Optimus Prime PC case mod stands nearly seven-feet tall

Published in August 8th, 2007

It’s one thing to create a -themed machine that doesn’t actually, you know, , but to assemble a fully customized PC case that morphs from a menacing computer into a full-fledged robotic destroyer deserves extra kudos. Pennsylvania’s own John Mangus spent some 300-hours over the course of a year building his Optimus Prime machine, which amazingly stands in at six-feet, ten-inches in height and weighs 125-pounds. It’s so big, in fact, that the backs of its legs actually house lockable compartments large enough to cram keyboards (and probably printers) into. Quite honestly, this thing would be impressive without a hint of PCB residing within, but be sure and click through for another angle of what’s possibly the most coveted we’ve seen in recent memory.

Virgin America’s inaugural flight

Published in August 8th, 2007

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We’re at JFK airport right now, for the inaugural flight of Virgin America from New York to San Francisco, and Sir Richard Branson just stepped on stage.

9:27AM: “I don’t know who organized the weather today!” New York got nailed by some horrible weather this morning, and we’re running about an hour late. Stephen Colbert, who the plane is named after and is supposed to be christening the plane this morning, is stuck in traffic, along with a few other main figures. We’re going to carry on all the same. Sir Richard mentions how hard this has been to get off the ground, but it’s finally happening. “It’s time Americans get the airline they deserve, it’s been much too long.” Applause.

9:30AM: And we’re off to our gate! We’ll keep you posted on the proceedings as we can, and be landing on the west coast around 1PM PST.

9:58AM: A few comments have wondered what exactly this flight has to do with gadgets. Hopefully we did earlier this year speaks for itself, and we’ll be playing with all the gadgetry during the cross country flight to let you know just how great in-flight Doom really is. We’re also paying our return flight back, so it ain’t no freebie.

10:01AM: The plane is currently taxiing. We just added a few new pictures to the gallery.

10:08AM: We’re boarding now. They called out Group A for boarding, but there were no takers, so everybody has been invited on board.

Intel’s Wolfdale processor gets benchmarked

Published in August 8th, 2007

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Calm down, you haven’t overslept by a couple of months or anything, as the we’re talking about here is in fact simply a 2.33GHz engineering sample of the forthcoming processor. Nevertheless, HKPEC labs was able to pit it against the 2.33GHz , and the results weren’t too shabby. In a slew of tests including PC Mark, CineBench, Science Mark, SiSoft Sandra, and individual application trials, the Wolfdale managed to best the E6550 in every single facet. Of course, it didn’t exactly blow the current Core 2 Duo out of the water, but increasing performance by nearly 11-percent in Doom 3 and Far Cry, 5.53-percent in PC Mark, and around 8-percent in Office applications isn’t anything to sneeze at. Still, we’ve got ahead before seeing a finalized Wolfdale, but feel free to humor yourself with the preliminary benchmarks below.

[Via ]

US Air Force takes delivery of micro unmanned aircrafts

Published in August 8th, 2007

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Shortly after the Navy announced its intentions to utilize , the US is making sure it doesn’t get left behind by taking delivery of “its initial BATMAV micro unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).” Among the diminutive crafts is a legion of Wasp IIIs, which have a wingspan of 29-inches, weigh in at just one-pound apiece, and carry integrated forward and side looking electro-optical color / infrared cameras. The backpackable devices are meant to be hand-launched and aim to provide “real-time video imagery to a handheld controller used by tactical units” in reconnaissance, , and target acquisition missions. Now, if only these things had an ultra-lightweight chaingun strapped under each wing and were available at the local BX, we’d be sold.

[Via ]

Workaround enables Netflix ‘Watch Now’ titles to be decrypted, saved

Published in August 8th, 2007

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Looking for a new way to use ? Have a account? If so, go on and roll your sleeves up, as a crafty (and acrimonious) fellow has managed to find a workaround that enables you to not only decrypt the -laced “Watch Now” movie files, but save them to your hard drive for future viewing. Admittedly, the process is somewhere between painless and potentially frustrating, but the gist of it involves Windows Media Player 11, FairUse4WM, Notepad, a Netflix account, and a broadband connection. Through a series of hoop jumping, users can now strip the “” files free of DRM and watch them at their leisure and on any video-playing device they choose. Granted, there’s certainly issues of legality mixed in here, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. [Warning: Read link language potentially NSFW]

[Via ]

Buffalo adds Turbo USB to MiniStation / DriveStation external HDDs

Published in August 8th, 2007

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Lately, it’s been Buffalo’s getting all the , but today the firm is showing a little affection for its and . The MiniStation, which is available in capacities of 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, and a quarter-terabyte join the more capacious DriveStation (arriving with 320GB, 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB of space) in offering up the newfangled Turbo USB feature. Reportedly, this amenity “increases performance speed up to 60-percent faster than other USB hard drives on the market today,” and benefits Windows and OS X users alike. The MiniStation ranges from $99.99 to $219.99 and should be available by the end of the month, but the DriveStation won’t make its debut until early September when it rings up between $129.99 and $499.99.

[Via ]

Lenovo to auction Olympic laptops for charity

Published in August 8th, 2007

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Lenovo to auction Olympic laptops for charity

Posted Aug 8th 2007 5:46AM by
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In celebration of the “one-year-out mark for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games,” has just announced that it will be conducting a series of back-to-back, week-long auctions to gift high bidders with its svelte . Beginning on February 8, 2008, a “Cloud of Promise” laptop will be available for bidding each week leading up to the Olympic Games, and a number of them will even be “autographed by athlete ambassadors.” Reportedly, “100-percent” of the proceeds will be distributed through the Lenovo Hope Fund to select philanthropies, including Right to Play, and the auctions will take place at the currently unavailable www.lenovohopefundauctions.com website.

[Via ]

Modded Vespa rocks touchscreen, XP, and WiFi

Published in August 8th, 2007

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Are you ever cruising on your Vespa, listening to The Kinks, pondering the plot of Absolute Beginners, and fantasizing about Twiggy when you think, “Hey, I need to check my email”? Well, you’re in luck, because Quang Nguyen, a forward thinking Vespa-modder (no pun intended) has managed to cram a touchscreen rockin’, WiFi sportin’, XP-equipped PC into his red GTS250. Sure, he’s also got a Louis Vuitton seat, but that isn’t nearly as exciting as the prospect of being able to watch Quadrophenia and update your MySpace profile from any spot you happen to motor towards. Just make sure to watch out for the Rockers.

NTT’s HC-1000 puts you in control of home security

Published in August 8th, 2007

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Here in , we don’t take our lightly, but for those in Japan, it appears that they haven’t resorted to installing sensor-triggered in their windows just yet. The HC-1000 camera can be controlled via the internet or a mobile, and allows users to take a peek at what’s going on without actually being on the premises. The device sports a three-megapixel CMOS sensor, Ethernet port, 802.11a/b/g, 2x digital zoom, and a QVGA video mode to boot. Additionally, a “defense support” system can enable the piercing siren to let loose a wail, and the built-in microphone / speaker can even open up two-way communication between you and your home-wrecker (or faraway relative). The HC-1000 itself will run you a modest ¥29,400 ($247), but those looking to totally lock down their dwelling can spend up to ¥141,750 ($1,191) for an elaborate whole home system.

[Via , thanks Mike]

Chief Projector Accessories Speed Installation Time Speed Installation Time with Chief Projector Mount Accessories

Published in August 8th, 2007

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/24-7PressRelease/ - MINNEAPOLIS, MN, August 08, 2007 - http://www.chiefmfg.com - Chief is proud to offer an innovative line of accessories focused on increasing the speed of installation. Designed as an upgrade to Chief’s existing line of projector ceiling mount accessories, the CMS Speed-Connect Series minimizes installation times with value added features, built to work seamlessly with the RPA Elite Series of projector mounts.

CMS 1-1/2″ NPT Adjustable Extension Columns
These extension columns include a revolutionary notched design allowing for maximum flexibility and extension options. They include flow-through cable management, with a cable exit port for a clean appearance. Chief’s exclusive All-Points security is included. Now available in black, silver and white.

CMS440 Enhanced Lightweight Suspended Ceiling Kit
This installer-friendly solution includes Chief’s WireVice Cable Suspension System for quick tie-off and easy adjustment. Plus, the innovative TwisTile Ceiling Tile Cutter easily pierces quick, circular holes in the tile so there’s no need for other tools.

CMS445 Advanced Suspended Ceiling Replacement Tile Kit
This kit allows infinite placement of the extension column within the tile for maximum flexibility. It includes Chief’s WireVice Cable Suspension System for quick tie-off and easy adjustment, and the innovative TwisTile Ceiling Tile Cutter for piercing quick, circular holes in the tile.

Chief is continually working to create new accessories that will make installation faster and easier. Some accessories that Chief recently added are:

CMA170 CPU Storage Accessory: provides storage for CPUs, amplifiers, cables and other equipment with bolt-on clamp design to 1-1/2″ NPT
CMA290 Cable Locks: heavy-duty cable locks for various suspended applications including loudspeakers
CMA504 Outlet Coupler: coupler with integrated outlet for routing power directly to equipment in long extension column drops
CMA643 Decorative Ring: larger diameter clamps to outer section of adjustable extension column to improve aesthetics
TMA100 Tripod Projector Mount Accessory: converts a standard tripod into a free-standing projector stand for mobile presentations

About Chief
Chief Manufacturing, a division of CSAV - Chief/Sanus Audio Visual, has more than 29 years of proven product and service excellence. Committed to responding to industry needs in the Pro AV, Residential and Office markets, Chief offers a complete line of mounts, lifts and accessories for flat panel TVs and projectors.

Chief continues to design innovative mounting solutions that complement the technology they support. With multiple product awards and patented designs, Chief provides unique mount features, and is recognized for delivering not only quality products, but knowledgeable, helpful customer service.

U.S. and Europe sales offices support a global network spanning the Americas, Europe, the Pacific Rim and beyond. Chief distribution centers are located in Minnesota and the Netherlands. http://www.chiefmfg.com.