Beginning of a New Week

I love Mondays! Must be a geek thing. When I was a kid I couldn’t wait for the start of the summer holidays but within a week I was wanting to go back to school. I think this is a feeling that only geeks really had (we used to be called nerds…sheesh). I was lucky in that I was a math/science geek and my parents encouraged that. My friends well remember the chemistry and microscopes I had as a kid. They were adult grade (back in the days when chemistry sets had real chemicals in them!) and I had a blast all summer with my various projects (Think Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory….without homeland security butting into matters).
Now I look forward to the start of the work week. Because I work for myself, I spend Mondays looking for new projects to start. I love the thrill of it. Building websites, writing articles. It’s great fun and I get paid for it as well! Yay me!
Sunday wouldn’t be Sunday if I didn’t spend at least a part of it on Facebook and Twitter. If you are looking for new friends for:
Gardens of Time
Blackwood and Bell
Astrogarden
Flowershop
Then find me on Facebook at: facebook.com/accer70
You can find me on Twitter at: ACCER

Technorati Tags: facebook,twitter,work,geeks,education

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Technomancer Wizard Hoodie

Ok, I totally need this. Really. I could finally channel all my vast occult knowledge gleaned from my years of playing Warcraft and rain fine down on people! I really could!

This is an offering from those wacky code monkeys at Think Geek and man is it ever cool!

Wild Mage. Wizard. Sorcerer. Illusionist. Enchanter. Invoker. Necromancer. There are so many words to describe people who wield magical powers. We have one word: badass. Let's look at your average adventuring party: The fighter swings her greatsword, cleaving through two orcs. Sweet. The rogue pops out of the shadows, backstabbing the hobgoblin. Nice! The ranger fires an arrow through the throat of The Bandit King, right in the middle of his monologue. Love it. The cleric is adept with both a mace and a bandage. Phew! But the wizard sets entire battlefields on fire without so much a singe on his velvet robes.


You have the Will to be a spellcaster in real life, and ThinkGeek is here like a wizened oracle to deliver you the way. Introducing the Technomancer Digital Wizard Hoodie. Donning this unique garment will transform you into a powerful mage ready to blast off spells at a moment's notice. The sleeves of the Technomancer contain dual accelerometers which sense the movements of your hands. Move them in one of the pre-programmed spell sequences and the sleeves of the hoodie light from within, the internal speaker booms, and the hood illuminates your face in an eerie glow.


Of course, a seasoned wizard has a variety of spells in their repertoire. The Technomancer Hoodie offers ten different spells including fireball, healing, and lightning bolt (lightning bolt, lightning bolt!). Each spell is accompanied by unique light and sound effects powered by the embedded speaker and over two dozen bright multicolored LEDs. Of course, you'll have to train daily to learn the right sequence of movements to cast each spell. We hear the College of Winterhold is accepting applications.


Product Specifications

• Transform yourself into a powerful mage with this hoodie
• Dual accelerometers in the sleeves sense your hand movements
• Move your hands in the right sequence to cast a specific spell
• Internal speakers will create the spellcasting sound effects
• LEDs in the hood and sleeves light up with the appropriate color
• Ten different spells including: fireball, healing, and lightning bolt
• Illustrated directions included to teach you the movements for each spell
• Patent pending technology designed by ThinkGeek
• Machine Washable: Electronic components can be removed for washing

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Welcome 2012

Happy New Year Everyone!

So, has anyone else made resolutions? I prefer to set goals for the year. Here are a few of mine. If you have any you want to share, please do so.

• Get rid of the rest of the books. 

I've gotten my book collection down to a manageable level but I still have far too many. My goal is to have only one bookshelf full by the end of the year. I have a digital copy of every single book I possible could have and have stored copies on a hard drive so my Kindle isn't overloaded. As it is, if I live to be 150 I will never get through all the new books I have yet to read....and that is if I stop today. Oh well, I can think of worse problems to have.

• Improve my health.

I know I'm a geek but running through Azaroth and killing Orcs does NOT equal a fitness program. I need to actually step away from the computer (shudder) every now and then and actually venture outside. I actually live in a really cool place. I'm not out on my porch for 5 minutes before I see other humans actually walking around. Kids play, pets roam. The last place I lived I never ever saw that. In 20 years I never saw kids playing outside. Spooky. Anyway, my goal is to get in a walk at least every other day. Outside. I'll take my phone. LOL. Me without technology is NOT pretty.

• Go to church more often

Bet you didn't see THAT coming, did you? Yes, the resident Techno-Geek, holder of advance science degrees is a Christian. It's okay; I'm Catholic. That means I'm from the branch that believes in Evolution, Medicine and all of the other advantages of the 21 century. I'm also a firm believer that a healthy spiritual life is as important as a healthy body and education. It's all about balance my friends.

• Read more books

Again, it's about balance. A little less time sitting in front of the computer screen and a little more time sitting and...oh, wait. Anyway, reading on my Kindle is a good break from the instant communication world of the Internet. Oh, heck, who am I kidding? I just need to get some of the books read so I can buy more.

Well that's it for now. See you all soon!

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Klipsch LightSpeaker brings sound and light together

I saw this product at CES Unveiled, and I couldn’t help but wonder why someone hadn’t thought of mixing a light and a speaker together before.

Klipsch’s LightSpeaker, developed by Kadence Designs LLC, comes with a dimmable LED bulb and full-range speaker, which enables it to fit into five and six inch recessed light fixtures with a standard Edison socket. Accessories will allow the LightSpeaker to accommodate floor lamps, table lamps, as well as hanging light fixtures.

The LightSpeaker uses a 20 watt high-performance, low distortion digital amplifier for energy-efficient sound. The audio is delivered wirelessly with a standalone 2.4 GHz transmitter. So your sound can be taken from a laptop, CD Player, or iPod. The LightSpeaker can accommodate up to eight LightSpeakers, and it can equalize stereo sound in many rooms. Yes, with the simple application of light, all sound will be transferred across the house.

The LED bulb is rated for 40,000 hours, which enables it to last for 15 years. It can supposedly reduce daily lighting expenses by 80 percent, because it uses 10 watts to produce light that are bright enough to replace up to a 65 watt blub.

The LightSpeaker is slated to be released in March as a bundled package. A set consists of two LightSpeakers, transmitter, radio frequency remote, mini-jack to RCA plug cable, lenses and trim, and will sell for $599. A single one will sell for about $249.

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Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus

When Palm’s Pre was announced at the last CES alongside their webOS platform, the world was abuzz at what could possibly be an iPhone killer. Unfortunately as time has proven, while the idea was great, the execution wasn’t done properly, which was why the Palm Pre (and its follow up, the Pixi) failed to make that much of an impact around the world despite it being a really great handset to use. Well, CES 2010 sees Palm coming back with a vengeance with the announcement of two more Palm handsets that are based on the webOS platform – the Palm Pre Plus and the Palm Pixi Plus, where they will be made exclusives over Verizon Wireless’ network this coming January 25th for a yet undisclosed price. To know just what new stuff Palm has thrown in, kindly head on to the extended post.

At first glance, the Palm Pre Plus looks the same like the original Palm Pre, where you are greeted with a large, vivid touchscreen display, a high-performance processor and a slide-out keyboard. While the keyboard is still easy to use and makes for quick typing, the navigation button has been removed, making that the most glaring difference. You will get double the memory with 16GB of storage space, while it already comes with the Palm Touchstone Back Cover that makes it Touchstone Charging Doc-ready right from the get go.

As for the Palm Pixi Plus, Palm addresses the Pixi’s greatest weakness by throwing in Wi-Fi support. Yes, at long last you are able to go online from various hotspots without suffering from such indignation amidst a slew of other smartphones that have long supported such a feature. Apart from that improvement, we also have word on the all-new Palm mobile hotspot. This webOS app allows you to create a personal Wi-Fi cloud that can support up to 5 other Wi-Fi devices, which means there no longer is any need to purchase software like Joiku and the ilk. Would all the improvements stated above make you want to open up your wallet and go all out to bring home either Palm device, or are you much more of an iPhone or Android fan?

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There were a lot of robots on parade at CES this year, and this one was the I-FAIRY from Kokoro Co. 

According to my source, this robot can be “programmed with the user’s voice and accompanying body gestures that give the I-FAIRY a more natural feel when used for museum guide work”. I have an attached video after the jump that shows it doing nothing of the sort, but rather sitting in one place and occasionally moving to the beat of rock music.

I guess someone’s finally invented a robot that slacks off, eh? No, just kidding. The I-FAIRY was developed in conjunction with Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and I have no doubt that it can do everything that it says as far as being a museum guide.

After all, do we really need to pay some human being to walk around a museum andshow us things when a robot could do it far more interestingly? By the way, the I-FAIRY is also designed to do corporate presentations. Seriously? Now I have heard just about everything about robots today.

Actually, I just heard some interesting fact about robots today that is more related to the Adult Entertainment Expo that is held next door to CES every year. Apparently, someone has invented Roxxxy, a very pleasurable fembot. However, I’m not going to bother to report on that. Do your own research if you want to hear more about that.

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Belkin has new 802.11n wireless router range

Belkin is an old hand when it comes to wireless devices as well as other computing peripherals, and this time round they have a new range of 802.11n wireless routers for you to choose from, basically with a handful of models to suit just about any needs there are out there. These new wireless routers feature fun and powerful applications, and comprise of the Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max Wireless Routers which will allow you to play music, games, and HD videos while sharing photos and enable wireless printing from just about anywhere in your home.

Belkin has specially designed such applications to enhance your wireless experience, where they are a snap to set up while keeping you online with the most optimal connection always. For instance, the Self-Healing app will automatically detect and resolve network problems while running routine maintenance scans in order to provide you with the clearest wireless channel. All Share, Play, and Play Max Routers will come with the Print Genie application which enables one to wirelessly print from any computer on the network in your home, while Memory Safe will perform an automatic backup your photos and files to an external hard drive (needless to say, you will need to pick up the external hard drive by yourself) so that you can be sure all your digital memories are archived in a prim and proper manner.

The use of advanced Dual-Band N technology in Belkin’s Play and Play Max Routers are more than capable of providing the best speed and performance. Simultaneous networks will eliminate interference while enabling you to optimize performance for media-intensive activities, including streaming HD movies, gaming online, and downloading large media files for those who love Torrents. As for apps that are available on the Play and Play Max routers, you will be more empowered by your music more than ever before. Music Mover will play your whole music library on a range of smart devices including the Xbox 360 or PS3, where creating your own tunes is but a touch away. The Daily DJ app will unveil daily personalized playlists to stay in step with your current mood. Prices range from $79.99 to $129.99, depending on the model of your choice.

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CES 2010: Hands-On With Transparent Display of the Future

Science fiction becomes reality with this transparent OLED display prototype from Samsung.

Just go see it on wired.com It's absolutely worth it.

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Acer Aspire One - Purple

Best. Netbook. EVER!

And it's purple! Do I really have to go into detail about how incredibly wonderful it is to have a purple netbook? Nah, I didn't think so.

Here are the Specs on the computer part....but did you notice that it's PURPLE???

That's right, it's PURPLE!

Specifications:

• 10.1-inch LED-backlit CrystalBrite screen (1024 x 600 resolution)
• Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.
• Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
• 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor combines performance and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile
• Up to 3.15 hours of battery life with included 3-cell battery
• Multi-gesture Touchpad for circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, and page flip
• 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM (667 MHz; 2 GB maximum capacity)
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 video processor
• Crystal Eye webcam supports Acer PrimaLite technology, which consists of a premium sensor, firmware and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. A built-in digital microphone helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes.
• 84-key keyboard, 89 percent of standard-size with 12 function keys, WLAN switch
• 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
• Fast Ethernet (10/100)
• VGA video output
• Stereo speakers and optimized Dolby Headphone technology for 5.1-channel audio
• Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
• Dimensions: 10.17 x 7.24 x 1 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 2.44 pounds
• Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This Acer Aspire One notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer's SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency. It also providesFast (10/100) Ethernet networking.

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• Multi-in-1 memory card reader compatible with MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO or xD-Picture Card
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire One AOD250-1025 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite 2009 (trial version with 60 days of live update); Microsoft Works with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial; Google Desktop; Norton Online Backup; WildTangent

10.1-Inch CrystalBrite Screen

The 10.1-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and support for up a 262K color depth. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses shared video memory with the main memory. Acer's CrystalBrite display technology guarantees the best possible visual experience by preventing the diffusion of surrounding light and internal ray. Compared to normal TFT LCDs, Acer CrystalBrite technology is able to read color coordinates more accurately, thus minimizing distortion and creating high-fidelity colors in all environments.

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New Gateway All in One Computer

Gateway will launch two new all-in-one PCs namely the Gateway One ZX6800 and ZX4800. The ZX6800 is powered by a 23-inch 1920 x 1080, an Intel Core 2 Quad 2.33GHz CPU with an 8GB of RAM, a 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670 graphics, a 1TB hard-drive and a 64GB SSD for apps and OS. The computer also supports WiFi b/g/n, Gigabit Ethernet, a DVD burner, eSATA port, a hybrid TV tuner, and 5.1 surround sound outputs. Meanwhile, the cheaper ZX4800 features a 20-inch 1,600 x 900 display, a 2.1GHz Pentium Dual Core CPU with a 4GB of RAM, an Intel GMA X4500HD graphics, a 750GB hard-drive and the same connectivity of its faster sibling. Sadly, the ZX4800 doesn’t have the SSD and a hybrid TV tuner options. The Gateway One ZX6800 and ZX4800 will be released in November for $1,399.99 and $749.99, respectively.

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Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse

If you are a fan of gadgets, then you might fall in love with the USB bamboo keyboard and mouse from Brando. Both devices are compatible with Windows and Linux platforms. The keyboard retails for $39, while the mouse is priced at $19. You can also purchase both of them for $52.

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D-Link Xtreme Router

D-Link has finally released its Xtreme N DIR-685 all-in-one router that was debuted at 2009 CES in January. The router features a built-in draft N Wi-Fi module allowing the device to communicate with network attached storage devices to display streaming videos and pictures, weather forecasts and other live streaming Internet contents. The D-Link Xtreme N DIR-685 also supports an optional 1TB 2.5-inch SATA drive that can be inserted into the side of the DIR-685. There is also a built-in FTP server that gives users access to documents, photos, music and other local or networked content. Additional features include two USB ports, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, Energy Star specifications for savings of up to 30 percent, and a Wi-Fi Scheduler can turn off the Wi-Fi radio automatically at a specified time.

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Toshiba Satellite with 9 hour Battery

It's about damn time! Going thin is in these day. So here’s one ultra-thin laptop computer series from the house of Toshiba. The Satellite T100 series includes two machines — the Satellite T135 and the Satellite T115. The series is Tosh’s thinnest, designed to meet the demands of everyday mobility with laptop-class performance and all-work day battery life – with price points starting at $449.99. Measuring less than one inch thick, the slim and sleek Satellite T100 Series laptop is powered by Intel’s latest energy efficient processor, and is based upon Windows 7 OS. Thanks to its energy efficient design the Satellite T100 boast of up to 9 hours of battery life.

I've been waiting for someone to invent a long lasting notebook battery!

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OCZ intros Low-Voltage AMD Black Edition Memory with “AMD Overdrive” Performance

OCZ today expanded their lineup of DDR3 to include certified OCZ Black Edition 4GB kits for ultimate compatibility with AMD’s next-generation Phenom II processors. These modules excel on Black Edition platforms at ultra-low voltage, an ideal parameter for the latest highly efficient processors. OCZ’s unique Black Edition Series is designed to be the ultimate upgrade for users who not only want to reap the benefits of high-frequency DDR3, but want a future-proof choice for their system.

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Lenovo IdeaCentre Q110 Nettop Available Now

Lenovo IdeaCentre Q110 Nettop is finally available for purchase at Lenovo’s online store. Priced at $399, this ION-based nettop offers an Intel Atom 230 1.6GHz CPU, a 2GB RAM, a 160GB hard drive and Windows Vista Home Premium 64 OS. In addition, It also comes with several connectivity ports including four USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet and headphone jack.

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New Lenovo C100 All in One.

Looking for a sleek and stylish All in Once desktop? Well you should consider Lenovo’s latest C100, a nice 18.5” Desktop powered by either an Atom 230 Single Core or a faster and better Atom 330 Dual Core CPU. Other specs includes 1GB of RAM, 160GB of HDD and a DVD Burner and you will get an affordable Web friendly desktop, ideal for chatting and surfing for just $399 (Atom 230).

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Fujitsu Adds “Touch” to Their Flagship LifeBook T5010 Convertible Tablet PC

Multitouch changed our way of using mobile phones, and thanks to Windows 7, this Multitouch experience will be possible on a PC near you… Lenovo did it yesterday, now it’s Fujitsu’s turn with their LifeBook T5010.

The T5010 features a 13.3 WXGA with LED backlight capacitive touchscreen, and a wide choice of Core 2 Duo CPUs…
09/15/09 — Fujitsu gave mobile users in North America another reason to choose the LifeBook(R) T5010 convertible tablet PC today, announcing the convenience of multi touch input. The new dual digitizer’s touch screen function on the 13.3-inch display offers a new level of interaction by supporting two-finger touch for actions including panning, rotating, flicks and zooming. With seamless switching between pen and touch, users can change tasks on the fly, from casual surfing to detailed editing or writing.
The Windows Vista(R)-based LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet PC is the first in a line of new LifeBook platforms and form factors designed to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of Microsoft’s soon-to-be-launched Windows 7.
News Highlights

•NEW optional dual digitizer (active digitizer/capacitive touch) with two-finger support for gestures including zoom, rotate, and flicks; stylus support for inking, editing/annotating files
•Converts from tablet into a standard notebook with keyboard input using the industry’s first bi-directional swivel hinge
•Weighs approximately 4.5 pounds in weight-saver configuration
•13.3-inch mercury-free WXGA bright LED backlight LCD with wide viewing angles
•Modular bay, which supports an optical drive or optional second battery
•Optional mobile broadband support on select models (AT&T integrated broadband connect and Verizon Wireless mobile broadband built in)
•Enterprise manageability support with Intel active management technology
•Optional Microsoft(R) Windows 7 Professional (free upgrade) and Vista Business (XP downgrade)
•Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor technology
•Full-size, spill-resistant keyboard with touchpad
•Optional integrated webcam and (standard) dual digital microphones
•Full suite of security features: dedicated SmartCard slot, integrated fingerprint sensor, security panel, BIOS and hard drive password protection, embedded TPM 1.2, Computrace(R) BIOS agent.
•Priced starting at $1,759(1) with an active digitizer and priced starting at $1,859 with a dual digitizer option. Users can choose from a recommended configuration, or they can customize their LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet PC using the Fujitsu Configure To Order (CTO) program. Available immediately through the Fujitsu website and select retailers/e-tailers(2).

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Eikon Digital Privacy Manager

Why remember your mother's maiden name when you get just give password-askers the finger? Upek's $40 print-reader provides easy access to your password-protected sites and, unlike many digit-scanners, it can be used in browsers that aren't named Internet "Easy Target" Explorer. Like Firefox, thankfully.

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Adesso AKB-230W

Science has ruined our pre-lunch Pop-Tart by confirming that over 400 times more germs live on our desk than on our toilet seat. A sure way to combat this grossness is by using this $35 indestructible keyboard; it's dustproof, waterproof and 100-percent washable, thus completely impervious to that pre-lunch Yoo-hoo we're sure to spill.

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Avixe Q

Dive into the Internet phone movement with style! Combining speakerphone, webcam and stand-alone mic, the (other) Q makes using Skype's video services as easy as connecting one stylish unit into a USB port. Hey, it might look like a bent-over dog's behind, but your cubicle needed a conversation piece anyway.

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