Optimus has revealed their prototype of the 15-key Putius, that’s now been redubbed the Aux. While the case is metal, here we see the plastic circuit board chassis and the complete electronic heart of the Aux. No, it’s still not something you can actually buy, but we’re getting oh so much closer. [Optimus]
Instructables posted a guide to creating a plumbers’-crack detector, using a LilyPad Arduino controller, a vibrating motor, and a photoresistor to measure how much light is beaming into your crack. When the photoresistor comes uncovered, the motor starts to vibrate, letting you know that your “coin slot” is exposed and people behind you may be looking and/or laughing. After that, it’s your choice: hike up those low-ride jeans, or give a little show? [Instructables]
Death and Taxes 2009 is a detailed graphical account showing where your tax dollars will go next year in the most detailed and fascinating way: Everything is set to scale according to the amount of money spent on it, showing the amazing weight that military-related spending has in the total Federal budget. It’s just mindblowing to see it all with one look. It’s easy to get amazed with military technology and, like with Dubai’s architecture and its slaves, I keep forgetting how much money really goes into developing hypersonic missiles, airborne lasers, invisible bombers, next generation fighters, body piercing tanks, torpedoes capable of splitting a huge ship in two, ever-vigilant drones, scary helmets, and other deadly gadgets. When you zoom in the interactive map, the numbers are just staggering.
Microsoft’s earnings were surprisingly solid—another reassurance the world isn’t quite melting to the core—with a revenue of $US15.1 billion (beating Wall Street’s expecations) and profits of $US4.37 billion. Notably, however, it’s still not selling enough Windows Vista.
Dell has just posted an update that should take care of the annoying partition error in Ubuntu Inspiron Mini 9s that would cause systems with 8GB or 16GB storage to only have 4GB of formatted disk space. Run the update manager, install the patch, restart your system and voila, you have all the space you paid for. [Direct2Dell]
When Microsoft announced its Surface multitouch computer, we knew it’d be a toy for well-funded, respectable news outlets long before Joe the Plumbers, since it was going to cost $US10,000. Turns out, it actually costs more like $US13,500. That’s with a 10 percent discount! Microsoft is still expecting good ol’ economies of scale to kick in to help fulfil its dream of fancy coffee tables in every home, but uh, you might want to hang on to that iPhone or something if you want the multitouch future anytime soon. [Cnet via ZD Net]
You know, there are certain things you just shouldn’t cheap out on—headphones, condoms, HDTVs, and I’m guessing stun guns. But since it’s probably more of a risk for the guy you’re zapping, why not? The Thunder Stun delivers 200,000-750,000 volts for just 13 US bucks. I’m sure it’ll be fine, really. What could possibly go horribly, horribly wrong? [Surplus Computers via Gear Diary]
The Aeron chair was the most famous office seat of all time, but we never expected it to show up in a Burton CO2 snowboard binding. Craziness? No, just look at the picture.
Major Nelson has just dropped the details on how to get into the New Xbox Experience early. They’re looking for a “few thousand” participants. All you’ve gotta do is sign up and answer a few questions (click here) to be considered for the Preview Update. Gold and Silver Xbox Live members can apply, but Gold gets first priority. If you’re accepted, you’ll hear from them in about a week, meaning the preview should be within the next 10-14 days. AU: Haven’t had a chance to see if it’s available to Aussies… Anyone know? Share the knowledge in comments.
[Sign Up via Major Nelson]
Sony’s hurting, Apple’s soaring, and Samsung is doing fine, even as it definitely shows stress from the economy. Aggressive pricing and marketing are leading it to spend more to make more, driving overall profit down 44 percent from a year ago to $US850 million.
