Engadget

G-Technology's external G-DRIVE mini / G-RAID mini appear with SSDs within

1/6/2009 11:01:00 PM

Across the way at Macworld, G-Technology has dropped in to launch what it (mistakenly) calls the industry's first family of external SSDs. Who knows, maybe it's playing up that "family" angle, but these certainly aren't the first SSDs to link up with machines from the outside. Minutiae aside, we're still pretty pumped about the G-DRIVE mini and G-RAID mini, both of which house 2.5-inch SSDs that promise to operate in a cooler, quieter fashion. The former unit is set to ship in 120GB and 250GB flavors, while the latter will arrive with 250GB or 500GB within. Also of note is the port assortment: USB 2.0, FireWire 800 and -- wait for it -- FireWire 400 (eSATA is included as well on the G-RAID mini). G-Technology asserts that the G-DRIVE minis will hit read rates of 75MB/sec and write speeds of 60MB/sec (the RAIDed siblings will top out at 195MB/sec), and nary a power supply is needed when using powered USB / FireWire sockets. Look for 'em to come pre-formatted for OS X later this month starting at $599.

Filed under: Storage

G-Technology's external G-DRIVE mini / G-RAID mini appear with SSDs within originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP Mini 2140 reviewed, very loved

1/6/2009 10:38:00 PM

No sooner does HP announce the Mini 2140 than we get reviews from two lucky outlets who seemed to have fallen in love with the netbook. While it retains the sturdy case, ExpressCard / 54 slot, and not-quite-full-sized keyboard that reviewers loved with its predecessor, it also has the awkward, narrow touchpad and side-mounted vertical buttons. Performance is said to be on par with other Intel Atom N270 machines, and while high marks go to the larger screen, Computer Shopper says the 1024 x 576 resolution gave some smaller letters a bluish "halo" effect when compared to the Eee PC 1002HA's 1024 x 600 screens. Also, the $30 optional six-cell battery sounds like a must-have, as that added bump gave Laptop Magazine over 7 hours of web-browsing time. Both sites are heralding this as one of the best netbooks on the market -- is that enough to get your attention?

Read - Consumer Shopper review
Read - Laptop Magazine review

Filed under: Laptops

HP Mini 2140 reviewed, very loved originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next generation of HDMI actually adds some welcomed features

1/6/2009 9:59:00 PM

Every year we stop by and talk to HDMI and every year there's not much new. But finally we are happy to say there are some cool new things coming to the HDMI spec in 2009. Of course it will carry more pixels than the old version and then there is a new smaller connection -- no not that one -- but neither of those really get us excited. The real interesting additions once again fit into the "why wasn't that there before" category. This includes an actual real high speed data Ethernet connection, and we're happy to report that unlike the current data HDMI supports, this isn't in the blanking interval. But that isn't the most interesting feature -- although it might end up being the most, depending on how it's implemented -- the most welcome addition is the audio return channel. Any who's attempted to use their TV's internal tuner knows all too well that currently although you have an HDMI cable running from your AVR to your TV, you still need another Toslink cable running back from your TV to get the surround sound out of your TV. Thankfully this will be the thing of the past, well, that is after the spec is implemented in upcoming products and you replace all your HDMI cables.

Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment

The next generation of HDMI actually adds some welcomed features originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Novatel's MiFi 3G hotspot

1/6/2009 9:37:00 PM

We've talked about the svelte silver -- and a black version is in the works -- MiFi card and of course CES gave us a chance to put one to work. And, well, what can we say, it works as advertised. While we've not had a chance to speedtest it, hide it in the darkest corners of the temporary Engadget Mansion or otherwise abuse it, we know we want. Launch is expected sometime midway through 2009 on some US CDMA carrier with two GSM / HSDPA variants coming shortly after. Short video of it doing its blinky thing after the break.

Continue reading Hands-on with Novatel's MiFi 3G hotspot

Filed under: CES, Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals, Networking

Hands-on with Novatel's MiFi 3G hotspot originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2009: Hands on with Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds

1/6/2009 9:31:00 PM

We've seen so much of the Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds already that our first time getting hands on the machine felt strangely familiar. The slide-out screen felt sturdy, and it's capable of swiveling 30 degrees forward and any steps in between. The tablet isn't going to replace a Wacom anytime soon, but it'll get the job done in a pinch. The laptop itself is rather bulky, but what do you expect when you're packing this much power? Check out the gallery below for pics.

Gallery: CES 2009: Hands on with Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds

Update: Added video after the break.

Continue reading CES 2009: Hands on with Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds

Filed under: CES, Laptops

CES 2009: Hands on with Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry Curve 8900 caught on the lam in some T-Mobile store

1/6/2009 9:15:00 PM

The good news: odds are decent your local T-Mobile store has a Curve 8900 locked away somewhere. The bad news: you can't have it. Word on the street is that T-Mob staff are under strict orders to keep the 8900 out of shopping bags until February 11, the last rumored launch date we'd heard, so keep saving your pennies... to, you know, bribe a store this week.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

BlackBerry Curve 8900 caught on the lam in some T-Mobile store originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UiRemote is like a remote... in your iPhone

1/6/2009 9:01:00 PM

Yeah, sure, name any IR-equipped phone in existence and odds good to excellent that you can find a universal remote app for it, but you probably can't think of many for the iPhone, now, can you? They exist, yes, but they tend to carry a home-automation slant since the lack of an infrared port leaves the thing relegated to WiFi duty. Enter UiRemote, an ambitious little project undertaken by a handful of scrappy University of Toronto students that uses a fingertip-sized IR blaster connected to the headphone jack paired with a totally customizable app to get the job done. Novel? Not necessarily, but when you consider that a dedicated remote with these specs would probably run half a grand, it's an interesting way to save money and still end up with the coolest AV controller on the block. The devs are still tweaking both the module and the app, but hopes are high that they'll be available to all interested parties in the next couple months.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds, Home Entertainment

UiRemote is like a remote... in your iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaCie breaks off quad-interface 2big Quadra RAID drive

1/6/2009 8:49:00 PM

LaCie already delivered two new pieces in its collection yesterday, but apparently the 2big Quadra simply demanded its very own day of promotion. The classically styled (thanks, Neil Poulton) drive arrives with twin bays for up to 3TB of storage and support for four RAID modes including the traditional RAID 0 / 1. Transfer speeds can hit up to 165MB/sec through eSATA (3Gbits/sec in RAID 0), and the the quadruple interface -- USB 2.0, eSATA, FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 -- means that whatever machine you happen upon will likely be equipped to handle it. Moreover, it's fully compatible with Apple's Time Machine software and comes bundled with Genie Backup Manager Pro / Intego Backup Manager Pro for those in need. It'll be yours for the taking later this month (in 1TB, 2TB and 3TB sizes) starting at $299.99.

Filed under: Storage

LaCie breaks off quad-interface 2big Quadra RAID drive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asus features modded G50 with 4.3-inch secondary computer, oh my

1/6/2009 8:31:00 PM

What's 1 primary laptop plus 1 secondary, smaller computer equal? Want, that's what. Asus just showed us a modified ~~G50~~ M50 media laptop with a secondary 4.3 LCD ~~display~~ computer with some help from Microsoft here at Asus' CES presser. Microsoft actually calls it "two computers in one chassis" running independently from each other but sharing a common battery. The smaller computer will run for over 12 hours for all your widgeting (contacts, email, etc) needs -- alas, it does not appear to be removable. Funny thing is, not a single mention by Microsoft about SideShow. Check the video after the break, it's compelling and nerd sexy to see a movie launch from the small, second computer onto the larger display.

Update: We spoke to Asus and learned that this prototype is planned for production this year. A version featuring a removable, secondary computer (think MID) is a possible followup.

Continue reading Asus features modded G50 with 4.3-inch secondary computer, oh my

Filed under: Laptops

Asus features modded G50 with 4.3-inch secondary computer, oh my originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eee PC T91 convertible tablet lives (Update: Video!)

1/6/2009 7:58:00 PM

It's been expected for months, now Asus has announced its Eee PC T91 convertible tablet ripe for a fresh Windows 7 tossing. The 2-pound (right, two!), 1-inch thick tablet features an 8.9-inch LED backlit touch panel riding atop Intel's Z520 Atom processor. It also features a TV-tuner and built-in GPS. No other details yet but it won't be long.

Update: Added video after the break of this svelte convertible floating in air with its incredibly dreamy UI. It's destined to make all your touchable dreams come true. No, really.

Continue reading Eee PC T91 convertible tablet lives (Update: Video!)

Filed under: Laptops

Eee PC T91 convertible tablet lives (Update: Video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Logitech G-series peripherals, Harmony 1100

1/6/2009 7:49:00 PM

We just had a chance to get our hands all over Logitech's G-series peripherals, including the G19 keyboard, G9x mouse and G13 gameboard. The G19 keyboard feels very responsive if not a bit hefty, but the real catch here is the 320 x 240 LCD. You can navigate through YouTube using adjacent keys, and the Britney Spears video we ended up watching was particularly crisp. The rep told us it'd be able to play anything compatible with Windows Media. The G9x mouse is what you come to expect from earlier Logitech entries, with a very responsive scroll wheel. As for the G13 gameboard, the right side-mounted joystick felt very comfortable and all they keys well-placed. Programming the keys for the G13 and G19 was a fairly straightforward process with software. We also got some time with the Harmony 1100, but unfortunately we didn't have a chance to see how well it interacted with the computer. The device itself is surprisingly lightweight and the screen very bright. Hit up the gallery below for pics.

Gallery: CES 2009: Logitech G-Series, Harmony 1100

Filed under: CES, Gaming, Peripherals

Hands-on with Logitech G-series peripherals, Harmony 1100 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asus' S121 with world's first 512GB SSD

1/6/2009 7:13:00 PM

Pfff, forget those itty bitty Eee PC SSDs. Asus' 12.2-inch mini laptop weighs less than 3-pounds and offers 8-hours of unplugged freedom with some help from Intel's Atom Z520 processor and ASUS' own Syper Hybrid Engine tech. Most notable is that massive (price too we expect) 512GB SSD, a world's first in a laptop according to ASUS. No price or dates yet, expect those along side the official press release later today.

Filed under: Laptops

Asus' S121 with world's first 512GB SSD originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asus' Eee Keyboard revealed

1/6/2009 7:03:00 PM

The Eee train won't stop until all consumer electronics have been assimilated. Today Asus introduced the world to the Eee Keyboard, a full-sized keyboard with built-in PC including WiFi (and Ethernet), speaker, mic, and 5-inch interactive display and touchscreen. It weighs less than 2 pounds and connects to existing displays. Well, it would if it was more than a concept, which, knowing Asus, means someday soon.

Update: We spoke with Asus, the Eee Keyboard is a near final prototype and is definitely going production.

Gallery: Asus Eee Keyboard revealed

Filed under: Desktops, Peripherals

Asus' Eee Keyboard revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NeuroActive Bike promises to train your brain as you work out

1/6/2009 6:50:00 PM

Ok, so it may not be quite the brain-wired contraption that the name suggests, but this so-called NeuroActive Bike is still pretty unique in its own right, and it could possibly be headed to a gym near you. Apparently, the bike has already turned up at a handful of gyms in Canada and France, and the company behind it, Brain Center America, has now announced that it'll be headed to some Lady of America Fitness Centers in the US. The bike itself is basically a standard exercise bike with a built-in Brain Age-type game, which BCA says includes 22 different "brain-stimulating exercises" that'll train different parts of your brain as you work out. No word on a home version just yet, unfortunately, but the basic software is actually available separately if you want to have a go at building your own rig -- and if you do, be sure to send us some pictures.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

NeuroActive Bike promises to train your brain as you work out originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Macworld '09: a show of no-shows

1/6/2009 6:28:00 PM

With Phil doing the honors, nobody really thought Apple was planning on revolutionizing anything this morning -- sure, there were plenty of rumors, like always, but most people weren't expecting the moon. What we were expecting, however, was for Apple to come clean on a few things, so bear with us as we file this missing persons report.

Notably absent:

Push notifications. This was supposed to roll out in September and is sorely needed.
Snow Leopard. Last June Apple said the OS was due in "about a year," so we would expect to start hearing a bit more about it -- or at least notification of a delay.

Woulda been nice:

Matte display options for other MacBooks. Pretty please?
Mac mini refresh. The little box has become woefully underspecced -- especially for the price -- and is also lagging a little in the design department.
A mid-range tower. This is just wishful thinking, but seriously Apple: the demand is there.
iPhone 32GB. In pink, of course.

Dodged a bullet (for now):

iPhone nano. Our hands aren't getting any smaller, and this SimCity isn't gonna get plumbing all on its own.
iTablet. Sure, it's been every Newton-head's dream since forever, but that doesn't mean the market for a UMPC-ish iPod touch-like device is there just yet.

Yeah, Apple doesn't have to do anything -- in fact, that yearly grind of expectation is probably one of the reasons the company is bowing out of Macworld altogether -- but would it really be too much trouble to at least drop some verbaige on some of this stuff? Just wondering, is all. Oh, and in case you're more of a visual type, Apple's video of the keynote is now online, hit up the read link for all the non-action.

Filed under: Desktops

Macworld '09: a show of no-shows originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seagate's Barracuda 7200.12 HD packs 500GB per platter

1/6/2009 6:19:00 PM

Around 1.5 years ago, we were all sitting around in awe of the ultra-dense Barracuda 7200.10. Now, Seagate has doubled up on that gigabyte-per-platter milestone with the Barracuda 7200.12. As of this week, the desktop hard drive with the industry's highest areal density (329 Gigabits per square inch, for those curious) is shipping, as the firm's engineers have somehow figured out how to squeeze 500GB onto a single disk. The 3.5-inch 7,200RPM drive touts a SATA interface, a sustained data rate of up to 160MB/second and a burst speed of 3Gb/second. It's available as we speak in 500GB, 750GB and 1TB capacities, though there's no telling how much coin you'll be asked to lay down in order to take home the bragging rights.

[Via TG Daily]

Filed under: Storage

Seagate's Barracuda 7200.12 HD packs 500GB per platter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lok8u launches Nu•M8 GPS child locator watch at CES

1/6/2009 5:54:00 PM

Little known Lok8u has traveled all the way from the UK to be in Vegas this week, but it's certainly not for the despicable reasons you think. In fact, the locations services company is setting up shop at CES in order to debut its Nuo.M8 GPS child locator, a so-called "innovative new best friend for parents and children." The device is said to be the first of its kind created specifically to be worn by children with the technology "cleverly concealed within a child's digital watch." Granted, the styling is questionable for youngsters over 9 or 10, but by that age they ought to be toting their very own beeper, right? Of note, the watch will also send an alert if it's ever "forcibly removed," though it'll cost you £149.99 ($218) for the peace of mind come Spring.

Filed under: CES, GPS

Lok8u launches Nu•M8 GPS child locator watch at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pharos rolls out Traveler 137, coming this quarter for $599.95

1/6/2009 5:49:00 PM

3.5's the magic number with Pharos' new Windows Mobile-based offering: 3.5-inch display -- wide VGA, no less -- and 3.5G data. The Traveler 137 rolls deep with the best HTC has to offer (owing in no small part to their ODM partnership with Inventec, we figure) with 512MB of Flash, 256MB of RAM, AGPS, 7.2Mbps HSPA on T-Mobile USA (seriously!) and European bands, WiFi, 3-megapixel cam, and the kitchen sink thrown in for good measure. Kinda sounds like a keyboardless X1, doesn't it? Look for it to hit retailers this quarter for a nickel under $600.

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Pharos rolls out Traveler 137, coming this quarter for $599.95 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Digital Photo TV and slimmed down LED prototypes should be in pictures

1/6/2009 5:32:00 PM

And, fortunately they are. These pics of the on-even-when-it-isn't Digital Photo TV and slimmer-than-the-slimmest 47-inch concept panels come straight from our inbox to your eyes. The Digital Photo TV, surprisingly, displays a picture, while this 47-inch LED backlit display undercuts LG's own just-announced panel with its mere 8.9mm depth. Go ahead, be amazed, we won't blame you. Check the full PR after the break for more of the surprises LG has in store.

Gallery: LG Prototype Displays CES 2009

Continue reading LG Digital Photo TV and slimmed down LED prototypes should be in pictures

Filed under: CES, Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

LG Digital Photo TV and slimmed down LED prototypes should be in pictures originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WowWee mixes it up at CES: Cinemin pico PJ, new Alive Cubs and more

1/6/2009 5:27:00 PM

Can you say "diversify?" WowWee can, and it's saying it loudly and proudly here at CES 2009. While the company has surely dabbled in areas outside of straight-up robotics before, it's never taken it upon itself to product a suite of pico projectors nor pets designed solely as sleeping companions. No need to wipe the sand from your eyes -- the same company responsible for Mr. Personality is dish out a Cinemin line of micro PJs (powered by TI's DLP technology) here in the desert. Moving on, we're also informed of the Spyball spy-cam, a remote controller, WiFi-enabled robotic ball that strangely reminds us of American Gladiators. The company's got plenty more in its bag of tricks too, including the Joebot and Roborover robots, FlyTech Lightstar flyer / Hoverpod racer, four new breeds of Alive Cubs and a fresh line of "pajama pals" dubbed Sleeping Cuties. Hop past the break for details on the whole crew.

Gallery: WowWee mixes it up at CES: Cinemin pico PJ, new Alive Cubs and more

Filed under: CES, Robots

WowWee mixes it up at CES: Cinemin pico PJ, new Alive Cubs and more originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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