Best computer news

Remember back in the days when everyone was looking for a USB 2.0 CardBus for his/her laptop. Now, early adopters are searching for USB 3.0 ExpressCard, and StarTech will be shipping one – powered by none other than NEC uPD720200 – very soon. StarTech ExpressCard / 34 with a huge dongle sticking out of a slot houses two vertically stacked USB 3.0 ports. A auxiliary port is located on the let side of the dongle.

There are a few inherent problems with this card or USB upgrade cards for that matter. For starter, these SuperSpeed USB ports won’t have juice to supply a full 900mA for each port. An optional AC adapter will be needed which adds to the bulk for road warriors. The dongle itself obviously is another problem. It’s simply too vulnerable when laptops are dropped and landed on the side of the ExpressCard, instantly breaking it. Treat it like a $50 early adopter toy, and you should be fine. Should you run into any problems with the USB 3.0 ExpressCard, Startech guarantees lifetime (of the company) warranty.
Permanent Link

Two technologies that were meant to come together finally have, Blu-ray and USB 3.0, in Buffalo’s BR-X1216U3. This self-powered external burner (look here for bus-powered Blu-ray) can burn a 25GB disc in 11 minutes at 12x, 50% faster than other offerings. Buffalo suggests using at least 6x media which is all that’s available currently. Not all Blu-ray discs may be able to burn at this rate, but the faster discs are definitely worth it if your time is valuable. This could save you up to 30 minutes over 2x speed BD-R burning. The Buffalo player also comes with upscaling software for your standard-def. DVDs. With this software you can turn your SD videos into high definition compatible Blu-ray discs. This won’t result in much better quality, but it will allow you the option to phase out your old stuff onto Blu-ray if that’s something you need to do.

Buffalo’s BR-X1216U3 still works with USB 2.0, but you just won’t get the same speed boost. 7x is the maximum you can expect with the previous, more pedestrian standard. To help, it has support for Buffalo’s TurboUSB drivers which can give you up to 15% more speed. They also include CyberLink’s Power2Go software for burning and computer backups with optional encryption. If/when it makes it outside of Japan, you can expect it to run about $450.
Permanent Link

USBinsert has come up with a new marketing tool that it is starting to distribute. An ultra thin USB key that advertisers can drop media files and web links. This USB key is so thin that it can be embedded into (almost) normal cardboard-flyer paper. You pull the key out of the magazine or periodical just like you do with a renewal card or a shampoo sample. This novelty adds a new dimension to marketing and distribution which will help bridge the gap and drive more people to their websites.

The USBInsert web key is comprised of 2 components, the super small USB drive and an “anything goes” body card. The card can be cut and printed to any size and attached to the drive portion or conversely the drive portion can be attached to existing media. This will likely appeal to pharmaceutical companies and trade-show veterans looking to break out of the mold. Anyone looking to try this out for your company’s ventures can dial them up here.
Permanent Link

Creative has improved its classy Vado HD recorder making some small refinements to try and attract some new buyers. This 3rd version won’t knock your socks off, but it may be just enough to finally get it into your hands. It still records video in 1280×720 (720p) HD in H.264 format. The lens no longer protrudes from the body as it focuses. The memory option has now been reduced to only 4GB which makes sense as that’s exactly as long as the battery will last on one charge. 4GB gives you enough for 2 hours of HD video recording and 4 hours of VGA (640×480) recording. This should be plenty for most users and it keeps the price low.

The 3rd gen. Creative Vado HD also adds an external microphone input to clean up the captured audio or extended narrating options. The other touches are pretty minimal including it’s size. It’s down to 93g from 100g over the previous versions. Unlike its predecessor, the Vado HD retains its flip-out USB plug and the Vado Central software, which will help shuttle your videos up to Youtube or Facebook in no time. You’ll still have to shell out a pretty penny; it retails for $299, which is a bit high, but Creative tends to make up for its premium with support.
Permanent Link

Much like a bar would use neon lights to remind patrons about the kind of beers that are being served, these USB-powered kama sutra neon lights advertise the number one function of the internet. The function that keeps you coming back, time and time again.

Product Page and NoveltyGiftCo (£18 or …

The prophecies have come true, the 3rd great operating system has landed on earth. Juggernaut Google, has blessed a Linux flavor and is readying it for it’s entrance into the OS marketplace. No offense intended Ubuntu, you’ve made good in roads in the netbook arena but Google may have the muscle to actually get Linux mainstream. While driver support is pretty minimum, a couple console cowboys have managed to work together a USB bootable version of the Chrome OS so you can try it at home or wherever. It’s not for everyone, getting this to work will take quite bit of know-how. Due for release later next year, this represents Google’s “work in progress” and is definitely not a final product. Peripheral support is limited and Wi-Fi is even more rare.

Google’s OS is a flag in the ground for a future where much more computing is done on the web. The OS as application will fade and applications will move to the web. This means that the OS will be a launchpad for the browser. With any luck this will mean lower boot times and less hardware requirements for client machines i.e. cheaper. Google is targeting the end of 2010 to release a device with native Chrome OS support, so this will have to suffice for the next 12 months.
Permanent Link

There’s no telling how many diseases could have been cured by Razer if they were doing medical research and not masters of PC gaming. The Razer Imperator gaming mouse probably has more technology than some netbooks. The feature stats actually make it sound more like a computer than a mouse. Their latest sensor is able to track at up to 5600 dpi with what they are calling their 3.5G laser. Buzzword abuse. It also ramps up polling to 1000Hz for ultra fast response.

The most notable external feature is the new ergo shape. The high performance Razer mice of the past have had very old fashion designs. The Imperator is bigger and better fits the contours of your hand. Unfortunately, the Imperator is tailored for your right hand only. Lefties will have to adapt or find something else. The thumb buttons on the side – something that the Naga has plenty of – can even be adjusted for high grips or low. Available for order at $79, you should be able to get it home in time for all that holiday fragging.
Permanent Link

We have to say we never seen this one coming. The BassJump from Twelve South whose Mac accessory products range from a laptop stand to surface pad is a truly one-of-a-kind USB subwoofer. Yes, that’s right. Subwoofer. And it takes away one precise USB port from your MacBook. It’s supposed to complement the thin, bass-less speakers on your laptop.

Custom software written specifically for Mac makes calculations to add mid- and low-frequencies, and as a result, blends two different audio sources: MacBook built-in speakers and BassJump subwoofer. The same software also throws in two old-school style VU meters to add some visual experience, and lets you customize sound based the the music genres. Most importantly, it has a one-touch power button so you can always turn on the BassJump at an instant. As unique and creative the BassJump is, we aren’t exactly sure how exciting Mac folks will be when they see the $79.99 price tag.
Permanent Link

Wireless HD video is seen as a killer application for WUSB. When Atlona announces its new AT-HDAiR HDTV Wireless Adapter will have HDMI with digital audio, we know we may have a winner. Previously reviewed IOGear Wireless USB AV kit is equally capable of outputting 720p video, yet only through VGA and analog audio. The most ironic aspect of the IOGear is the number of cables involved in making video to stream wirelessly. It even has a discrete audio receiver. In contrast, the Atlona removes several cables, because the video base station is built in with audio components.

The Atlona AT-HDAiR video base station also comes with VGA interface so you could both the analog and digital interface to output identical content on two different displays simultaneously. Audio for the VGA is is handled by a 1/4″ mini stereo jack. Ideally, video playback at 720p is possible in extended mode. We believe in mirror mode the host PC would be bogged down with the decoding and the process of replicating and compressing the HD moving images for the wireless projection. Keep in mind this is a Windows-exclusive solution. Mac folks should check out this one instead.
Permanent Link

Sony has added new members to their ICD voice recorder family, the UX200, UX300 and UX300F. Sony’s line of voice recorders have always been top-notch. Providing many features and great quality, the ICD line always competes in the digital dictation device market. Sony’s nearest cousin, the UX81 used a built USB plug and wielded a clumsy cap. This model improves upon the old with a convenient flip-out plug in its place. There’s also a bump in size to the LCD display. Other features such as built-in speaker, stero microphone and great noise reduction remain. You are able to adjust playback speeds to 21 different levels perfect for transcribing at your exact pace.

When connected to your computer the recorder converts to a flash drive. The UX200 and UX300 both store their files in MP3 format. The only real difference between the two models is the storage capacity. The UX200 comes with 2GB, and the UX300 sports 4GB, enough for 1072 hours of recordings. The UX300F model includes an FM tuner as well. The recorders should ship in December but prices have not been released. Expect them to cost between $99 and $149 if current trends hold.
Permanent Link