ASUS to offer Celeron-based Eee Box

If you're a regular Crave reader, you know about the runaway popularity of the ASUS Eee PC, the grandfather of the Netbook category. But the company's attempts to roll that success into a small-form-factor desktop, the Eee Box, have thus far fallen flat.

That hasn't stopped the company from trying to make a splash in the so-called Nettop category. According to a report in DigiTimes, ASUS is readying a new version of the Eee Box that will feature a budget-minded Celeron 220 CPU instead of the Intel Atom found in earlier versions. ASUS will also increase the hard-drive space in the new model, going from 80GB to 120GB.

According to the report, the processor change will drop the cost of the Eee Box to US$240. The company seems to be hoping the lower price point will present a better value proposition than the previous version, which at US$350 couldn't compete with similarly low-cost desktops and laptops.

Via Crave CNET

Machine applauds you when no one else will

Everyone's had the experience of toiling away on a project, only to have the hard work go unrecognized. For those times when co-workers or family members fail to acknowledge your genius, there's the Applause Machine from Laikingland.

Designed by UK artist Martin Smith, the Applause Machine is a kinetic sculpture that measures about 18 inches high. When you press a button on the wood base, the motor kicks into gear and the machine "enthusiastically claps its hands for you"--well, as much as a machine can express enthusiasm. As this video shows, the clapping seems to be easily drowned out by the sound of the motor.

Made of powder-coated steel, brass, plastic, and walnut, the Applause Machine runs on two AAA batteries (included). You can choose from among five colors--red, green, orange, black, and white; the collective will manufacture 250 machines in each color.

Of course, US buyers will have to be either independently wealthy or especially desperate for an ego boost. Thanks to the still-unfavorable exchange rate, the Applause Machine prices out to US$301.83.

Via CNET Blogs | Source: Dezeen

Tidy recycling with the Mode All-in-One

Typical order of operations for gathering recyclables: Place empty paper grocery bag next to trash can. Fill bag with paper, bottles, and cans, but procrastinate on carrying it to the building's recycling bin. Accidentally kick the overstuffed bag, spewing bottles and cans across the kitchen floor. Run through a full vocabulary of profanities while cleaning up the mess and grumpily taking recyclables downstairs. Repeat.

Typical order of operations with the Mode All-in-One Recycling System: Crush cans and plastic bottles in the mechanical compactor, which drops them into the 8-gallon bin. Add glass, metal, and other non-crushables via a bypass lid; place newspapers, magazines, and junk mail in the separate 5-gallon paper bin. When alerted by the Recycle Day Reminder, take the recyclables down to the building bin. Consult the Eco-Track system to see how much you've recycled. Feel smug.

I know which one I'd prefer. The Mode All-in-One Recycling System is made of stainless steel, includes a charcoal filter to reduce odors, and stands 30 inches tall. Priced from US$250 to US$300, it'll be available at the end of the month from Frontgate, Amazon, and other retailers.

Via CNET Blogs

S'mores, no campfire needed

Between a breakfast sandwich maker and this, I'm starting to rethink my microwave.

This S'mores Maker lets you bypass the campfires--and the risk of blackened marshmallows--to make the sweet sandwiches in your microwave. Just fill the back reservoir with water, which is apparently the secret to even heating. Pile on the graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, and zap for 30 seconds.

Of course, anyone who's microwaved a Peep knows that marshmallows tend to shape-shift during cooking, so this gadget incorporates two arms to hold your s'mores in place. Four nonslip feet on the bottom keep it from sliding around on the turntable.

Just 10 bucks buys you a little taste memory of summer nights, even in the midst of winter. Which leaves me with just one question: Are we also obliged to tell ghost stories while gathered around the microwave?

Via CNET Blogs

Report: 10-inch Acer Aspire One on the way

Acer is readying a 10-inch version of its Aspire One Netbook, according to a report in DigiTimes. The publication attributed the news to Scott Lin, president of Acer Taiwan, and said to expect an official launch of the new Netbook in February or March of 2009.

Lin offered no further details about the 10-inch Aspire One, including whether (or when) it will make its way to the US. We assume it will, and that when it does it'll have largely the same specs as the current model, adding perhaps some more RAM and (we hope) a larger battery. No matter what, a 10-inch screen will provide a welcome break from all that scrolling.

Of course, this puts a kink in the plans of anyone who'd hoped to buy an Aspire One this holiday season. If you've been planning to buy an Acer Netbook, will you now hold out in hopes of a larger model, or proceed with your purchase as planned?

Via CNET Crave

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