Personal Computing
The SideShow Notebook with auxiliary display
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January 8, 2007 This looks like it might offer some significant advantages in the way we use our laptops when we’re on the move. ASUS today introduced a compact 12" wide notebook with an external 2.8" QVGA TFT LCD auxiliary display on the LCD cover with the new W5 series design dubbed SideShow. SideShow is an independent operating system that it can be switched on without booting up the whole system. With imbedded flash memory, users can save selected data (text, image and audio) to SideShow for later review. The external system is well synchronized with the main operating system and users can set for automatic outlook (emails, calendar and meeting appointments) update when the main system is powered on. Read More
New chipset delivers Wireless Digital Video
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December 15, 2006 Uultrawideband (UWB) solution developer WiQuest has introduced its new WQST100/101 chipset incorporating WiDV (Wireless Digital Video), the company’s innovative new technology that is the first to deliver wireless transmission of high quality digital video for PC and HDTV applications. WiDV Technology was developed specifically to address the unique requirements of efficient video transmission using ultrawideband wireless connections. WiDV coexists in combination with other protocols, such as Certified Wireless USB from the USB Implementers Forum. The technology leverages WiQuest’s breakthrough, 1 Gbps extended data rate to enable a true, high-resolution wireless digital video experience for the consumer. WiDV builds upon the WiMedia Common Radio Platform exactly like other protocols such as Wireless USB. It peacefully co-exists with other protocols that are also based on the WiMedia radio. Read More
Lexmark X9350 Wireless Office All-in-One (AIO) with Duplex printing
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December 7, 2006 The availability of the new Lexmark X9350 Wireless Office All-in-One (AIO) with Duplex printing seems to have been largely overlooked by the technology news sites, but in our view it’s a significant machine, partly because it’s wireless, and mainly because it offers printing on both sides of the page. Given the amount of office paper used in every organization and considering that duplex printing is indeed a rare thing in SOHO environments, the US$280 Lexmark X9350 makes a lot of sense. Read More
Wireless USB hub promises new functionality
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December 5, 2006 We suspect this new US$200 goodie from Belkin will rocket straight to the top of a lot of people's holiday wish lists. As the First UWB Product to hit the U.S. Market, the Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub enables instant wireless connectivity of USB devices and will be available for purchase in the U.S. in mid-December with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia to follow at an indefinite date, pending respective country’s regulatory approvals. The US$200 Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub is the industry's first USB Hub that does not require a cable to connect to the computer. Utilizing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology with the Wisair chipset, this hub will give desktop-computer users the freedom to place their USB devices anywhere in the room without running long cables and laptop users the ability to roam wirelessly with their laptops around the room while still maintaining access to their stationary USB devices so you can print, play music, scan, download photos, and burn CDs from anywhere in the room. Read More
Matrox DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go now Mac compatible
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November 30, 2006 The amount of screen real estate on your computer has a direct relationship to your productivity, which is fabulous if you have a computer capable of driving multiple screens. Increase devices will provide never before seen multi-monitor configurations for the Mac platform. If you have one of the latest Macs, you may be able to drive one of the company’s 30 inch monitors, and possibly two, but before today, two was the maximum number of screens you could drive with a Mac. Now Matrox has upgraded its DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go systems so they are compatible with select Apple Macintosh systems. Both DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go are palm-sized boxes that connect externally to a notebook or desktop computer and uniquely allow users to attach two or three monitors respectively for an incredible multi-monitor configuration. Read More
Iomega’s 560GB desktop storage solution
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November 17, 2006 Iomega’s Second Generation Desktop REV Loader 560 is shipping and as you can see from the piccie, it really looks the goods. The autoloader provides access to 560GB of native storage (or 1.12TB of compressed capacity) by managing up to eight removable 70GB REV disks in a compact desktop form factor. The new REV Loader 560 is 18cm tall and 13cm wide and offers a total backup and archive solution for small businesses by bundling with each REV Loader 560 a license for CA BrightStor ARCserve Backup for Windows, including support for disaster recovery. It hence offers an automated backup device at a street price of around US$1,600 with 70GB disks at US$69 each or in four-packs for US$250. Importantly, it offers an alternative to tape backup products that rely on very slow linear-access technology, delivering up to 30MB/sec data transfer rates with random access capability, which is up to 10 times faster than many tape alternatives such as DAT-72. Read More
ThinkPad X60 Tablet PC takes touch-screen to next level
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November 16, 2006 According to IDC, convertible tablet PC unit shipments will reach more than one million this year and more than four million by 2010, an inevitable consequence of field-bound industries such as healthcare, insurance, real estate, government, education and sales recognising that tablet PCs are the best option available for computer-based efficiencies right now. And Lenovo today pushed tablet state-of-the-art forward with the announcement of the ThinkPad X60 Tablet, a next generation convertible tablet PC with a 12-inch screen offering an indoor/outdoor, anti-reflective/anti-glare MultiView screen for increased viewability combined with the new MultiTouch feature that allows users to move the cursor with their pen or finger. The MultiView/MultiTouch high-resolution SXGA+ screen combination along with the 170 degree viewing angle means improved usability for the healthcare professional recording patient information in a hospital, the real estate agent taking notes in a home or the sports coach reviewing statistics at a game. Read More
BenQ FP241W - the world's first HDMI LCD
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November 4, 2006 After a release in Asia earlier in the year, BenQ has launched their impressive 24-inch LCD to the rest of the world. Not only managing the title of the world's first LCD with an HDMI input (and the ability to playback 1080p HD video without conversion), the FP241W boasts specifications that wouldn't be out of place in an expensive flat panel TV. Read More
Microsoft’s new Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000
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October 28, 2006 Given all the convergence going on, it seems those items which we cannot do without will begin attracting their share of additional powers. Accordingly, Microsoft’s four-in-one Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 makes perfect sense. It’s still an ergonomic Bluetooth laser mouse with all the company’s signature comfort and performance features, including tilt wheel and magnifier button but it also functions as a slide presenter, a laser pointer, digital ink device and a media remote control. So you can click through the slides of a presentation, highlight a key message with the laser pointer, draw on the presentation screen or control your Media Centre PC remotely. The bottom of the mouse features all the control buttons needed for presentation navigation or media control; users can play, pause, change tracks and adjust volume, or watch a DVD and it’s compatible with RealPlayer, iTunes and Windows Media Player. All for less than a hundred (US) bucks! Read More
MacBook Pro goes Core 2 Duo
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October 24, 2006 Apple has updated its entire range of MacBook Pro laptops, all of which are now powered by Intel's new Core 2 Duo line of dual-core CPU's. A choice of 2.16 or 2.33GHz CPU, up to three gigabytes of RAM, an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 (capable of driving a 30" Apple display), and the ability to dual-boot Windows and OS X legally - all in a 1 inch thick case. With the grunt, compatibility, and portability offered here, it's clear why more professionals than ever are realising the futility of remaining subscribed to just one side of the platform wars, and buying their first Mac. Read More
New removable disk-based storage device
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October 11, 2006 The new RDX QuikStor looks like it’s worth a look for the power users amongst us as it has a 30 MB/sec transfer rate and can hence back up 80 GB of native data in less than an hour. It’s a disk-based storage device with removable cartridges and combines all the advantages of tape with the instant random access of a hard disk, and is claimed to come in at a lower cost than competing low-end tape solutions. Cartridges come in 40 GB, 80 GB and 120 GB capacities and are fully forward and backward compatible without limitation, meaning that future cartridges with ever-increasing capacities and faster data rates will work in legacy systems. The drive costs US$354 and MSRP for the cartridges starts at $139.
Elecom builds a better keyboard
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October 5, 2006 Whether you’re a gun touch typist or a turbo hunt-and-pecker like most of us, you'll more often than not hit the keys on your keyboard slightly off centre and sometimes you’ll hit it on the side or corner of the key and make a typo by hitting the key next to it or failing to record a stroke at all. Now Japanese manufacturer Elecom has introduced a new gear drive mechanism which uses four gears under each key to ensure each key press is recorded cleanly regardless of where you actually press. The company claims a significant reduction in typos so if they’re anywhere near the mark, we’d suggest that we’ll be somewhere in the queue too. Available later this month for approx 5000 yen depending on the model you seek. Read More
The not-so-ugly diNovo Edge keyboard
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October 4, 2006 If there were a technology beauty contest, the keyboard would be a shoe-in for last place, being the epitome of organisationally dyslexic, high-tech-by-accident unsightliness. But in the world of the keyboard, Logitech’s new diNovo Edge keyboard is indeed a beauty, though we’re gonna stop way short of Logitech’s PR copywriter’s description of it being a “minimalist work of high-technology art.” Reflecting the growing importance and visibility of the PC in today’s home, the rechargeable diNovo Edge has some compelling features such as an integrated touch-sensitive navigation and scroll panel, and includes embedded Bluetooth wireless technology (and it aint as ugly as a normal one). Read More
LCD Monitor with integrated iPod connectivity
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October 3, 2006 Okay, this is the last time we mention iPod ever … well at least for today. Every time we see another very cool iPod peripheral we swear it’s the last one we’ll run but they keep coming and this integrated ViewDock display from ViewSonic has forced us to succumb yet again. It’s the first “Made for iPod” LCD display with an integrated iPod dock and popped up at the 2006 Apple Expo in Paris, receiving a Best of Expo 2006 award. The ViewDock monitor expands media player possibilities by integrating an iPod docking station into a widescreen display and we reckon this idea has some longevity to it as it offers immediate access to a screen 65 times larger than an iPod screen and might spawn yet another direction for the way we access our media. Read More
Seagate sets new magnetic recording density record of 421 Gbits Per Square Inch
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September 19, 2006 Seagate Technology has claimed a world magnetic recording density record of 421 Gbits per square inch (421 Gbit/in2) using perpendicular recording heads and media created with currently available production equipment. Dr. Mark Kryder of Seagate unveiled the findings during his keynote presentation at the IDEMA DISKCON show in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the hard drive. We are very fortunate to be able to include Dr. Kryder’s entire slide presentation in our image library – some remarkable information and insights into the past, present and future of the hard disk drive – including forecasts that by 2014 we’ll have 200GB one inch drives and 12 terabyte 3.5 inch drives. Read More
The Hard Disk Drive turns 50
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September 14, 2006 Awww shucks – we missed another birthday. Yesterday was the big FIVE OH of the hard disk drive, as on September 13, 1956, IBM shipped the 305 RAMAC. The 305 was the first magnetic hard disk for data storage, and RAMAC (Random Access Method of Accounting and Control) technology became the industry standard in short order. The storage capacity of the 305's 50 two-foot diameter disks was 5 megabytes of data, cost tens of thousands of dollars a year to lease and weighed in at more than a ton (that's it pictured with the girl on top). Just to put it all in perspective, the modern computer is 60 (born February 14, 1946), the colour television is also 50 (born July, 1954), the digital camera is 30 (born October 7, 1975), the Apple II that became the first successful mass-produced PC is 29 (born April 17, 1977), the Sony Walkman (arguably the first identifiable forefather of the MP3 player) is 27 (born July 1, 1979), the IBM PC that started the whole IBM PC-compatible boom is 25 (born August 12, 1981), the computer virus is 20 (first known occurrence January, 1986), the MP3 is just 11 (born July 14, 1995) and the banner advert is 11 (born October 25, 1994). The first computer? Try 184 years old, for Charles Babbage’s programmable, steam-powered, “difference engine” and the world’s first computer programmer (Babbage's assistant and daughter of English poet Lord Byron, Augusta Ada King, the Countess of Lovelace) would be 191. Some excellent piccies in the image library with this story. Read More
Ultra-compact, 12GB USB drive for US$169
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September 14, 2006 We’re not sure what Freud would say about our fascination with small things, but PNY Technologies new MaxFile Attache has really got us excited. Just how much data can you fit into something so small it'd be easy to lose? The tiny USB 2.0 hard drive offers 12GB of storage space and it’s so small that three of them will sit on a standard-sized business card and still only rise 1cm above the desk. That’s 2.4 x 1.25 x 0.4 inches or 6.1 x 3.1 x 1.00 cm and that really is small. Clearly designed to offer portability to all that must-have data at all times, the Attache includes backup and synchronization software so users can sync everything from their e-mail, documents, favorites and settings wherever they go. PNY's MaxFile Attache goes on sale tomorrow with an MSRP of US$169. Read More
Belkin's CushTop and PocketTop offer comfort when using your laptop anywhere
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September 13, 2006 Using a laptop away from a desk can result in some pretty ugly scenes – there’s a reason you don’t see too many people curled up with a laptop. As usual, if there’s a company likely to apply a bit of lateral thought to improving the situation, it’s Belkin. The company’s new CushTop and PocketTop enable you to use your laptop comfortably while on your couch, bed or floor. The US$40 CushTop acts as a cushion, providing padded comfort between your laptop and your lap. The US$50 PocketTop acts as a case and mobile workstation, providing a built-in cooling pad and storage space for laptop accessories. Both will ship in North America in November, with launches in Asia, Europe and Australia to follow prior to Santa coming (apologies to all those who don’t believe in Santa).
HP joins Apple and Dell with 30-inch computer screen
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September 7, 2006 According to IDC, business PCs, monitors, printers and other peripherals will continue to comprise well over half of the worldwide hardware spend through 2010, which could total nearly $1.4 trillion between 2007 and 2010. So it’s not surprising to see competition mounting in the“mammoth” screen-size territory with HP yesterday introducing a 30-inch diagonal wide-aspect screen, the HP LP3065 display to take on Apple's 30-inch Cinema HD Display and Dell's UltraSharp 3007WFP. The LP 3065 will be available in time for Christmas (November 1 to be exact) at US$2000. The specifications of the new screen can be seen here and a detailed image of the all black monster can be seen here. Read More
Logitech Interactive 2.0 PC Speaker System with built-in display, and touch-sensitive controls
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September 1, 2006 Logitech’s new US$150 Z-10 Interactive 2.0 Speaker System represents an interesting new design for PC speakers. With built-in touch-sensitive controls and a backlit display that shows digital-music track information, a clock, volume and more, these trophy speakers are meant to be touched and seen -- in addition to filling a room with studio-quality sound. By putting touch-sensitive controls on the face of the Z-10 speakers, Logitech has eliminated the need for people to toggle between applications to control their music on their computer monitor. Read More
The ATP Petito - the shoeBox of the 21st Century
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August 31, 2006 ATP Electronics Petito is both a fashion statement and a USB drive - designed to be worn on the body or a keyring, its locket-like looks suggest it should store valuable personal information. Slightly more than twice the size of a standard USB plug, the pint-sized drive yesterday took out Storage Products Guide’s Global Excellence in USB Storage Customer Trust 2006 Award. Our favouriute quote on the minuscule Petito comes from PC World Editor Edward N. Albro who wrote, “the Petito brings us closer to the day that someone will lose data due to accidentally inhaling the device it's stored on.” Read More
World's coolest USB hubs
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August 27, 2006 The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is no misnomer – whatever the hopes for its universality might have been when it came into existence a decade ago, they have almost certainly been exceeded. Indeed, the success of USB connectivity is evident on just about every desk as the daisy-chaining design has created a nest of wires, a gaggle of portable storage devices, and a bunch of digital devices which depend upon USB to give your host computer regular data transfusions such as the equally prolific MP3 player and digital camera and coming plague of Bluetooth devices. Accordingly, it’s no surprise that USB hubs have become commonplace too. Our prize for the coolest USB hub design we’ve seen goes to the Self Destruction Button - a four-port hub designed to look like the button that would launch a nuclear attack, complete with cover and key. Runners up in the coolest USB hub competition include the four-port Google USB Mouse Pad, the four-port Coffee Cup Hotplate and the Hanaro Plus, the world’s first integrated ubiquitous device (a EUR115 combination hub, microphone, camera, speaker, flash memory port and video conference system). Everything here via RedFerret Read More
Logitech announces new mice with hyper-fast scrolling
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August 24, 2006 It just might be a major breakthrough in PC navigation, though we won’t know until we’ve tried it but the claim is credible. Logitech has announced two advanced mice that it claims will significantly speed the task of finding and manipulating content on a computer. Both mice feature hyper-fast scrolling with a an alloy wheel – the MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel – that spins freely for up to seven seconds, spanning hundreds of pages with a single flick of the finger and setting a new benchmark in scrolling efficiency. Computer navigation with these mice is also enhanced with an innovative search feature that allows the selection of a word or phrase on a Web page or in a document and, with a single click, the viewing of Internet search results on that subject. And with their ergonomic designs, the new mice offer a level of comfort that makes them become a virtually imperceptible extension of the hand. Read More
Sony merges LCD TV with desktop PC
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August 23, 2006 Combining the power of a PC with a quality LCD and stylish design, Sony today unveiled the new VAIO LS1 TV/PC Combo. Featuring a framed display with a transparent border for a stunning, floating effect, the LS1 model packs the essentials for powerful computing into a slim chassis discreetly hidden behind the back of a flat-panel 19-inch WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD display. The new VAIO LS1 TV/PC model incorporates an Intel Core Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a roomy 250 GB hard drive for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously, such as watching and/or recording a TV show while downloading music in the background. Read More
The Logitech EasyCall Desktop combines speakerphone, headset, mouse and keyboard
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August 18, 2006 As convergence progresses and we see more functionality shoehorned into the one box, the interfaces to the box will logically grow in number. With the introduction of voice-over-IP services and the growth of broadband, it’s logical that different people will want the VOIP interface they’re most comfortable with and that’s why Logitech has developed the EasyCall Desktop - the first combination of a mouse, keyboard, headset and speakerphone. With integrated controls for placing and accepting calls, EasyCall Desktop makes the process of making, accepting and controlling Internet calls on the PC more like using a mobile or traditional phone. Read More
TrekStor introduces 8GB USB Stick
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August 18, 2006 German storage manufacturer TrekStor has introduced a USB stick with eight gigabytes of storage. Measuring about twice the width of current USB sticks, though thinner and shorter, the new TrekStor Model CS-D stick is available in six (US$140) and eight (US$180) gigabyte models. The CS-D is 1.25 inches wide, 0.375 inches thick, and 2.5 inches long including the cover but does NOT use flash memory, employing a miniature shock-mounted one-inch hard drive. The CS-D weighs less than an ounce and is intended for same daily use as flash-technology memory products. Read More
The IBM PC was released 25 years ago today
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August 12, 2006 It's just 25 years ago today since the revolution started. It is hard to believe, given so much has happened as a direct result, but it’s just 25 years ago today that the IBM 5150 Personal Computer hit the shelves for the princely sum of US$1565 (more than US$4000 in equivalent 2006 dollars). The IBM PC (Personal Computer), the original version and progenitor of the IBM PC compatible hardware platform was introduced on August 12, 1981. It wasn’t the first personal computer, trailing Apple, Commodore, Atari and Tandy, but it was the one that kick-started the PC boom and Microsoft’s Operating System business (originally DOS and much later, Windows) – two decades later more than one billion personal computers had been sold and the world is now heading towards ubiquitous computer usage. The Times has a nice piece and Wikipedia covers the development of the PC in great detail. Dan Bricklin put his thoughts down at the 20 year anniversary and they’re still fascinating and relevant. Come to think of it, it can’t be 25 years – we demand a recount!!!
QWERTY keyboards deserve to die
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August 4, 2006 We are fully in agreement with Triggerfinger’s company motto of “QWERTY keyboards deserve to die” so please do your bit to let people know that there’s an alternative to the old dinosaur that was invented 150 years ago. Triggerfinger has developed software that turns any game controller into a replacement for a keyboard/mouse for a media PC, laptop/mobile and Game Console. The software was developed to provide freedom from the onscreen or QWERTY keyboard found on most computers and the use of a hand held input device eliminates these problems by putting the keyboard/mouse in the palm of your hand. Experts in Human Factors think the acceptable threshold for text input is 15 wpm. Triggerfinger research shows an inexperienced user with an hour of instruction on a Triggerfinger-enabled device exceeds this established base line. This compares very favorably to an onscreen keyboard or stylus text input. Demos and video of the software are available here. Read More
Phantom Phantom Lapboard at last?
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August 4, 2006 The Phantom Lapboard is a combination wireless keyboard, wireless optical mouse, one-touch features, programmable keys and flat surface that enables easy use of a computer while seated in a lounge chair. The Lapboard keyboard rotates 360 degrees to accommodate left- or right-handed users, inclines on a 22-degree angle, provides USB and headphone/microphone ports and has interchangeable key-face technology designed for game-specific and business software applications. It’s been so long in coming (two years behind schedule) and so eagerly anticipated, that the word Phantom might stand a chance of displacing the better known term of Vaporware if the saga were to draw on much longer. Bottom line though, we think the marketplace demand for the Phantom Lapboard will be so great that it’ll be a success. The latest glimmer of hope from the company came yesterday when it was announced it will display the Lapboard at the Games Convention (GC 2006) in Leipzig, Germany running August 24-27. Read More
Acer introduces 20-inch Wide-Screen High Definition-DVD Notebook PC
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August 2, 2006 The desktop replacement market continues to grow and the trend will be accelerated with the latest release this week from Acer. Introduced to the world in June at Computex Taipei, the new 20.1-inch wide-screen Aspire 9800 high-definition notebook PC is now available in North America combining cutting-edge multimedia PC performance, HD-DVD technology, IP-based communication facilities, and superior TV, audio and gaming functionalities. Ideal for mainstream and full-feature multimedia segments, the Aspire 9800 is perfect for the savvy home user, student or SOHO professional, who desire a High Definition (HD) solution - a PC and television in one - for intensive multitasking and entertainment enjoyment. The HD video and picture quality for advanced graphic design and realistic visuals is perfect for gaming and HD movie presentation. With a digital and analog hybrid TV-tuner and remote, the Aspire 9800 delivers dedicated performance for watching traditional TV, recording TV shows and capturing video, along with HD-DVD technology and a host of other entertainment options.
New Intel processors deliver record performance and consume less power
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July 28, 2006 Intel, the world’s number one chipmaker yesterday unveiled 10 Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Extreme processors for consumer and business desktop and laptop PCs and workstations, reshaping how computers perform, look, consume power, sound and produce heat. Intel Core 2 Duo processors feature two complete computer engine cores on a single chip. The highly anticipated processor family already has very broad support with more than 550 customer system designs underway -the most in Intel's history. Ultimately, tens of thousands of businesses will sell computers or components based on these processors. And the prognosis is good. Read More
Bamboo Computer
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July 20, 2006 Every little bit counts and if saving the planet is one of your passions then you might wish to consider these Bamboo LCD monitors. Bamboo is a renewable resource and instead of your computer casings being made in plasticky stuff that’ll last a thousand years (and then some) past its usefulness, at least a tiny part of the monitor will be recyclable and you’ll feel warm and fuzzy knowing you’re doing your bit for the planet and besides, what a great way to show what a caring individual you are. Philanthropy isn’t a budget sport though as the 15 inch monitor costs UKP184.68 (US$340) and the 19 incher UKP254.97 (US$470). Read More
Bite-sized Micro Vault USB Drive
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July 17, 2006 Personal storage devices continue to get smaller as can be seen from this picture of Sony’s "byte-sized" Micro Vault Tiny drive family. We’re fascinated by the continued evolution of the personal solid state drive in its many forms and wonder where it might lead given a few years. About the thickness of a quarter, Micro Vault Tiny differs from its peers on several fronts, the most obvious being its tiny size, and five color-coded capacities -- 256MB (orange), 512MB (violet), 1GB (blue), 2GB (green) and 4GB (purple). Measuring roughly 1/2 inch wide and just over one inch long, the unit comes packaged in a clip-on carry case that can be worn as an accessory, attaching to a cell phone case, purse strap, key chain, or clipped onto a notebook cover. Read More
Powered Shoes - another breakthrough Virtual Reality interface
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June 30, 2006 Each year the place to be for anyone in computer graphics, animation and virtual reality is the SIGGRAPH conference which will be held in Boston (July 30-August 3) this year and some of the incredible exhibits planned are just beginning to come to light. One that really captures our imagination is this set of powered shoes developed by Hiroshi Tomioka and Hiroaki Yano at the University of Tsukuba in Japan. The University of Tsukuba is a hotbed of research with a lot of development of virtual reality interfaces underway. The Powered Shoes are just one of a number of projects designed to enable a person to realistically move through a virtual world without needing to move from the spot. Working like reverse roller-skates, the Powered Shoes effectively cancel the horizontal displacement of the user as they are driven from electrical motors in a backpack worn by the user, enabling omni-directional walking while maintaining the wearer's position. As such, the powered shoes are an important advancement in the world of entertainment and simulation and are the only viable alternative we have seen capable of emulating the capabilities of the landmark Virtusphere, Read More
Microsoft's backlit, rechargeable, wireless keyboard
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June 30, 2006 Now let’s get one thing straight – we hate the QWERTY keyboard. It is 150 year old technology masquerading as high-tech and strangling the productivity of the world’s computer users. But until a viable alternative to the predominant computer input device comes along that has enough momentum to survive, we’re prepared to acknowledge the ongoing incremental improvement of this ghastly device. Microsoft is the world’s largest producer of keyboards and has offered some significant enhancements along the way, most notably the tilt wheel and the Magnifier and is set to release a wireless keyboard that is both rechargeable and backlit. It's even pretty smart for a keyboard as the ambient backlighting turns on when a room is dimly lit, and proximity sensing turns it on when the user's hand approaches. Read More
