ASUS: No WiMax for next Eee PC

WiMax supporters insist the technology is set to take off this year. If it does, it will have to do so without the help of the ASUS Eee PC 901. After giving it some thought, Asus has decided not to integrate the long-range wireless technology in its next mini-laptop, citing a lack of maturity in the US market, according to a report from DigiTimes.

Given the popularity of the Eee PC and Eee PC 900, ASUS' current low-cost little laptops, a WiMax-enabled Eee PC 901 might have given the fledging wireless technology a boost later this year. Instead, WiMax's chief investors--Sprint, Clearwire, Comcast, Time Warner, Intel, Motorola, and Google--will look to Samsung's next version of the Q1 Ultra to help lead the WiMax charge in the US.

Although ASUS has put the kibosh on a WiMax-enabled Eee PC for the moment, the company intends to add WiMax to its mainstream 14- and 15-inch laptops later this year, according to DigiTimes. By the time we start seeing laptops with WiMax, however, we might be talking about LTE-enabled laptops for use on AT&T and Verizon's forthcoming 4G wireless network.

Via Crave CNET | Source: The Tech Report

PS3 to PC makeover

Popular Mechanics has recently published a guide on converting a Sony PlayStation 3 to a full-fledged PC. It has been long established that the console's Cell processor is akin to a supercomputer, though this is probably a first in terms of a major exploit.

Best of all, the Linux operating system makeover is perfectly legitimate and relatively risk-free. The procedure involves a hard drive upgrade and relevant software installation. The latter, such as Ubuntu, can also be downloaded free online.

The hacked console retains all its original functionalities and can be easily toggled between console and Linux mode via user selectable dual-boot function. However, you will have to backup all game data into an external storage prior to installation.

Via Ubergizmo | Photo credit: Popular Mechanics

SwissBike's Origami two-wheeler

Most foldable bicycles tend to be small to reduce their footprint and aren't terribly comfortable to ride on. They get you from point A-Z, period. So the SwissBike caught our attention for being able to fold up like a pretzel, yet remain uncompromising on performance and size. The only niggle is you have to remove one wheel. Fortunately, the SwissBike XO, a full-size mountain bike with 26-inch wheels, can collapse into a 36 x 28 x 12-inch bundle within a snap 30 seconds without any tools, thanks to a quick release system. And being Swiss in pedigree, there's no question about whether this contraption (built of aircraft-grade aluminum tubing) is going to part company with you halfway down that mountain track. The only thing you have to part with is a mere US$2,250.



Via Gizmag

Magnetic BBQ light

Barbeques almost always start at dusk. More often than not, by the time you've gotten the charcoal burning, the sun would have gone down enough so you can't tell if that piece of salmon is grilled to perfection or still in sashimi state. Electric lamps are great for such times, but here's an even niftier idea--the Magnetic Mini Stainless Steel Grill Light.

With a magnet and a ball-and-socket joint, this LED-powered flashlight will light up whatever you are pointing at. All you have to do is to attach it to your skillet or pair of tongs and you are good to go. No more holding your mobile phone dangerously over your chicken wings and burger patties so you can use its LCD as an alternate light source. This battery-operated contraption is available online at US$15 from Sur La Table.

Via Uncrate

Canon patents fuel cell-powered cameras

Eagle eyes on the Web have spotted a patent filed by Canon for a technology that uses fuel cell to power dSLRs instead of the conventional Lithium-ion batteries.

For those who are not too familiar with fuel cell, it is often mentioned as a greener alternative power source, with some cars already running on it. Another interesting fact about fuel cells is that unlike traditional batteries that supply a constant voltage, the current for the former will fluctuate in accordance to the device's needs.

What this means for Canon is that its cameras, if powered by fuel cells, can draw power from the source more effectively, leading to a longer-lasting battery while at the same time saving Earth.

Although the patent didn't state what the new battery or power pack may look like, people are already speculating that it could appear like the battery grips for dSLRs.

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