Gadgets Base

Posted Mar 10th 2008 4:27PM by Paul Miller
Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Networking
Remote desktop clients are great for those one-in-a-million scenarios when your computer is working well enough to connect to the internet and run a remote desktop app, but still requires technical assistance. In contrast, IOGEAR gives IT types full control from boot with the spendy-but-useful PCPortal GCN1000. The internet-connected KVM switch is completely hardware-based, meaning the computer you’re controlling needs no working operating system to be taken control of, and IT people have about as much control over the remote PC as they would if sitting directly in front of it. You can also plug the GCN1000 into regular KVM switches to manage multiple computers remotely, as well as use the Virtual Media port to give remote users data straight from whatever’s plugged into the USB port. Unfortunately, all this hotness comes at a cost: the GCN1000 is available now for $500.

[Via Blast]

Posted Mar 10th 2008 1:44PM by Donald Melanson
Filed under: Displays HANNSpree’s never been one to shy away from unconventional designs for its TVs, but the company has really outdone itself with its new “HANNSMilano” model, which it says is “inspired by today’s modern woman.” That inspiration apparently resulted in a genuine leather exterior with “intricate detailing,” which surrounds a wholly unremarkable 9.6-inch LCD screen — with a handy carrying strap rounding the look, of course. Sadly, there’s no word on a release ’round these parts, but those in the UK will be able to get their hands on one of these later this month for £130 (or about $260).

A couple of years ago (it doesn’t seem that long ago…) I waxed lyrical about the advantages of using a modded Xbox with XBMC as a living room media adapter.

Unfortunately technology moves on and my trusty Xbox just didn’t have the horsepower to play back high definition content. The next gen consoles can do it but they still aren’t as flexible as I’d like (although kudos to Microsoft for finally enabling DivX playback on the 360).

So what do to? The mac mini stepped in to fill the gap nicely; the new core duo models are fairly powerful, it’s tiny and it’s almost silent running. It’s also surprisingly good value for money - I can’t build a PC that ticks all those boxes for the price of a mini.

It seems like the developers of the original XBMC software had the same thought and they’ve been porting the media player software to OSX. Over the past month or so I’ve been watching the OSXBMC project with interest and it looks like it’s finally become solid enough for general use.

XBMC (the Xbox Media Center) is a front end application for playing back video and music. Think Front Row++. Unlike front row it doesn’t force you to have your audio/video files in the iTunes managed folder structure, and it also plays back just about anything you can throw at it including .ISO/VOB and FLAC files.

Front row can do some of this with perian, but XBMC seems more efficient to me. In my testing it plays 720p .MKV files from a LAN share with no dropped frames and can also handle 1080p content, although that’s pushing the mac to the limits of it’s ability. I’ve never been able to do either of these with Frontrow/Perian.

Although I said it’s solid, it still has it’s roots very much in the xbox world. That means that there are some menu items on the main interface that are just not applicable to the mac and others that behave slightly oddly. If you don’t mind a bit of experimentation though it’s well worth a look.

Get the software from here, and the FAQ here

Posted Mar 10th 2008 2:13PM by Paul Miller
Filed under: Gaming
Hey kids, listen up. That guy with the red hat and blue overalls in the fancy new Super Smash Bros. game you just brought home? His name is Mario. He’s a neat guy. This Wii mod here features the lovable plumber in his natural habitat, World 1-1. On the other side is a pipe, his favored form of travel, which doubles as a Wiimote charger. Pretty great. OK, that’s it for today’s lesson, stay safe out there!

[Via Wii Fanboy]

Need to open a folder on your computer but you’re feeling a bit too lazy to move your fingers? Tobii Technology is here to the rescue, with the introduction of their OEM eye tracking technology during this year’s annual CeBIT trade show. This technology can further be applied to gaming, medical and vision diagnostics, market research set-top boxes, 3D displays, and as well as in automotive safety. The list goes on to include computer interfaces in medical, industrial and military environments.

Personally, I think this would be a great feature in vending machines, where it would enable anyone to look at a particular product (a hot/cold beverage, tissues/napkins, etc.) and claim the item at the push of a single button without having to go through the currently difficult process of pushing two to three stubby nubs. According to Tobii, this will provide new and unique opportunities for product enhancements to companies as it offers customized OEM eye tracking components for seamless integration into various devices.

Imagine all the time you’d be able to save by skipping through the the necessary left/right clicking and gaining access certain programs or parts of your computer directly just by looking at them. And apart from being a time saver, this will also contribute to analyzing user thinking and behavior. Presumably, this technology is still in its beta testing stage but expect it to be one of the most talked about upcomings later on this year once it finally goes mainstream.

Via [Aving.net]

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Now here’s a fragrance oil warmer that will definitely transport you to far away places - in your mind, at least.

A shining silver spaceship base is poised for blast-off! Add scented oil to the warming dish and heat from releases the fragrance to freshen your room. 5″ x 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ high.

Don’t think this $14.95 will score you any points with the ladies though, unless they’re in love with sci-fi as well.

Product Page via Nerd Approved

Posted Mar 10th 2008 6:53AM by Thomas Ricker
Filed under: cellphones, Gaming, Portable Audio, Portable Video
While Apple continues to market the iPhone as a 3-in-1 device — web, phone, and ipod — it’s clear that Jobs has a 4th market clearly in his sights. It’s no accident that EA and Sega were both selected to demonstrate their skills with the iPhone SDK during last week’s press event. Now Gameloft, the worldwide number one mobile game publisher in terms of revenues — has committed to developing games for the iPhone. “Over 15 titles” are expected in 2008, in fact. Oh iphone, is there anything you can’t do with your 3D processor, multi-touch display, and 3-axis accelerometer? Oh right, GPS, 3G data, corporate Exchange, A2DP Bluetooth audio, MMS, … you get the idea.

Update: John Carmac — co-founder of Id Software — just commented that, “We (Id) have put in our application like everybody else.” So yeah, it’ll play Doom… officially this time.

Posted Mar 10th 2008 8:13AM by Thomas Ricker
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video
It couldn’t last forever. Now those free, laser-etched designs of the Zune Originals series will cost ya. Microsoft quietly made the switch sometime over the last few weeks (if not the weekend) according to forum jockeys riding the Zuneboards. The Tattoo Series is now $10 or $15 for the Artist Series. Custom engravings are still free. Of course, there’s no better way to keep those Zunes original than to charge cold, cash money for off-the-shelf designs.

[Thanks, Mike]

There is nothing quite like sipping on a cup of hot coffee in the morning, but how many of us are alert enough the moment we get out of bed to know that something is hot/cold? With this Hot-Cold Mug, you will be able to tell the difference verbally, as it is capable of changing its color gradually from total white to black, where the former indicates that it is as hot as the surface of the sun itself while the latter means there is no more heat left in the coffee. The Hot-Cold Mug retails for $25 a pop and makes for a great office present.

Product Page via GadgetRoad

Where would we be without Instant Messaging? It lets us stay in contact and chat with friends all over the world (especially delightful during work hours). But sometimes the urge to reach out a shoot someone is unbearable. And that’s where the USB MSN Missile Launcher comes in. Don’t be content with sharing images, jokes, and assorted links with your friends - it’s time to share missiles!

You’ll have your USB MSN Missile Launcher set up within minutes and that’s when the fun begins. For you see, as you chat you and your buddies can control each other’s launcher. And since each USB MSN Missile Launcher has an integrated webcam (which can be used as just a webcam if you haven’t any buddies), you’ll know exactly when you are aimed at your buddy’s head. Then fire away! The only downside is that your buddy can do the same to you! The upside is, you can always retaliate by turning your buddy’s USM MSN Missile Launcher to face the door of his office and peg his boss in the gut when he/she comes to lecture your buddy about using IM for non-work-related matters. Ah the joys of progress . . . and revenge.

Gimmie!

Suggested Price: $59.99