You might’ve heard that crazy rumor making the rounds that Microsoft leaked the Windows 7 beta on purpose to build some positive buzz, and while there’s no real evidence (or likelihood) of that of any sort, the seemingly-magical build 7000 is certainly doing well for itself. Following up on wide praise for the fledgling OS, ZDNet’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes pitted the beta up against XP and Vista in some informal “real-word” tasks like boot up, shut down, file maneuvers, installations and other common tasks. On both test systems, an AMD Phenom 9700 setup and an Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2200 number (with ATI and NVIDIA graphics, respectively), the Windows 7 install soundly bested XP and Vista task by task, with few exceptions. Performance testing is never an exact science, but it’s clear that Microsoft is taking performance very seriously this time around — we can’t wait for the next conveniently-leaked beta to bolster this rep even further. Next on the benchmarking agenda? Real World: Brooklyn tasks.

[Via Ars Technica]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Windows 7 build 7000 already outperforming Vista and XP in “real-world” tasks originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’d already gotten a solid word from Acer Taiwan president Scott Lin that there would indeed be a 10-inch Aspire One in early 2009, and now we’ve got some purported photos and informations to chew on. According to the Aspire One fan-blog macles*, the upcoming revision will come in white, black and red flavors, with a 10.1-inch screen (at the same 1024 x 600 resolution of the existing model) and options for 3G and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. Perhaps most exciting — to us non-mutants, anyways — is the removal of those pesky trackpad-flanking mouse buttons, with a regular-looking button below the trackpad instead doing the honors. Less exciting, however, is the purported lack of Linux and SSD SKUs. The laptop also dropped its Storage Expansion slot in lieu of a good old-fashioned multi-card reader. All-in-all, it sounds like some very mainstream tweaks to an already ultra-popular netbook, and we can’t fault Acer for that. Word is the new Aspire One will be landing in February, no mention of price just yet.

[Via jkkmobile]

Filed under: Laptops

More 10-inch Acer Aspire One rumors trickle out originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS hinted at some substitute Eee form factors in the Spring of last year, but it’s a Japanese modder that’s showing the company exactly how it shouldn’t approach an Eee-branded tablet Personal computer. It’s a touch tough to understand exactly what’s going on, but here’s what is (partially) clear: the hack job took around ten hours to finish, and the outer edges are inexplicably covered in aluminum foil. It’s encased in some sort of transparent housing — which we suppose is pretty nifty for showing off the internals — and the retrofitted touchpanel provides the tasty tablet functionality. Apparently this guy spent around

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This one-wheeled contraption has the body of a skateboard and so much more. Its specially designed balancing system makes for an interesting ride. Continue reading to see more.

Via Techeblog

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At $3,200 on eBay, this custom Iron Man costume just might be the weirdest we’ve ever encounter. It comes “standard with the painted body parts, gloves, underbody suit and a voice box that amplifies the performers voice 6 times the normal human voice.” Auction page. Click here for first picture in gallery.

This robot costumes are built like aircraft from 100% durable lightweight composites including fiberglass and vacuum-formed plastics.

[via eBay]

Via Techeblog

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So you’ve seen the original iPhone Pro concept, now check out the clamshell version. Though it’s a bit thicker, the phone would definitely give the Sprint Instinct some competition. Click here for one more picture.

It would be even cooler if, instead of being a third-party accessory, Apple actually released a modular iPhone, one that could admit different accessories like these but without the added bulk of building them around the original design.

[via Gizmodo]

Via Techeblog

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Amazon has the Tokyo Flash “Equalizer High Frequency” Watch for only $115.02 shipped, originally priced at $195.00. This gadget boasts “an hour, minute, month, and date display that you won’t find anywhere else.” Product page.

Wow the world when you slip on this intriguing watch with cutting-edge display technology. A 29-millimeter-wide stainless steel band joins to a rectangular stainless steel case that’s 50 millimeters in diameter and accented by a polished bezel.

[via Amazon]

Via Techeblog

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The CGI gurus over at Tronic Studios produced this creative commercial, which “envisions larger-than-life versions of Sony gear, poured from chocolate.” Video after the break.

Tronic shot live action HD video from around NYC for the backgrounds, then composited in 3D modeled candy versions of headphones, a DSLR camera, a Handycam, and a solid chocolate laptop.

[via Technabob]

Via Techeblog

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Made from twelve Star Wars Micro Machines toys, this geeky clock has stainless steel accents and even the trademark logo — powered by one AA battery. Product page. Click here for first picture in gallery.

The ships have all been re-finished in a pewter color scheme to more-or-less match the chrome finish on the clock, and you can even request your favorite Star Wars cars to be included.

[via Dvice - OhGizmo]

Via Techeblog

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Robbie Maddison successfully jumped atop the Arc de Triomphe at Paris, Las Vegas — stands 100-plus feet tall. The landing was near flawless, as you’ll see after the jump.

Of course, what goes up, must come down, and so did Robbie. Fortunately, he managed to stick the landing but he reportedly injured his hand in the process.

[via AutoBlog]

Via Techeblog

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