Alice Chess Set

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home, Misc. Tech,

Yasmin Sethi’s Chess Set was inspired by the classic novel “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” In the novel, the heroine becomes a human chess piece. Yasmin’s pieces are opaque until they are placed on the surface of the board. Then they become transparent. They are made of LightPoints, a glass material with LEDs. The designer says that his creation has a point.

“This is a comment on how a chess piece has no value unless it is in play on the board. If removed from the board, a pawn and a queen are equal, in that neither have any value.”

Hmmm. Very deep stuff. Fans of the Lewis Carroll novel will also appreciate the White Knights that only function when they are upside down.

Read More | Yasmin Sethi

Lexmark Z2420 Wireless Printer

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Misc. Tech, Wireless / WiFi,

Lexmark has released the Z2420 Wireless Printer, meant for students and homebodies. With 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution, it features up to 25 b/w and 18 color ppm. Connect with 802.11 b/g wireless network and wireless computer or with USB cable The printer has Accu-feed technology for less paper jamming and automatic cartridge alignment. The Lexmark Imaging Studio software helps for altering images and printing can be scheduled. All this for the mini-price of $79.99.

Read More | Lexmark

Voodoo Envy 133 hands-on gallery

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Features, PC / Laptop,

Everyone knows that thin is in, and HP is no exception, as their Voodoo line is about to drop the Voodoo Envy 133 notebook computer into their selling channels. What’s so cool about this notebook? Well, it currently has the bragging rights of being the world’s thinnest notebook. Yes, even thinner than the MacBook Air, and it even packs in more features than Apple’s ultraportable as well. We’ve got a comparison gallery of the two devices coming to you later today, but first we wanted to push out a gallery dedicated to showing off the Envy 133. It is definitely a beautiful piece of machinery with lots of style packed in. Heck, even the keyboard keys look cool. So click on over to check out of Voodoo Envy 133 gallery.

EDIT: We just put up our MacBook Air vs. Voodoo Envy 133 photo gallery.

Read More | Voodoo Envy 133 gallery

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Bleeding Edge TV 275: The EeeStick motion game controllers from Asus

Posted by Nate True Categories: Gizmatic, Home Entertainment, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Video Games, Videocasts, Videos,

At the Asus booth during Computex 2008, we had the pleasure of looking at their new EeeStick video gaming controllers. Similar to the Nintendo Wii‘s Wii Remote and Nunchuk, aiming and player movement is controlled by swinging the right controller around and moving the left thumbstick.

Sunrise Kuo of Asus showed us a demo of the controllers in action. When they’re ready in July or August, they will be packaged with the Asus EeePC 901 or EeePC 1000 models.

EveryScape Goes Beyond Google Maps

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Corporate News, Internet,

A Massachusetts online company has released the beta Everyscape that takes Google mapping an extra step. When you hit their site, you click on a location and see not only the outside but the inside of tourist attractions, musical venues, museums, etc. Click again and you can get detailed info.

“While Google has focused their technology on building a better map, we wanted to do more and replicate the experience of actually being somewhere,” chief executive Jim Schoonmaker said.

The work is being done by “destination ambassadors” that use specialized equipment to map by the mile. It’s a nice idea that seems like it has a long way to go.

Read More | ABC News

Lego and Rubik’s Cube Artwork

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Toys,

We remember going to Legoland a few years back and noticed that adults played with the blocks as much as the kidlets. (They are placed at the various restaurants in the park.) We are amazed at all of the genuine artists that continue to work with Legos and Rubik’s Cubes to make creations. Check out this collection that is incredibly impressive. Designs vary from the Rubik’s puzzle to Zach Clapsadle’s amazing LEGO Steam Machines.

Read More | Dark Roasted Blend

Video: How AT&T is getting “iReady” for iPhone 3G launch

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Handhelds, Portable Audio / Video, Videos,

Alright, we’ve given you details on the iPhone 3G pricing scheme, let you know that the iPhone 3G launches at 8:00 AM on July 11, and even hit you with the iPhone 3G Guided Tour. Not enough for you? Well, AT&T put together a video showing how they are preparing for the iPhone 3G launch, and even what you can do beforehand, and on launch day, to speed up your purchase. They are calling it being “iReady.” Yeah, they went there.

Topia HUVO Electric Vehicle

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation,

Smaller than the Smart Car, but probably more dangerous in high traffic areas, is Topia’s HUVO, a prototype single-seated electric vehicle. Weighing only about 330 lbs., the vehicle has a body frame of high-tensile steel plate, doors and back of aluminum alloy, a roof of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic,) and a windshield of polycarbonate. The interior and wheel covers are made with ABS resin. We are thinking that you had better get lots of insurance with the HUVO, as running into a tree or a stiff wind would probably total the mini-car.

Read More | Tech-On

USB Chameleon

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Misc. Tech, Toys,

We never tire of USB toys and found one of the reptilian ilk. Sit the Chameleon on your monitor or desk and plug him in with the included 1m cable. The 12cm long creature will rotate his eyes and randomly flick his tongue. The Chameleon is available in three different color patterns for £12.99 (~$25.33.) At the very least, it will scare off any anamatronic flies or mosquitoes in the area.

Read More | Gobaz

iPhone 3G US pricing finally revealed

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Portable Audio / Video,

A few days ago we tried to make sense of the iPhone 3G pricing confusion that people have been going through. Well, we are happy to report that Apple and AT&T have finally provided all the answers we need on this front. Pricing for the iPhone 3G will be as follows:

$199 8GB model, $299 16GB model:

• New customers who activate a new line of service with AT&T
• iPhone customer who purchased their phone before July 11
• Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount

$399 8GB model, $499 16GB model:

• Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount.

$599 8GB model, $699 16GB model:

• Customers who want to purchase an iPhone 3G without signing a contract
• Customers who enjoy getting royally screwed

Click to continue reading iPhone 3G US pricing finally revealed