HP Mini-Note to get Windows XP next month

The HP Mini-Note has officially launched in Singapore, with two Vista models making an appearance at a starting price of S$999 (US$657.24) as previously reported.

Aside from the main attraction, a slew of lifestyle accessories was showcased ranging from S$39 (US$25.66) textured skins (made from special 3M material exclusive to HP) to S$89 (US$58.55) handbag-like flip cases. Options like the S$309 (US$203.29) external DVD writer and S$259 (US$170.39) six-cell battery will be available next month.

So what's stopping some from buying one now?
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Look through the tube for a shot

While we are quick to conclude that this concept camera was designed by a famed Italian fashion house, it turns out industrial design student Manuel Perez Prada has absolutely no association with the label.

The tube-like conception is what Prada perceives future dSLRs will look like. While I am comfortable with the design of today's cameras, I can't help but to be intrigued by the mechanisms and layout of his concept.

Rings around the camera can be turned to dictate different functions, ranging from a power switch to "adjusting the camera for the user", according to the designer, although we are not sure how that one works.

The circumference of the lens looks like a ring flash, which seems to be a hot photographic peripheral this year. This also brings to mind that a dSLR's advantage is the ability to use different lenses. Though we aren't sure how optics are going to be changed on this model.

Call me traditional, but until someone can convince me that this camera will not roll off the table and fall to pieces, I'm sticking to the old, chunky design.

Via Yanko Design | Picture credit: Manuel Perez Prada

Charge your iPod with a solar-powered bra

Lingerie maker Triumph International has certainly taken the company's eco-friendly efforts to new heights with its latest product, the Solar Power Bra. Unveiled in Tokyo recently, this green-colored bra is made of high-quality organic cotton and features a detachable solar panel which is worn around the stomach. According to Triumph, the solar panel can generate enough electricity to power a mobile phone or iPod.

Unfortunately, even if you are daring enough to wear the solar bra out on the streets, it is still a concept product for now. A Triumph company spokesperson says there are still problems that need to be resolved such as the bra's lack of water resistance and the fact that "people usually cannot go outside without wearing clothes over it". The company, however, believes the Solar Power Bra does send out a positive message on how lingerie can play a part in saving the planet.

Triumph's earlier green efforts included a bra that can double as a reusable shopping bag and one that is designed to promote the use of reusable chopsticks.

Via Reuters
Picture Credit: Triumph

jDome's immersive wrap-around gaming!

Looks like I just lost my bragging rights for gaming on a 100-inch screen. Someone has patented a 180-degree gaming system dubbed jDome which delivers a one-of-a-kind wraparound visual experience. Interestingly, it works pretty much like a rear projection screen and relies on a front projector to recreate the Omnimax-like effects. One of these will easily set you back by a whopping US$6,000, though its inventor John Nilsson apparently spent only around US$125 to US$200 to patent and develop the product.

We're just wondering whether anyone would like to give this a go using a white brolly instead. How's that for an inexpensive and somewhat practical alternative? Works great on rainy days, too!

Via Ubergizmo | Photo credit: jDome

Six reasons you shouldn't use the PS3 as your Blu-ray player

OK, before the angry fanboy comments roll in, let's get this out of the way: the PlayStation 3 is the best Blu-ray player on the market right now. It sits at the top of our best Blu-ray players list, we consistently use it as the reference that we judge other Blu-ray players against, and it's the only player on the market right now that supports Blu-ray Profile 2.0 and onboard decoding for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. And it will always be the only Blu-ray player that streams media, has a browser, and plays PS3 games. Virtually everyone looking to buy a Blu-ray player should go with the PS3 right now.

However, with that in mind, there are a few legitimate reasons why someone wouldn't want to use a PlayStation 3 as his main Blu-ray player. Let's check them out.

1. Doesn't work with universal remotes.
Sony decided not to include an IR receptor on the PlayStation 3, and home theater fans have been complaining ever since. The lack of an IR receptor means that the PlayStation 3 won't work with universal remote controls, so you'll have to use the PS3 controller or the separate PS3 BD remote to control it. It's definitely a pain for anyone who is used to activity-based macros such as "Watch TV" and "Watch Blu-ray" to control their home theater.
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