New Home Gadgets

Posted Mar 20th 2008 1:27PM by Joshua TopolskyFiled under: cellphones It seemed pretty impressive when a user managed to get Windows Mobile 6 Standard up and running on a busted old HTC StarTrek — but WM Professional 6.1 on that badboy? You had us at hello. A member of the xda-dvelopers forum named Erofich has managed to hack together an install of the touchscreen-only mobile OS for the decidedly non-touchscreen flip phone. The configuration includes a number of workarounds for using the keypad as opposed to a finger or stylus, and it looks like there aren’t a ton of issues right now. We’re pretty sure that this isn’t the speediest or most robust implementation of the software, but it’s an admirable feat nonetheless. (Read the full post about ‘Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional running on an HTC StarTrek’…)

Share This

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

The NZXT Tempest Gaming Chassis is one mean looking PC case, featuring half a dozen fans that ensures every single processor inside will remain cool, thanks to superior airflow generated. In detail, the fans consist of two 120mm intake fans, a pair of 140mm exhaust fans, and one side and one rear 120mm fan to complete the happy family. You also get pre-drilled cable routing holes that make it a snap to store excess cabling right behind the motherboard, reducing the chances of restricted airflow. The 8 hard drive bays are also positioned right in front of the two intake fans, making sure all of them operate at optimal temperature even if you’re out in the Sahara. The NZXT Tempest will retail for $99. (Read the full post about ‘NZXT Tempest Gaming Chassis’…)

Share This

Ever since we moved house (um, over a year ago now) I’ve lacked proper storage for my (many many) books. I’m not a hoarder: I’ve given Hefty bags full of books to charity and sold lots of my stash on Amazon, but my windowsill/makeshift bookcase is becoming increasingly overloaded and let’s not even mention the boxes in the hall closet… Rather than actually doing anything about this problem, I’ve been spending time online. More specifically, I’ve taken to drooling over the delicious variety of storage options on display on the internet. I don’t want to rush my decision until I’ve seen what’s on offer, after all. (Read the full post about ‘Bookshelf blog offers some unusual and innovative storage solutions’…)

Share This

Rockstar’s Bully caught a lot of bad press even before it ever came out on the PS2. That was baseless, and most of those decrying the game’s subject matter hadn’t even seen the game in action. What else is new, right? Then the game came out, and some people relaxed. That’s until it was discovered that you could kiss boys in the game. Oh, heavens no! And now, as the game comes out on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii, the game’s getting bad press again. But this time it’s from the gaming media, not from the mainstream media or conservative critics. Read on to find out why everybody else might be wrong about this game, or perhaps why they are right–for now. (Read the full post about ‘Review: Bully: Scholarship Edition for Xbox 360′…)

Share This

Posted Mar 20th 2008 12:54PM by Ryan BlockFiled under: cellphonesOur latest micro-series, Screen grabs chronicles the uses (and occasional misuses) of real-world gadgets in today’s movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with a screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com. Last night’s Daily Show discussion on the nation’s impending recession prompted John Hodgman (aka PC) to bust out his Uncle Rico-esque time machine to take a peek into our collective economic future. We’re still trying to decide whether it’s richer in irony that (not unlike Jon Stewart) Hodgman an iphone, or that he pulled it out and used it upside down Charlie Sheen / Bionic Woman style. (Read the full post about ‘Screen grabs: disoriented, time-traveling Hodgman takes call on upside down iPhone’…)

Share This

The StereoStone Fountain Speaker is a marriage of convenience, bringing together a piece of garden decor and audio playback courtesy of its 250-watt, 8″ dual voice coil speaker, concealed within a water fountain. It boasts a wrought iron-look and features a built-in fountain as well, providing you with a relaxing environment that is completed with the inclusion of a speaker, enabling you to enjoy your favorite relaxing tunes while listening to the gentle bubbling of the fountain. The Fountain Speaker will be available this April, retailing for $599.95. (Read the full post about ‘StereoStone Fountain Speaker’…)

Share This

Just like Duracell bunnies, scientists working for the Pentagon have finally managed to develop insect cyborgs that are able to last a whole lot longer, making them useful for recon missions without being detected by the enemy. Part of DARPA’s Hi-MEMS program, the plan includes aims to implant micro-mechanical systems [MEMS] “inside the insects during the early stages of metamorphosis”, ensuring that tissues grow around and fuse with the minuscule machines as bugs get older. The whole idea is to remotely operate these insects using “direct electrical muscle excitation, electrical stimulation of neurons, projection of ultrasonic pulses simulating bats, [or] projection of pheromones.” Don’t think the SPCA will have anything negative to say about this, as it is a matter of national security and bugs generally don’t seem to feel the pain. (Read the full post about ‘Cyborg Bugs Longer Lasting Now’…)

Share This

Posted Mar 20th 2008 8:37AM by Darren MurphFiled under: Laptops Upon initial inspection, we had a hunch the ECS G10IL would emerge as one of the most desirable of the low-cost lappies. Now that ECS has filled us all in on a few more pertinent details, we’re feeling all the more sure of that assertion. According to new specifications loosed on the outfit’s own website, we can look forward to a Diamondville, er, Atom CPU, Windows XP or Linux under the hood, a single RAM slot (up to 2GB), an HDD or SSD, 1.3-megapixel webcam, 4-in-1 multicard reader, a 8.2- / 10.2-inch glossy display and a 4- / 6-cell battery for good measure. (Read the full post about ‘ECS’ Atom-based G10IL gets more attractive by the minute’…)

Share This

The Hotdog Temperature monitor ensures that your little pooch does not overcook itself while you carelessly leave it inside your car under the hot Vegas sun. Whenever the mercury goes over a preset temperature, the unit will automatically wind down a couple of windows, flash the lights and honk the horn to alert the attention of those all around, with the owner in mind. Heck, it can even be programmed to send pager messages should the need arise. The Hotdog Temperature Monitor retails for $366.45 which is rather pricey. My suggestion is, if you actually need to buy this, you’d best not keep a dog at all lest you accidentally kill it indirectly due to negligence. (Read the full post about ‘Hotdog Temperature Monitor’…)

Share This

Posted Mar 20th 2008 10:19AM by Darren MurphFiled under: Misc. gadgets While many thrill rides we yearn to strap ourselves into aren’t even in the US, a new ride headed to Universal Studios Orlando is apt to thrill the YouTube generation — on purpose. Reportedly, designers are crafting the so-called Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit to cater to those obsessed with technology (that’s us) by enabling patrons to personalize their ride by choosing their own tunes and creating a music video that can be uploaded for all your envious friends to see as soon as you can whip out that 3G card and mash “upload.” ‘Course, there’s a few loops, drops and a 167-foot-tall peak, but it’s the “digital audio and video effects” during the ride that you’re really anxious to experience, yeah? (Read the full post about ‘Rockit coaster tapes your ride, produces best YouTube vid ever’…)

Share This