Data Center Cabling Masterpieces

Having built many a PC in my day, I have a tremendous appreciation for cable organization done right. Generally, I think most data centers are organized halfway decently, but there are quite a few examples out there that are truly hideous. The gallery below should provide a little inspiration for anyone with a bag full of zip ties and a desire to keep things neat. In fact, the blend of colors, clean lines and the layouts come together in such a way that it could almost be considered art. However, the image after the break is a completely different story.

Source: http://gizmodo.com/348706/data-center-cabling-masterpieces

Move Over Godzilla, The Loch Ness Monster Terrorizes Tokyo

The upcoming movie "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep" has prompted one hell of a publicity stunt in Tokyo Bay. The extremely cool effect illustrated above is achieved using a large water screen and some very well timed water fountains. In order to get the full effect, check out the video after the break. Seriously, I can't understand a thing that is being said, but I want to see this movie. Marketing magic!


Source: http://gizmodo.com/348729/move-over-godzilla-the-loch-ness-monster-terrorizes-tokyo

Tesla Roadster to enter production on March 17

Tesla Motors announced that it has received all regulatory approvals to import the first production Tesla roadster, code-named P1, for sale. While P1 will immediately be given to company chairman Elon Musk, an estimated 600 customers who have signed pre-orders for the car will have to patient for several more months: Series production of the car is scheduled to begin on March 17 of this year.

Tesla expects to be delivering about 40 cars per week, once the production is in full swing in late 2008. However, the initial Tesla roadster will deviate from the promised performance spec of a 0-60 mph acceleration capability of under 4 seconds. Edmunds.com reports that the first roadsters will have a “reduced performance spec” as the originally planned transmission will not be ready in March. The one-speed transmission for the first roadsters will deliver an estimated 0-60 mph acceleration of 5.7 seconds.

Tesla promises to retrofit all initial roadsters once the new transmission becomes available. It remained unclear whether the cars will deliver the previously outlined 125 mph top speed and a range of between 170 and 270 miles. The battery itself has not been changed and is still said to support a 3.5 hour full recharge cycle.

According to Tesla, the 2008 production of the roadster has been sold for prices between $98,000 and $107,000. Buyers ordering the car now will be entered into the 2009 waiting list for a fee of “$5000 wait list payment”. Pricing for the 2009 model has not been released.

Source: http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/35769/118/

AT&T's Mobile TV service to debut with the LG Vu?

If leaked sources are to be believed, AT&T may break out a new mobile TV service courtesy of Qualcomm's MediaFLO in the form of the very sleek and sexy LG Vu. RCR Wireless News reports that AT&T is going to launch the live broadcast service with two exclusive channels as early as February 5th, 2008. Verizon Wireless currently offers eights live TV channels as part of its own deal with MediaFLO in the form of V Cast TV, but does not currently have any "exclusive" channels, though some will be added in the future.

Rumors indicate that the initial handset offering with AT&T's mobile TV service will be the LG Vu, or CU920. If you'll recall, the Vu is a touch screen phone similar to the LG Prada, and is expected to have 3G capabilities and be in the $200 price range.

Source: http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9855758-1.html

Mystery supercar revealed! Meet the MCE MC1

Spy shots of a mystery car being tested in the UK last year caused quite a commotion. Many speculated its identity, with the upcoming return of the Lotus Esprit or a new Lotus sportscar being the odds on favorite. All of those guesses are incorrect, as the identity of the mystery supercar has been revealed as the MCE MC1.

CAR magazine should be credited with the expert sleuthing that not only revealed the car's identity, but also brought to light a series of official renderings that show off the MC1's body, designed by David Hilton who also penned the Ford Focus RS and S-Max.




The MC1 is really a joint project between two companies: MotorCity Europe and C2P Automotive. C2P handled development of the MC1 and will likely be responsible for building it, while MCE coordinated its design. Mechanically speaking, all we know is that the MC1 is powered by a 600bhp V10 and features an all-carbon fiber monocoque chassis. Its wheels are enormous at 20-inches up front and 21-inches in the rear. In terms of size, CAR states that the MC1 is "slightly shorter and narrower than a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, and a mere 15mm higher."

The MCE MC1 is still not necessarily destined for production, as this "concept" needs funding to get flying. But MCE has obviously done a lot of heavy lifting so far, including track testing and nailing the car's overall aesthetic, which, as you can see in the gallery, is every bit as ostentatious as a supercar should be.


Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/mystery-supercar-revealed-meet-the-mce-mc1/

Simplest USB Digital Camera Ever

What do you get when you develop a digital camera that lacks one of the most important benefits that digital cameras provide? This EazzzY USB camera concept from designer Sungwoo Park that's what. The device is stripped down to its bare functions—only one button, a pinhole sized viewfinder, and USB connectivity.

Plus it is small enough to be a choking hazard. Apparently the idea was to develop a camera that provides users with the thrill of not knowing how their shots turned out without having to use traditional film. Yeah, sign me up for that if it ever hits the market.





Source: http://www.yankodesign.com/index.php/2008/01/22/usb-digital-camera-fakes-analog/

GOGGLE

Wall lamp in elliptic form with iridescent and changing colours on an opaline main part to be fixed on an even or leaning surface.

The colours'variations are solely obtained by moving and optical effects by the different angle from which it observec.

Bulb included.
60w/E14.

Caracteristics: base and diffuser in opaline polycarbonate.
Elliptical iridescent film.
Dimensions: 18 x 32 cm


Source: http://www.singulier.com/boutique_us/fiche_produit.cfm?type=67&ref=01030059&code_lg=lg_us&pag=1&num=5

Statue of liberty solar light

Statue of Liberty solar light Show your patriotism and welcome visitors to your home with this striking replication of Lady Liberty. America's most enduring symbol of freedom stands nearly four feet tall and holds a solar-powered torch that casts light on lawns and walkways. Poly-resin, 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 42".

Source: http://www.taylorgifts.com/prodetail~itemNo~25296.asp

Got MPx? Seitz 160 Megapixel Handheld Camera Is Still Not Enough

This monster of a camera, brought to you by Seitz Phototechnik, has a you’ve got to be kidding me resolution of 160 megapixels in a 60mm x 170mm frame. That works out to 7,500 pixels vertically and 21,250 pixels horizontally. The image (each one is 900 megs at full res) is recorded directly onto a tablet PC (sold separately) in 48 bit color depth. Thankfully, the camera takes standardized large format lenses, since spending nearly $45,000 on one of these things doesn’t leave me much extra money for glass. The downside of this camera (besides the 10lb weight, the 18in width, the price, and the fact that it requires a PC to work) is that it works like a scanner, which is why it’s so, um, cheap. Rather than using a 160 megapixel sensor of some kind, the camera back uses a linear sensor that scans across the field of view when the shutter is open. The camera can still somehow achieve a shutter speed of 1/2000 at low resolution, but for a true 160 megapixel image, the minimum shutter speed is a whopping 1 second.




Now, why the heck am I complaining about 160 megapixels not being enough? Just for the sake of having something to complain about, for one, but what I’m referring to is digital vs. photographic film. Medium format photographic film is the equivalent of about 100 megapixels, but for high quality large format images, you’re looking at about 500 (!) megapixels. We’re getting closer, but we’re not quite there yet, especially at a shutter speed of 1 second. Still, I have to say, the 10 megapixel images that come out of my Nikon D40x, while 16 times smaller, are still plenty satisfying for a casual shutterbug like myself. 160 megapixels? Bah, humbug.


Source: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/01/21/got-mpx-seitz-160-megapixel-handheld-camera-is-still-not-enough/

Pocket size USB charger for your gadgets

Until lithium ion batteries can power a device for weeks before needing a charge, there will always be a market for portable power backups. And while I like the idea, so far I’ve been turned off by the weight and bulky size of most backups currently on the market. But the Powerstick caught my eye not only because it’s roughly the size of a pack of gum, but it also weighs just 40 grams.

It can fully recharge in just 90 minutes when plugged into a powered USB source (whether it be on your computer, in your car or even on a plane) and an LCD gauge on top shows the current battery status. It can charge a portable device as fast as a wall charger can, and will in theory double the battery life of your phone, PDA or MP3 player. It even includes 9 connectors covering everything from Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG, Motorola, Blackberry and Samsung phones to the iPod and even the iPhone. Unfortunately though you have to use the Powerstick’s special connectors, instead of the USB cables included with your portable device.

Source: http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/01/21/powerstick-portable-usb-charger/

Germans developing battery that never needs recharging

Tired of mobile phones that always need recharging at the worst moments, researchers in Germany are developing a revolutionary new battery that will never need recharging.

Mobile phones, notebook computers and iPods are all devices dependent on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to deliver power.

But the German researchers have developed a new class of inorganic ionic conductor with a structure analogous to that of the mineral argyrodite.

A team led by Hans-Joerg Deiseroth in Siegen, Germany, reported in the journal Angewandte Chemie that the characterisation of the most conductive representative of the man-made argyrodite minerals was made of lithium, phosphorus, sulphur and bromine atoms.


Source: http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/320058/cs/1/

In ionic conductors, charge is not transported in the form of electrons as it is in metals. Instead, the charge is transported in the form of charged particles, typically lithium ions.

This transport requires materials in which the lithium ions can move as freely as possible.

The team from the University of Siegen, in cooperation with scientists at the University of Muenster, started from a long-known mineral: argyrodite is a silver, germanium and sulphur-containing mineral discovered near Freiberg, Germany, in 1885 and the silver ions in this material are very mobile.

The individual components of argyrodite can be replaced by a number of other atoms without altering the typical structure of the mineral, according to a report on the physorg.com website.

The term argyrodite now refers to an entire class of compounds that have a specific arrangement of atoms and type of structure.

The team led by Deiseroth produced a version of the mineral in which silver is replaced by lithium, germanium by phosphorus, and some of the sulphur atoms by halides (chloride, bromide or iodide), resulting in argyrodite-like structures.

In the crystal lattice the phosphorus, sulphur and halide atoms adopt a dense tetrahedral packing arrangement in which the gaps are filled somewhat regularly with lithium ions.

The lithium ions can 'jump' from gap to gap, said the report by physorg.com. The freely moving ions indicate that the solid has a high ionic conductivity and the reported bromine-containing structure has the highest ionic conductivity of lithium ions known for any argyrodite to date.

The scientists have thoroughly examined the lithium argyrodites by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

This analysis allowed precise characterisation of the crystal structures of these compounds and provided fascinating insights into the dynamics of the mobile lithium ions.

Bionic Commando Rearmed Coming To Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC As Digital Download

Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Bionic Commando Rearmed, a makeover of the classic 8-bit game originally released 20 years ago. Bionic Commando Rearmed will be available for digital download from Xbox LIVE Arcade, PLAYSTATION Network and PC this spring. This announcement follows the news that Capcom will be releasing an all new next-generation sequel to Bionic Commando on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system and PC platforms.

Bionic Commando Rearmed sees a return of the intense 2D side scrolling, shooting and grappling action from the much-loved 1988 Bionic Commando on the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System. Bionic Commando Rearmed brings the amazing gameplay up to date with stunning new visuals, new weapons, online rankings, a reworked musical score and the addition of a 2-player co-op mode. The title will also provide cross-game interoperability, as completing parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed will unlock new content and provide secret insight into characters and plot of the brand new Bionic Commando sequel coming later in 2008.

“The release of Bionic Commando Rearmed allows us to deliver to fans of the original game a remake they have been clamoring for, while also introducing the series to a whole new audience,” commented Ben Judd, Producer of both the Bionic Commando projects. “And with GRIN taking care of development, we can ensure that there is real consistency across both the Bionic Commando titles.

Bionic Commando Rearmed will contain the following features

• Classic Bionic Commando gameplay focused around the use of the bionic grappling arm
• 2-player co-op mode
• Total modern visual revamp, including dynamic shadows, particle effects and environmental damage
• Reworking of musical score
• Cross-game interoperability – complete specific parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed to unlock new content and hints for the Bionic Commando sequel
• In-game art designed by one of Capcom’s most talented artists, Toshiaki Mori


Source: http://www.gameinfowire.com/news.asp?nid=1157

iPhone 6x optical zoom lense

If you happen to own an iPhone, you know that the built-in digital camera is pretty limited due to its fixed lens. Now you can add a zoom lens which will let you get up close and personal with your photographic subject.

This add-on 6x optical zoom lens by Conice might look a little weird protruding from the back of your iPhone, but it will give you much greater flexibility for your photos. I’ve seen similar add-on lenses for cell phones before, and while they’re not as good as a built-in zoom lens, they’re better than nothing if you’ve got a steady hand. Since the iPhone doesn’t have any sort of image stabilization or a tripod mount, you might have some trouble keeping zoom photos in focus.


The lens attaches to a protective plastic case that snaps snugly around your iPhone, so it can easily be removed when you’re not using it. Keep in mind that the lens and case weigh in at 4.69 ounces, which nearly doubles the 4.8 ounce weight of a stock iPhone. If you don’t mind adding a little extra bulk to your phone, you can pick one up from DealExtreme for just under $15.


Source: http://www.gadgettastic.com/2008/01/20/iphone-6x-optical-zoom-lense/

A toy for Apple aficionados

We're big fans of Macally's Mac accessories, as we are constantly in the market for new keyboards to replace those ruined by coffee and many tiny hands and paws. But my wife - if she can keep the rest of us away from it - should get many good years of out of the Macally IceKey keyboard she plugged in last week.

Macally (macally.com) is about more than keyboards and mice, however. Last week at Macworld, the company unveiled its new portable stereo dock for the iPhone and iPod, the FlexTune.

Macally is also offering some new Bluetooth and USB adapters for the iPhone and the latest iPod devices.

You can mount your iPhone or iPod Touch horizontally on the FlexTune for widescreen viewing, or vertically; iPod Classic users can mount their gadgets vertically.

The FlexTune has play, pause, and other standard playback controls, and automatically turns on and off when you pop your device into and out of the dock.

The device runs off of four AA batteries or an AC adapter, and it has a line-in jack for hooking up to other music players.

The FlexTune (about $60) will be available next month.

Source: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/01/21/a_toy_for_apple_aficionados/

New Apple Mac pro with up to four terabytes of storage

Computer maker Apple has unveiled its new flagship computer. The Mac Pro works with two quad core processors from Intel at speeds of up to 3.2 gigahertz.

According to the US company's press releases, this is the fastest Mac of all times. The computer can be ordered with up to four terabytes of RAM.

The base version comes equipped with an over 320 GB hard drive and costs 2,499 dollars. The Radeon HD 2600 XT from ATI is the standard graphics card. Customers who want another graphics card can also choose between a Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT or a Nvidia Quadro FX 5600. The new Mac Pro also offers four slots for graphics cards: two PCI Express 2.0 slots and two PCI Express slots.

Five USB 2.0 ports are available for connecting external devices. Apple's newest computer also houses two FireWire 400 and two FireWire 800 ports as well as optical and analog audio ports and two Gigabyte- speed Ethernet ports.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/gadget/gadget.php?id=349

Apple USB Speaker

These new Chinese "Apple" USB speakers won't ever replace the ill-fated iPod Hi-Fi, but they could possibly be useful as a travel accessory for that ultralight laptop of yours.



Product Description

• Plush apple-shape ABS speaker for Laptop
• This kind of sound speaker is very cute and charming. And also it is very convenient that you can take it wherever you go, may at home or in the office.

• Plug & Play" function for Ease-of-Installation with only USB port connection

• Support windows me/windows2000/windows xp

• Out put power: 2W

• Unit size: 10x9.4cm

• USB cable: 1.1M

• Audio cable: 48cm

• AU-2093A: Single USB cable and built-in sound card

• AU-2093B: Audio plug and USB cable

Source: http://gizmodo.com/347006/new-apple-speakers-not-what-you-think
http://www.diytrade.com/directory/global/buy/products/3557560/China_Manufacturers-AU-2093A_B_Digital_USB_Apple-Shape_Speaker.html