Nvidia Hybrid SLI-enabled laptops coming in Q3

Expect an onslaught of new notebooks equipped with the latest hybrid graphics chipsets to hit the market mid-year. After AMD's earlier announcement of its Puma platform (with its ATI Hybrid Graphics) slated for the later part of this quarter, Nvidia has also indicated in its recent press release that it will launch Hybrid-SLI-enabled notebooks in Q3.

Hybrid graphics systems (ATI calls it Hybrid Graphics, while Nvidia terms it Hybrid-SLI) generally come equipped with both integrated and discrete graphics chipsets. While previous PC systems allow only one of the two to be used for graphics processing, the new hybrid systems employ both graphics chipsets during operation. For instance, the integrated graphics chipset is activated when the user is deploying the PC for simple applications such as email and Web surfing. But when intensive 3D graphics processing is needed in apps like gaming, the discrete graphics chipset kicks in. The result is a robust system that uses less power (which translates to cost savings) for everyday apps, yet can step up to the task of demanding graphics when needed.

Hybrid graphics systems are currently employed in desktop PCs. It will be interesting to see how Nvidia and ATI's offerings will impact on the graphics-processing speeds and battery life of notebooks.

Logitech's mini keyboard for media PCs heading this way

It's taken a while for Logitech to bring its palm-sized diNovo Mini keyboard to Southeast Asia since first debuting at the Las Vegas-based CES tradeshow in January this year. But for many users here who have their PCs connected to their TVs, it may just be worth the wait.

Possibly one of the coolest-looking keyboards we've come across thus far, the diNovo Mini was designed to replace the clunky keyboard and mouse in a PC/TV living room setup. It's about the size of the Nintendo DS handheld gaming console, which makes it really easy to use (especially seated on the couch). Nor will it clutter your coffee table. Because it uses Bluetooth 2.0 for connectivity, the keyboard is wireless within a 30ft radius without the hassle of messy cables. An internal rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, which can last for about a month between charges, also takes away the inconvenience of frequent battery replacements.
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Go round with Sony's terabyte-sized NAS

Which company produces uniquely round network-attached storage (NAS)? Sony, of course! If you're a fan of its similarly shaped VGX-TP2G Media Center PC, the 1TB VGF-HS1 and 1.5TB HS1S will right feel at home, too. Design and generous capacity aside, these networked storage boxes also come with an integrated multiformat memory reader and a USB port.

Since they're DLNA-compatible, both will readily stream with a PlayStation 3 and PCs running Windows Media Player 11 software. Format-wise, there are MP3, WAV, ATRAC, AAC, WMA, JPEG, BMP, PNG, AVCHD, MPEG-2 and HDV support. To value add, there is the VAIO Picture Lab software to enable photo playback through PCs

As with most Japan-centric releases, these will be mainly for the Japanese market priced at US$570 and US$760 for the 1TB and 1.5TB model, respectively.

Via Akihabara News | Photo credit: Sony

Rover the photographer

Your dog Rover behaves so obediently that when you are in the house you refuse to believe your pet scratched the antique armchair or knocked over Dad's Ming dynasty vase. To prove Rover's innocence, you get the Pet's Eye View Camera and tag it to its collar.

You set the timer to snap a shot every 5 minutes, even though there is also 1- and 15- minute options available. Rover wags its tail as you leave for work. When you get back, you upload the maximum 35 pictures stored in the internal memory to your computer.

At 640 x 480 resolution, you can't make out much of the image but you know Rover drank from the toilet bowl (thank goodness the camera is water-resistant) and likes to jump from the couch (you got seven shots of that). Wait, what is this picture of a paw on the armchair?

With evidence in hand, your dad convicts Rover to 3 gruelling hours of exercise on the threadmill. As for you, your bank account is lesser by US$47.95. Thank Rover for that.

Cell phone power is in your hands

Even if your telecom operator gives you cellular coverage all the way into the heart of a tropical rainforest, it won't mean a thing if your mobile phone runs out of power. Here’s a product that will address that problem, the Hand-Crank USB Power Charger sold on the National Geographic site.

If your mobile phone can be charged using USB, it'll probably work with this. The concept is simple--plug in your phone, and start cranking. You'll probably work up a sweat just trying to get one call out of your flat battery. But in case of emergency, a sweaty t-shirt would be the least of your worries.

This device costs US$39.95 and includes adapters to fit most Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, and LG phones. For those using brands not listed here, getting a third-party USB charger for your phone will probably do the trick, too. The Hand-Crank USB Power Charger even comes with an AC adapter so you can deposit power into the device when you have access to a power outlet--that'll help save you a few turns of the handle when out in the field.

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