line and another for work. The speaker sports a sleek aluminium finish and can handle group conferencing, perhaps when you suddenly feel the urge to connect to lost friends/family. Availability and pricing are still under the wraps, but you know better than to expect budget from B&O.

Via Engadget.

Dell Latitude Z 600 up on sale, quotes $1799 with online discount

Empty your coffers, live like a king. That's the bottom line we place on Dell's Latitude Z 600 flagship laptop, up for grabs now. And the reference made to royalty seems apt considering the strong punch that this temptress packs in - Core 2 Duo 1.4GHz SU9400 CPU, 2GB of RAM, 64GB SSD, Intel's GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics, 802.11a/g/n WiFi, optional WiMAX, optional mobile broadband connectivity, Bluetooth, an Ethernet LAN port, two USB ports, optional wireless USB, a 4-cell battery (rated for up to 4hrs runtime, there's an optional 8-cell pack that you can get to double it) and 8x slot-loading DVD burner.

Now take a deep breath and continue with the beauty's external stats. Being touted as the world's "thinnest and lightest 16-inch laptop", it weighs just 4.5 pounds and is a little over 1/2 inch thick. The Latitude Z 600 boasts a 1600 x 900 LCD display, and a 2MP web camera with face recognition and business card reading functionality. To me, the most alluring asset is perhaps its optional wireless inductive charging stand that allows you to eliminate cord clutter altogether. At an extra cost of $400, however. Speaking of which, the Dell Latitude Z 600 is selling at $1,799 after a $200 rebate, secure with a 3-year warranty.

Better let all your well-wishers know your inability to make any significant monetary contribution to their lives until your next lottery win. Or until you muster the guts to ignore this enchantress. Whatever's earlier.

Via SlashGear.

Elekit tube amplifier is the most gorgeous sound equipment we ever set eyes on

Of all the gadgets that tempt and goad us into poetry (sometimes unintended) while we bring to you the fascinating world of personal electronics, the least we expected to jump into the category was an audio amplifier. But it has happened so, and we couldn't help but be blown over. Completely.

The Elekit EK amplifier is a classic case of ugly-duckling-turns-awesome-swan in the history of amplifiers. It is a vacuum tube hybrid stereo amplifier designed by Koichi Futatsumata, and manufactured by Japanese audio equipment manufacturer Case Real, for the high-end audio electronics company Elekit. That a byproduct of the design motto to make an audio amplifier that would appeal to the younger generation. Sleek steel casing, hidden circuitry and mechanical parts, and all user interaction accomplished with just two aluminium dials sums up this great design. And the specs are overshadowed, if not completely outdone - output power of 10 + 10 Watts, sensitivity rating of 560mV (RCA jacks), 180mV (mini phone jack for your PMP), and 5Hz - 50kHz frequency response band.

Now for the sad news - not only is the sale of the Elekit EK amplifier "yet undecided", but even otherwise you may be far too bank-unworthy to be considered.

Via CrunchGear.

Party Hard, Stay Safe Thanks to Lip Gloss

What's the tantamount rule for a girl's night out on the town? Never leave your drink unattended. For too long, women have been the victims of date rape by way of dosing drinks. It only takes seconds to transform your fun, fruity cocktail into a noxious concoction ala Snow White.

Britain-based cosmetics firm 2 Love My Lips is fighting back with their new line of lip gloss. Called "2LoveMy", this line of glosses comes with a drug testing kit. If you sip your drink and it tastes off or if you just don't trust the skeevy guy in the corner that insisted that it's on him, simply dip your fingers into the suspicious libation and rub it on the included pink testing strip. If the strip turns blue, then it's time to call security and your friends and give that creep the beatdown he deserves.

Available in five quality glosses including Sophisticated Coffee, Passionate Pink and Posh Gloss, "2LoveMy" glosses not only keeps the pervs at bay, it also promises to plump lips and freshen breath. Unfortunately, 2 Love My Lips is currently an U.K. exclusive, but the company is looking to expand to other country so hopefully it'll be jumping the pond soon.

Via Coolest Gadgets

MinoHD's New Attitude

As the market for affordable, easy to use, pocket camcorders has become more competitive, one can't simply rest on it's laurels and rake in the dough. Feeling the hot breath from Apple, Kodak, and JVC on the nape of its neck, Flip is coming out swinging. Almost a year after its debut, the Flip MinoHD is back with some awesome upgrades.

Billing itself as "the world's sleekest HD camcorder", the MinoHD is definitely a looker with it's brushed metal front and rounded edges. If you're tired of the same old black and white gadgets, you can always spruce up your Flip using the pattern generator, design gallery or even use one of your own images to give it that unique bit of panache that you're looking for.

Looks aside, the second generation Mino comes with twice the storage space (4GB to 8GB) which translates into twice the recording time (60 mins to 120 mins). In addition, the MinoHD also has a larger screen than the previous model. Like its predecessor, the 2nd gen MinoHD still shoots video at 720p at 30fps. And with the 2X digital zoom, you can rest assured that the video quality is still there.

Jabra STONE is Stone Cold Pretty

The Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset is one rock you won't want to toss willy-nilly at glass houses or at some offending person. Jabra's newest cell phone accessory combines great tech with ergonomically sound design and smoking good looks. The headset has approximately eight hours of talk time and thanks to the STONE's unique shape, the time will seem to fly by. Designed for the right ear, the STONE comfortably wraps behind your ear eliminating face obstruction caused by the usual bulky Bluetooth headset. When it's not curled on your ear, it fits snugly into its charger giving off the appearance of a smooth black stone.

Feature-wise, Jabra's outfitted the STONE with Noise Blackout Extreme, an advanced noise-cancelling technology. Noise Blackout Extreme blocks out ambient noise while the dual microphones ensure you don't have to shout to get your point across which is good when you're in a crowded area. In addition, users can answer or reject calls, redial the last number called and place calls on hold via the near invisible controls on the front of the headset. STONE can also be used in conjunction with up to two Bluetooth compatible devices.

The Jabra STONE headset will be exclusively available through AT&T on November 8th for $129, It's a little pricey, but if the sound quality is anywhere near the device's stunning looks, it will be a worthwhile purchase. If you're concerned about possible hardware compatibility issues, go to Jabra's site and check out the compatibility box. If your phone is a match, you'll get a "Yes, it will work" message with a happy face.

Via eCoustics

Sony PSP Has Some New Editions

Well by now, you've all heard about the upcoming launch of the latest version of the Sony PlayStation 3, The PS3 Slim. While that was a nice nugget to tickle our fancy, Sony had other tidbits to share. One of which includes the impending release of two brand new PSPs.

Come November, gamers can get their eager hands on the Turquoise Green and Blossom Pink versions of the PSP. Aside from the color, there isn't much difference from the original - but these new units are more than a pretty face. Each new color will be bundled with a new game. Turquoise is slated to be shipped with LittleBigPlanet.

In other handheld news, the PSP will be launching a new digital reader that will allow users to access a range of media. Set to debut in December, Sony has partnered with Marvel Entertainment and other comic book publishers to give gamers an all access pass to comics and graphic novels much to the glee comic fanboys and girls everywhere.

So to sum things up, a PSP by another color is still just as awesome.

Cheat sheets galore for free, just print and go

Oh, boy, here's a treasure. TechPosters offers hundreds of printable cheat sheets for nearly any piece of software, and some hardware too.

For free.

Lots of this stuff is nerd nirvana, but there's plenty for lesser mortals too: everyday programs from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, you name it. Also an incredibly deep trove of all things Google. You can even brush up on elderly classics like ASCII.

Look in the right-hand column for links to all this and more.

TechPosters says it's technical posters and cheats for IT guys. But apparently any visitor is automatically one of the guys.

Synthetic life before 2010?

Will scientists have synthesized a living organism for the first time by the end of this year? That's the breathtaking prediction by Craig Venter--a top-rank molecular biologist whose breathtaking predictions have a way of coming true.

Among the practical reasons for doing such a thing would be creating organisms that can make biofuels or clean up toxic wastes. Might there be other reasons, some of them scary? Stay tuned. Meantime, take a look at the 80Beats analysis.

QLOCKTWO from Biegert & Funk spells time in smart typography

The most precious commodity in a human being's life has always been one that is fathomed by an inconsiderate glance at the timepiece on the wall or one's own body - all in pursuit of the selfish need to spend that commodity called "time" wisely and to our own advantage. Which brings us to the question rarely asked - how much time have you spent in trying to read out "time" itself ? Not more than a few minutes in an entire day, we suppose.

Well, not unless you own this German handmade marvel called QLOCKTWO which demands more than that occasional glance to make sense of time. In this clock there are no numbers, or the industrious pair of "hands". Instead, QLOCKTWO spells out time only via text - typographic time format in 5 minute intervals combined with four-minute dots. The text that spells the current hour is highlighted using light sensors that can automatically adjust the display to ambient light. The clock itself is made of wood with an acrylic face and glass polished edges. And the changing display doesn't necessarily mean that the clock is a power guzzler - apparently its LED technology assures a power consumption of less than 2 Watts.

The clock is available in 6 different colors, and can spell time in 6 different languages as well. And if you think all that beauty is gonna come cheap, buzz off. Apparently it has been repriced "affordably" due to popular demand. At €885 or $1268 a (time)piece.

Via Design Milk.

PS3 Goes "Slim", Annunces Price Drop

Since the start of the next-gen wars, Sony has taken a consistent trouncing from Nintendo and Microsoft, sinking wistfully sinking into the mire of third best selling console. But from the announcements made at GamesCom in Germany, It's seems that Sony isn't ready to throw i the towel, in fact it looks they're ready to come out swinging this holiday season.

Sony just unveiled a smaller, sexier PlayStation 3 dubbed the PS3 slim. The Slim cuts the fat in some substantial ways. It's 36% lighter, 32% smaller and uses 34% less power than the standard PS3. But where it loss the extra weight it gained some serious muscle in the form of a 120 HDD. For a mere $300, gamers can get their hands on the Slim on September 1st, with stores like K-Mart and Sears.

In anticipation of the new arrival, Sony has dropped the prices on all existing PS3, but it seems kind of crazy to shell out $300 on a 80GB unit when you have a better version retailing at the same price in a few weeks. The question still remains, will this be enough to turn Sony's fortune around?

I Want My WD TV Live!

With all the different types of media we now have access to (photos, video, music, etc.), I'm thankful for awesome gadgets like the media streamer. Unfortunately some are way pricier than others and on my meager salary I'm always looking to get the best for my overstretched buck. And in terms of price, Western Digital's update to its popular WD TV is just what the doctor ordered.

WD TV, Western Digital's first media streamer, received a lot of great reviews, but there were a few things that kept it from totally knocking it out of the park -- namely the lack of HD and wireless capacity. Bouyed by the positive feedback, Western Digital remedied those problems with the new WD TV Live. The Live is a total HD affair with 1080p playback for beautiful images and some crystal clear digital audio. The live also supports most of the popular media formats so there's no time wasted waiting for the file to transcode.

Belkin Swivel Hub lets your USB cables stay away from general cable mess

Ah finally, here comes a USB hub that's sensibility personified. Belkin's Swivel Hub could have been just another ordinary 4-port USB hub if not for its ingenious swivel head. The hub can be rotated around its connector to let you position your gadgets comfortably, thereby creating the additional advantage of allowing access to the other USB ports on your PC.

Hear ye all, and take a lesson in sense and simplicity hereforth. Available from Belkin at $29.95.

Via The Red Ferret.

Super charger for iPhone delivers a 3000mAh punch, and a hole in your carry bag

Okay, that was an exaggeration. But really, the first statement that caught my eyes as they rolled over the specs for this iPhone charger called iPa was the line "Super Capacity - 3000mAh, make your iPhone as a whole day parter." Though it took me a long while to recover from the initial blow that the name delivered (who would think of calling it "iPa"?!), it took me even longer to understand the above statement.

Just grammar or Freudian slip, you decide. Nevertheless, our conscience does not permit us to trail off without presenting both sides of the coin, so be informed that this $60 "super charger" promises to extend your iPhone (3G, 3GS) talktime by 8.5hrs, online time by 8.5hrs and video playback time by a whopping 11hrs. All carefully "estimated", ofcourse. And to say the least, the specs are mighty confusing - once we figure out how a device that measures 11.5 cm x 6.6 cm x 2.4 cm in dimensions can be described as being not bulky, but just a "little" extension to the iPhone, will we go back to understand the more complicated statement that we started off with.

Via CrunchGear.

Linux Foundation aims to boost membership with new perks

In an effort to expand its ranks, the Linux Foundation has improved its selection of perks for members. New perks include hardware discounts and the availability of a lifetime e-mail forwarding account at the linux.com domain.

The LF was formed in 2007 when the Open Source Development Labs merged with the Free Standards Group. The organization is responsible for maintaining the Linux Standard Base (LSB) project and also employs Linux creator Linus Torvalds. The group has largely been funded by its corporate sponsors, which include many of the largest companies in the technology industry. Last year, the LF launched an individual membership program, inviting Linux enthusiasts to pay annual dues for various privileges.

Members receive a linux.com e-mail forwarding account and discounts on various conferences hosted by the foundation. The LF obtained the linux.com domain from SourceForge, Inc. earlier this year and has been transforming it into an information hub and social network for the Linux community. The e-mail addresses are not permanent, however, and could disappear if the user neglects to pay the annual dues.

In a bid to increase its membership, the foundation has added several new perks. One of the changes is that users can now pay a flat one-time fee to make the e-mail address permanent. Existing members can get the lifetime e-mail address for $150. New members can get a package of one-year membership and lifetime e-mail for $250. Regular annual dues are $99. Another significant new perk is hardware discounts from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

I’ve been eyeing Dell’s new 537s with Ubuntu, so I decided to put the new Linux Foundation membership discount to the test. The discount is offered through Dell’s Employee Purchase Program (EPP). Ironically, I had serious difficulty finding the Linux-based computers through Dell’s EPP storefront (you can’t get the discount if you just aim your browser directly at dell.com/ubuntu). “Linux” isn’t included in the “Operating System” filter at the EPP portal (though, surprisingly, FreeDOS is). I eventually found the tiny “Open-Source PCs” link towards the bottom of the left-hand column. The discount from Dell is roughly 7 percent, but it’s a pretty nice deal because it stacks with other discounts and coupon codes.

Members also get discounts on O’Reilly and No Starch Press books, Linux Journal Subscriptions, and some ThinkGeek.com purchases. For Linux enthusiasts who regularly buy computer hardware and other discounted stuff, the $99 membership fee could pay for itself pretty quickly. The lifetime e-mail offering, on the other hand, doesn’t seem all that appealing. $150 is a lot to pay for a mere forwarding service.

As the economic downturn compels people to close their wallets, nonprofit organizations have been exploring ways to entice supporters to continue contributing financial resources. Some open source groups have come up with interesting solutions. The GNOME Foundation, for example, has a special Friends of GNOME program that allows contributors to “adopt” their favorite GNOME hacker by supplying a small monthly donation. The Participatory Culture Foundation, the organization behind the Miro media player, launched a program that allows donors to adopt a line of code. The LF membership program lacks the cuteness and novelty of those approaches, but it makes up for it by offering pretty solid perks.

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Linux Foundation aims to boost membership with new perks

Women had The Right Stuff to be early astronauts, but their timing was lousy

Who are these women? They're women who had hopes of being among the first US astronauts some 50 years ago. And we all know how that turned out.

It wasn't that they didn't have The Right Stuff. They passed all the psychological tests and took the same physical as the guys. And (are you surprised?) they often did better. But they were not among the Mercury astronauts, and in fact never really had a shot at being part of that illustrious team.

Henry Spencer, amateur space historian, wants you to know that what kept the women out of space was not the rampant sexism of the time. No, it was just that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had decided to recruit only military test pilots for the program. And it just happened that all military test pilots were men. Because in those years, the US military didn't accept women into pilot training programs.

So it definitely wasn't sexism.

In fact, it was really the women's fault. They had no sense of timing.

For an update on how the women did on the tests, see here. There are also links to a new paper describing the process in more detail.

The 1995 NASA photo above shows some of the women who might have been among the original astronauts if only the times--or their pesky X chromosomes--had been different. They had gathered to watch Eileen Collins' launch as the first female pilot of a space shuttle mission. It only took a quarter-century. From left to right: Gene Nora Stumbough Jessen, Wally Funk, Jerrie Cobb, Jerri Sloan Truhill, Sarah Gorelick Ratley, Myrtle ("Kay") Cagle, and Bernice ("B") Steadman.

LaCie launches Sound2 designer speakers, keeps it within affordable reach

Those glamor kids at LaCie have created something eye-catching again. This time, it is a pair of gorgeous high-end speakers called Sound2, designed by Neil Poulton in collaboration with acoustic engineering company Cabasse.

The Sound2 speakers not only look like a pair of conventional loudspeakers as they rest on your desk, but also claim high quality sound because they use the same sound engineering technology that is built into Cabasse's high-end loudspeakers. The setup itself is a no-brainer - the speakers connect rather simply to your computer via USB or to audio/video devices such as MP3 players and PMPs via the line-in port, with no driver installations being required. What you get under the hood is a Class D Digital Amplifier, magnetic shielding, a bass reflex system, and a 30W total peak output. The speakers also have built-in USB cable, and a dual power mode which means you can use them with a USB cable or with the included power supply.

The Sound2 speakers will be available through LaCie online, or in stores at a price of £89 (about USD $142).

Via Pocket-lint.

Ig Nobel prize winner: A bra that offers support AND life support

What women need are more bras that offer not just support, but life support. A while back I wrote about a sports bra that monitors your heart rate. Now there's a bra with more immediate life-saving potential.

This bra turns into 2 gas masks. One for you, one for a friend.

Behind this at-first-glance-ridiculous invention is a seriously unpleasant event: the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl in Ukraine, usually described as the worst-ever. Scientist Elena Bodnar, formerly of Ukraine, the new bra's inventor, says her design could have kept people from breathing in deadly Iodine-131. This radioisotope was a major contributor to the rise in cancer and other health effects among people in the vicinity. (Thanks to Elizabeth Anderson Moore, who blogs at cnet.)

Bodnar was one of the winners of this year's Ig Nobel prizes. The Ig Nobels are an annual comic-kaze and always one of the highlights of the year in science. The Ig Nobels honor scientific achievements "that first make people laugh, and then make them think."

The photo shows Bodnar demonstrating her bra to three real Nobel laureates. All are wearing her creation, which comes in pink and black. That's the high-profile economist and columnist Paul Krugman on the far right--not his usual position.

Another of this year's Ig Nobel winners is anthropologist Liza Shapiro, who developed a theory about why pregnant women don't tip over: Women's back curves are anatomically different from men's. It's an evolutionary adaptation to upright posture and the need to carry a fetus out in front instead of underneath.

What are all those cables for? This cheat sheet explains

OK, I admit it. I know what a USB cable looks like, and even a mini-USB. But an HDMI cable? Or a component cable? Or VGA, S-Video, and all those other cable mysteries? And yet they're crucial to the tasks in my life.

You're tech-savvier than I am, so of course you don't have that problem. But what I need is a really terrific cable cheat sheet.

Here's the best one I've seen, courtesy of the New York Times: An article explaining what each cable does and what it costs. And, even better, a slide show.

Now it's possible for me and any other cable ignoramuses--not you, of course!--to identify that fat wire. You know, the one with the weird-looking thingy on the end. The one that came in the box with that latest tech toy. Which won't work without it.

Pure Sensia: A Treat for the Ears and Hands

PURE, maker of the wildly popular Flip HD video camcorders is giving the radio a much needed upgrade. The PURE Sensia takes DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and WiFi and brings them under one futuristic looking roof, the first radio to do so. Just turn on the Sensia and the WiFi will stream internet radio and podcasts from all over the web. In addition you can also tap into your computer or storage device and stream music to the Sensia. And if you need a little white noise to soothe your frazzled nerves,check out Pure Sounds "unique soundscapes created by PURE to stimulate, inspire and relax."

The Sensia also comes with a generous 5.7-inch, 640 x 480 pixel high res touchscreen display handy for navigating lists, shifting controls, and scrolling through all the widgets and apps. That's right, the Sensia has a bunch of PURE Apps including Facebook, Twitter, and Picasa, so you can stay connected to all your friends as you enjoy some tuneage. You can also check out station slideshows or album artwork upping your tactile enjoyment.

Polaroid PoGo is Notalgic Fun with a Twist

Call me old-fashioned, but there was something about those old school Polaroid cameras that really made me smile. The anticipation of waiting for the photo to develop coupled with the various methods people had to make the picture develop were priceless. Were you a picture waver, a blower, a combination of the two or did you have your own method? With the advent of digital cameras, we no longer have that kind of "stop and smell the roses" type of fun, or do we?

The folks over at Polaroid have found a way to bring that trademark Polaroid fun into the digital era. Their latest camera, the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera, lets users print their photos on the spot. The Pogo combines a digital camera with a digital printer, the first camera to do so. The camera is a five megapixel point and shoot model with 4X digital zoom. The camera comes with a 3-inch LCD screen to preview your images as well as crop and edit as necessary.

Street Fighter IV Kicks Butt Diva Style

For all those gamer girls that have been kicking butt and taking names in Street Fighter IV Capcom has unveiled the "Femme Fatale" fightstick. Decked out in a pink and white casing with the standard arcade-style buttions, this fightstick is definitely a sight to behold. But this fightstick is more than eye candy featuring some of our favorite Street Fighter heroines, Rose, Sakura, Cammy, Crimson Viper, and of course Chun Li.

There is a catch however. The divalicious controller is a limited edition model with only a thousand being made with 650 being made for the Xbox 360 and 350 for the PlayStation 3. So if you're interested in owning one, you'll need to pony up that $159 before there sold out. The Femme Fatale is currenlty retailing at the Capcom Store and Gameshark.

Via Technabob

Daihatsu: Are you Loco for this Cocoa?

Japanese car maker Daihatsu recently pulled back the curtain on its latest creation. Dubbed the Mira Cocoa, this cute mini-car is specifically being marketed to women. The type of woman being targeted according to the press release jargon are in pursuit of a "fun and laid-back" lifestyle.

The name Cocoa was chosen to reflect how the car gives passengers that warm and fuzzy feeling that occurs when drinking hot cocoa heaping with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel and chocolate (okay, I added the whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate, but it's a great image right?). The design language for the Mira, includes catch phrases like "friendly modern" and "carefree". With it's rounded edges it's definitely non-threatning, but I'm not sure if I would describe the thinly veiled attempt to have the headlights and turn signals resemble eyes all that "lovable", but to each her own. The car's interior is designed to resemble a "well-loved bag." The Cocoa Plus features suede seats that has a deodorizing feature that keeps the car smelling fresh.

Sony's new iPhone/iPod dock comes with subwoofer, USB

Winging towards more serious iPod dock business, Sony has announced the SRS-GD50iP - a 2.1-channel USB speaker system with an integrated iPhone/iPod docking station.

And this doesn't look like just another ordinary dock for your iPod/iPhone to sit pretty - the SRS-GD50iP can directly synchronize the iPod/iPhone with iTunes via its USB interface. Even as it can charge the iPod/iPhone and play music (upto 60W) through the well-designed sound system that comprises a 40W subwoofer(!) and two 10W speakers which can be rigged up to your PC via USB. And oh, like the previous docking stations from Sony, this one too comes with a remote control to allow users to play or pause music as well as control volume levels wirelessly. Neat. The SRS-GD50iP is expected to show up (in the US) during the end of August 2009, at a pretty reasonable price range of $150-$199.

Via Akihabaranews.

Belkin Acessorizes for a Good Cause

Breast cancer continues to be a serious threat to women in the United States. And it's important that we work together to find a cure for this devastating disease. To that end, Belkin, best known for its various accessories designed for consumer electronics will be continue its support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure with its latest iPod cases.

Designed for the 2nd generation iPod Touch, the two cases are stylish and elegant. Both the DualFit and the Grip are done in a black and pink ribbon motif. The DualFit is a machine washable rmband that can fit comfortably on either arm, while the Grip clips effortlessly onto the back of the Touch.

Battery Wizard snaps disposable batteries out of their slumber

The association between batteries and geeks is like a romance between "two young star-cross'd lovers", to take a little help from Shakespeare. Only, the relationship is most certainly polygamous. For, every geek in his lifetime depends on hundreds of different kinds of 'em lovely batteries to maintain his identity. Now, this is where we want to step in and reduce those that he's not taking seriously - the "disposable" ones, you see.

The Battery Wizard has the same noble intent as it turns out a unique battery recharger - one that can recharge both disposable as well as rechargeable Ni-Cad and Ni-Mh batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9v block). Interesting huh? The Battery Wizard can apparently extend the life of standard alkaline batteries by up to 10 times by "reconditioning" them - a process whereby the "batteries' valuable chemical contents are fully utilized". There is an LCD screen that indicates the status of each one of the 4 batteries that you can load at one time. Faulty batteries are rejected and completely dead ones are ignored, if you will.

And don't you worry - the device has been certified for safe operation according to British Standards. Clap, clap.

Available from Gizoo for around $42.

Via The Red Ferret.

The RollTop laptop wraps up like a banner, sports a flexible OLED display

Some geeks are crazier than we imagine. Thanks to their craziness and some great OLED technology, we might soon have laptops that have gone the way of those charming papyrus scrolls of ancient times. Ah yes, if Orkin Design's Rolltop ever comes into our lives, even the zippiest laptops of today may become pieces of history that our children will learn from a trip to the museum.

Okay, that's easier said than done, but no harm in letting ourselves oggle and drool over this crazy German invention that looks (and functions) like a laptop/tablet, but rolls up like a hedgehog when you are done. The Rolltop is the concept for a laptop/tablet PC that has a flexible, multitouch OLED display that spreads out in a 17-inch screen when open, but rolls up into a 13-inch portable cylinder when closed. The stylus, power adapter and USB ports are all on a detachable stand while the other standard accompaniments such as the mouse, keyboard, webcam and power cable are integrated beautifully into the Rolltop itself. And the OLED display also means a much lower power consumption and an "outstanding" battery life.

Is that the most awesome design we've set our eyes on lately? Nah. That's an understatement.

Catch the Rolltop video after the break.

Via Gizmodo.

PlayStation's New PSP is a "Go"

The PSP Go hits stores today for $249.99. Billing itself as "the smallest and mightiest PSP system yet", the Go comes with 16GB of memory and is the first handheld gaming console to break the bonds of cartridges and discs going totally digital. According to PlayStation.com, gamers can access 225 games and over 16,000 pieces of content from the PlayStation Store.

Approximately 43% smaller than previous PSP models, the Go weighs in a barely there 158g and is very pocket-friendly at 128 mm (W) x 69 mm (H) x 16.5 mm. The 3.8-inch screen with 480 x 272p resolution slides up to reveal the controls where I see Sony has decided to stick with the one analog stick model (sigh). Bluetooth and WiFi enabled gamers should be able to get their game on whenever and wherever the urge strikes as well as stay connected with friends via Skype.

Besides the steep price tag, the only drawback is that a way for owners of previous PSP models to transfer their UMD games over to the Go has yet to appear. Other than that, the Go appears to be a pretty solid piece of hardware with a lot of content to keep customers hungry for more.

Incipio cases get your iPod shuffle dressed to kill

Would it be Block, Feather, Loop, Mint, Treat or Wafer that you would trust your iPod Shuffle with?

We would choose all, since these high density silicone cases from Incipio {LAB} Series are not only the cutest we've seen, but also offer a cozy haven for your delicate Shuffle to slide into when you are on the move. All the cases have cut-outs that give easy access to the Shuffle's controls, and are available from Computers Unlimited (UK) at prices starting from £9.95 (USD $16). Just don't leave it anywhere near your canine if you happen to go for Treat.

More images after the break.

Via Pocket-lint.

Monster Wants You to Feel Lady Gaga's Heartbeat

You've heard of Beats by Dr. Dre, the high-end headphones that are the brainchild of rapper Dr. Dre, Interscope Chairman Jimmy Iovine and headphone makers Monster? The top of the line headphones are specially designed to pick up every nuance of your favorite music, enhancing the listening experience. Maybe the Hip-Hop stylings of the legendary rapper/producer aren't your cup of tea, but what about the synth-heavy dance tracks of Lady Gaga? The "Just Dance" singer has teamed with "Beats by Dre" to announce the next line in the popular Beats series, the "Heartbeats by Lady Gaga".

Set to hit stores in October, the Heartbeats are a brilliant mashup of technology and fashion. Noel Lee, Head Monster, noted: "Heartbeats not only had to look great, they had to sound great. Using Monster's latest headphone technologies, that vision comes true. There is no headphone that sounds quite like it, regardless of price..."

Hello Kitty celebrates 35th birthday by getting into a Mimobot flash drive

Undisguised innocence at 35, with looks so bewitching that even a Cleopatra could be put to shame. That's our dear Hello Kitty who celebrates her 35th birthday this November 1st. So you would be justified in expecting more Hello Kitty goodies to hit the market in time for the big day now, wouldn't you?

Just so thoughtfully Sanrio, the creators of Hello Kitty, are teaming up with designer USB flash drive maker Mimoco, to dream up the new Hello Kitty X Mimobot for the occasion. The drives will be out early next month and will store between 2GB and 16GB of data, apart from looking like God's angels sent to redeem us sinners from this planet.

The line will be available for purchase at MIMOBOT.com and SANRIO.com, select SANRIO boutiques and other specialty retailers. The pricing is still under the wraps, but be assured that the adorable kitty is waiting to be lapped up in its new avatar by millions of hungry fans out there who know how exclusive an offer this is.

Via Crunchgear.

Kakuzai wooden memo block brings nature to your desk

Though popular "green" advice admonishes that you think of the tree you are helping to axe down whenever you waste paper, it is difficult to generate the required amount of guilt every time you feed a smooth, white sheet of paper into the shredder. Not to mention that the arboreal origins of that paper is perhaps the last thing that would cross your mind.

The Kakuzai memo block can be of great help under such circumstances as it is designed to make the tree-paper connection more perceptible, literally. The memo block resembles an actual block of wood, while each of the 1200 post-it notes that it dispenses looks like a section cut off from an actual tree. Writing on a sheet of paper that looks like grains of wood can be a bit unnerving, but well, the point is to be frugal with paper now, isn't it?

The Kakuzai memo block is priced at $29 for a block of 1200 notes.

Aiptek's PenCam Trio HD is Small, Real Small

Just when you thought mini-camcorders couldn't get any smaller, here come's the PenCam HD Trio from Aiptek. The 130 x 35 x 19mm PenCam has a an equally tiny 1.1-inch OLED screen that will probably ruin your eyes. But date with the opthamologist aside, the PenCam has some pretty cool features including the ability to shoot high definition video (1280x720p) that can capture up to 30 fps.

The mini-cam can also take some decent stills thanks to the five megapixel lens. The Trio can also upload directly to YouTube and has a digital voice recorder for taking notes. There's also 4GB of memory, plenty to store all the videos, notes, and stills you can throw at it.

Available in silver, black, blue, red, and purple, the PenCam is a Windows-compatible deal. No word on pricing yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Via Engadget

LEGO LED lantern looks good, lights good

Somehow the thought of using this cute-looking LEGO lantern to get me through a dark path is visually more appealing to me than using the conventionally reliable torch.

And it may not be a big risk afterall, since the LEGO LED lantern claims to provide 360-degree lighting using 4 powerful white LED lights hidden within the torso. The hands hold up a swinging handle that you can use to hang the lantern on a hook or to carry it along a dark pathway. Just don't forget to feed the boy with 4 AA batteries. That, always a pain.

The LEGO lantern is available from Perpetual Kid at $19.99.

Via OhGizmo.

MyTouch 3G Gets the Oprah Seal of Approval

The power of Oprah compels you...to buy books, support her causes, and now to buy cell phones. To celebrate her 24 years on the air dispensing advice and controlling the world through subliminal messages and free gifts, the big O has decided to reward her loyal fans. During her 24 Season Kick-Off Party, on September 8th she's announced that she's giving her fans the chance to purchase T-Mobile's new myTouch 3G for the Oprahriffic price of $99.

All Oprah loyalists have to do is enter the promotional code “kickoff24? at the checkout screen at T-Mobile.com and $100 is magically shaved off the price. You do of course, have to be a new T-Mobile customer and be willing to commit to T-Mobile for two years. C'mon, you knew there had to be a catch somewhere.

The offer is valid until September 24th. So now you have a decision to make. Do you jump on this discount like the last chopper out of 'Nam and get a myTouch or do you hold out for one of the hotter Android phones like HTC Hero or the Motorola Cliq? Choose wisely.

Bayer's Contour USB Meter Empowers Patients

If you're living with diabetes or knows someone who is, you know how vital keeping track of every test and every shot of insulin can be -- it's the ultimate case of knowledge is power. For those that with the disease that must test their blood sugars levels regularly, Bayer has released the Bayer Contour USB Meter. The first of its kind, the USB meter is the first blood glucose meter that plugs into a computer for quick and accurate data management for optimal diabetes management.

Simple to use, the patient simply insert a test strip into the meter and take their test as usual. The Contour gives the test results on the easy to read color OLED display and logs it for later use. Able to hold up to 2,000 test results, the devices is a great way to track blood glucose patterns which can be a boon to both doctors and patients. Based on Bayer's CONTOUR system, the meter utilizes the incredibly accurate No Coding technology for results patients can trust. Bayer also added the AutoLog feature that allows users to mark their tests as Before Meal or After Meal for more detailed records.

Vanity, Thy Name is Ad Notum

Let's face it. Sometimes we look so good its hard to stop checking ourselves out in the mirror. Ad notam, creator of the LCD mirror is about to make the dilemma that much harder, thanks to it's new Vanity line of mirrors. Shaped like a halved oval or a subtly curved "V", the Vanity is a stylish way to admire oneself.

The mirror is an ample 23.3" h. 11.2" w. 1.3", making sure there's more than enough view to go around. It also rotates horizontally and vertically so users can always find the right angle. The 5.6" patented LCD Mirror Image is nestled near the bottom of the mirror to further entertain the beholder.

The Mirror Image screen can support a number signal sources including DVD, PC, TV, and HD. It's customizable, so there's always a reason to peer into the looking glass. Prospective buyers can also choose from a number of mounting and sound options.

Easy to clean and pretty to look at, the Vanity mirror from ad notum is a cool place to say your daily affirmations.

In Case of an Emergency, C.Y.A. with the Sterling Multi PowerStation

In case of a natural disaster, the Red Cross suggests that we have a couple of emergency kits prepared for each possible event - tornado, hurricane, fire, etc. Each kit should have basic survival fare like water, food, tools, and a first-aid kit. But what happens if you need to call for help and your cell phone has gone dead.

If you're smart enough to seek out this device, you'll never have to answer that question. The Sterling Multi PowerStation 5600 is a functional and practical gadget to have around in case of an emergency. The PowerStation is a hand-cranked, solar-powered gadget that can solve your power problems with a turn of the wrist. The device can fully recharge the included 3 AA rechargeable batteries, play FM/AM radio, and light a LED flashlight.

The best part of this potential lifesaver is its ability to charge cell phones and other mobile device through the packaged adapters. Unfortunately, this is currently a Japan-exclusive, so if you want to add this handy gizmo to your emergency kit, you'll have to export it over. But at $65 plus shipping fees, this isn't a bad piece of tech to have in the collection, especially when disaster strikes.

Via Gizmodo

Vivienne Tam and HP Unveil Digital Clutch at Fashion Week

Apparently renowned fashion designer Vivienne Tam and computer giant HP have found the sweet spot in fashionable tech. The two have joined forces once again to create the 2010 Vivienne Tam Digital Clutch. The eye-catching tech hit the runway at Tam's Spring 2010 show during Mercedes-Benz's Fashion Week.

According to the press release on HP's website, "The new look in digital clutch chic marries two cultures – fashion and technology – to reflect a transformative spirit and sophisticated lifestyle. It fuses high fashion, small form factor and innovative function to take the personal computer from a necessity to a lifestyle statement for modern-day women on the go." I don't know about all that, but I will say that I appreciate the toned-downed aesthetics on this notebook unlike last year's blaring pink number.

The butterfly motif on gold background is based on the classic Chinese love story concerto "Butterfly Lovers." No word on yet on actual release date or pricing, but if the Tam 2009 netbook is any example, expect to shell out an extravagant amount of cash for a basic setup in a pretty shell.

LG releases XD3 minimalist, portable HDDs

It seems LG has sent out its portable HDDs for a facelift and ended up with a luscious makeover - the XD3 slim, portable HDDs announced for the Korean market.

And the results are appreciable in a single glance - a high-quality, brushed aluminum casing that comes in four colors (red, gold, black and silver) and with rubber padding for shock absorption, plus an enviable 13mm thickness. While it comes to specs under the hood however, there aren't many to make you blush - as with earlier storage drives from LG (XD1 and XD2), the XD3 is available in capacities of 320GB and 500GB, with the same USB and SATA II connectivity. It retails in Korea at a price of 110,000 Won (US $90).

Via Engadget.