As storage space has continued to grow, we’ve seen numerous different solutions for those looking for something a bit more portable for laptops or even to use between multiple computers. While network storage devices and adding more internal storage are always options, external hard drives are the way to go for most people.
External hard drives have been a dime a dozen over the past several years, leaving the consumer stuck with some generic or over priced device that isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. So when Hammer Storage sent us their MoreSpace 500 for us to review, we defaulted to being skeptical. Surprisingly enough, that left us even more satisfied with the product then we could have imagined.
Intel has been passing around the Atom name on a few of their different processors over the past several months. There have been two Atom processors as of late: the Centrino Atom (known in-house as the Menlow chipset) and the Atom (known as either the Silverthorn or Diamondville chipset).
What does this mean for you? Well besides sounding like a fool to the 4 people who know what’s up in the entire world, nothing. The Centrino Atom, used in MIDs and UMPCs is now nameless while the Atom itself gets to keep the name. As Intel figures out exactly what they’re looking to do name wise for the formerly mentioned Centrino Atom, we’ll keep you posted.
The 3G iPhone has come out the door with mixed blessings and a group of angry customers. It seems that world wide, those utilizing the 3G network on their new iPhones have been running into problems with keeping good signal strength, dropping calls, and connecting to an EDGE network when 3G is available. Originally this problem had been blamed on the network, but as it has popped up in other countries as well, analysts are beginning to change their opinion.
The popular opinion at this point is that the chipset and radio protocol stack that the iPhone utilizes is actually a little under-developed for what it needs to support. These same critics believe that an update of the caliber needed to fix this issue is unlikely, while rumors have been flooding in that Apple is actually working on a fix at this very moment. Look’s like we’ll have to wait and see.
The theoretical use of nanotubes is expanding. More and more ideas are popping up as to what we’ll be able to see out of these finely coiled carbon nanotubes. While some scientists are wasting their time away trying to make armor out of them, others are aiming their hopes a little lower. Like at making bouncy cell phones.
Scientists at Clemson University have not only managed to develop the best way to align these nanotubes, they’ve also created a cost effective method for mass producing them at a reasonable price. This means that in the near future, you may be that much more comfortable with dropping your cell phone as you know it will bounce.
The FCC has been a great source of information in the past few years, revealing plenty about new gadgets before they are even spoken about at conferences. So when Sony tried to slide their PSP-3001 under the radar and straight through the FCC, we had to wonder why.
The design is lacking more than anything else. The only feature that it looks to have over the PSP-2001 is that it is being tested for use on the 2.4GHz spectrum allowing it to connect to 802.11b WiFi. The rest is a road of disappointment.
There’s no GPS, 802.11 N, Bluetooth, or redesigned mic and home button location.
Perhaps more is hidden in the confidentiality documents that Sony requested. Only time will tell.
Hey everybody! Let’s go green!
Samsung has lead the way with the green cell phone revolution (probably more like a limp movement) through the relaunch of their E200 phone. This Olympic version of the phone is colored green and made of bioplastic. Bioplastic is extracted from plant matter such as corn whereas typical plastic is synthetically made with polycarbonate which produces a significant amount of CO2.
Even the box it’s packaged in is made from uncoated recycled paper!
The president of Samsung telecoms division stated that “We strive to make more products as green as possible and to proactively set up and expand a phone recycling system”.
Production of the W510 and F267 in eco friendly versions is already under way.
If you’ve ever wanted an awkward looking little device to plug your iPod into, we’ve got just the perfect one. Meet the iPig. This little docking station from Speakal has five drivers in it, including a 4in subwoofer, adjustable bass, 360 degrees of pure rocking sound distribution. Oh, and did I mention it looks like a pig?
Check out the press release below:
Prices of Solid State Disks (SSD) are dropping like crazy recently. Don’t believe me? Check out what Dell has started offering:
Their XPS line-up has been well known for having versatility all around. But being able to buy a 128GB SSD for the XPS M1330 and M1530 laptops for just $450 is quite the price cut.
While this is nowhere near as good as the type-o we saw reducing the price of the upgraded SSD to $80 less than the regular system, it’s a step in the right direction for the format that everyone is craving to get in larger quantities.
The drives are direct from Samsung too, so that’s got to same something for the quality.
In a surprising turn of events, Chrysler has reported that their highly anticipated in-car EV-DO solution known as Uconnect Web will actually be launching on August 25th. Uconnect Web was intended for a release within the 2009 year, but apparently we’ll be seeing this feature available to all prospective 2009 Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge owners.
The device that supposedly will provide download speeds between 400kbps and 800kbps with uploads around 400kbps is reported to “never lose the connection”. For the $499 the device costs, plus the $35-50 installation as it won’t be done in the factory, along with the $35 activation fee and $29 monthly subscription fee, this baby better be exactly what it says.
I wonder what Toyota/Honda are up to!
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard any more breaking news about the Microsoft Surface. So when we stumbled upon this commercial, we figured we had to share it.
It’s a little over the top even for Microsoft, but it does show you a little bit more of how the Surface looks in action (even if it’s a theatrical style presentation). So as these nifty devices start making their way to Sheraton Hotels, will this be the type of surfing we see on them, or will it be a lot more disturbing?
Watch the full video after the break.