Alienware: It's not just about hardware
Darius Chang | May 16, 2008
In an insightful interview with Marc Diana, Alienware's product marketing manager for desktops, an interesting twist was given to the quest for more computing power. While hardware companies are constantly making faster processors and graphics cards, Marc believes that the next breakthrough in the industry is really in 64-bit driver support.
One major bottleneck of the 32-bit environment is that memory size is capped at 4GB. Beyond that the system simply refuses to recognize additional RAM. With computers multitasking like never before, this limitation puts a serious dent when pushing for more power.
So why not just switch to a 64-bit environment? Though 64-bit operating systems have been around for a long time, driver support pales in comparison to 32-bit devices. Moreover, some popular applications may not work well in 64-bit machines. So no matter how advanced PC hardware gets, Marc believes that once 64-bit computing hits mainstream consumers, computing performance will reach new heights.
Via CNET Crave
SIA integrates iPod into its in-flight entertainment
Reuben Lee | May 16, 2008
Passengers on Singapore Airlines (SIA) can now tap into their own iPod or iPhone for in-flight entertainment when traveling on the company's direct flights between Singapore and New York. According to SIA, each seat will come with the necessary iPod/iPhone connector. Once the player is hooked up, passengers can not only enjoy the multimedia content (music, movies and pictures) through the in-flight 15.4-inch widescreen display and active noise-cancellation headphones, but can also charge the connected device at the same time. The iPod/iPhone will automatically mute during cabin announcements.
In its press release issued earlier, SIA claims it is the first carrier to offer iPod integration through its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system. CNET Asia understands from an SIA representative that it will also review and monitor the response to the new iPod entertainment feature before deciding to introduce similar features on its other flights. The new iPod feature is now available first on its all Business Class Airbus A340-500 flights between New York and Singapore, followed by the Singapore-Los Angeles non-stop flights in August.
Via Singapore Airlines
A stylus that pretends to be your finger
John Chan | May 16, 2008
Many touchscreen phones have come and gone before the iPhone. What's different about Apple's device, though, is that its interface is meant to be used without a stylus. All its icons are fat enough to be easily found by a fleshy digit, and even when selecting text a magnifier appears on the screen so your non-pointy fingertips can move between letters precisely. That's why we find this product, the Brighton Net BI-IPEN, incredibly amusing. You see, it's a stylus that pretends to be your finger.
Instead of being pointed, the BI-IPEN has a tip that has a pretty big surface area. According to the manufacturer's product page, it is made of a resin that "does not injure liquid crystal". The product illustration shows the tip being flexible as well, which further prevents you from exerting too much pressure on the LCD. An interesting idea, but if you ask us, we'll stick with real fingers. Brighton Net has an online store which ships internationally, but this product is not listed there yet. We suggest sending the company an email if you are really dying to get one.
Via Akihabara News
Sweet dreams with new multimedia bed
Philip Wong | May 16, 2008
Time to throw out your funky waterbeds and back care pediatric equivalent! Now there's the From Bed With Love from Nicolas Melan. This souped-up multimedia bed has a DVD player, huge plasma screen and THX-certified 5.1 surround sound system wedged on a wooden frame for the ultimate comfort and entertainment experience.
The young French designer has further promised a "nice and cool awakening" courtesy of its special luminotherapic (blah blah blah) headboard lighting and a discreet silent alarm clock a.k.a. sound canon system. The latter has the power to rouse you out of bed without disturbing your other half from his or her sweet dreams.
Well, this is pretty much still in concept stage. If you can't wait, check out the musical waterbed or Ruf-Cinema.
Via Bornrich | Photo credit: Nicolas Melan
iPhone dock that looks like a mini iMac
Damian Koh | May 16, 2008
The XStand is made from solid aluminum and allows users to adjust the viewing angle by rotating the holder. There's also a circular hole on the spine for you to slot your cable through when it's connected to the handset.
According to the company, the XStand will be available in June at all its distribution outlets including Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan at US$44.90. Yes, it does make your iPhone look like an ultra-mini iMac, which is pretty cool.
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