Darius Chang  |  Nov 15, 2005

Available from today, the Aspire E600 series will be the first Acer-branded desktop to use the Windows XP Media Center operating system. It comes with the usual accessories like an infrared remote control, wireless keyboard and mouse to enable standoff control of the system. The desktop comes with the usual connectivity options one can expect from most PCs nowadays. The front and rear of the chassis hold two USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire port each. Legacy devices can be connected to the serial and parallel port. To enjoy a surround sound experience, satellite speakers can be connected to the six audio jacks at the rear with an additional digital output for high-quality sound reproduction, though the system comes with only a set of stereo speakers and a subwoofer. Digital camera users will be happy to know that the 9-in-1 memory card reader can read almost every flash card currently available. The only feature which we would like to see is an additional DVI port for connecting to high-end displays.

IBM demos low-cost 3D TV tech

Watching your favorite videos and TV programs in 3D may become a reality in the not-so-distant future with IBM's latest initiative. At the 22nd annual Flat Information Displays conference hosted in San Francisco, its display laboratories arm demonstrated a low-cost way to get high-resolution 3D images from commercially available large-screen TVs and home-theater projectors.
More info here

Olympus eyecup magnifier ME-1

Olympus Europe has announced the eyecup magnifier ME-1 for its recently launched digital SLR E-500 and the older E-300. The magnifier is supposed to increase the viewfinder performance on the E-500 by providing views 1.2x larger than normal. Measuring 40 x 30 x 12mm, the eyecup incorporates two lens and is said to significantly enhance ease of use by the company.

The eyecup magnifier ME-1 will be available in Europe by Dec 2005. Singapore users, however, will have to wait till early next year to enjoy the larger views through the eyecup on their E-500 and E-300.

Expand your horizons.

Shotgun Beer Opener

We know a bunch of beer-guzzling colleagues who'd probably love to check this out on a Friday night at the pub downstairs. This gizmo not only makes it easier to create a hole without leaving serrated jaggies, it's made of safety plastic and comes conveniently attached to a keychain. For those green to shotgunning, this isn't so much a drinking game as a contest to see who can down a can of ale the fastest. It involves punching a hole in the bottom side of the can (hence the Shotgun Beer Opener), sealing your lips around the opening, and popping the tab. All of which causes the brew to gush straight into your mouth. Fastest guzzler wins. (Warning: Very high buzz factor.)

Click for how to use it | larger image

Via Liquor Snob

Price: US$3.95
Availability: You can get it at drinkingstuff.com
Device: Beer implement
Basic specs: N.A.

Palm users get iTunes

First the ROKR, then the RAZR, and now Palm PDAs. Thanks to an update of the Mac synchronization software, the Missing Sync, Palm handheld users can finally sync their handhelds with iTunes.
Read more here

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