Filed under: Laptops

Sure, most laptops let you swap out a battery while the machine’s asleep, but sometimes you need things to stay running while you switch out powerpacks — which is where inventor Ric Richardson’s hotswap batteries come into play. In addition to their traditional contacts, the cells have a small extension that plugs into your machine’s power jack, allowing you to take out the dead battery and plug in the new one without having to shut down. It’s a deceptively simple idea, but Richardson’s got a patent on it, and he says he talking to various companies like HP and Lenovo about using it in consumer laptops. We’re definitely intrigued — but here’s hoping there’s a good way to stow that cable afterwards.

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Filed under: Laptops

We’re certain Everex was aiming to inspire some gadget-lust with this promo video for the oft-delayed Cloudbook, but shooting it on what appears to be VHS under florescent lights just makes it look like a different kind of porn entirely. Check the whole video after the break, and note that ship date: February 15th. Hmm, maybe we’ll see this thing on time after all.

[Via Eee Site]

Continue reading Cloudbook promo video not exactly high-budget

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Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

We thought Transmeta was back on track after settling that patent lawsuit with Intel and scoring a $7.5M investment from AMD, but it looks like the company’s investors aren’t as convinced — they’ve filed a lawsuit accusing Transmeta of mismanagement and have offered to buy the whole company outright. Led by investment firm Riley Investments, which owns nearly seven percent of Transmeta, the lawsuit claims that Transmeta executives have been giving themselves huge unwarranted bonuses while failing to manage the company effectively — the latest example being the general counsel getting a $10M bonus while the company posted a profit of just $44,000. That’s definitely pretty sketchy, but even worse is Riley’s plan if it does manage to take over: killing off Transmeta’s manufacturing operations and turning the company into a patent troll. Either way, we should find out which drain Transmeta’s going down rather soon — we’ll keep you updated.

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Filed under: Laptops, Wearables

We’re sure there’s easier ways to lose your girlfriend, but probably none more stylish. Enter HK-Ergonomics’ Hip Office, a glass-fiber prototype “accessory” that slides elegantly around your spare tire and allows you to suspend a laptop from your waist. Yes, it’s just the thing to match your loveless evenings alone, fluorescently lit cubicle, and unfashionable pleated pants. Watch out, cellphone holster.

[Via Wired]

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Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

We’ve been hearing rumors all morning that Microsoft would release Vista SP1 this week. Now, according to Reuters, Microsoft has just sent Vista SP1 to manufacturing. In the same presentation to investors, Steve Ballmer said that Microsoft has released Windows Server 2008 to manufacturing as well. However, the server software won’t formally launch until February 27th. Now we’re just waiting for the SP1 download link and/or Windows Update package. Twiddle, twiddle… ah hell, we’ll just update you when we get it — this could take a few days.

Update: Hands off the F5 key kids, Microsoft says SP1 won’t be available to customers until March, starting with Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Server 2008 will be available for purchase on March 1st.

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Set for release on May 2nd is Marvel’s first self-financed film, “Iron Man“, which “stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a billionaire industralist who is captured by terrorists in Afghanistan.” Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

Ordered to build a missile, Stark uses his resources to instead built a suit of armor and make his escape. Returning to America, Stark improves his armor and becomes the technologically advanced superhero Iron Man. Gwyneth Paltrow plays his secretary and love interest Virginia Potts, Terrence Howard plays jet pilot James Rhodes, and Jeff Bridges plays the villainous Obadiah Stane / Iron Monger

[via Slashfilm]

Via Techeblog

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Unlike other bike accessories, the Crossbreed was “designed to be combined with other folding bicycle parts to create a really high end city bike or courier bike that can fold up into a package like a golf bag.” Video after the break. Click here for one more picture.

Fitzsimmons is reportedly working with ‘major manufacturers’ on the design, but because it’s going to have to be made entirely of carbon fiber so as not to weigh a ton, don’t expect it to be cheap

[via OhGizmo]

Via Techeblog

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GM’s futuristic looking Denali XT Hybrid Concept “features a 2-mode hybrid propulsion system, E-85 capabilities and direct-injection technology.” Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

By using this technology, GM officials say the vehicle can produce the same amount of power generated by a larger engine, while simultaneously using less fuel and therefore producing lower emissions

[via Jalopnik - TuningNews]

Via Techeblog

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This nifty 15-inch Digital Picture Frame from ThinkGeek (or eBay) features “1024×768 resolution, built-in speakers, support for 8 different media types including USB thumbdrives, MPEG video, and MP3 playback.” Video after the break. Click here for one more picture.

When this 15″ Digital Photo Frame arrived at the ThinkGeek world headquarters of doom we thought to ourselves “That is one huge-ass photo frame”… and we’re thinking that you’re going to feel the exact same way when you’re viewing sumo wrestling snapshots from your Tokyo vacation from across the room without squinting

Via Techeblog

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In this new Wall-E trailer, “Buzz and Woody from Toy Story discuss the new Pixar movie while munching popcorn.” Catch it in theaters on June 27th. Video after the break.

[via Videosift]

Via Techeblog

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