Saturday, March 29, 2008
Peripherals
HP Media Vault 2100 Linux Server Reviewed: One Kick-Ass Little Penguin
12:00PM Wilson Rothman | Why, in the midst of a major Windows Home Server push, would HP introduce a little Linux-based NAS at half the price? And why would HP make the US$300 Media Vault mv2120 so full featured and easy that its US$600-and-up MediaSmart Servers look A) too bulky B) too expensive C) too overloaded D) all of the above? Is HP telling Microsoft there’s no need for Windows Home Server, especially in light of its recent troubles? Or is HP saying that WHS is nice, but it’d be nicer if it was actually priced as an accessory? Whether the new Media Vault is a lurch away from Microsoft’s gravitational pull, or whether it’s a placeholder until Redmond can come up with a formula for US$300 WHS boxes, it’s a pretty cool little machine. More »
Gadgets
Oxygen Dog House: An O2 Buzz for You and Your Pooch
11:30AM Sean Fallon | We have heard about the potential health benefits of inhaling pure oxygen since the 90’s—but in Japan this fad is still going strong. In fact, they are getting their dogs involved with products like this new O2 Doghouse. Marketed as a “dog hospital” of sorts, the O2 Doghouse will deliver 100% pure oxygen to your sick pooch while he rests inside. And the best part is that you can hit the generator as well—so both you and your dog can relax side by side. Now that is what I call bonding. [Trends in Japan via DVICE] More »
Gadgets
Japan’s QR Codes Being Tested in SF
10:30AM Jason Chen | You know those QR codes that Japan has? The ones that look like fancy bar codes that you take a picture of with your mobile phone that brings up some bit of info or trivia on the display. Those are being tested in SF right now on 500+ restaurants/shops/businesses reviewed by Citysearch. More »
Gadgets
Brass Knuckle Umbrella is a Class 5 Weapon
10:00AM Sean Fallon | According to the design page, this brass knuckle umbrella or “Umbuster” was categorised as a class 5 weapon by the Victorian Police—the primary law enforcement agency in Victoria, Australia. That would make it illegal to own there without a licence. I don’t know about all of that considering that it appears to be a concept, but I do know you could do some serious damage with it. Then again, if you got in a scuffle in the rain, the drag from the open umbrella may render your punch harmless—resulting in a swift and brutal arse kicking. [Sruli Recht via Likecool] More »
Gadgets
AquaClimb Poolside Climbing Walls: The Next Best Thing To Everest
9:30AM Sean Fallon | It may not be as challenging as climbing some of the great peaks of the Himalayas, but the AquaClimb is a hell of a lot warmer and safer than a mountain—plus it offers up a great upper body / core workout. The fiberglass panels include hand-sculpted rock features and the ability to be rotated 90 degrees or even reconfigured to customise the level of difficulty. There is even a a non-slip, textured surface, interchangeable handholds and a 10 degree angled design to ensure saftey. I just wouldn’t be following right behind that kid in the red trunks if you want to survive. Available for a whopping US$8,000. [Hammacher Schlemmer and AquaClimb via BornRich] More »
Computers
Doctor Computer is Probably a Safer Bet Than the Geek Squad
9:00AM Adam Frucci | When your computer is on the fritz, go to someone you trust. Someone like Doctor Computer. [UCB Comedy] More »
Gadgets
The Ultimate Twirling Pen: It’s Annoying With or Without the LEDs
8:30AM Sean Fallon | The Penmawashi was designed by Hideki, the reigning pen twirling champion of the world. If you are thinking “there’s a pen twirling champion?”—I’m with you. Yes there is, and apparently he is so cool that he doesn’t even need a last name. Still, Hideki knows his stuff, and he has put his years of experience into a pen so perfectly balanced even a dwarf with fat hands could use it. Plus, it has flashing LED lights that are sure to annoy everyone around you. Available in cyber, sonic, metal, science, beat, and sport styles—whatever that means. UPDATE: Apparently there is an American version called SpinZ coming out this month. Hit the jump for more info. More »
Science
Earth Hour Wants All The Lights Off, But We Want Them On
8:00AM Adrian Covert | Those tofu-loving nutjobs over at the WWF (no, not that one) are planning another Earth Hour on Saturday night, where the world shuts off all their lights and electronics from 8-9 pm. We’re supposed to think about ways to live more sustainably and fight global warming. Sounds great, right? WRONG. More »
Gadgets
iTam Tam iPod Dock Is Strangely Unique, Expensive
7:00AM Jason Chen | Close to 99% of all the iPod Docks we’ve ever seen look about the same. This iTam Tam looks nothing like those. Imagine making a dock that’s shaped like a stool or a gong, and this is what you’d get. A concave cylindrical thing that’s got a slot for an iPod/iPhone at the top. How does this sound? Who cares! At US$570, you’re not buying this for the audio quality. You’re buying this because you need something that screams “I had US$570 and I have spent it.” [iTam Tam via Branexdesign via Born Rich via DVice] More »
Screens
