Posts in PC & Peripherals
Dell XPS line on life support? Maybe not
Darius Chang | May 13, 2008
According to Wall Street Journal, Dell's trademark XPS line may soon be retiring in favor of the Alienware brand.
This was a move expected by many when the US maker acquired the Alienware label, which is well known for offering extreme gaming rigs at an equally extreme price point. Dell's gaming XPS range, on the other hand, is conventional and relatively more affordable. But with the recent release of the overclocked and water-cooled XPS 730, the Texan manufacturer has elevated the XPS into enthusiast levels.
In light of this, the report makes sense. After all, having two lines in the same niche market will cause confusion to consumers. We made a quick call to a Dell Asia Pacific representative and was told that there has been no news of terminating the XPS line for this region. So if this news is true, it could be likely that this move may apply only to the US market for now.
Creative announces USB-powered X-Fi audio solution 
Reuben Lee | May 13, 2008
Sound card maker Creative Technology has announced that it will add an external USB solution to its Sound Blaster X-Fi family. Dubbed the Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1, the upcoming audio device is aimed at making it really easy to upgrade the basic sound systems in PCs and notebooks to deliver 5.1 surround sound. In fact, all that's needed is a simple connection to the USB port, according to Creative. Unfortunately for Mac and Linux users, the external X-Fi sound device will work with only Windows Vista and XP systems.
The X-Fi Surround 5.1 features several onboard technologies such as the X-Fi 24-bit Crystalizer which enhances the sound quality of MP3s and movies, as well as the X-Fi CMSS-3D which converts stereo music into surround sound. It also comes with an integrated volume control knob and push-to-mute feature. Connectivity on the X-Fi audio box includes RCA jacks for front inputs, optical output (TOSLINK), as well as mini jacks for surround sound, line-in, microphone and headphone.
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Exit USB hub
Juniper Foo | May 13, 2008
I'm a sucker for trashy, pop-cultural whimsy. So not surprisingly, this one caught my fancy, though it's not all table clutter since this pulls its own weight as a four-way USB hub. Still, one suspects the awkward placement of the ports will have PC users tossing this back onto the clutter heap. Shanghai Donya has this retailing for 999 yen (US$9.70) if it's collectible fun you're after.
Theme-wise, this ought to get along manfully with the bloody Voodoo Knife Holder, prickly Voodoo Doll Toothpick Holder, the rather unfortunate Dead Fred Penholder and Hanging Harry Light Pull, and The Hold Up.
Via Japan Today | Photo credit: Shanghai Donya
A keyboard that may outlast its owner
Mike Yamamoto | May 10, 2008
We're not sure if it's as tough as the survivalist-oriented M779, but the 7G claims to be 10 times more durable than conventional keyboards. That means 50 million keystrokes, according to the company, thanks in part to mechanical switches that are plated in 18k gold. The no-click switches would probably come in handy for covert operations as well. No word, however, if it's compatible with night-vision goggles.
Via Crave CNET
Bet for your Mother's Day gift
Darius Chang | May 09, 2008
Feel the pinch of increasing food prices and can't afford to buy your mom a gift this Sunday? Sure, you can buy a lottery ticket and hope to win the big one, but before you do that, check out this unique auction site which promises items for a faction of the retail price.
When one of our bloggers first wrote about Tatarah auction site, she did not have a chance to try out the special bidding system. At first blush, it looks like a scam Web site. After all, how can a business offer a brand new PlayStation Portable for a mere S$80 (US$58.82) without eventually going bankrupt? We took a closer look at how it works.
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