Filed under: Laptops

After a stay that’s been anything but uneventful, OLPC founder Nicholas Negroponte has announced that he’ll be stepping down as CEO of the organization, and that he’s now searching for a successor, although he’ll be staying on as Chairman. That word comes from an interview Negroponte gave to BusinessWeek, where he admitted that “management, administration, and details are my weaknesses,” and even went so far as to say that the organization needs to be managed “more like Microsoft.” He also revealed that the search for a new CEO had actually begun last year, but had ratcheted up in recent weeks, during which time the organization was also reorganized into four operating units, including technology, deployment, market development and fund-raising, and administration. No word on any contenders for the top spot just yet, but Nick Neg described the ideal candidate as someone with a “leadership profile similar to that of Kofi Annan,” adding that he hopes to have the search concluded by April or May.

Filed under: Laptops

Perhaps the ECS G10IL could use some help in the naming department, but it certainly isn’t having any trouble bringing a bit of class to the subnotebook market. In addition to those stylish good looks, the G10IL sports a webcam, HSDPA 7.2, three USB ports, Ethernet and a 56Kb modem (joy of joys!). No mention is made of WiFi or Bluetooth, but at least the former seems a given. Other details are slim, but the price is supposedly “sub-$500.” Perhaps this “race to the bottom” won’t be so horrible after all.

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Filed under: Laptops

NEC’s LaVie lineup has been dressed up in just about every costume imaginable, but for whatever reason, it has yet to be embossed with the characters from Kimi Kiss — until now, that is. Fans of the series will surely appreciate the design cues, but the hard part will be choosing from the smorgasbord of color options. Nevertheless, those actually concerned with what’s inside the chassis will find a 2GHz Mobile Sempron 3600+ CPU, 512MB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, DVD combo drive and a 15.4-inch 1,280 x 800 resolution panel. A bit underpowered for

At the iPhone press conference today, EA unveiled “Spore” for the iPhone, which was developed using SDK. It reportedly “uses the accelerometer to control the motion.” Click here for first picture in gallery.

..They’ve got all 18 levels ported, actually. No word on whether or not this will be released. They’ve got all 18 levels ported, actually. No word on whether or not this will be released

[via Gizmodo]

Via Techeblog

Nintendo has just released a batch of new Mario Kart Wii screenshots. This game is set for release on April 10th (US) / April 11th (Japan). Click here for first picture in gallery.

“Famitsu” magazine revealed that you can now perform tricks in the air by moving the steering wheel, or Wii Remote, respectively. The game will also have 16 brand new tracks, and 16 remakes of older tracks, which was also incorporated into Mario Kart DS. 10 battle stages are also being added

[via Kotaku]

Via Techeblog

Salon gives us a first look at the Sbarro Pendolauto, direct from the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. This car “leans into turns like a motorcycle would, yet features four wheels, like a automobile or a quad.” Click here for first picture in gallery.

With most of the excitement of a motorcycle, the machine would certainly be a blast to ride, but perhaps a bit more stable due to the addition of the two extra contact patches

[via Autoblog]

Via Techeblog

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What sets the Renault Megane apart from other concepts, are its dragonfly wing doors. Put simply, “the windows and the door are actually two separate pieces that open at the same time with a movement similar to dragonfly wings.” Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

And besides looking a lot cooler than the gullwing doors of the past, the unique system is also practical since it provides particularly easy entry and exit for passengers in the backseat

[via OhGizmo!]

Via Techeblog

Backpacker’s Diary is basically a “PC concept that integrates with the form of a traditional book — the target user is the enthusiastic traveler.” Best of all, it’s solar powered for the ultimate in portability. Click here for first picture in gallery.

Portable just like a laptop, the Diary’s functions change depending on which “page” you have it on. Turn to one section to find media recording, another for Internet browsing, or even something as simple as illumination for a night light

[via Dvice - Nextgendesigncomp]

Via Techeblog

Finally, Nav N Go unveils the first GPS navigation system for the iPhone / iPod Touch: the iGO My Way 8. Continue reading for the video.

The prototype on display at CeBIT supports turn by turn directions and location finding via a WiFi key or fob. The WiFi key receives the GPS data and retransmits over WiFi while the fob directly attaches to the iPhone or iPod Touch’s docking port

[via Engadget]

Via Techeblog

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Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute have developed a maglev haptic control that “consists of two bowl shape objects, powered by electromagnets.” Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

Ultimately, the goal for this maglev haptic technology would be to have it implemented in a medical setting (microsurgery), military use (drone control), or even data visualization

[via Wired - Gizmodo]

Via Techeblog