Gizmodo: satellite

Earth's Weather Like You Have Never Seen It Before

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:20:00 EST

This video shows Earth's weather from August 17 to August 26, 2009. It also shows how beautiful this planet is, and how insignificant we are. It was created at a 7-kilometer resolution with NASA's GEOS-5 atmospheric general circulation model.

The GEOS-5 atmospheric model was developed by NASA Goddard's scientists. It's based on the Earth System Modeling Framework, an open source project "for building climate, numerical weather prediction, data assimilation, and other Earth science software applications."

To really appreciate its beauty, you can watch the 1080p high definition video at NASA. [NASA via @NASAGoddard]

LA Smoldering from Space

matt buchanan — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:40:00 EDT

The LA fires have actually exploded to double the 152 miles they cover in this photo taken Sunday morning by NASA's Terra satellite. I imagine this is sort of what LA will look like from space mid-apocalypse. [NASA via BoingBoing]

Walmart's $350 17-Inch Toshiba Satellite Notebook Actually Isn't a Total Piece of Crap

matt buchanan — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:20:00 EDT

A 17-inch notebook with a $350 MSRP? That's Walmart's Toshiba Satellite L355, which comes with 3GB RAM and a 250GB hard drive. Surprisingly, it's not garbage according to Laptop Mag, offering better specs than notebooks that cost $250 more. [Laptop]

Personal (Spy!) Satellite is a Bargain at $8,000

Rosa Golijan — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:40:00 EDT

The TubeSat lists one of its possible uses as Earth-from-space video imaging—very scientific, of course. But to me that means "Now you can spy on ~~your hot neighbor~~ Steve Jobs without leaving the comfort of your home!"

Other uses for Interorbital Systems' TubeSat Personal Satellite Kit include:

Earth-from-space video imaging

Earth magnetic field measurement

Satellite orientation detection (horizon sensor, gyros, accelerometers, etc.)

Orbital environment measurements (temperature, pressure, radiation, etc.)

On-orbit hardware and software component testing (microprocessors, etc.)

Tracking migratory animals from orbit

Testing satellite stabilization methods

Biological experiments

On-orbit advertising

Private e-mail

All of these functions are actually pretty handy for the space geek in all of us and Interorbital Systems does the hard work, including launching your TubeSat using a NEPTUNE 30 vehicle. As part of the kit they also send you all the components you need:

The TubeSat kit includes the satellite's structural components, safety hardware, solar panels, batteries, power management hardware and software, transceiver, antennas, microcomputer, and the required programming tools. With these components alone, the builder can construct a satellite that puts out enough power to be picked up on the ground by a hand-held HAM radio receiver.

How often do you get a new toy with the batteries already included?

BUT WAIT! There's more! Purchase the TubeSat for only $8,000 today and you get the launch for FREE! That's right, folks! I'm channeling Mr. Mays today because this it is just that good of a deal. A mere 8,000 Washingtons and you can have your own bit of space junk in the air (but don't worry, it goes into a self-decaying orbit, so it won't be up there forever). [Interorbital via Space Fellowship via PopSci]

Selene's Final Approach Before Crashing Into the Moon

Adam Frucci — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:10:00 EDT

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.The Selene lunar probe has captured amazing footage of the surface of the moon, but on June 11th it finally crashed into the surface. This is a reconstruction of its final approach, based on flight data. [JAXA via Pink Tentacle]

DirecTV PC Tuner Officially Canceled

Sean Fallon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:40:00 EST

DirecTV has officially canned their efforts to bring the HDPC-20 tuner to market. The device would have allowed subscribers to integrate their service with Windows Media Center.

A company spokesperson noted that the decision was made after "assessing the impact of missing the August 2008 release of Windows Media Center update and considering timing of the next release." How disappointing. If it is any consolation, DirecTV knows that we want Windows integration and they have expressed a commitment to making it happen. Nah, that doesn't make me feel better. [Gearlog]

The Complete New XM Sirius Channel Listing (Sorry XM Fans)

matt buchanan — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:41:14 EST

The spawn of the XM Sirius fusion emerges tomorrow, and Orbitcast has picked up the complete channel listing for XM subscribers that goes into effect in less than 24 hours. It's fairly grim for some diehard XM fans—a lot of rock stations have been erased (bye bye punk channel) or are being replaced by Sirius pseudo-equivalents. Hit the jump for the full list, but it might not be pretty. Makes those new la carte XM plans sound pretty good, right?

Did your favorite channel get the axe? [Orbitcast - Thanks Travis and Tim!]

Pioneer Inno XMP3: Portable Satellite Radio that Totally Doesn't Suck

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

CNET got their hands on Pioneer's new Inno XMP3 portable satellite radio receiver/mp3 player, and found it to be at the top of the heap in its category. Reception isn't stellar, but is significantly better than previous portable receivers, and sound quality and the player's GUI are both excellent. Internal memory is pretty scant, but the MicroSDHC slot takes care of that, and the player has easy-to-use and efficient recording and scheduling capabilities. If you're an XM subscriber who wants satellite radio on the go, the $279 Inno seems like a solid choice. [CNET]

Japanese Satellite Spots No Ice On Moon for Fuel, Drinkies After All

Kit Eaton — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 05:07:56 EDT

It's been a decade since NASA's Lunar Prospector satellite gave tantalizing hints—in the form of unexpectedly sparkly reflections—that the Moon's poles may have frozen water at or near the surface, but new data from a Japanese satellite looks like it's quashed the rumor. Kaguya's been in space since late last year, but it's now trained its very highly sensitive cameras, that can see even into the near darkness inside polar craters, on the same spot of the moon Prospector saw. And all it found was dull lunar soil. There may still be water buried beneath the surface of course, but this discovery may be bad news for hopes of using plentiful hydrogen for fuel cells when we go back to the Moon in a decade or so. [NewScientist]

Vladimir Putin Tests Russian GPS on His Own Dog

Dan Nosowitz — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:15:28 EDT

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has been pushing for a Russian satellite navigation system known unfortunately as GLONASS, and yesterday the system had its first launch: a tracking collar for the PM's dog, a black labrador named Koni. According to Putin, "She's wagging her tail, she likes it."

GLONASS has had difficulty getting up and running: it was supposed to be fully operational by the beginning of 2008, but delays and repairs have forced the 24-satellite system's worldwide availability back to the end of 2009. It will be working for Russian territory by the end of this year, however. The AP helpfully reminds us that while Russia's satellite navigation tool may be, um, really late to the game, they were the first to put a dog in space. Unhelpfully, the AP doesn't make even a single Yakov Smirnoff joke. Help them out, commenters! [AP]

Toshiba Satellite E105 Is a Big Fan of the MacBook Pro

matt buchanan — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Toshiba's Satellite E105 is almost run-of-the-mill as far as new notebooks go—Centrino 2, latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 4GB of RAM, integrated graphics (boo), HDMI out—but a couple of things make it stand out. What instantly struck me is that the silhouette—which you can see more of below—is obviously inspired by the MacBook Pro.

And if the resemblance doesn't smack you in these pictures, it definitely does in person. Toshiba's even reps confessed to it (to the extent that PR people admit anything). So yeah, it's a sharply designed, if vaguely familiar-looking, notebook, with the lid and black stripe slathered across the middle just enough to make it Toshiba's own.

The other thing of note is the size—14 inches in widescreen, which isn't so common right now. But it will be, says Toshiba, because LCD panel makers are pushing it as one of the new standards. It's actually a pretty solid one too, since it gives you a good balance of actual portability and screen bigness, and five pounds isn't too much to carry. Lastly, it comes with Vista Home 64-bit, so it looks like the 64-bit push from consumer computer makers is finally here.

Satellite E105 Detailed Product Specification1
Model Name: E105-S1402 Part Number: PSE10U-002003 UPC: 883974146161
Operating System C1 2
•Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (SP1, 64-bit version)
Processor and Chipset3
Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology featuring:
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8400
• 2.26GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB
•Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset
•Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/g/n)4
Memory5
•Configured with 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 SDRAM (both memory slots
may be occupied). Maximum capacity 4096MB
Storage Drive6
 320GB (5400 RPM); Serial ATA hard disk drive
Fixed Optical Disk Drive7
•DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash™ drive supporting
11 formats
o Maximum speed and compatibility: CD-ROM (24x), CD-R (24x),
CD-RW (16x), DVD-ROM (8x), DVD-R (Single Layer, (8x)),
DVD-R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD-RW (6x), DVD+R (Single
Layer, (8x)), DVD+R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD+RW (8x), DVDRAM
(5x)
o Supports Labelflash™ media to burn high quality labels directly
on the disk.
Display8
•4.1” diagonal widescreen TruBrite® TFT LCD display at 1280x800
native resolution (WXGA)
o Native support for 720p content
Graphics9
•Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 128MB-
1342MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory
Sound
•Built-in stereo speakers
•Built-in microphone
Input Devices
•85 key backlit US keyboard
•TouchPad™ pointing device
•TouchPad™ Enable/Disable
•Control Buttons:
o Mute button
o CD/DVD control buttons (Volume up/down, Play/Pause, Stop,
Previous Track, Next Track)
Communications
•Webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel
•FM Tuner with antenna
•10/100/1000 Ethernet
•Integrated Wi-Fi® compliant wireless:10
o Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/g/n)11
•Bluetooth® version 2.1 plus Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
Expandability
•2 main memory slots. Both slots may be occupied.
•5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter
o Secure Digital, Memory Stick™, Memory Stick PRO™,
MultiMedia Card, xD Picture Card [shared slots]
002003 UPC: 883974146161
Operating System C1 2
•Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (SP1, 64-bit version)
Processor and Chipset3
Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology featuring:
•Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8400
o 2.26GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB
•Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset
•Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/g/n)4
Memory5
•Configured with 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 SDRAM (both memory slots
may be occupied). Maximum capacity 4096MB
Storage Drive6
•320GB (5400 RPM); Serial ATA hard disk drive
Fixed Optical Disk Drive7
 DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash™ drive supporting
11 formats
o Maximum speed and compatibility: CD-ROM (24x), CD-R (24x),
CD-RW (16x), DVD-ROM (8x), DVD-R (Single Layer, (8x)),
DVD-R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD-RW (6x), DVD+R (Single
Layer, (8x)), DVD+R (Double Layer, (4x)), DVD+RW (8x), DVDRAM
(5x)
o Supports Labelflash™ media to burn high quality labels directly
on the disk.
Display8
•14.1” diagonal widescreen TruBrite® TFT LCD display at 1280x800
native resolution (WXGA)
o Native support for 720p content
Graphics9
• Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 128MB-
1342MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory
Sound
• Built-in stereo speakers
•Built-in microphone
Input Devices
•85 key backlit US keyboard
•TouchPad™ pointing device
•TouchPad™ Enable/Disable
•Control Buttons:
o Mute button
o CD/DVD control buttons (Volume up/down, Play/Pause, Stop,
Previous Track, Next Track)
Communications
•Webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel
•FM Tuner with antenna
•10/100/1000 Ethernet
•Integrated Wi-Fi® compliant wireless:10
o Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/g/n)11
•Bluetooth® version 2.1 plus Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
Expandability
•2 main memory slots. Both slots may be occupied.
•5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter
o Secure Digital, Memory Stick™, Memory Stick PRO™,
MultiMedia Card, xD Picture Card [shared slots]
Ports
•Video
o REGZA LINK™ (HDMI-CEC)
o 1080p support
•Audio
o S/P DIF output port (shared with headphone port)
o Microphone input port
o Headphone output port
•Data
o USB v2.0 – 3 ports with USB Sleep and Charge12
o 2 x USB v2.0
o 1 x eSATA/USB combo port
o RJ-45 LAN port
•Security
o Fingerprint reader
Physical Description
•Fusion™ Finish – Copper Brown color
•Dimensions (WxDxH Front/H Rear): 13.4” x 9.69” x 1.20” /1.24” without
feet
•Weight: Starting at 4.99 lbs depending upon configuration13
Power
•75W (19V 3.95A) 100-240V/50-60Hz AC Adapter.
o Dimensions (WxDxH): 5.00” x 2.01” x 1.20”
o Weight: starting at 0.77 lbs
Battery14
•5000mAh (8 cell) Lithium Ion battery pack

[Toshiba]

AT&T to Dump Dish Network, Start Selling DirecTV

matt buchanan — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:10:36 EDT

After punting their agreement with Dish Network to sell satellite as part of a triple play package, AT&T has decided to settle down with DirecTV. They'll keep hawking Dish through Jan. 31, after which they'll offer DirecTV anywhere they can't give you U-Verse as a TV option. Multichannel notes that this leaves second-place Dish without a major reseller partner, so not great news for them. [Multichannel]

Google Military-Controlled Satellite Reaches Orbit, We Don't Feel Lucky

Jesus Diaz — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT

According to the company, the GeoEye-1 satellite is the highest resolution commercial satellite orbiting the planet right now. It reached orbit yesterday, but in reality, it's not an ordinary commercial satellite: it's fully controlled by the Department of Defense's U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. And two guys named Larry and Sergei.

Part of the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency NextView program, the SUV-sized GeoEye-1 launched yesterday in a Delta II 7326 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California—without exploding. Hours later, GeoEye's ground station in Norway confirmed that the rocket had delivered its payload right on target. The satellite was alive, fully armed and operational on its 423-mile orbit above the Earth.

Built by General Dynamics, the GeoEye-1 is equipped with a next-generation camera made by ITT. This camera can easily distinguish objects 16 inches long, with 11-bits per pixel color. In other words: this thing can see the color of your shorts. It will be up there, looking at your pants every single day, the time it takes for it to complete one orbit. And it will keep doing that for more than ten years, its expected life.

Of course, there's nothing new here until you notice the huge Google logo on the rocket, signaling the fact that Sergei and Larry own the exclusive rights to the GeoEye-1 images. Yes, no other company will be able to access this information, only Google. And they will be there, available for the public in Google Maps and Google Earth.

But don't fret, tin-foil hatters, because Google won't be able to access the highest resolution images because of US government regulations. Sure, the other guys will, but then again, their big bad satellites can see closer than this one. Still, you can rest safe that your underpants will be safe from public scrutiny. For now. Unless you do like me and keep flashing them around. [GeoEye, Wikipedia, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency via Cnet]

Spitzer Space Telescope Celebrates 5th Birthday With Portrait of Stellar Nursery

Elaine Chow — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT

NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, the last of the space agency's Great Observatories satellites to launch, celebrated its fifth birthday recently... giving me the opportunity to post this amazing multigenerational picture of star-forming region in the constellation Cassiopeia, 6,500 light-years from Earth. The photo takes in an area equivalent to four full moons and puts on show how one generation of massive stars can give birth to the next.

The $800 million telescope, which was named after the first man to propose putting telescopes in space, Dr. Lyman Spitzer Jr., launched on August 25 2003 from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Its mission will conclude when its onboard helium supply is exhausted—estimates from 2007 put that date at April 2009. So happy birthday, Spitzer Space Telescope! May you continue to provide us with awesome pictures for the last leg of your journey! [Cosmiclog]

Dish Network Will Broadcast in 1080p, Streaming Blu-ray Quality Video Now Possible (But Unlikely)

Benny Goldman — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Dish Network is upgrading their boxes' firmware to display 1080p resolution. Given the lack of 1080p network source material, the existing 720p/1080i compressed HD signals, and the fact that there's no standard limiting the compression quality—1080p can be compressed to crap like any other picture—it's tough to believe this is going to be really useful for consumers. But maybe we are mistaken, because the company actually thinks that their 1080p quality is on par with Blu-ray discs:

Starting August 1, the recent blockbuster "I Am Legend" starring Will Smith will be available in Blu-ray™ disc quality 1080p resolution, only on DISH Network's VOD service, DISH On Demand, at a discounted price.

Yes. Dish Network is actually promising I Am Legend in "Blu-ray™ disc quality 1080p resolution" over Video on Demand. Presumably streamed in real time, it would be a technological feat even if not part of normal programming. And while we bet Dish will make the image look as good as possible under the pressure to show off, whether or not it's truly as stunning as a Blu-ray disc or meets some minimum 1080p prerequisite is yet to be seen.

In other news, Dish Network is soldiering on with their promise of 150 HD channels by the end of the year, and tomorrow will add 17 must-see HDTV channels including Lifetime Movie Network HD and Starz Edge HD. Read the presser for all the details. [Dish]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – July 31, 2008 – DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today set the bar for the next-generation HD standard by becoming the first in the pay-TV industry to offer high definition programming in 1080p, the highest and best HD resolution available.

This new functionality is part of DISH Network's latest and unprecedented expansion in HD services, which includes the rollout of TurboHD, the industry's first 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages. As previously announced, DISH Network will also launch 17 more national HD channels tomorrow, surpassing its goal of reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule. DISH Network now plans to nearly double its national HD channel count in less than one year and offer up to 150 national HD channels by the end of 2008, made possible by the recent launch of Echo XI, the most powerful satellite in the company's fleet.

"Over the years, DISH Network has maintained a very competitive HD offering in the marketplace, providing customers with a premium HD product including the best technology, signal and experience – at the best value – that no other pay-TV provider can come close to matching," said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, CEO and President of DISH Network. "Our latest system upgrade coupled with the introduction of TurboHD further strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high definition television, platforms we look forward to enhancing even more with mobile and portable options."

DISH Network's new HD services are supported by a proprietary "turbo-charged" system upgrade that, starting August 1, is being rolled out to all MPEG-4 HD and HD DVR receivers. The upgrade activates a unique feature of the set-top boxes, improving the current standard of HD delivery used by pay-TV providers such as the ability to output 1080p programming. By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD and HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.

To celebrate this new era in the HD viewing experience, DISH Network is offering subscribers a special deal in August to enjoy the unparalleled picture and sound of 1080p HD programming. Starting August 1, the recent blockbuster "I Am Legend" starring Will Smith will be available in Blu-ray™ disc quality 1080p resolution, only on DISH Network's VOD service, DISH On Demand, at a discounted price. Subscribers may order the movie on DISH Network Channel 501. This marks the first time in history a pay-TV provider offers movies in 1080p, the highest resolution format available for HD video enthusiasts.

Consumers can sign up for the best HD programming and service in the industry with DISH Network's new TurboHD programming packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes DISH Network's award-winning and industry-leading HD technology, advanced equipment enabled to display 1080p programming, and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV – analog, digital or HD.

Current DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD and HD DVR receivers are being automatically upgraded and will have their systems "turbo-charged" by early August with all the features and benefits of TurboHD. DISH Network customers looking to add the industry's best HD experience can get a "turbo-charged" HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

The latest national HD channels added to DISH Network's programming line-up are: ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313), CBS College Sports HD (Ch. 152), Lifetime HD (Ch. 108), Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109), Planet Green HD (Ch. 194), Encore HD (Ch. 340), HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301), HBO Comedy HD (Ch. 307), HBO Family HD (Ch. 305), HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309), HBO Signature HD (Ch. 302), HBO West HD (Ch. 303), HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308), Starz Comedy HD (Ch. 354), Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352), Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch. 356), Starz West HD (Ch. 351).

For more information about DISH Network's 1080p programming, new HD channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Sirius and XM Officially Married, Now Sirus XM Radio

matt buchanan — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:35:10 EDT

With the FCC's approval, Sirius and XM had a shotgun wedding over the weekend, and is now officially Sirius XM Radio, with over 18.5 million subscribers (technically XM is a subsidiary of Sirius, making it the wife, I guess). Let the promised savings and awesomeness begin. [InfoWeek]

15.4-Inch Toshiba Satellite Notebook On Sale For $398

Elaine Chow — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Let's say that you did have some disposable income at some point in time, but it happened to turn into a spankin' new iPhone 3G right before you realized Junior desperately needed a new computer for the school year. Don't worry, Gizmodo's here to help make up for your bad parenting without throwing you deeper into debt: Starting Sunday at 8am, Wal-Mart will be selling a 15.4-inch Toshiba Satellite notebook with an Intel Celeron processor for $398. The Toshiba will be decked out with 2GB RAM, a 120GB hard drive, CD-RW and Windows Vista Premium. [Check Out Blog]

New Dish Network Satellite Launched, More HD Channels On the Way

matt buchanan — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EDT

In order to offer more HD channels, satellite providers need more satellites. So happy day for Dish Network subscribers, their EchoStar XI satellite was successfully launched this morning after a satellite propelled into space last March didn't reach the right orbit. This'll let Dish add 17 new HD channels shortly, bringing them up to 100. DirecTV says they'll have over 150 by the end of the year, though Dish's upcoming all-HD TurboHD package could wind up being a better deal if history is any guide. [Reuters]

Satellite Pro S300, Tecra A10 and M10: Toshiba's First Centrino 2 vPro Notebooks Can Be Fixed Wirelessly Even While Frozen

matt buchanan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

The Satellite Pro S300, Tecra A10 and Tecra M10 all have Toshiba's EasyGuard with shock and spill protection, a business card reader, a combo USB 2.0 eSATA port, and sleep-and-charge USB ports. A point of differentiation is that the Tecra A10 and M10 both rock Centrino 2 vPro, which has tech for the enterprise set so IT can fix your comp wirelessly, even when it's frozen.

TOSHIBA SATELLITE PRO LAPTOP ENHANCES INTEL CENTRINO 2 PROCESSOR WITH BUSINESS ESSENTIALS
First Satellite Pro With EasyGuard Technology, Docking Capabilities and Business Card Reader

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the expansion of its Satellite Pro family with the Satellite Pro® S300 laptop. This affordable laptop PC with Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology1 is packed with the key essential business features to increase productivity plus Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, built-in docking capabilities and Webcam with business card reader software.

“The Toshiba Satellite Pro S300 laptop delivers the essential feature sets our customers need and more for an improved mobile computing experience at an incredible price point,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “The design of the Satellite Pro S300 laptop is a direct reflection of customer feedback, providing mobile professionals with innovative and reliable computing performance that gives them the freedom to work or explore when they need and want.”

• Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology: Based on the latest 45nm mobile architecture, this new technology provides mobile professionals with higher performance, advanced connectivity3 and long battery life4 while on the go. The Satellite Pro S300 also uses Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD to provide up to three times better graphics performance5.

Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials
• EasyGuard Technology: Available for the first time in the Satellite Pro lineup, Toshiba integrated its fourth-generation EasyGuard Technology. Toshiba’s proprietary, value-add series of hardware and software enhancements is designed to better protect and secure the notebook during everyday computing. Components include HDD Protection, a spill-resistant keyboard6, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Express Port Replicator: Toshiba’s Satellite Pro S300 is the first Satellite Pro laptop with built-in support for docking, giving users quicker access to a traditional desktop console and better cable management. This enhances the desktop experience plus mobile users can easily get up and go at the touch of a button.
• Webcam with Business Card Reader Software: Toshiba expanded the functionality of the standard 1.3 megapixel Webcam by integrating macro functionality with business card reader software to allow users to scan business cards and store them digitally.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: This port enables the high-speed transfer of files between the laptop and an external eSATA hard drive with transfer rates that are up to five times faster than standard USB 2.0. High-speed data transfer is
ideal for data backup.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port7: The Satellite Pro S300 features four Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge select mobile devices such as, cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs whether the computer is on, off, in sleep
mode or hibernation mode.
• Green Attributes: The Satellite Pro S300 is ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and has achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). The Satellite Pro S300 series is available with a one-year standard limited warranty8, which includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations.

As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible9, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop Enhances Intel Centrino 2 Processor With Business Essentials use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in and recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

TOSHIBA ADDS NEW INTEL CENTRINO 2 WITH vPro TECHNOLOGY TO FLAGSHIP BUSINESS LAPTOPS
Tecra M10, Tecra A10 Provide a Superior Balance of Performance, Mobility and Security for Business and Education Users

IRVINE, Calif., (July 15, 2008) – Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the Tecra® M10 and Tecra® A10 laptops with Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM technology1. These new laptop PCs feature Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard® technology2, Webcam with business card reader software and common motherboard designs.

“The Toshiba Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 provide the real-world mobile computing features that our business customers need most — in the office or while traveling,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “These new laptops give Toshiba’s customers the clear competitive edge and deliver Toshiba’s mission of creating innovative laptop PCs that improve the productivity and lives of our business customers.”

Toshiba’s Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 include the following leading-edge technologies:
• Intel® Centrino® 2 with vProTM Technology: This new micro-architecture helps keep mobile workforces, managed and secure. With hardware-assisted remote isolation, diagnostics and repair, IT professionals can manage their mobile workforce wirelessly, even if the system’s operating system is unresponsive.
• EasyGuard Technology: The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 are Toshiba’s first laptops to incorporate Toshiba’s fourth-generation EasyGuard technology, including HDD protection, spill-resistant keyboard5, SmartCard reader, fingerprint reader and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Webcam with Business Card Reader Software: Toshiba expanded the functionality of the standard 1.3 megapixel Webcam by integrating macro functionality with business card reader software to allow users to scan business cards and store them digitally.
• Common Motherboards: To better reduce the cost for customers and simplify the deployment of new laptops, the Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 feature a common motherboard and image, allowing companies to qualify both systems by qualifying one. This value-added feature also helps to lower the cost of service and support.
• eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Port: With an increased emphasis on data backup and protection, Toshiba incorporated an eSATA port to enable the high-speed transfer of files between the laptop and an external eSATA hard drive with transfer rates that are up to five times faster than standard USB 2.0.
• Sleep-and-Charge USB Port6: All Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 feature Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which enable users to charge select mobile devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs whether the computer is on, off, in sleep mode or hibernation mode.
• Solid State Drive Option: Toshiba offers a full Build-to-Order configurability on these Tecra series, allowing customers to add a 64 or 128 GB solid-state drive8 for enhanced reliability.
• Green Attributes: The Tecra M10 and A10 are ENERGY STAR® 4.0 compliant and have achieved a Bronze status through the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).

The Tecra M10 and Tecra A10 series are available with a one- or three-year standard limited warranty9, which includes carry-in support at Authorized Service Providers throughout the country such as UPS Stores and Mail Boxes Etc. locations. As a responsible global corporate citizen, Toshiba makes all new laptops to be RoHS-compatible10, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. During the third quarter of 2008, Toshiba will offer a computer trade-in and recycling program for all manufacturer’s PCs with no obligation for the consumer to purchase a Toshiba product.

[Toshiba]

GeoEye-1 Commercial Satellite Packs Military Power

Mark Wilson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:10:00 EDT

Next month, a commercial satellite named the GeoEye-1 will go into the Earth's orbit. Its highest resolution photos—shots that will spot a 16-inch beachball—will be reserved for military use. However, slightly lower resolution imagery will be made available in the commercial sector, like Google Earth.

Military imagery can resolve images as small as .17 square meters. Commercial limitations are about double that size at .36 square meters. The new satellite will be able to capture 700,000 square kilometers a day (which Technology Review points out is roughly the size of Texas).

But the best news is that GeoEye already sells shots to Yahoo, Google and Microsoft that we get to see through their various mapping portals. In other words, we'll soon be getting a free upgrade to our favorite satellite imaging services. Good stuff. So watch the cleavage, ladies, lest you be an unwilling accomplice to the rapidly growing satellite voyeur trend. (Note: if such sites actually exist, please email tips...for research purposes.)