Gizmodo: Desktop

Acer Ships Ginormous 8920G Gemstone Notebooks; 16:9, Dual HDDs, Blu-ray Included, Hernia Belt Not

Matt Hickey — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EDT

Acer's now shipping the 8920G Gemstone laptops, and they're even more impressive than we'd thought. While not the biggest screen we've seen on a portable, they sport an impressive 18.2-inch LCD at 1920x1080 with a 16:9 aspect ratio, perfect for watching movies on the integrated Blu-ray R/W drives. They're not light, tipping the scales at just over nine pounds, but their 1.6-inch thickness makes up for some of that. What's really interesting is Acer put dual hard drives in these machines, meaning you get 640GB total, probably the highest we've ever seen in a shipping portable. If you're looking for the ultimate in desktop replacements, these are a great place to start, if you can afford the $3,000 price tag. [Trusted Reviews]

First Quality Pictures of the Asus Eee All-In-One Monitor

Sean Fallon — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:38:00 EDT

We got a blurry look at the upcoming all-in-one version of the Asus Eee PC Monitor back in early June, but these new images over at Laptop Mag provide our first real glimpse at what users can expect. Outside of what we already know, the images reveal that the Monitor will feature 4 USB ports, an Ethernet port, modem, audio ports for a mic and 2 audio outs. There will also be white and black versions. No further information has been released, so we still expect it to be released in 19 and 21-inch versions with a TV tuner for around $500. Check the full gallery at the source. [Laptop Mag]

MSI Wind Getting Desktopified

Mark Wilson — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:49:00 EDT

Just as MSI saw the opportunity to create an Eee of their own with the Wind, so too will they create an Eee Box with their Wind mini-desktop. The internals will be very similar between each version of the Wind, with the desktop featuring the same 1.6Ghz Atom processor and 35W power supply as the laptop, along with Windows XP, 1GB of RAM (expandable to 2), DVD (burner?), up to 160GB of storage and Wi-Fi. Priced between $199 and $299, the Wind mini-desktop is not slated for a US release when it hits this September...but were the Eee Box a huge success in the States, it wouldn't be crazy for that to change. [infoworld]

Google Media Server Helps Bridge Gap Between PC and TV

Adrian Covert — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:24:27 EDT

Google Media Server is a Google Desktop add-on that provides a way to get PC media content onto your TV. With the help of a UPnP device, Google Media Server collects all the relevant media files from your PC and makes them available over a local host. While it doesn't seem as direct as a device like SlingCatcher, it's probably a whole lot cheaper. Google Media Server is available for download here. [Google Media Server via Crunch Gear]

Proview All-in-One PC is iMac-esque, with Pen-Writing Screen

Kit Eaton — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:47:00 EDT

Several all-in-one desktop PCs seem to have taken design inspiration from the iMac recently, but Proview's upcoming VD1-26W has the added feature of a pen-sensitive screen for freehand writing, drawing and, presumably, mousing. It's no HP Touchsmart, but is pretty slimline, with connections and ports pushed into a small box on its rear, and has a 26-inch screen with 1000:1 contrast and glass protective shield. There's little more info, other than it does both VGA signal input and output and has its own wireless pen, so you'll have to watch this space for both price and availability. [Aving]

XYZ Computer Desk Is the Computer Itself (Verdict: I Want One)

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 23 May 2008 07:23:06 EDT

Taking the top out of desktop, the XYZ Computer Desk is actually the computer itself, a PC table made of chromed legs and some kind of polycarbonate top, with ports and optical drive on the side, and plenty of room for expansion and clutter. And while the screen is too small for me, it is oh-so-pretty that I want to build it, even if it goes against my religion. [BornRich]

Sync Desktop: A Workspace With Integrated PC and Fold-Away Monitor

Sean Fallon — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:20:00 EDT

Besides being absolutely beautiful, this Sync Desktop concept from designer Gareth Battensby features a fold-away widescreen monitor and keyboard, a built in USB hub, scanner, mouse, webcam, easy-to-access DVD unit, and plenty of storage space. And because it is all seamlessly integrated into the design, the Sync can be converted into a standard desk for other projects whenever necessary. The only problem is that I doubt that it could ever become a commercial product unless there was a way to upgrade the hardware. [Gareth Battensby via Born Rich]

HTC Touch Diamond Gets Classy Desktop Dock, Headphones

Jason Chen — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT

The HTC Touch Diamond is pretty classy already, but this desktop cradle/desktop dock gives it a nice house on your desk for it to sleep and dock. From the looks of it, it's even got earbuds and a 3.5mm jack for you to connect to a set of speakers as well. The footprint looks slightly large compared to say, an iPhone dock, but we can throw some crap on the floor to make room. [Clove via Tracy and Matt via Tech Digest]

Desktop Clutter Art A Go-Go

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Purple Tentacle, Iron Man, the Spaghetti Monster, a super cool MacBook Air, Master Chief, Ren & Stimpy, and even a Blue Screen of Death made entirely of folders? Oh yes. We got 14 entries for the desktop clutter art contest that started with Spider-Pig and Homer Simpson, and we got the winner right after the jump!

Get your high resolution version on the gallery above

Honorary mentions for the Spaghetti Monster—we like—and the conceptual Windows Blue Screen of Death. Now the top winners:

3rd Place: Goes to Hapax's Iron Man. Why? Because it's nice and we are all Tony Stark fanboys and we like cocktails.

2nd Place: A great rendition of the MacBook Air by Daniel Lagin.

1st Place: For Damien Nozay and his great Purple Tentacle on Linux. Your no-prize will be in the mail soon. In the meantime, you get all the glory. And you can take over the world.

We had a hard time deciding, so thanks to everyone for sending us the good stuff.

Dell Introduces Their Smallest, Greenest PC Yet

Jason Chen — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:01:09 EDT

Michael Dell, the king of Dell, just previewed his company's smallest and greenest desktop PC yet at FORTUNE Brainstorm: GREEN. There's no name for this mini green PC, shown rendered above, but it's 81% smaller than a mini tower and 70% less energy-consuming. It's also shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging, and look a whole lot like those cheapo Sun workstations that colleges love(d) to use. As long as this machine is at least as powerful as a laptop (we don't mean an Eee PC), we're all for Dell's enviro-conscious direction.

Fujitsu FMV F-A50 is iMac's Younger PC Cousin

Kit Eaton — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:35:49 EDT

The iMac has spawned a couple of lookalikes in the past, but none quite so similar to it as Fujitsu's new FMV F-A50. Ok, so it's the previous gen white iMac we're talking about, but look at that slot-loading DVD drive... right where it should be! We almost prefer the design of the Fujitsu's stand too, since it allows you to adjust the height of the unit as well as the tilt: one better than the iMac. Check out its specs below, after ogling its sleekness in the gallery.

The screen of the F-A50 is a 16-inch 1366 x 768 pixel widescreen, and inside there's a Core 2 Duo running at 2.1GHz, with 2GB of RAM and an Intel x3100 graphics unit. It runs Vista Home Premium SP1. There's also a 250GB SATA drive, DVD recorder drive, wi-fi, Bluetooth, a type-2 PC card slot, and an SD card slot. These last hide beneath a flap, along with some of the USB ports. Though it doesn't seem to have a webcam, it does at least promise to be a quiet machine with only around 30dB of noise according to Fujitsu.

It's 15.5 x 12.9 x 7.1 inches, and if its white iMac-esque looks don't please you, then there's a "pink opal" limited edition available too. It's available in Japan soon for around $1,260. [PC Watch and Akihabaranews]

Ren and Stimpy to Readers: "SUBMIT YOUR DESKTOP CLUTTER ART ENTRIES, YOU SICK LITTLE MONKEYS!"

Jesus Diaz — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:30:41 EDT

First it was Spider-Pig and Homer on Mac OS X. Then Purple Tentacle from the Day of the Tentacle on Linux. Now is the turn of Windows XP: reader Lee Blackwood has sent us this rendition of Ren and Stimpy with folders. People keep sending their Desktop Clutter Art entries. Everyone except you. And we want yours. Send it to tips@gizmodo.com and we will publish the hall of fame this Friday.

Purple Tentacle Takes Over Linux Desktop [Verdict: Great Start for Desktop Clutter Art Contest]

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Yesterday we showed you Spider-Pig and Homer made of folders, and today here's a cool rendition of Day of the Tentacle's Purple Tentacle taking over a Linux desktop. This folderpiece—made by reader Damien Nozay—is the first entry in our ongoing desktop clutter art contest, sent just a couple hours after the announcement. Minutes later, reader Zachary Colen sent us this retro folder illustration of the 'Killjoy' medal from Halo 3:

Looks like a great start. Send your entries to tips@gizmodo.com over the next days and we will post a gallery of all participants next Friday. And by the way, if you need icons for your illustration—remember that you can make these with any type of icons, not just folders—head to the always good Iconfactory. [Spider-Pig]

Spider-Pig and Homer Simpson Made of Folders Are Good Excuse for Desktop Clutter Art Contest

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Spider-Pig! Spider-Pig! He's made of folders, Spider-Pig is! Can you make him into bacon? No you can't! He's foldspider pig! Lookout! Here comes Spider-Pig! Today a reader sent us an ad illustration made out of Finder folders and document icons, which gave me an excuse for two things: 1) organize a desktop clutter art contest for Mac and PC users, and 2) get out my head the song that I've been humming all morning. Full high definition Spider-Pig "illustration" and instructions about how to do it right after the jump.

As I've discovered after making Homer and Spider-Pig, these things are not easy. Follow these steps to make one.

1. Clean up your desktop.
2. Get an empty folder (or a set of folders in different colors,) document icons, or whatever other thing is around your desktop. Don't get big documents, as you will need to duplicate them to create your image.
3. Third, deactivate automatic snap-to-grid in the view desktop options in Windows or Mac OS X.
4. Optionally, load an image in the background to "trace."
5. Start placing your folders/icons/whatever, always on a row and rendering the subject matter from top to bottom to ensure that no text from the icons on the top rows overlaps the icons on the bottom rows.

Please send your illustration to tips@gizmodo.com.

This is the original image that we saw from Teknograd

Cat Desktop Bed Is a Good Idea, But Cats Will Never Go For It

Jason Chen — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EDT

Our resident cat expert, Mark Wilson, tells me that cats will never go for this desktop cat bed. It's not that it's a bad idea—a clamp-on bed so your cat can sit close to your hands, but not close enough to mash keys on your keyboard—but it's just impractical. Mark claims his cat loves jumping in his arm, his hands and his stomach whenever he's doing work. This bed would just give the cat a little perch to leap off. Just look at the cat's eye language. It's saying, "watch out bitch, here I come." [The Refined Feline via DVICE via Oh Gizmo via Geekologie via MAKE]

The Stackable, Smackable Lego Desktop Calendar

Sean Fallon — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EDT

Ok, it may not be an officially licensed product, but the term Lego-esque certainly applies to this desktop calendar. In true Lego style, the sections can be stacked and configured into any pattern you choose—and changing the date is as simple as smacking the top of each brick. And we all know that relieving some stress by smacking something at the office can be good thing...except when it is a face and/or ass. Available for around $27 US. [Early Adopter via TFTS via Uberreview]

Asus Eee Desktop PC EP20 Images Leaked

Haroon Malik — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

We brought you news about the Eee Desktop PC EP20 a little while back, but it looks like the chaps at Hot Hardware have managed to get hold of some shots of the final, production line models. Unfortunately, they aren't willing to cite their source, but they are willing to say that the images "are indeed shots of an Asus Eee PC Desktop product that should be arriving to market some time in the next quarter or so." From what we have previously seen, the EP20 isn't quite as small as a Mac Mini, but we're still liking the design. The bubbly pattern on the side of the white edition just makes us all fizzy with excitement. We can't wait. [Hot Hardware]

Eee PC Touchscreen Coming This Summer, Asus Confirms

Haroon Malik — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:27:48 EDT

Asus' president of sales, Kevin Lin, has announced the upcoming 8.9-inch Eee PC will have a touchscreen incorporated. Lin also speculated that the device may have GPS functionality, too, however this was not confirmed. The announcement has us a little confused, as earlier reports suggested otherwise. Still, Lin went on to say the expected starting price for an 8.9-inch touchscreen toting Eee will be around $500, and he also added that the Eee Desktop PC will begin retailing at the $199 mark. Put that in your Eee PC news pipe and puff it. [DigiTimes]

TiVo Discovers Really Simple Way to Get Syndicated Web Vid

Wilson Rothman — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Yes, you guessed from my carefully coded headline there that today TiVo announced the capability to download video from RSS feeds on the web, by way of updated TiVo Desktop Plus software for Windows. You'll have to pay $25 for it, but just once—it's a free update to those who already use TiVo Desktop Plus to bring recorded shows over to their PCs, iPods and PSPs. Jump for details in an excerpt from the press release.

Starting today, TiVo users can subscribe to and watch a broad range of video content available through Real Simple Syndication ("RSS") feeds, including everything from network nightly newscasts and The Sesame Street Podcast to Daily Headlines from MTV News and College Humor from CHTV. The application also gives consumers access to niche interest and hobbyist videos covering areas far more specialized than cable and satellite channels.
The new Web video capability requires TiVo Desktop Plus 2.6, an update to the Windows application which also converts TV shows recorded on a TiVo DVR for viewing on portable devices including iPod and Sony PlayStation™ Portable. TiVo Desktop Plus 2.6 is available for a one-time fee of $24.95, and is a free upgrade to earlier versions. "TiVo continues to work with Roxio on delivering equivalent functionality on the Mac platform."

With this new feature, users can choose web videos downloaded on the home PC using web browsers, RSS video clients such as iTunes podcasts, or other video download software to automatically copy to their TiVo DVR's Now Playing List alongside recorded broadcast and cable TV shows. TiVo is also providing an on-screen guide of select Web video sources for users to browse and select as individual episodes or get a Season Pass™. Subscribers can even use the TiVo service's Season Pass functionality to get their own personal video folders on their PC, where they save their home movies and other video downloads. High Definition television enthusiasts will appreciate that TiVo preserves the original quality of high-resolution web videos, up to 720p, when delivered to TiVo Series3 or TiVo HD DVRs.

[TiVo Desktop]

First Look at the Asus Eee EP20 Desktop

Sean Fallon — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:40:23 EDT

Somehow the world managed to miss the Asus Eee EP20 desktop when it was unveiled at CeBIT, but nonetheless, the first images have resurfaced showing off the desktop Asus promised us back in November. Not much is known about the device other than it will feature the Linux OS—but the word on the street is that it will boast a Intel dual core processor at 1.87GHz, a 2.5″ hard disk instead of flash and a price tag that should hover around 200€, or roughly $300. Additional pic after the break.

[matbe and eeextra via eeesite]

USB Neon Signs Add That Greasy Spoon Café Look To Your Desktop

Kit Eaton — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:07:12 EDT

That little USB socket gets put to some weird and whacky uses in the name of decorating your desk, and now here's yet another: USB neon signs. If you're a terminal cubicle customizer, you might be able to brighten things up a bit with these $20 gizmos, available in @, :-) and "bar" designs. Just put the smiley away during a bad day, hey? Getting broken glass shards in your hand after an "angry moment" would just hurt. [Gadgets.dk via Geekalerts]

Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 and Digital Media Keyboard 3000, WOW!

Benny Goldman — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:40:46 EDT

Microsoft continues to step up their design game with two keyboards to follow last month's good-looking mice. The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 bundle includes a 2.4GHz wireless keyboard and the previously available 7000 wireless laser mouse. The keyboard was designed for Vista and features an Aero-inspired translucent border, three assignable favorite keys, and the Comfort Curve design.

The Digital Media Keyboard 3000 is the more basic offering of the two. The corded keyboard offers five favorite keys and quick access to features such as Flip 3D and Windows Media Player.

The 7000 bundle will retail for $130—the keyboard is not sold separately—when it is available in April. The 3000 sells for $30, and is available in June. Not bad Microsoft, not bad at all. [Microsoft]

Eight-Core Intel Skulltrail Motherboard Gets Official, Is the Biggest, Baddest, Gaming Motherboard Around

Adrian Covert — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:08:44 EST

Speaking of crazy motherboards, Intel's absolutely insane Skulltrail motherboard officially launched at the Game Developers Conference today, renamed the Intel Dual Socket Extreme Desktop Platform (blah). The Dual Extreme supports dual quad-core processors, and both ATI (Crossfire) and NVIDIA (SLI) graphics cards. In addition, the motherboard has a 400 MHz front-side bus and a hefty $649 pricetag, double the price of a high-end Core 2 Duo motherboard. A handful of PC makers are said to be offering configurations around the Dual Extreme beginning today, including Voodoo, Falcon and Digital Storm, among others. [Intel via PC World]

Asus to Debut $500 iMac-Like All-In-One

Kit Eaton — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:52:54 EST

Asustek has announced it is adding an iMac-like all-in-one PC and a large-screen LCD TV with integrated Linux to its Eee PC line. The $500 all-in-one is expected to launch in September and should be seen as a companion to the Eee PC desktop model. The president of the Taiwan-based company revealed a few more juicy bits of info, as well.

Jerry Shen, head honcho of Asustek, confirmed that the E-DT desktop will be monitorless, and between $200-300 when it comes out in April or May. The E-monitor all-in-one is aimed at the iMac market with a 19- to 21-inch screen and integrated TV tuner. Both these products will eventually share Intel's Shelton '08 platform. The E-TV will enter into the 42-inch-plus LCD TV class, while integrating the Linux PC functions of the Eee line. The aim is to keep its price no more than $200 above its competitors.

Shen also broke the news that, contrary to rumor, there will be no touchscreen for the Eee PC. Apparently, their research showed that there was little demand for it. Fine, be that way. [DigiTimes]

Skyfire Windows Mobile Browser is Desktop-Like, Has Flash

Jason Chen — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:55:56 EST

Windows Mobile has its share of desktop-esque browsers with the still experimental Deepfish, but this Skyfire browser seems to be better than what we've seen yet. It's desktop-class, yes, but it also has Flash, Java, and "full audio, video" support. You can see what they mean with a video demo after the jump, but the illustration above (YouTube, Google Maps) should be a pretty good indication of what you'll be able to do with a browser that doesn't suck. [SkyFire]

Desktop Boxer: The Most Advanced USB Toy of 2008?

Sean Fallon — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:00:34 EST

According to the product page, the Desktop Boxer is the "most advanced USB toy of 2008" thanks to fully interactive software and realistic boxing ring sounds. Users can control the boxer's punches and movement via their keyboard, and the device will keep track of successful hits on the speed bag. Personally, I think that I will withhold judgment on the "most advanced" claim until we are further into 2008. Besides, there are already more amusing office gadgets on the market. Available for £29.99 or around $59. [Product Page via Toyology]

Belkin's Desktop Internet Phone Negates the Use of a Computer for Skype Calling, Again

Haroon Malik — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:01:00 EST

The Brief: Belkin's Desktop Internet Phone allows Skype calls to be made simply, by plugging straight into a wired/wireless router or live Ethernet port. The internet phone can store 500 contacts and initiates automatic login to Skype when your PC is started.

The Catch: The $99.99 price tag is not too bad, but we have been here before (kinda), and we were a little uninspired. Time will tell. Check the official spec below:

Logitech Cordless Bluetooth Desktop MX5500 Arrives (Again)

Wilson Rothman — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

We teased you with this last fall, but now the folks at Logitech say that this $170 Bluetooth 2.0 desktop is officially official and hitting stores late this month, as you can see from the press release after the jump. Refresher course:
• Can be used as Bluetooth hub but isn't exactly dongle free, since it comes pre-paired with its own "mini-receiver"
• Dynamic LCD screen shows time and date, calc, temp, incoming e-mails, media metadata and more
• One-touch access to Vista features
• MX Revolution laser mouse included

New Logitech Premium Bluetooth Keyboard-and-Mouse Combination Features Flagship MX Revolution Mouse Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Includes Dynamic Display, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR

LAS VEGAS — CES — Jan. 5, 2008 — Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), creator of the first keyboard-and-mouse desktop set, today introduced the Logitech® Cordless Desktop® MX™ 5500 Revolution to help people navigate through today's complex digital environments with ease. The premium keyboard-and-mouse combination features the award-winning Logitech® MX™ Revolution cordless laser mouse, a dynamic keyboard display and Bluetooth® wireless technology.
"With the proliferation of digital content, people increasingly need better ways to find and control their digital files with speed and accuracy," said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for Logitech's keyboards and desktops. "Announced last year, the MX Revolution mouse set a new standard for scrolling and computer navigation. By pairing the award-winning mouse with a premium keyboard and Bluetooth wireless technology, the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution gives people the ability to quickly and intelligently navigate the vast amount of information stored on their PCs and on the Internet."
The Logitech MX Revolution Mouse - Award-Winning Technology
Winner of several industry awards, including the 2007 CES Technology & Innovation Award, the rechargeable Logitech MX Revolution mouse has transformed many people's expectations about mouse navigation. With its industry-first MicroGear™ Precision Scroll Wheel, the MX Revolution mouse offers people two exceptional modes of navigation. They can fly effortlessly through long documents and Web pages, spinning the scroll wheel freely to move through up to 10,000 lines of a spreadsheet in seven seconds. Or, they can set the scroll wheel to click-to-click mode, which allows precision movement through lists, slides or photos. For more efficient searching, the MX Revolution provides One-Touch™ Search, which allows people to obtain Internet search results for any word or phrase on a Web page or in a document. Finally, the thumb wheel can be set to launch the Windows Vista® Flip 3D feature or to zoom in and out of documents and photos. And the rapid-charging stand eliminates the inconvenience of replacing batteries.
Dynamic Keyboard Display Provides Access to Key Information
With the dynamic keyboard display, people can enjoy instant access and control of important information. The 2.95-by-.79 inch (7.5-by-2 cm), built-in LCD screen shows people the time and date, calculator, temperature, Web site favorites, a keystroke counter, e-mail updates and media information, such as band and song titles.
Bluetooth Technology Enables Fast Setup, Extended Wireless Connectivity
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution features Bluetooth 2.0 Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) wireless technology, which provides an easier setup experience, as well as a more robust and reliable connection than with previous generations of Bluetooth technology. And, Bluetooth wireless technology allows people to use the MX 5500 Revolution desktop at a distance of up to 30 feet (10 meters) from their PC.
Because the keyboard, mouse and receiver are pre-paired during manufacturing, people need only plug in the mini-receiver to a computer's USB port to connect the keyboard and mouse to the PC. The MX 5500 desktop's receiver can also be used as a Bluetooth hub, enabling other Bluetooth devices, such as a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or a PDA, to connect to a computer through the hub. A computer must have a compatible Bluetooth stack installed for this mode to be functional.
Enhanced for Windows Vista - Hotkeys
A perfect complement to the Windows Vista operating system, the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution also offers quick, one-touch access to key Windows Vista features, including Windows Media® Center, Photo Gallery, Windows Sidebar and gadgets, Flip 3D, and zoom. (Logitech SetPoint™ software installation required for some features.)
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution desktop is expected to be available in the U.S. in late January and in Europe in late February for a suggested retail price of $169.99 (U.S.).

Mac OS X Market Share at 7.31% and Rising

Charlie White — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:14:57 EST

Apple's Mac OS X had a good year last year, according to Net Applications. Market share for OS X climbed to 7.31% for the month of December, 2007, up from 6.38% in February, a 14.57% increase. How about the Windows OSes? Why, they're at a paltry 91.79 % of the market. [Net Applications]

10 Office Gadgets That Will Get You Fired Before the New Year

Sean Fallon — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:17:18 EST

Toiling away in a cubicle all day can be boring during a slow holiday week, believe me—I know. So it is no surprise that employees will often turn to office toys in an attempt to get to 5 p.m. without doing any actual work. Sounds like a great idea, but you had best stay away from the gadgets below unless you have an extremely cool boss, you are the boss or you hate your job. Because you can't have any cubicle fun when you are spending your days doing deplorable things in alleys for cash.

Everex gPC Reviewed...Again (Verdict: Horrible)

Sean Fallon — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:20:48 EST

Thought that the $200 Everex gPC was too good (and cheap) to be true? Did an earlier, positive review from Wired only serve to pique your interest? Unfortunately, a recent review by PC Magazine may bring many Wal-Mart shoppers crashing to the earth. According to their review, the gPC is" one of those PCs you buy as a gift for the holidays and return to the store in January." So what went wrong?

The answer: just about everything. PC Mag was miffed at the resolution configuration settings, the legal tie-ups involved with calling it a "Google PC," an app launcher they described as "a cheap copy" of Mac OSX, as well as some frustrating web-surfing issues that may not be grasped by a novice user.

Still, this review is probably a little harsh and should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, "legal wrangling" is not a concern of the average user, and for $200 one should expect a few shortcomings here and there. They do concede that it is a fairly "green PC" with regard to power consumption, and it is powerful enough to run Ubuntu Linux, just don't expect it to be fast. In all likelihood, the true verdict on the gPC lies somewhere in-between the two reviews. [PC Mag]

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Keyboards Cracked for Coworker Espionage

Matt Buchanan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:00:11 EST

The crackers at Dreamlab have busted open the wireless encryption on Microsoft's Optical Desktops 1000 and 2000, as well as any others using the same simplistic scheme: There's only about 256 possible encryption keys, making it like pie to crack after sniffing a few tens of keystrokes. So easy, in their demo they nail three keyboards at once.

If you don't wanna deal with the hack-speak, the bottom line is that a remotely enterprising and nosy co-worker could whip up a wireless keylogger to spy on the whole office. Then again, what office springs for wireless keyboards for everybody? [Remote-Exploit.org via Hackaday]

Google Gadgets For Dashboard Available Now, Fairly Unnecessary

Jason Chen — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:00:13 EST

The Google Gadgets Dashboard integration we told you about yesterday is here, but the bad news is that you'll need to install Google Desktop to use it. With Spotlight, (pretty great) Widgets, and other applications already native to OS X, is there really a need for Google Desktop just to use Google Gadgets? If you just want that functionality, you can actually get it separately as well. But if you swear by Google as a platform, check out the video to see what you're getting. [Google]

Desktop Evolution: Windows and Mac OS Visual Comparison Through the Years

Haroon Malik — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:45:02 EST

Since Windows 95 dropped more than a decade ago, our desktops have evolved to no end. Having recently had a fresh Leopard install on our Macs, we thought we would take a look back, with a side-by-side comparison of Windows and Mac operating systems by visual interface alone. All the major releases are here, and it is interesting to see the general progression made by even just the UI. Jump for our ridiculously large and awesome image, put together by our new intern, Eric Sheline:

The breakdown shows Windows to be making major aesthetic development around the release of Windows 2000. Mac OS took off a little later, with OS 9 looking like a gimped UI in comparison. Mac OS X saw Apple make a large step up in the graphic pants department. The eye candy at present seems pretty level between the two. Perhaps Apple has the slight edge? However, functionality is an entirely separate ball game. What do you guys make of it all? Post your views, as well as the obligatory Apple/Microsoft flame war, in the comments below. [Top image via VineetB-log]

Pyramat Gaming Chair Helps You Keep Up Appearances in the Office

AddyDugdale — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:40:46 EST

A wireless gaming chair for desktop gamers is an cool idea, although it's not as cool as this massage gaming chair from a few weeks back. In the sheltered little life that I scuzz around in, gaming chairs are floor-height cack-magnets, rocking delights such as sweat patches, condiment stains, popcorn husks that look like toenail clippings, toenail clippings and other assorted umska that acts as girlfriend repellent, not to mention the sweet smell of eau de sweaty butt crack. Full specs and price below.

Wireless connection
8-channel 2.4GHz digital transmitter
Full-range channel digital selector
LCD display
2 x full-range speakers with blue LEDs
Gas piston height and tilting seat adjustments
4-5 hours battery life
Headrest
Fully-functioning lady.

Erm, I might have made that last one up, actually. The Pyramat Gaming Chair 2.1 will set you back $289.95. [The Sharper Image]

Aircraft Mouse Blends Comfort, Looks, and LEDs

Sean Fallon — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:30:53 EDT

There are plenty of unique looking computer mice on the market, but few look as interesting (and ergonomic) as this Aircraft Mouse with flashing LED lights. It is only sporting an 800dpi optical sensor, so it is far from being a true "top gun" of the peripheral world, but it definitely will earn a few style points —if you can get your hands on it that is. No pricing details are available and it appears that the design was a limited run. [Design Town via GeekAlerts]

Hammet Saturn 2.1 Desktop Speakers Look Interplanetary, Priced Down to Earth

Charlie White — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EDT

Who cares whether these Hammet Saturn 2.1 desktop speakers sound any good or not? Just look at them. Appearing to be the spawn of a mini projector mother and security camera dad, the two satellites fire upward, right into your face and around the room. Too bad they don't get much of a chance at sonic proficiency with the paltry 3 watts of power fed into each one.

Meanwhile, the 5-watt minisub holds down the fort, letting you plug your mic into it at the same time. Pick up a $24 set in black or white, and perplex your friends who might wonder what the hell those pods are doing sitting on your desktop. [eShop World, via TFTS]

Dell XPS One A2010 Leaked by the FCC, Reveals Optional TV Tuner and AV Input

AddyDugdale — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:43:58 EDT

Give a little wave to the XPS One A2010 from Dell, which got its first outing on the FCC website. The FCC also posted Dell's system manual on their site, which reveals that the A2010 contains an optional TV tuner. What else do we know? It's a fairly good-looking Asustek-manufactured desktop with Intel Core 2 Duo, 1000:1 contrast LCD and a 3.5-inch, with a maximum 300GB, HDD, and an optional TV tuner. Take a closer look at the gallery and the stats below.

Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium D or Celeron CPU's
22 WSXGA 1680 1050, 16.7M color 300 nits, 5 ms response 1000:1 contrast LCD
1-4GB of 667/800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
3.5 up to 300GB HDD
DVD +/- RW or Blu-Ray drive
Intel GMA 3100 or ATI Mobility Radeon HD2400 Graphics
Optional TV Tuner
two 5W, 140 HZ speakers
802.11 a/b/g/n support
Dimensions: 15.9(H)x23.5(W)x3.3(D)" (40.5 59.7 8.38 cm)
Weight: 28.2 lb (12.8 kg)

There are no noises about price and release date yet, but we'll bring that info to you as soon as we have it. [FCC via PC Joint]

Logitech Debuts Its Flagship Bluetooth Desktop System, the $170 MX5500 Revolution

Wilson Rothman — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:00:00 EDT

There may not be tiny LCD screens on each key, but Logitech's new high-end Vista-friendly keyboard-and-mouse pairing, the $170 MX5500 Revolution Cordless Desktop, does have an integrated display for time, calculator functions, media controls and incoming messages.

The price includes the MX Revolution laser mouse, typically a $100 value. It also includes Bluetooth 2.0 integrated throughout the system, although I am a wee bit suspicious of the one-USB-port system requirement. I'd hope that is where the mouse's rapid-charging station goes, but I'm not holding my breath.

Dell has started their XPS Motherboard Exchange ...

Adrian Covert — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:39:31 EDT

Dell has started their XPS Motherboard Exchange Program. [Dell]