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MSI finally ships the Wind

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 3:51PM


After weeks upon weeks of painstaking delays (okay, so maybe that's a stretch... maybe), MSI has finally started shipping the Wind to US customers. As you very well know, these buggers have been showing up everywhere across the pond, but we've just received word that Fry's, NewEgg, Amazon, ZipZoomFly, MWave and Buy.com are all sending units out as we speak for those that pre-ordered. Chime in below if you've just recently received a shipping notification (or, heaven forbid, if you're still waiting). Full release after the jump.

Continue reading MSI finally ships the Wind

Syntax-Brillian waves the white flag, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 12:45PMBreaking News

So yeah, apparently that whole attempt to "streamline operations" back in April didn't go over so well, as Syntax-Brillian -- you know, that firm neck deep in panel partnerships and responsible for Olevia HDTVs -- has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Arizona-based company has also "entered into a deal to sell certain of its assets to a newly created company called Olevia International Group LLC," which has agreed to pick up some $60 million of its secured debt. We're also told that operations in Tempe have ceased, and "about eight employees" (including the finance chief, general counsel and finance staff) are sticking around with nothing better to do.

[Thanks, Paul]

Engadget HD reviews JVC's Everio HD40 HD camcorder

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 11:01AM


Finished digging through the gallery of hands-on shots, have you? If you've been hankering for a review of JVC's especially capacious GZ-HD40, Engadget HD has the goods. Head on over for the full spill.

Wizard escape pack: too late for MacGyver, too conceptual for Bauer

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 9:46AM


Nah, the Wizard isn't a reality just yet, but we can certainly envision this taking up its fair share of shelf space in the not-too-distant future. Dreamed up by the vivid imaginations at HJC Design, this emergency parachute pack would theoretically provide an "automated public safety solution with up to 250-meters of reciprocating lifeline technology." Beyond that, it seems like a pretty invigorating method of avoiding the elevator lines come quittin' time.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

ST-2 shooting simulator keeps your aim sharp

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 9:22AM


And you thought using the HIPerSpace wall for GTA IV was overkill. Marksman Training Systems' ST-2 shooting simulator is touted as the "first simulator for shotgun and rifle shooting designed specifically for demanding users such as shooting instructors," and considering that the Russian and Slovakian national clay shooting teams have practiced on this very system in preparation for the Beijing Olympics, we'll be seeing just how effective it is here soon. Furthermore, this system allows hunters / huntresses to use their preferred weapon (via an attachable sensor) rather than some proprietary pistol, and the advanced diagnostics screen ensures that you know exactly why you missed that digital fowl. Looks like you'll have to inquire directly about pricing, but seriously, you don't want this taking the place of your home cinema... or do you?

[Via CrunchGear]

Transcend doles out 7-inch T.photo 720 digiframe

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 8:10AM


Last September, Transcend had the bright idea of cluttering up the digital photo frame market even further with its own ho hum offering. Apparently the idea went over okay -- or the brilliant suit who decided to go for it is to prideful to admit otherwise. Either way, today we're presented with the 7-inch T.photo 720, a much less traditional frame (in terms of design) with a 800 x 480 resolution display, 2GB of integrated memory, built-in stereo speakers / headphone jack and an obligatory multicard reader. You'll also find a USB socket, FM tuner, support for video playback and a customizable alarm clock. If you're down with the rounded corners, you can expect this one later this month (in black or white) for around $165.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Finger Mouse goes wireless, still swallows up your digit

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 7:47AM


Really, people? Are there not enough mouse choices out there to satisfy whatever your poor little palm craves? For those just dead set on bucking the trend and attempting to be more ergonomic, the newest iteration of the Finger Mouse won't disappoint. The unit arrives with a wireless USB dongle and completely engulfs whichever finger you choose to mount the mouse itself on; from there, the 1,000DPI device supposedly moves your cursor around as you wiggle your digit. We don't have to tell you how bizarre you'll look with this on, but if you couldn't care less, hand over your $41.99 and strap on your goofiest grin.

[Via CNET]

Turtle Beach keeps series alive with Ear Force X4 wireless headphones

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 8th 2008 at 6:27AM


Be honest, you were terrified that Turtle Beach would leave the awesomely titled Ear Force series sitting in lurk at X3, weren't you? Thankfully, that's not the case at all, as the Ear Force X4 wireless headphones have just been revealed. Designed with Xbox 360 gamers in mind, this headset / headphone combo promises to provide Dolby 5.1 surround sound out of just two earcups (we're still checking on the velvet-lined part), and more importantly, the Chat Boost Dynamic Talkback Expander "automatically adjusts incoming XBOX Live chat levels during loud game moments" to keep you from going deaf when NewbX1337 gets all whiny on you. Can't say we're thrilled by the $199.95 price tag, but these are available now for those who are.

[Via IGN]

LeapFrog's Didj / Leapster 2 handhelds go on sale

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 4:15PM


They aren't quite ready to ship, but LeapFrog's big-boy-and-girl gaming / learning handhelds are finally up for pre-order over on the outfit's website. For those who missed the February introduction, the firm is hailing the web-connected Didj (pictured) as the "first completely customizable educational gaming platform," and given that it is summertime here in the US of A, this is probably your only shot at getting your kiddo to do anything beneficial for their brain for the next two to three months. Get in line now for $89.99 (Didj) / $69.99 (Leapster 2).

[Via CNET]

Read - Didj order page
Read - Leapster 2 order page

Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 3:12PM


We're not quite sure how Seth Sternberger, one member of 8 Bit Weapon, was able to pull this off, but he somehow compiled a number of old parts from local shops and eBay in order to transform an NES Power Pad into an instrument of awesomeness. Click on through for a video of Micro Boogie being performed on said Pad, and don't be shocked to find yourself immediately overcome with the need to get one of these in your own house (only to remember that you can't dance).

Continue reading Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles

Teclast M26 user interface looks a bit familiar

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 2:41PM


Teclast's M26 seemed vaguely more interesting than the dozens of other garbage, status-quo portable media devices that get pumped out of Chinese factories on a weekly basis -- and now we need not spend any more time wondering just where they got their design, um, inspiration. At least Meizu's M8 sexed it up a little -- this take is just a bit depressing.

[Via thegadgetsite]

Original Project Grizzly suit being auctioned off

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 2:10PM


Troy Hurtubise has certainly auctioned off a few grizzly fighting suits before (not to mention the Halo-inspired Trojan), but this is likely your one and only shot at procuring the original Project Grizzly Mk VI suit worn by Troy himself in the generally unknown cult classic Project Grizzly. The suit is being offered to the highest bidder as the Grizzly Proof exhibit in Toronto shuts down, and while the starting bid sits at $500, it'll take upwards of 40 grand before Mr. Hurtubise's debts associated with the suit are cleared. C'mon, you know that's all the reason you need to throw your hat into the ring.

[Thanks, Cantraider]

£10,000 diamond-clad Nokia N95 borders on gaudy

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 10:43AM


To be fair, Continental Mobiles' diamond-encrusted Nokia N95 is a real bargain at £10,000 ($19,813) when compared to Amosu's £12,000 alternative, but seriously, real richies should be holding off for the evolutionary N96, anyway. For those with enough cash to care, this particular handset / status symbol packs a Sterling silver front-panel stacked with "4.42ct of brilliant-cut, VS1 quality, color G-H, naturally mined diamonds." If you're craving one, you'd better get your order in now, as it takes the British craftspeople crazy enough to sell these things three full weeks to whip one up.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Sensor vest promises to affirm that we're always stressed out

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 9:15AM


So maybe your stress level isn't sky high just yet, but even after an extended weekend, all it takes is that one email to get you right back where you were last Wednesday. As if you really needed something to tell you that (and if you don't have time to wait for Sweety to become a reality), a host of researchers have created a sensor-laden vest that will be able to inform wearers just how stressed they are. Developed as part of the EU's CONTEXT project, this sure-to-be-hip vest packs ultra-sensitive electrodes which register changes in muscle tension as individuals get more and more stressed, and in theory, letting someone know what's happening will allow them to simmer down before they further jeopardize their health (and the livelihood of colleagues, if you dig). Eh, we still prefer the Dr. Whippy method, honestly.

[Via Talk2MyShirt, thanks Tony]

Packard Bell reveals gargantuan ipower X2.0 gaming desktop

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 8:31AM


Wait a second -- are absurdly large, overdecorated gaming desktops making a comeback? With Acer's Aspire Predator and ASUS' ARES CG6155 lighting up eyes everywhere, we're beginning to think yes -- particularly when you take one glance at Packard Bell's elephantine ipower X2.0. Revealed at the Electronic Sports World Cup in Paris, this beast features a tremendously large, high-gloss chassis, a liquid cooling system, a dedicated lock to keep PCB snatchers at bay and a nice array of components including Intel's Core 2 Quad / Extreme processor, a Blu-ray optical drive, hybrid TV tuner, up to 3TB of storage, a NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2, a 21-in-1 card reader and a gaming keyboard / mouse. Somehow, Packard Bell is managing to offer this thing up for anywhere between £999 ($1,979) and £infinity, but don't count on securing one 'til Christmas. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via Trusted Reviews]
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