Gizmodo: dot

Packard Bell 'Dot' Netbook, Because Now It's Just Getting Funny/Sad

Mark Wilson — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EDT

It's official: Now that Packard Bell has unveiled the Dot, every computer manufacturer in the known Universe has produced the same 8.9", 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB RAM, XP-running system. So what's next for technology? Similar to how mothers' clubs have sponsored bake sales and knitting circles for decades, look for netbooks to be fashioned from straw, beads, puff paints and other craft materials as they are hand-manufactured to raise money for local soccer teams. Netbooks are going mainstream. Really, really mainstream. [EeePC]

DOT Says Fuel Cells Can Fly; FAA Still Afraid They Might Fry

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:23:04 EDT

The US DOT has approved transportation of methanol fuel cell cartridges in your baggage and carry-on luggage, according to one fuel-cell maker. If you're lucky enough to own a fuel-cell system, you'll definitely be able to fly with it come October, when the ruling goes into effect. But this ruling only allows you to carry the cells, not use them on the plane. I looked into it, and the FAA, a division of the DOT, is still apparently evaluating the fire hazards associated with in-flight operation.

Looking at the gamut of fuel cells (and not just the methanol ones covered in the ruling), the FAA appears to be afraid that the little chemical powerplants might explode. According to an FAA report from April 2: "Fuel sources [in fuel cells] range from highly flammable to relatively inert."

In addition to standard evaluation, the FAA says it will conduct "flammability tests...on existing fuel cartridges." And not just on individual units. From what I can tell of this report, somewhere the FAA will soon, or already has, set fire to bulk containers of fuel cells, and tried to ignite fuel cells that are in operation, connected to laptops or other electronics:And I thought my job was fun. [Press Release on DOT Ruling; FAA PDF on Flammability Testing]

Intel and Department of Transportation Avoid Vista Like the Plague

Matt Buchanan — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 20:45:59 EST

Confirming what everyone pretty much already knew—that Vista upgrades are going to be slow coming—Intel CEO Paul Otellini told attendees at the Bank of America Technology conference that he knew "of no organization doing an upgrade before SP1," adding that "Intel isn't upgrading either (until SP1)."

The U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA are no more progressive, with an "indefinite moratorium" on the "Wow." DoT CIO Daniel Mintz stated that "there appears to be no compelling technical or business case for upgrading to these new Microsoft software products. Furthermore, there appears to be specific reasons not to upgrade." Ouch.

If the ban is long-term, it could sting Microsoft's pocketbook more than its pride, as InfoWeek notes it "sells millions of dollars in software to the feds annually." It seems like some good Vista news can't come fast enough for Microsoft. Mediocre sales, driver and software compatibility issues, and middling reviews have dominated coverage, and this is after long delays getting it shipped.

Undoubtedly as a result, it hasn't been quite the boon to the bottom line that they had probably hoped. For what it's worth, I think Vista looks nice. – Matt Buchanan

Microsoft Hit By U.S. DOT Ban On Windows Vista, Explorer 7, and Office 2007 [InformationWeek via Fark]
Intel won't upgrade to Vista until SP1 [Between the Lines]

Dot Matrix Cuff: OMG

Mark Wilson — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 11:55:08 EDT

We love LED dot matrix accessories, but more in the studying from afar kind of way. Our geekdom speaks for itself when new acquaintances notice our general disheveled appearance, strange odor that hints of decay and compete misunderstanding of social behavioral norms.

But these $30 customizable leather dot matrix cuffs might be subtle enough for actual public use. Coming in pink or black, the cuffs have tiny perforated holes that won't pop without some force/neat sharp things. Punch out any clever word you can think of from the 5x30 dot grid (bigjohnson is too long). We dig their NSFW template and that we may be confused with evil punk rockers before weak, malnourished techies. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via popgadget]