Filed under: Laptops

During the recent Greener Gadgets Conference in New York, former OLPC CTO (and XO challenger) Mary Lou Jepsen discussed the real-world difficulties with using the kid-friendly laptops, including the creation of an XO “hospital” used to repair broken computers. Apparently, in the crowded conditions of schools in places like Nigeria, the little green laptops have a tendency to be jostled around and even knocked on the floor from time to time. As there’s typically no repair shops nearby, the kids have learned to fix the systems themselves, setting up a “laptop hospital” where they can repair what’s broken using simple tools and cheap replacement parts. Mary Lou says the company designed the systems to be easily fixable, including extra screws embedded in the computers themselves, and allowing for quick changes of the LCD backlight and other components. The in-house repairs cut down on shipping, promote reuse, and increase kids’ understanding of ownership and responsibility, thus furthering the OLPC mission, and making everyone generally want to hug.

Yes, a factory sealed SNES Chrono Trigger game is currently fetching $540+ on eBay. Auction page. Click here for first picture in gallery.

My question is, what will the winner do with their expensive prize? Will they open it and play with it or will it become a pricey knick-knack that will take up shelf space and no doubt garner the envy of hardcore Chrono Trigger fans

[via Kotaku]

Via Techeblog

Created by Connected Technologies, this “Vault” home theater room includes a giant bank vault door, cherry wood accents, mural, and comfortable seating. Equipment includes: a 106-inch Da-Lite screen and Sony VPL-VW100 projector. Click here for first picture in gallery.

Instead of just slapping a random bank vault door onto the room, Connected Technologies added cherry wood and a mural that ties everything together nicely. “There’s even a bag of money that acts as a door stop for the safe door,” Ridenour says. The decor also distracts viewers from the equipment rack, which is located at the back of the room for easy access

[via ElectronicHouse]

Via Techeblog

SEGA’s $270 Dream DX is a realistic robot dog that “can move its eyes, open its mouth, go back and forth and wag its tail.” Video after the break.

It has an audio recognition feature so it will cutely wag its tail when you say ‘good boy’. The video will give you an idea of how realistic it actually is. It will be available soon in Japan

[via NewLaunches]

Via Techeblog

If you’ve always wondered how replica swords are made, then check out this interesting “How it’s Made” segment. Video after the break.

Three types of attacks can be performed with the blade: striking, cutting, and thrusting. The blade can be double-edged or single-edged, the latter often having a secondary “false edge” near the tip

Via Techeblog

Mitsubishi has revealed its revamped 2009 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder. The Eclipse GT is powered by a 3.8L V6 that generates 265hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual or Sportronic 5-speed gearbox. Click here for first picture in gallery.

The Eclipse GT also adds standard stability control, HID headlamps and a large rear spoiler. All Eclipse models feature standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution. The GT gets larger ventilated rear discs

[via Edmunds]

Via Techeblog

At 101 x 50 x 16.5mm, the Samsung Katalyst features a 176 x 220 display, 1.3-megapixel camera, microSD slot, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, USB connectivity, GPRS/EDGE. Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery. Here’s the bottom line:

It has a great reception strength, strong battery life, and clear sound quality. On top of that, the Hotspot @Home service is just another perk whether or not the plan is used

[via Phonearena]

Via Techeblog

We have seen the future of credit cards, and it’s multi-functional. From the AIO credit card computer to the E-paper Smart Card you’ll find it here. Continue reading to see them all. Click here for first picture in gallery.

Via Techeblog

In this GT featurette, “the Giants and Patriots square off for the Lombardi Trophy in their second annual simulation.” Find out which team wins after the break.

Via Techeblog

Share This

With such concepts as the auto-filtering bottles and portable beverage heater, these designers aim to make the life of mobile warriors a bit easier. Continue reading to see them all. Click here for first picture in gallery.

Via Techeblog

Share This