The Toshiba dynabook Qosmio T851/D8CR is the world’s first glasses-free 3D notebook PC capable of displaying 2D and 3D at the same time. Perfect for users who want to play a 3D game in one window, while doing normal stuff in another window at the same time. I wonder if multitasking like this would be an eye strain.

It uses the webcam to track the user’s face and make sure that the 3D images are delivered correctly to each eye, which is a pretty smart way of doing it. The SpursEngine dedicated image processor can convert images from 2D to 3D in real time so. If you love 3D, this sounds like a winner as you get the best of both worlds.

You know that slider on the side of the 3DS? It adjusts the 3D aspect to the user’s preference. And although the 3DS’ screen doesn’t force you to wear glasses, it does have to be held at just the right angle to get the most out of the 3D effect. And there are many of us who would just want to use it for plain old 2D gaming. So it’s good to know that Nintendo now says that no game should require 3D as part of its gameplay mechanics. And frankly that’s just a good rule of thumb for making a good game if you ask us.

Hideki Konno, one of Nintendo’s producers says that the company wants all of its 3DS games to be playable in 2D, reducing the 3D aspect to an aesthetic enhancement. Some might feel ripped off, but what did you expect? Nintendo wants to please the mass market, otherwise people will soon tire of the 3DS, like they did with the Wii. Novelties wear off quickly.

Toshiba has an LCD panel which is capable of converting a 2D image partially to a 3D image, where it can then be viewed with the naked eye without the need for an extra pair of special glasses. This LCD panel is compatible with the “integral imaging method” developed by Toshiba and boasts nine viewpoints within a 12″ display at 1,400 x 1,050 resolution for 2D images in full screen and 466 x 350 for 3D images in full screen.

The 3D images are made possible thanks to the “GRIN (gradient index) lens” that changes the distribution of refraction indexes by controlling the gradient of liquid crystal molecules. Turning on the second panel allows You to show 2D images and 3D images simultaneously.

Good news for fans of “backward compatibility”. Nintendo’s new 3DS handheld won’t force you to play in 3D. 3D gameplay can be switched off. The confirmation comes directly from Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. So if you experience headaches or nausea, no worries. Just switch it off.

It’s good to have the option. We suspected as much, but now we know for sure. How many times can you see Bowser jump out of the screen anyway? 2D is True-D that’s what I say. Bah-humbug.

It used to be that bar codes were just for use in grocery stores. That’s not the case anymore. Grocery cashiers have hogged all of that swiping bar code glory for long enough. Personal bar code readers, like ScanLife’s latest for Android phones, allows you to quickly visit Web sites, phone numbers or videos.

It’s a shortcut for typing on your keypad or browsing. You can even create your own bar code on ScanLife’s Web site for quick access to functions that you use on a daily basis. The software has been available as a free iPhone app since August, but now you can download it for Android phones as well.

I thought that buying prepackaged goods was supposed to make life easier, but I guess I was wrong. However those who are completely obsessed with DIY will probably appreciate this and find it fun. The Falter 2D pen makes you work to have your pen and write with it.

The DIY assembly kit even comes with a flat piece of iron that you’ll fold into your pen holder. At $39, you could probably save yourself some trouble and just lift a pen from the next cubicle. Leave 5 bucks if you feel bad you’ll still be better off. Apparently the Falter is handmade in Italy. Just not completed. That’s up to you. Me, I have enough to do already.