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by Darren Murph, posted Apr 10th 2008 at 10:11AM
Mini-projectors are a dime a dozen these days, but the Micro SD Card Projector is whizzing right around all those serious competitors and aiming instead for the carefree crowd. Essentially, the image quality you’ll get from this thing is likely to be lackluster — after all, the manufacturer doesn’t even bother to pass along a contrast ratio, let alone a native resolution. Still, the ability to shove an SD card into the rear and instantly watch your portable media clips on the big(ish) screen is a boon to travel junkies and kids of all ages. Heck, there’s even a set of composite inputs if you’re looking to give your DVD player (or similar) some work. No word on exactly what file types the unit understands, but those willing to take a chance can expect it to ship later this week for £99.99 ($196).

[Via ShinyShiny]

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Filed under: Displays

The iPhone has been out the better part of a year now and a number of them are starting to show their age. On whole I have heard very few complaints from owners, but the daily operation of any mobile device inevitably leads to all sorts of abuse and operation degrades over time, especially for first generation products.

My iphone (4GB reburb, bought in August) hasn’t been pampered, but was still holding up well, at least until a week or so ago. Then it started having a strange problem–during a call the sound would cut out and the person on the other end of the line would just get static from me. During this time the reception would stay constant (five bars with EDGE) but the call would not work. Then if I tried to end the call it would take a very long time to disconnect. Neither restarting the phone nor restoring it through iTunes solved the problem, so I set up an appointment at the Genius Bar.

I was really not looking forward to going to my local Apple store and trying to replicate the intermittent problem, especially after waiting in what is always a long line. But thanks to Apple’s online reservation system and an early weekday appointment the wait was just a few minutes. Eventually I got my place at the bar, explained the problem, and handed off my phone to the guy behind the counter.

To make a long story short, the answer just might have been a little compressed air. The technician said the inside of my iPhone was well … filthy, and a few months worth of dust, dirt, and pocket lint had accumulated in the headphone jack. He failed to explain exactly what the problem was, but basically said that the stuff inside, including the white dot (the water sensor) are important and don’t like grime.

I can’t say that I was too satisfied with the explanation but the phone is working well now and the issues I was having seem to be gone. This was the first thing the Apple rep tried when I told him that a restore had not done the trick and that the phone had no physical damage, so I doubt I am the first person to come in with this issue. It’s not clear how widespread it is, but based on my usage (typical for a heavy user) I would not be surprised if more iPhones could do with a cleaning.

Now that I’ve researched the problem a bit more, it’s clear that I’m not the first to have this problem and compressed air is not the only solution, but it’s definitely good to know if you are an iPhone owner.

We’ve written about the iPhone and Windows Mobile-based devices in many of the past newsletters.
Well, move over Apple, Microsoft and Google, there’s a new competitor coming. Before we get to that, let’s recap where things are…

April 4th - April 10th Make the MoveFirst up is a business white paper for users of Linux operating systems which explains in detail how to Make the Move to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop. You’ve heard the buzz about SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, and maybe even seen a demonstration, but you’re still hesitant to migrate. You know that adopting a new operating system is a big step for administrators and users alike. Fortunately, migrating to SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is easier than you think, and the benefits you’ve heard about such as lower cost of ownership, stronger security and greater flexibility and control are all real. With careful
planning, your migration can be smooth and highly rewarding.  

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Contents

1

Geek Thoughts

2

This Week on Geek

3

Geek.com Web Picks

4

Don’t Forget About This

1

Geek Thoughts - What’s Under Your Phone’s Hood? We’ve written about the iPhone and Windows Mobile-based devices in many of the past newsletters.
Well, move over Apple, Microsoft and Google, there’s a new competitor coming. Before we get to that, let’s recap where things are:

Windows Mobile 6.1 was officially announced and will be shipping by the end of this year. The iPhone’s new 2.0 version will be here in June, not to mention that there are rumors that the 3G iPhone will also be here in that timeframe. Meanwhile, Android is still making inroads with AT&T joining T-Mobile and Sprint in the list of carriers open to carrying Android-based handsets.

Now comes the fun part. Sprint and Samsung have come out of nowhere with what is being dubbed an iPhone killer: the Samsung Instinct. No word on price yet, but this bad boy has a beautiful touch screen, haptics (it vibrates a bit when you touch it), visual voice mail (just like the iPhone), GPS, runs on 3G, and more.

Since most people have mobile phones and don’t know nor care what’s running them, the Instinct could really be a game changer. If it “just works” and is priced right, Samsung and Sprint will have a winner on their hands, especially since it’s going to work on Sprint’s 3G network, whereas the
iphone uses AT&T’s EDGE.

Check out the Instinct for yourself .

Also, if you have a Windows Mobile-based touch screen device, we did a quick
comparison of the apps out there that will help you “iPhone-ify” your Windows Mobile device, so don’t think that you need an iPhone to enjoy finger-friendly navigation.

June is definitely going to be an interesting month for mobile phone lovers.

What phone are you using and why? Share your opinion in our forums.   VistaNext is a competitive guide explaining When and Why to Choose SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop Over Windows Vista. Cost is not always the most important consideration, but if you are purchasing hundreds or thousands of desktops, it becomes a vital part of the equation. The total cost of desktops stretches far beyond the initial licensing fee. This white paper helps you to decrease your total cost of ownership.  

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2

This
Week on Geek - April 4th - April 10th
News
Adobe teams up to offer ad-supported TV showsIBM goes private in Second Life

MySpace Music to take on iTunes

Interview: Why Nick White left Microsoft

IBM makes a splash with data center heat

Facebook enables chat — for some

Blogging may be bad for your health

Pizza.com sells for $2.6 million

To enable music sharing is legal, to download it isn’t?

CERN set to release crazy-fast Internet

Want to be a Geek intern?

Son of Napster, SNOCAP, purchased by imeem

Google defends against EU call for 6 month data retention limit

Verizon to bundle a person with FIOS?

SanDisk survey warns of personal flash drive use

Adobe Media Player 1.0 launches

Cheap labor helps spammers beat CAPTCHA tests
Chips
XP can’t be saved - going away June 30thIntel’s Anti-Theft Technology to combat laptop theft

Everex’s designs mini PC for MySpace users

HP officially unveils the 2133 Mini-Note

Announced ten percent workforce reduction at AMD

Dell to follow HP into cheap sub-notebook market

Thoughts on HP’s Mini-Note laptop for kids

OS roundup at Computerworld
Mobile
AT&T open to Android handsetsNokia launches N-Gage service early

102 percent revenue increase for RIM in 4th quarter

Feature: iPhone-ify your Windows mobile device

Lenovo gets out of mobile handset business

Verizon Wireless announces plans for new spectrum

Samsung Instinct wins CTIA awards

Motorola and Icahn settle

What’s that smell coming from my mobile phone?

EU opens door to mobile phone use on airlines

Details surface on Nokia’s iPhone killer, the Tube

Nokia recycles your mobile phone for free
Games
The Greenhouse indie games distribution site launchedCity of Heroes gets in-game adverts

Disney Interactive Studios buys developer Gamestar

EA to use Unreal Engine for 5 more games

Sega closes UK Racing Studio
Apple
iPhone PwnediTunes becomes top music retailer in US

Feature: Five Alternatives to the MacBook Pro

Maximize your Leopard experience with the Mac OS X Hints Superguide

iPhone 2 chipset details discovered

An unlikely iPhone fix
Gadgets
Think Steelcase, Forget the RestPersonal Soundtrack Shirt goes from April Fools gag to reality

Project E wireless business cards by Postmachina

Parasolar charges your gadgets while providing Sun protection

Review: Everglide DKTBoard Gaming Keyboard

Guard your territory with the EMT Paintball Sentry Turret

Kensington Ci740 keyboard doesn’t suck

U.S. Army to use handheld lie detectors

Exmocare BT2 can let employers and caregivers monitor your well being

3

Geek.com Web Picks Submit your favorite sites, articles, software picks, diversions,etc.,
to Joel@geek.com (mail subject: Good Sites). Here is one of my faves:Command-line in your browser

While most people use friendly GUIs like those found in Leopard and Vista,
there are plenty of hardcore geeks that still live in the command line.
For all of those geeks we present today’s Geek
Web Pick.   Support LinkAnd finally there is a look at support from Novell for OpenOffice.org in It’s Time to Make Your Move. Have you seen the costs associated with Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007? Send the children out of the room and take a look. Now take a look at OpenOffice.org from Novell. It’s much more cost effective and includes the office tools your employees need to stay productive. And with full support available from Novell, there’s no better time to switch to OpenOffice.org and free yourself from high costs and complicated licensing.  

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4

Don’t Forget About This Want to be a Geek Intern?Geek.com is looking for a few driven individuals for our newly-launched summer internship program. If you are interested in technology and you want to write about it someplace aside from your Facebook wall, then this could be your chance.

The hours will be long, and the work thankless, but you’ll have access to some cool gear and as many press releases as you can handle. If you are in the NYC area, then there will be a few events as well. We need people who have an excellent understanding of current technology, strong writing skills, and at least a basic understanding of HTML and image editing.

If interested send us an email to joel at Geek dawt com with “Intern” somewhere in the title. Send along a resume, a link to your blog (if you have one), and a sample post that is up to 300 words. Candidates can be based wherever, but NYC would be ideal. As always, thanks for reading!Joel Evans

Joel@Geek.com

Chief Geek

Geek.com

Geek.com never sends unsolicited email. You received this email because our records indicate that you are a current subscriber on our site. Click here to unsubscribe.

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 10th 2008 at 9:52AMKohjinsha’s UMPCs have remained largely unchanged over the years — an SSD here, Intel CPU boost here — but the firm’s latest has managed to accomplish something few UMPCs would even dream of. That’s right, this 7-incher includes a full-fledged dual-layer DVD writer, which tags along nicely with the 1,024 x 600 resolution LED-backlit panel, 1.3-megapixel camera, 60GB hard drive, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth and 800MHz A110 processor. It’s also filled with 1GB of DDR2 RAM, Ethernet, a duo of USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, audio in / out, 3-in-1 multicard reader and a pair of battery options promising 3.5 / 7.2 hours of life. The 2.4-pound machine looks to be available at the end of this month (albeit rebadged as a Vye Mini-V S37) for around $1,500.

[Via Ubergizmo]

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Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

When I caught my entire family popping the bubble wraps covering my CDs, I knew I had to do something or else it’d cost me a pretty penny.

This electronic bubble wrap keychain can supply everyone who’s addicted to popping bubble wraps with unlimited bubbles to pop. The eight rubber buttons have the tactile feel of bubble wrap and pressing them, of course, would sound the familiar “pop.” The 100th pressing of a button won’t be a pop though, but something completely different like a dog’s bark–just for laughs. This portable electronic bubble wrap keychain is sold for ₤5 in ThinkGeek.

via

Dynamic people on the go should also have the chance to enjoy their shiny stuff.

While the love for gadgets only continue to grow over time, people start to ask for what was considere impossible a mere 50 years ago, one of which is waterproof electronics. Sure, there are already gadgets which are water-proof, but for those who can’t just afford to throw their older stuff away, the overboard waterproof case protects electronics 100 percent. It features transparent front and rear so you can have access to your gadget’s controls. And, since it has air-injected pockets, it’ll float to the surface just in case you accidentally let it go while diving to the bottom of a body of water that’s up to 19 feet in depth. The overboard waterproof case comes with a water-proof headset and is priced at 14.95.

Philips GoGear SA28 is the first mp3 player that features its own Fullsound technology. The SA28 was first introduced during the CES2008, and now, it is available at China mainland. The 2GB SA28 is sale for RMB399 (approx US$57) with built-in FM tuner.

Fullsound is a digital audio algorithm patented by Philips that refines audio output by performing 10 million operations per second to analyze and re-compute the music signal before it is sent to the speaker. This means that FullSound brings out the best of any audio system and delivers more life to the music.

More images after the jump

Philips GoGear SA28 (dissected)

Sigmatel STMP3710

Sigmatel STFM1000
[ via iMP3, Philips ]

Philips, SA28, Fullsound, MP3 Players, Sigmatel

My mother taught me not to open my mouth if I don’t have anything good to say. Well, needless to say, with the Bullshit button, I don’t even have to open my mouth at all.

The Bullshit button can rile up anyone with five snarky sentences:

- (Beep) That was bullshit!
- (Siren) Bullshit detected, take precautions!
- (Siren) Bullshit level defcon 5!
- Oh come on now, that ain’t even bullshit, that’s horseshit!
- Warning, warning, bullshit alert!

All you need to do is load the gadget up with two triple A batteries and you’re on your way for some nasty pranking session. There’s nothing complicated here–just push the button and let it take the place of your potty mouth. You can test it out on its product page and see if it…um…lives up to your expectations. The Bullshit button spells it out in your place for only 5.

Bring you up-to-date on the TAG Heuer front, the company has announced their mobile phone; the Meridiist. Incorporating the ultimate combo of steel and leather finish, the phone features a sapphire crystal display, 2-megapixel cam, 1.9 inch QVGA display and Bluetooth. The candybar will be priced somewhere around €3,400 to €3,900 (about $5,338 to $6,123) depending on how it’s configured. Those with the silver spoon can indulge in this fancy phone when it launches later this quarter.
[ Source ]

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 9th 2008 at 5:06PMWouldn’t you know it? No, really — didn’t you completely understand that Nintendo wouldn’t be releasing something as magnificent as a stark white GameCube controller in the States? Okay, so maybe NoA hasn’t made that official, but we’re betting the unit you see there on the right will be a (highly coveted) Japanese exclusive. Apparently the Big N is re-issuing a Wii-white GameCube controller in its homeland this month with an extended (3-meter) cord, and while we can’t glean any pricing information from the crumb of information out there right now, go ahead and start stacking those pennies for use on your favorite importer.

[Via Joystiq]

Update: Apparently it’ll cost around $20. Thanks, Chebwa!

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Filed under: Gaming