In we saw the first hardware launch of embedded Linux developer DeviceVM’s new SplashTop platform, but we didn’t exactly get a lot of hard info about what the system is or how it’s supposed to work. While specifics of the hardware might change from implementation to implementation, SplashTop refers to the software platform — kind of an embedded Linux-based internet appliance-like environment running off a flash memory chip, which is linked directly to the BIOS (read: not on the IDE / SATA bus). This, of course, allows quick and painless pre-boot access to the included sandboxed browser (FireFox) and VoIP (Skype) environment. As of this time users can’t yet add their own apps (though that might change later), but hey, they can get online pretty fast, and that’s a start, right? Of course, it’s arguable that if you need to get online there’s always suspend mode for your Vista or XP machine, and that internet appliances didn’t work then, so why should they work now? Then again, suspend mode still draws more power than “off”, and internet appliances were never built into your day to day computer either — so we’ll be tracking where this one heads.

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Envision’s latest duo of LCD HDTVs aren’t apt floor anyone with cutting edge extras, but they do manage to pack enough features to satisfy a large chunk of those scouting a new 32-incher. Up first is the L32W661, which features a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, eight-millisecond response time, 500 cd/m2 brightness, 178-degree viewing angles and an integrated NTSC / ATSC tuner that supports . Furthermore, the set boasts built-in 16-watt speakers, two HDMI sockets, a pair of component / S-Video / composite jacks and a S/PDIF audio output. For those only needing a single HDMI port, the L32W698 (shown after the break) is available for the same price, but it sports a debatably sexier frame.

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What’s so interesting about the back of that LCD monitor you ask? Well, you’re actually looking at the computer. VIA’s VESA mounted vm7700 PC in fact, which converts any standard VESA display into a make-shift all-in-one PC. Completely fanless, the PC sports your choice of VIA C7 1GHz or Eden ULV 1.5GHz processors, up to 1GB of memory, optional 802.11b/g WiFi, and choice of standard 2.5-inch SATA disk or DOM (Disk on Module) supporting Linux or WinXP/XPe pre-loads. Hardware-based MPEG-2/4 and WMV9 acceleration turns the device into an instant digital signboard from which to advertise your gothic loathings about modern man. Continue on for the (re)animation.

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It’s been over two years since we first heard of the instrument, and it’s just now hitting boutique audio shops and a particular reviewer’s hands. For those who have been hyping themselves up over this thing, we don’t exactly have oodles of good news to share, and while the negatives did seem to outweigh the positives, here’s the gist of it. On the bright side, the music maker is unique, cute and quite intuitive. It also got brownie points for boasting internal speakers and for being able to run on batteries. Unfortunately, it rings up at £599 (around $1,200), and it simply “feels too cheap” to cost so much; additionally, it lacks touch sensitivity and a hardware volume control. Granted, the hardcore fans may still find the issues acceptable, so do yourself a favor and hit the pros and cons list in the read link below before jumping to conclusions.

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