Tech Talk

New Laptop Case Helps Airport Security

2008-07-02T02:35:00.000-07:00

When reaching checkpoints in an airport, we normally hear "Laptops must be removed from their cases and placed on the belt". But with the newly designed carry-on bags, security will allow to have laptops passed for x-ray inspection. This new case include either a fold-down section in a bigger briefcase or a stand-alone protective sleeve that contains no extra clutter and can be readily viewed through the scanner.
This new "checkpoint friendly" laptop case will be available by late September or early October by the two biggest luggage manufacturers - Pathfinder and Targus.

Reference: Sharkey, J. (2008) Bag Help Laptops Pass Air Security. NYTimes

Bandage That Electrocutes Wounds

2008-07-02T02:23:00.000-07:00

The new "CMB Antimicrobial Wound Dressing with PROSIT" bandage generates a small voltage of electricity when you wet it, which prevents microbes, fungus, mold and yeast from getting through its treated polyester fibers. This style of bandaging has also been shown to reduce pain.

Reference: Medgadget (2008) Bandage that electrocutes your wounds is much better than it sounds.

Lilypads: Floating Ecocities

2008-06-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

A floating city!! This was a solution the Dutch builders thought of to counteract the rising sea levels. These eco-pads cand hold up to 50,000 people and is designed as a zero-emission floating home that uses solar, wind, tidal and biomass power to generate energy for its inhabitants. As of the moment, it is a fantasy... but in the future, builders may take on mega structures like these to deal with the rising sea levels.

Reference: Eton, K. (2008) Architect Dreams Up Lilypad: Floating City Ark for Eco-Refugees. gizmodo.com

Which Virus Scanner Do You Recommend?

2008-06-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

Over the years I've used several virus scanners.. Problem is, the good ones tend to slow down the computer a lot, while the fast ones tend to get more viruses or spam. So before I buy a new virus scanner, I want to see what are you currently using right now, and what you think is the best virus scanner in the market ?

Help FireFox Set A Guinness Record

2008-06-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Join Firefox to set the record for the most software downloaded in 24 hours. All you got to do is get Firefox 3 now by 11:16 a.m. PDT (18:16 UTC) on June 18, 2008. That's 11:16 a.m. in Mountain View, 2:16 p.m. in Toronto, 3:16 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro, 8:16 p.m. in Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Rome and Warsaw, 10:16 p.m. in Moscow, and June 19, 2008 at 2:16 a.m. in Beijing and 3:16 a.m. in Tokyo.

Robotic Chair Follows You Around For Constant Seating

2008-06-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

Jelt Van Geest, a Dutch designer who created this robotic chair (RFID) created a chair which follows you (or your card) around so you will always have somewhere to sit.

I would say this is quite amazing, except for the fact that it is increasing to the obesity epidemic, where people are getting lazier and would need a chair to follow them around instead of looking for one.

Click here to see the youtube video: Robotic Chair

5 Reasons Why You Shoud Not Buy The 3G Iphone

2008-06-11T05:27:00.000-07:00

5. The Camera. There is no improvement from the first Iphone, not even for the software. It is still 2 megapixel, and has no flash or vanity mirror.

4. The price is $200 less than the first one, but you're not taking into consideration the additional $240 you will be paying for the contract over the 2 years.

3. No keyboard. The iPhone's software keyboard has documented issues.

2. Lack of upgrades. There is still no stereo Bluetooth, no MMS, no video recording, no character counter in the SMS app, no IM capability, no cut-and-paste, etc.

1. The 3g radio. Yes, I am going to complain about the 3G radio. Apple stuck a UMTS/HSDPA 3G radio in the iPhone. But why not use AT&T's HSPA network, which means faster uploads for pictures and e-mails? This offers about 3.36Mbps, where other phones in the market support 7.2Mbps.

Zeman, E. (2008) Five Reasons Not To Buy The 3-G Iphone. Informationweek.com

Apple's New 3G Phone

2008-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

The new iPhone is finally out - sleeker, faster and cheaper version of the iPhone. It will go on sale from July 11 in some 20 countries - Australia among them. Surprising enough, the US base model 3G iPhone with 8GB of memory will sell for $199 (A$210). The 16GB model will retail for $US299.

In the US, the base model 3G iPhone with 8GB of memory will sell for $US199 ($210). The 16GB model will retail for $US299. Both these deals require the buyer to take out a two-year contract with AT&T, Apple's US mobile partner.

Most Fuel Efficient Cars In The Market

2008-06-02T23:44:00.000-07:00

Wondering what car to buy next?
Concerned about the increase in fuel prices?
Take a peek on the latest cars in the market that can save you a fortune from the increasing fuel dilemma.

1. Honda Insight: The first gasoline-electric hybrid car sold in the U.S.
Miles Per Gallon
City: 57 MPG - 60 MPG
Highway: 56 MPG - 66 MPG

2. Toyota Prius: It produces almost no pollution and is one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles you can drive.
Miles Per Gallon
City: 60 MPG
Highway: 51 MPG

3. Honda Civic Hybrid: the car that has set the quality and performance standard for the affordable, compact hybrid car market.
Miles Per Gallon
City: 49 MPG
Highway: 51 MPG

4. Volkswagen Golf: the world's best-loved hatchback.
Miles Per Gallon
City: 24 MPG
Highway: 31 MPG

5. Volkswagen New Beetle: smart, stylish, and refined.
Miles Per Gallon
City: 22 MPG
Highway: 30 MPG - 31 MPG

6. Volkswagen Jetta: a delectable dish of European-bred automotive technology, superior materials and tangibly good build quality.
Miles Per Gallon
City: 22 MPG - 24 MPG
Highway: 30 MPG - 32 MPG

7. Ford Escape Hybrid: the hybrid version includes gas/electric engine technology to conserve power.
Miles Per Gallon
City: 33 MPG - 36 MPG
Highway: 29 MPG - 31 MPG

If you want tips on how to save fuel when driving, visit my MAIN BLOG

References: CarsDirect (2008) Most Fuel Efficient Cars.

Entrecard Burned Down?!

2008-06-01T20:20:00.001-07:00

I was wondering why I wasn't able to click on Entrecards anymore. Until I found out, there has been an electrical fire at the data center housing Entrecard's servers. This is very unfortunate, because this is about the same time I have advertised my Entrecard in many blog pages. Oh well.. Hopefully there will be some sort of reimbursement for the lost time. It just makes me wonder if they even had a backup?

Anyways, to those of you that have time, please click on FAST VOTE and vote for my blog! "In My Crazy Beautiful World". It is currently at number 4 =)

Where Is The Best Place To Buy PC Games?

2008-05-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

You may like to think that purchasing online is still one of the worse options. Online shopping might scare a few of you, but once you get the hang of it, and become aware of the few dangers you may face, online shopping isn't so bad after all. I have come across 4 of the better websites that sell PC-games A LOT cheaper than your local computer store in most countries in the world.

1. AMAZON.COM

Selling:
* CallofDuty4 - $41.18
* Crysis - $53.62
* BioShock - $56.72
* TheOrangeBox - $56.72

2. PLAYASIA.COM

Selling:
* CallofDuty4 - $42.50
* Crysis - $47.11
* BioShock - $47.11

3. STEAM

Selling:
*CallofDuty4 - $94.77
* Bioshock - $53.48
* TheOrangeBox - $53.48

4. D2D

Selling:
* CallofDuty4 - $53.48
* BioShock - $53.48

You can search in the search box below for Play-Asia's latest games and prices.

Will This Be The End Of The World?

2008-05-18T02:32:00.001-07:00

Scientists believe that the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island can cause the destruction of the earth. The RHIC, which took eight years to construct, aims to smash the nuclei of atoms together and study their wreckage to determine the fundamental properties of matter.

RHIC takes atoms of gold and swing them around two 2.8 km circular tubes where powerful magnets accelerate them to almost the speed of light. When they collide, they do so in minute collisions that are 10,000 times hotter than the Sun.

Scientists hope to create a quark0gluon plasma, a state of matter than probably has not existed naturally in the Universe since the Big Bang. But can they create something else? Like a mini-black hole that could expand and engulf the Earth?

Free And Low Cost Way To Save Energy

2008-05-18T02:14:00.001-07:00

1. Remember to turn off everything you aren't using: lights, TVs, computers, etc.

2. Check the air conditioner filter monthly. Dirty filters block air flow, thus increasing energy use.

3. During hot months, keep window coverings closed on the south, east and west windows. In winter, let the sun in.

4. Activate "sleep" features on office equipment and computers, anything that powers down equipment when not in use.

5. Dress appropriately for the weather, so as to minimize using too much heating or cooling.

6. Take shorter showers, since showers with heating eat up about 15% of an average home energy bill.

7. Switch to cold water washing of laundry. Use detergent for cold water to get clothes just as clean.

8. Install low flow shower heads and sing aerators to reduce hot water use.

9. Insulate your hot water tank to keep the heat from escaping.

10. Replace your 5 most used light bulbs with energy saving bulbs.

Reference: Blackle

Sweaty Palms? Get A Wind Mouse!

2008-04-13T01:08:00.000-07:00

If you are one of those "sweaty palms" people, the Optiwind mouse from Brando is what you need! It has a built-n cooling fan to dry your sweaty palms, and also has a switch button so you can turn it on and off whenever necessary.

Features:

Optical sensor: 800dpi

Built in cooling fan

Cooling fan switchable

Ergonomic Design

USB interface

Support Windows 98/ME/2000/XP

Cable Length: 1.2m

Dimension: 12 x 66 x 40 mm

Net Weight: 109g

For more info:
Brando

Colour Changing Gift Box

2008-04-13T00:52:00.001-07:00

Ever wondered what to give your girlfriend or boyfriend for his next birthday or Christmas? Here is a good idea! Buy a colour changing gift box, so your lover would not be distracted about the boring gift that you placed inside the box! They will be more amused at the ever changing colour of the box itself.

The Holodeck Becoming Reality?

2008-04-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

What is the Holodeck?

It is the generic name used in starships for the "smart" virtual reality system as evolved by the 2360s - a technology that combines holography, transporter, and replicator systems.

Just recently, a new gen of inexpensive video cameras that sense 3D information is coming. The camera can sense human hand motion and body motion into the movements of a virtual character. This works by placing the camera near the computer screen and pointing it at the human navigator. It is possible to move forward and backward, and even fly around in cyberspace with the correct hand gestures.

The video shows a software that allows navigation in virtual world environment without a mouse or keyboard.

Oakley MP3 Sunglasses

2008-04-05T00:48:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you have seen one of these before, but most of them were bulky, weird and needed you to wear earphones to use. This one is different. Split THUMP has made the glasses look stylishly like a normal pair, and the player controls are integrated into the O, which removable earphones.

Audio: sound quality improved since the Thump Pro, which is really good.
Mp3 Payer: Volume is on one side and track control in the other. Takes less than a second to switch tracks.
Connectivity: connects to a computer via USB 2.0. Comes with a CD but glasses should just show up as a flash drive. Easy to use. Just drag and drop your music files (AAC, MP3, WMA, WAV)
Battery Life: rated 8 hours during normal use

B120 Wraith

2008-04-05T00:40:00.000-07:00

With a design inspired by Hellcat, the B120 Wraith has a pre-16 era of motoring and the courageous free spirited nature of the board track racer. Quite simply, this may be the worlds most luxurious sporting 2-wheeled device.

Power: Torque ≥ 130 ft. lbs. Horsepower ≥ 125
Engine: Jims/Confederate B120 counter balanced twin cam 45 degree radial twin; 4.125" bore X 4.5" stroke
Transmission: Confederate proprietary design; five speed, close ratio
Suspension: Front and rear: Penske coil over shock; multi adjustable; titanium spring

For more info:
Confederate

Stealing Wireless?

2008-04-04T23:37:00.001-07:00

While scanning for available networks and you come across one-which can be your neighbors, perhaps it has not been secured. You may be tempted to use it since it is free, but if you do so without permission, it is prosecutable. It is just the same as walking into someone's house just because their door was left open. You may think it is not stealing, but it is considered so under the law. People have been charged under the Communications Act 2003 for "dishonestly obtaining an electronics communication service" by connecting to connect to private Wifi networks. Fines included the PC being confiscated and 12-month discharge.

Although you do not appear to be doing anything malicious, like stealing your neighbor's data or personal details, but you may be making the owner of the network pay an ISP for the amount of data used. The law could decide that you have 'deprived the owner' off data.

What you can do:
-Inform your neighbor about the dangers they may face
-Teach them how to put a secure password in their wireless network

The Lost Ring

2008-04-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

The Lost Ring, a game created by McDonald's is an enigmatic Olympic-themed online game released early March. Ten characters provide clues via YouTube videos, blogs, Flickr photos and Twitter updates. Online clues are supplemented by offline ones: last week, players found documents in a Tokyo mailbox and a bookstore fireplace in Johannesburg.

The game began with 50 bloggers receiving packages with an Olympic-themed poster and a clue pointing them to TheLostRing.com. The site presented a dramatic trailer, replete with sci-fi lighting and a narrator with a British-accented baritone speaking over scenes of a woman waking up in a field with “Trovu la ringon perditan” — an Esperanto phrase — tattooed on her arm.

The Lost Ring is part of a gaming genre called alternate-reality games that blend online and offline clues and rely on players collaborating to solve the puzzles.

Vixy: Save YouTube Videos

2008-04-01T01:49:00.000-07:00

http://vixy.net

This service allows you to:

Convert Flash Video/ FLV file (YouTube's videos, etc) to:
- MPEG4
- AVI
- MOV
- MP4
- MP3
- 3GP

When you submit a URL, it will download and convert to the video format, and then you can download the converted file.

Top 5 Websites

2008-03-28T04:25:00.000-07:00

According to TIME, these were the Top 5 Websites of 2007. Quite interesting, you should check some of these out.

1. Lemonade : Set up a virtual "stand" filled with products you'd recommend to friends. Add the widget to your Facebook, MySpace or blog pages and when purchases are made through your site, you receive 5% to 15% of the cost of the item. The stands are a win-win for everyone: Online retailers get free advertisements, social networkers are recommended good products, and you get paid if the deal goes through.

2. AskSunday : Sign up for a subscription ($29 to $49 a month) and have the site's virtual secretaries do tasks for you, like schedule doctor's appointments, set up dinner reservations or give you a wake-up call even if you are on a trip around the world.

3. Wink : Quickly find your best buddy from second grade, that guy you dated in high school, or your co-worker from three jobs ago.. The people search engine Wink sorts through all of these profiles so you can easily find and connect online with long lost friends.

4. GoodReads : Have you ever wondered what books your friends are reading? Are there novels in your colleagues' libraries that you'd enjoy? Swap thoughts on the latest biography or romance novel and even join an online book club to meet new literary friends. Then get off the computer and spend some time with a good old-fashioned book.

5. DontForgetYourToothbrush : Are you cruising in the Caribbean this winter, hitting the slopes in Aspen or just spending a week with your in-laws? The site is simple — sign in with a user name and password, choose the type of trip you're taking and then start checking off the appropriate to-do items, like "book ski lessons," "arrange a house-sitter," and "check flight times."

References:
Time Top 10

Meizu: The iPhone Killer?

2008-03-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Dimensions:

iPhone = 115 (h) x 61 (w) x 11.6 (d) mm
M8 = 105 (h) x 57 (w) x 11.5 (d) mm

Screen Size:
iPhone = 3.5 inches
M8 = 3.3 inches

Screen Resolution:
iPhone = 320 x 480
M8 = 720 x 480

Input Method:
iPhone = Apple patented Multi-touch
M8 = Standard touchscreen

Storage:
iPhone = 2 models at 4GB and 8GB non-removable flash memory
M8 = 2 models at 4GB and 8GB non-removable flash memory

Camera:
iPhone = 2.0 megapixels
M8 = 3.0 megapixels plus one 0.3-mega pixels on front for video calling

Both Apple iPhone and Meizu M8 have a similar style with a neat slot for the headphone at the top. Although the M8 is slightly smaller in height and has a smaller screen, the overall widths and depths are identical, and although the M8 has not yet been released, the layouts are rather similar.

Info:
Apple Matters

PSP: Final Fantasy Crisis Core

2008-03-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

Final Fantasy Crisis Core is out now in English!! Shipments started on March 19, 2008, and I can tell you, I just cannot wait to get hold of it! I played the Japanese version of this game and the graphics were so good! It's just like playing a real anime cartoon character.

For more info go to:
Play-Asia

World's Fastest Bike: The Tomahawk

2008-03-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is 8200cc Monster of a bike. It's like riding a 2-wheeled train engine.
1. 500 bhp (372 kW) @ 5600 rpm ( 60.4 bhp/liter); 525 lb.-ft. (712 Nm) @ 4200 rpm
2. 10-cylinder 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled, 505 cubic inches (8277 cc)
3. 356-T6 aluminum alloy block with cast-iron liners, aluminum alloy cylinder heads
4. Bore x Stroke: 4.03 inches x 3.96 inches (102.4 x 100.6)
5. Two pushrod-actuated overhead valves per cylinder with roller-type hydraulic lifters
6. Sequential, multi-port electronic fuel injection with individual runners
7. Compression Ratio: 9.6:1
8. Max Engine Speed: 6000 rpm
9. Fuel Requirement: Unleaded premium, 93 octane (R+M/2)
10. Oil System: Dry Sump; takes 8 quarts Mobil1 10W30 Synthetic
11. Cooling System: Twin aluminum radiators mounted atop engine intake manifolds, force-fed
from front-mounted, belt-driven turbine fan.
12. Takes 11 quarts of antifreeze.
13. Exhaust System: Equal-length tubular stainless steel headers with dual collectors and
central rear outlets

Facebook Increases Privacy

2008-03-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Facebook said it was introducing new privacy controls to give users the ability to preserve social disctinctions between friends, family and co-workers online. While one of Facebook's appeal has been a greater degree of privacy controls for users compared to other social networking sites, it has been getting strong criticism in response to new features that many users felt exposed previously private information to wider view.

Starting on Wednesday, users will be able to create and manage lists of friends that are granted different levels of access to information on a member's profile. The group privacy control introduced in December helps members organize friends into groups, and lets private lists let users send messages to selected friends or filter what personal details various groups can see.

Aside from that, the company confirmed recent reports that it is working on a new instant messaging chat feature that runs inside Facebook. It will be called Facebook Chat, and will not require users to download any special software.

Kitchen Gear: Transparent Toaster

2008-03-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

Its transparent and it toasts! This technology allows you to see your bread being toasted so you can get it to the level you want. I normally get my bread a bit burned because I could not see if it is toasting too fast or too slowly. This new stylish toaster allows you to see your bread being cooked in a very fashionable manner. And not only that.. It would look great in your kitchen!

How to check your IP address

2008-03-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

Here is one of them:
IP2Location

It gives you info like:

- IP Address to Country
- Region
- City
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Zip Code
- Time Zone
- Connection Speed
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Domain Name

Virtual Laser Keyboard

2008-03-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

The future has arrived. The Virtual Laser Keyboard (VLK) comes in the size of a Zippo lighter in an outer space style and is usable in your Mac, PC, Blackberry, Smartphone or PDA. This tiny device laser projects a keyboard on any flat surface... you can then type away with a simulated key clicking sound.

The VLK comes with an elegant leather jacket, making it very stylish and classy especially when used in front of other colleagues. With 63 keys and a full size QWERTY layout, the Laser Virtual Keyboard can have achieve typing speeds on a standard keyboard. It acts exactly like any other keyboard: a direction technology based on an optical recognition mechanism which enables the user to tap on the projected key images.

If you are interested in purchasing this product, go to:
VLC

Microsoft's Wireless Laser Desktop 7000

2008-03-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

Microsoft's latest wireless desktop called the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 is designed to complement the Windows Vista operating system with its curve design. It comes with an ultra thin Aero-inspired keyboard with a translucent design which suits the Windows Aero interface. It also comes with a rechargeable mouse which compliments the keyboard and is perfect for customers who desire a chic look.

Getting tunes from Multiply

2008-03-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

I thought they banned the downloading of tunes from Multiply. Actually, they haven't. If you have a multiply account, here is what you do.

1. Go to the page where the song is posted.
2. Click "Play the List"
3. Save to disk
4. Go to the folder where you saved the file
5. Click "Open" file
6. It will automatically play the song in your media player (I'm using Windows Media Player)
7. Wait for song to fully download
8. Go "File" -> "Save As"
9. Saved in Music folder.
10. Go to music folder, and click play! =)

USB Coffee Warmer

2008-03-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

What a great idea for people who leave their coffee while using the computer. It's such a hassle especially during a cold winter night when you let your coffee to warm a bit then it gets cold. These USB powered coasters will keep your favorite drink warm throughout the day. Its easy to use, just plug and play.

They come in different designs:

You can purchase online from:
Coolgifts
Ebay

SatuGO: Bouncing camera

2008-03-08T00:38:00.000-08:00

Wow, who in the world would think of having a bouncing camera? Well for camera freaks like me, who can turn out to be a bit clumsy, a bouncy camera would totally fit into my lifestyle. Two years ago I bought myself the shock and waterproof camera from Olympus because I thought it would do be better good than buying an ordinary camera that I always drop. But with the SatuGO, life is even better when you have gadgets that can bounce and won't break. Not only that, you can hit it and it takes a picture, or you can set the timer and throw the camera to take a cooler picture!

The SatuGO can also act as a mobile storage device for personal data and can also function as a webcam. It currently comes out in 3mp, which I would say is not so bad for a start. Hopefully if the product clicks, they would come up with higher mega pixels and more functions.

Visit their website for more details: SatuGO

Pillette: Bluetooth Headset

2008-03-08T00:22:00.001-08:00

What is the first thing that comes to your head when you see the Pillette?Well my impression was, it looks like a pill, and sooner or later I am going to misplace it. Although it is just a small as an actual pill, it has an optimal audio quality which is the result of a great microphone. It should be bent to an L shape to enable the headset.

Good marks:
- small, can fit anywhere
- probably useful when you are in class or a meeting, and want to listen to music without
being noticed.
- no unnecessary wires
- good quality for its size

Bad marks:
- people will think you are talking to yourself
- easily lost or misplaced

iView

2008-03-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

Technology has always intrigued me. I still remember during my childhood, that it was expensive and almost impossible for a normal person to purchase their own cellphone or personal computer due to the jacked up prices. Suddenly, personal computers became a norm for everyone, and people that are categorized as having a low socio-economic status can have their own personal cellphone. Anyways, getting to the point. A new screen designed by Nuno Teixeira, who whipped out the idea from the 1950's Cinerama wrap-around movie theatre screens designed this giant curved screen which apparently has better orientation to the natural curvature of the human eye. It also has a second built in LCD screen on the back which can prove useful for students and graphic designers.

Thanks to Apple for being very innovative on their products.