Engadget

Synology debuts compact DS409Slim four-bay NAS

by Donald Melanson, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 5:20PM

Not interested in a do-it-all NAS / router / photo frame like D-Link's DIR-685? Then you may want to consider Synology's just-announced DS409Slim NAS, which keeps things nice and simple and, as you can see above, compact. Despite that size, however, you'll still get four bays for some 2.5-inch drives of your choice (up to 2TB total), along with some standard issue NAS specs like a 1.2GHz Marvell processor, 128MB of RAM, a pair of USB ports, and a single eSATA port -- not to mention the usual DLNA certification and support for UPnP, among other media-friendly features. Look for this one to start shipping this month with a street price of about $400.

[Via SmallNetBuilder]

Flash drive bonanza: 36 crummy drives tested and compared!

by Laura June, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 4:32PM

The wild array of flash drives you see above -- a veritable cornucopia of bad taste, if you will -- has been put through some rather exhaustive paces by the freaks over at Test Freaks. That's right, they rounded up the finger tip, the tiny skull, the truly disgusting chicken foot, as well as a wide variety of fake edibles -- and poked and prodded them en masse until they came up with the answer we expected: most of these are actually pretty shoddily made. As if you buy a foul-looking shrimp tail flash drive because you expect it to get the best transfer rate. Hit the read link to check out the full insanity of this undertaking.

[Thanks, Vincent D.]

Guitar Hero 5's drums getting a Rock Band makeover?

by Ross Miller, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 3:47PM

Looks like that bulky Guitar Hero World Tour drumset might be getting itself an extreme makeover in time for the launch of Guitar Hero 5. According to our source, the blurred render above is the newest plastic percussion peripheral, and while functionality remains the same, it's moved the control console to the forefront, given the cymbals a more well-rounded existence, and done away with some of that body, particularly on the top and on the stand -- all in a all, a much more Rock Band look, if we do say so ourselves. The back of the unit contains three mini ports -- two for kick pedals, and one ever mysterious black mini jack. Yeah, Rock Band's drums have that mysterious unused port, too, and who knows what nefarious needs either will serve. What's suspicious is that it's two months before GH5's release and we still haven't seen this officially, whereas the previous set was ceremoniously unveiled almost six months prior to GHWT's launch -- not that we wouldn't put it past Activision to keep it under lock and key for now, but why not let its newfound beauty shine?

Best Buy set to offer 80GB PS3 bundle with MGS4 and Killzone 2?

by Donald Melanson, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 3:11PM

Well, it's not a price cut, but it looks like Sony could be about to offer one of its best deals to date to potential PS3 customers, with a little help from Best Buy. Apparently, in an effort to clear out the 80GB PS3s once and for all (to make way for... something), Best Buy will soon selling a bundle that includes said console, Metal Gear Solid 4, and Killzone 2 -- all for the usual price of $399.99. Better still, that bundle is supposedly set to go on sale as soon as next Sunday and, as you can see above, at least some of 'em have apparently already made their way into the stores' back rooms.

[Via Joystiq]

Enhanced Gmail Plug-in for BlackBerry now in beta testing

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 2:42PM

It's no secret that using Gmail on a BlackBerry is a painful experience -- since the built-in mail client has shamefully broken IMAP support, your only real choice is a variant of the same Java-based Gmail app that runs on ancient featurephones, and that rules out direct integration with either contacts or attachments. Yeah, it's sad, but hope is in the air, as RIM's apparently beta testing something called the "Enhanced Gmail Plug-in for BlackBerry," which promises to bring things up to speed. Features are said to include Conversation View, support for labels, stars, and archiving, and full mailbox search -- you know, Gmail. Of course, it would be even nicer if RIM would just sack up and bring proper IMAP support to the most famous messaging platform in the world, but we'll take what we can get.

[Via BerryReview]

Medion rolls out AMD-based Akoya Mini E1312 netbook

by Donald Melanson, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 2:14PM

The AMD-based netbook train may have been a little slow to get out of the station, but it looks like it's finally starting to pick up a bit of steam, with Medion the latest to roll out an offering of its own. That comes in the form of the company's new Akoya Mini E1312, which opts for a low-power AMD Sempron 210U processor and ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics instead of the usual Intel combo. Otherwise, you can expect to get a 16:9 11.6-inch display, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, HDMI out, and a six-cell or nine-cell battery. No word on a release 'round here just yet, but folks in the UK will apparently be able to pick this one up exclusively at Aldi stores starting July 12th for £339.99 (or just under $550).

Radiopaq's Sound Jacket improves nano sound quality, according to this handy chart

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 1:47PM

Accessories aimed at the iPod nano 4G crowd are always a curious affair. Isn't the whole point to have your tunes on-the-go, with a minimal of fuss? And aren't costly (and bulky) add-ons the definition of "fuss?" We seriously doubted there was much of a market for the portable speaker attachment we saw a few weeks back, and now it's Radiopaq's turn to get us scratchin' our heads. The iPod Sound Jacket claims to do away with "the distortion that can sometimes result from a static EQ setting" and reveal the "hidden detail in the music that is lost during MP3 compression." In other words, it seems to be a graphic equalizer. One that you have no control over, to boot. Sound familiar? But then again, according to the product literature the device boosts sound quality "up to 60 percent." If only it were able to boost our self esteem by, say, 40 percent or more. Now that would be well worth the £69.99 (roughly $115).

[Via SlashGear]

LG GD910 watchphone to go on sale in UK this August

by Laura June, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 1:16PM

We don't know about anyone else, but we've been waiting on LG's GD910 ever since we first heard about it way back around CES. We've already heard that the watch / phone-loving combo would hit shelves sometime in July (that's now) in Europe, but it looks like it's going to be more like August -- at least in the UK. T3 says they've confirmed this with Orange (the GD910's exclusive carrier), and though the price remains unspecified, we're expecting it to cost somewhere between $1,000 and way-more-than-you-should-spend. We're not going to bother with the requisite Dick Tracy comments this time (though we'll freely admit we're somehow fond of the Warren Beatty disaster), but hit the read link for fuller details.

Red Fox Wizbook N1020i netbook gets a hands-on

by Laura June, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 12:44PM

Red Fox's recently unveiled netbook -- the Wizbook N1020i -- has just gotten a hands-on treatment from the folks over at Electronic Pulp. The 10.2-incher is looking like pretty standard netbook fare -- a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, a 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, built-in webcam and card reader, plus 3 USB ports and a 6-cell battery -- all tell the same old tale. Rather interestingly, though, this model supports Bluetooth 3.0 and boasts an ExpressCard/34 slot... which may not be enough to make you run out in search of one, but is at least enough to keep it semi-interesting. We're really digging the neons, too. There's no word on pricing or availability yet -- but there is another shot after the break, and hit the read link for a full set.

Sprint first to offer a 99-cent netbook, but is it worth it?

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 12:22PM

We knew we'd see cheap / free subsidized netbooks eventually, and here we are: Best Buy and Sprint are offering up a Compaq-branded HP Mini 110c for just 99 cents when you sign a two-year data contract. Yeah, it looks good on paper, especially since AT&T and Verizon will ding you $199 for the same machine, but we just don't think it's worth it: at $60 a month for service, you'll be spending $1,440 for two years of pain with that 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB of RAM and three-cell battery. We'd say you're way better off grabbing a 3G USB stick you can use with multiple machines, or, if you're feeling particularly baller, throwing down for a MiFi and kicking it mobile hotspot style -- it'll cost the same $60 a month from Sprint, but you'll be able to get five machines online at once. But that's just us -- any of you particularly hot for this almost-free netbook?

[Via jkOnTheRun]

Engadget's recession antidote: win a Novatel Ovation MC990D USB modem!

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 12:00PM

This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff or companies stop sending things. Today we've got a Novatel Ovation MC990D HSPA USB modem on offer. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff!

Big thanks to Novatel Wireless for providing the gear!

The rules:

Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Novatel Ovation MC990D. Approximate retail value is $299.99.
If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
Entries can be submitted until Monday, July 6th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Full rules can be found here.

Magellan Maestro 4700 available for pre-order, hits the street July 15

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 11:35AM

We know you all have been eagerly awaiting the good word on that new Magellan GPS ever since it came to our attention (via some cat's diligent FCC carousing) at the end of May. According to an announcement dropped this morning, the Maestro 4700 should be making the scene on July 15 for an MSRP of $299. Among the features sure to thrill and titillate one who is lucky enough to purchase this guy: OneTouch favorites, hands-free Bluetooth calling (with your compatible cellphone), a predictive traffic mode that analyzes past traffic patterns and suggests alternate routes, both standard POI and AAA TourBook databases, "Find Your Car" with pedestrian mode, 3D Landmarks while driving, and our personal favorite -- QuickSpell with Smart City Search. Including a windshield mount and cradle, power adapter, USB cable, and a carrying case, this guy is available for pre-order now. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Magellan Maestro 4700 available for pre-order, hits the street July 15

Are iPhones burning up in the infernos of processor overtaxation, or is it all a big misunderstanding?

by Paul Miller, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 11:11AM

Apple hasn't ever been great at this whole "heat dissipation" thing, but some new developments in the supposed overheating iPhone scandal of 2009 have us wondering how widespread or reproducible these problems might be. Here are a few semi-facts we've managed to amass:

Somebody's white iPhone 3GS grew some ugly brown markings during heavy use.
A new development is saying that the discoloration came from a case (pictured), not from cooking the plastic.
More users than usual have been reporting an overheated iPhone error after the 3.0 update, but as Apple's support documentation points out, this could just be from the time of year (summer, in case you haven't been outside lately).
There isn't a large mass of evidence denoting a major fault to the 3GS, 3.0 or chintzy white leather cases.

So, all that said, what's been your experience?

Sega Toys' Dream Cat Venus is sure to be your favorite fake pet ever

by Laura June, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 10:46AM

Sega Toys has unveiled yet another iteration of the fake cat we've come to know and love, and this time, it's even more "real" than before. Dream Cat Venus -- as this one's been dubbed -- has sensors in its forehead, and touch sensors in its body so that it can react when petted. Apparently more lifelike than previous version Smile, Venus also purrs when certain words are spoken. Sega Toys says this is the right choice for those who just don't have the time for a real pet. We're also pretty sure it's non-allergenic (unlike real felines), cheaper to own (doesn't eat or need to see the vet), and totally won't mind if you head out on vacation for three weeks at a pop without telling him. We'll still feel the guilt though. This kitty's going to be available starting July 30th in Japan for about $110.

Warning: Read link is a PDF
[Via Slashgear]

Stand-up console plays Nintendo DS and Sony PSP games, somewhat defeats the purpose

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 10:13AM

Depending in your level of geekness, an extravagant mod can be pretty cool. And arcade consoles are damn near always really cool. But making a stand-up console game out of your beloved Nintendo DS? That is pretty amazing. And throwing in a Sony PSP for good measure -- well, that might just elevate your project to a work of art. We don't have too many technical details on this bad boy (after all, the hacker is in Japan -- and there is a bit of a language barrier) but you we think the video of the thing really says it all -- if not in so many words. Peep it for yourself after the break.

[Via Technabob]

Continue reading Stand-up console plays Nintendo DS and Sony PSP games, somewhat defeats the purpose

Video: Trace of Time clock erases tasks as deadlines pass

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 9:52AM

Pictured above is one of the most genius adaptations of the so-called "clock" that we've ever seen, and while the concept has been around for a tick, Il-Gu Cha's masterpiece is just now making its way around the expo circuit and showing itself off in a new video. Dubbed Trace of Time, this eraser-equipped timepiece is constructed primarily from glass and wipes away Dry Erase tasks as those deadlines slip away. Sure, the inability to hit the snooze on certain items could prove aggravating, but it's safe to say this is a bona fide procrastination killer at the very least. Peek the video just past the break.

Continue reading Video: Trace of Time clock erases tasks as deadlines pass

Dell Taiwan gets sidelined after second 'bargain' incident

by Paul Miller, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 9:23AM

After a second run in with low, low, low prices on particular products at Dell Taiwan, Dell has shut down that country's online store until it can sort things out. Apparently this time it was the Latitude E4300 which would go haywire with particular CPU configurations. Dell is offering a 20,000 NT (about $600 US) discount to those who ordered the mis-priced PC, but apparently that only just matches the regular street price in Taiwan for the computer so people are naturally up in arms. We're not sure what they're so grumpy about: sounds like a paradise on earth to us.

Eurotech introduces Atom-powered in-wall Panel Computers

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 8:59AM

Why leave all the new computer fun to your desk or lap, right? In an effort to give that barren wall of yours something to cheer about, Eurotech has recently introduced a new trio of Panel Computers, all of which are powered by Intel's less-than-amazing Atom CPU. The Vx-120F-N270 and Vx-150F-N270 are practically identical save for the 12.1- and 15-inch touchscreens (respectively), with each possessing an Atom N270 processor, a fanless design, high-brightness LCD, twin gigabit Ethernet jacks, a front-mounted USB port and an expansion slot for add-on boards. The outfit also debuted the rugged Bx-400F-N270, which should withstand abuse not seen on typical in-wall PCs. Prices have yet to be made public, but you can pretty much bank on your local home automation dealer charging a boatload come mid-September.

Carbon ring storage promises 1,000 times higher memory density

by Vladislav Savov, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 8:31AM

Terrifying news, kids: we're growing seriously close to maxing out the density limits of present magnetic memory technology as it becomes increasingly difficult to shrink the necessary grains used in the process. Thankfully, there's a team of German scientists devoted to doing more than standing around and watching the inevitable happen. Cobalt, the element responsible for keeping your precious data intact, typically requires a 50,000 atom fleet for each grain, but boffins from Dresden have found a way to shrink that to a measly flotilla of 50. Without trampling you with technological details, attaching carbon rings to the cobalt reproduces the requisite hexagonal close packed structure, which leads to reduced space requirements. Should this technique prove viable, we can expect yet another race among hard drive makers as they strive to make each other's most capacious drives look downright diminutive. Hit the read link for all the grisly details.

[Via Graphene-Info]

InterHome learns from inhabitants, adapts to save energy

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 7:59AM

We've seen all sorts of devices that learn over time, though most of them fall into the humanoid category. Now, a team of gurus over in the UK has developed an entire home that can learn from those dwelling in it and react in order to curb energy waste and even prevent unauthorized entry. InterHome, a model designed by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire, is scheduled to be unveiled at the Microsoft Imagine Cup finals, and it should make other home automation systems look rather antediluvian in comparison. By sensing how the owner(s) like their climate and such, it can reportedly save up to £300 a year in energy costs alone. Furthermore, it can "take decisive action and text if it is being burgled or the door has been left unlocked," and the whole system can be monitored remotely and controlled via the web. Too bad we're terrified that it could one day turn on the owner and refuse to allow entry to anyone other than leaders of The Resistance, but other than that, it sounds pretty nifty.

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