Archives for January 2006
Warning: Do not try this at home
Damian Koh | Jan 23, 2006
Ok, we admit we're not as innovative as some people out there, but Michael Golembewski swept us off our feet with his homemade digital camera. Mind you, his version is nothing compared to those analogous digicams sold on store shelves. Instead, it's one made from an ordinary flatbed scanner and a large format camera. This home project, however, is not recommended, unless you've too much time and money to spare.
His gear: An old Horseman 450L monorail 4 x 5 camera and an extensively modified Canon LIDE 20. You can click on this link to read how his setup was put together. However, if you're not interested in technical details, here's what this 115-megapixel camera is capable of.
Vienna: Vista's successor
Darius Chang | Jan 23, 2006
Even before Windows Vista has gone gold, the next generation of Microsoft's flagship OS has already been given a name change. From the cool-sounding "Blackcomb", Vista's successor will henceforth be associated with the city of Vienna.
Named after the capital of Austria, the "Vienna" codename follows Microsoft's trend of using locations to tag the different generations of its OS. Rather than using undecipherable serial or model numbers, the software giant says that "we have used city code names (for new operating systems) in the past, which are derived from cities/locations in the world known for great 'vistas'--the kinds of places we all want to see, experience and that capture the imagination".
What is significant about the name change? Apparently nothing at all. It's neither a developmental milestone nor a change in feature set. According to Michael Cherry, analyst at Directions on Microsoft: "It's just a morale thing. The other names have been kicking around so long, it's much more about trying to keep focused and keep some excitement around where they are going."
Just exactly how changing the codename name boosts morale, maintains focus and excitement is rather abstract, to say the least. Perhaps beta-testers and programmers truly are a different breed.
Iqua Snake
Juniper Foo | Jan 23, 2006
Now this is what we call thinking out of the box. The Iqua Snake Bluetooth Headrest HHF-801 wraps, snake-like, around the car's headrest, which puts the speakers and mike closer to the driver's ears and mouth compared with other more conventional in-car handsfree sets. While your mouth and ears are thus preoccupied, just be prepared to pay through your nose for such cool convenience.
See bigger image | in use
Price: About US$299
Availability: See Web site
Device: Bluetooth handsfree
Basic specs: Easy to install, brush metal and real leather, Bluetooth, flexible mechanism to fit your height, LED light for call status, low battery indication, talktime of up to 10 hours, standby at 300 hours, recharges within 6 hours, 450 x 250 x 26mm, 350g
Sony DVD dream system
Philip Wong | Jan 20, 2006
Launched recently in Singapore, the new Sony DAV-DZ550 home theater system packs a serious punch with its powerful 800W S-Master digital amplifier matched with a set of two-way nano-fine-tweeter-loaded speakers.
Other notable features include an onboard 12bit/108MHz video digital-to-analog, multichannel Super Audio CD playback, A/V lip sync function and dual-format DVD recordable compatibility. This fine 5.1 audio system is now available at a retail price of S$749 (US$492.76).
More info here
EnterTrainer
Juniper Foo | Jan 20, 2006
You've got to love this. Too lazy to exercise? Here's a personal trainer that takes away your TV if you're slacking in your workout. Since the EnterTrainer is a wireless gizmo that monitors your heart beat, there's just no way to cheat around this. Fail to apply yourself, and the EnterTrainer "tells" the TV to turn down the volume on whatever you're watching or listening to. Pick up your pace, and you get your show back. Work it, baby, work it.
Price: About US$99.99
Availability: See Web site
Device: TV-based personal trainer
Basic specs: Comes with an EKHO heart monitor strap with extended wireless range
Crave is...
The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.
Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.
Crave for...
» Mobile Phones (575)
» Digital Cameras (356)
» Notebooks (367)
» PC & Peripherals (372)
» Handhelds (213)
» Printers (37)
» Home AV (394)
» Music & Play (358)
» Gadgets (844)
» Future Tech (124)
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
Copyright © 2008 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
