PC stove looks hot, doesn’t cook

Posted in DIY by Conner Flynn on September 8th, 2009

PC stove looks hot, doesn't cookWe aren’t sure why anyone would make a computer that looks like a stove. Maybe they had fond memories of their ez-bake oven. This one comes from a Czech modder, who probably has it displayed in his kitchen.

The Project MiniCooker PC is a nice mod though and looks very convincingly like a real stove. It even has LED “gas burners” to complete the effect.

Netgear Digital Entertainer Live Streams PC Media to your TV

Posted in Netgear by Conner Flynn on September 8th, 2009

Netgear Digital Entertainer Live Streams PC Media to your TVNetgear’s Digital Entertainer EVA2000 is perfect for those who don’t have a home theater PC or a networked console. The device will stream all of your PC media onto your TV. It connects to the TV via HDMI/composite and to your router via ethernet and it will stream a bunch of codecs from your PC or networked storage, as well as load media from a USB drive or stream YouTube from the web.

There is a catch of course. You need to purchase PlayOn for $40 if you want to stream video services like Hulu, Netflix and CBS from a computer. That takes the price from $150 for the Netgear Digital Entertainer up to $190.

Elecom releases multi-colored web cameras

Posted in Webcams by Conner Flynn on August 25th, 2009

ElecomIf you are looking to add some color to your life, Japan’s Elecom is offering the UCAM-DLC300T Series. It’s a three megapixel USB web camera that fits onto the top of standard laptop screens allowing you to video chat instantly and easily.

It’s not just about laptops though. The web cam is also designed to work with the Sony Playstation 3 while offering 30 frames per second image transmission. The UCAM-DLC300T webcams come in white, black, pink and sky blue, and are compatible with PC or Mac.

Doom 3 PC case mod

Posted in DIY by Conner Flynn on August 22nd, 2009

Doom 3 PC case mod Here’s a nasty looking PC case mod. I don’t know whether to admire it or run in fear while I still have my limbs. Apparently it was created by a Russian modder who was inspired by Doom 3. You have to love the detail work, right down to the blood on the chainsaw.

It’s much more than just Doom 3-style yellow paint on the exterior. Inside you’ll find an AMD64 Sempron 2600 + CPU, Geforce 6600GT graphics card and ASRock K8NF4G-SATA2 drive. Not that you can take your eyes off of the chainsaw.

iConvert: VHS to PC Conversion

Posted in PCs by Conner Flynn on August 18th, 2009

iConvert: VHS to PC ConversioniConvert lets you convert your old VHS cassettes to a digital format. The device is a standalone unit that doesn’t require a PC to use, which is convenient. Just connect the VHS player and then insert an SD card in the iConvert. As the VHS tape plays the data is backed up on to SD card so you can transfer it to your PC later on.

As well as a VHS player, you can also connect other devices like old camcorders. The iConvert will cost you $99.95 and is great if you have a bunch of old video cassette’s you want to converting to a digital.

Section 8 offers X Server for Xbox 360

Posted in Games by Shane McGlaun on August 13th, 2009

section8-sbI am a big fan of video games and while they tend to cost at least $60 each, it’s still not a bad deal considering how long you can play a game. You can spend $60 at the movies and only be occupied for a few hours whereas a game can be fun indefinitely.

SouthPeak Games has announced that its new game for the PC and Xbox 360 will support X Server functionality allowing players to run their own dedicated game servers on a Windows PC. Each X Server can handle up to 32 players at once allowing for large multiple player matches on the Xbox 360 console.

Lenovo intros “fit anywhere” Q700 home entertainment PC

Posted in Lenovo by Conner Flynn on August 12th, 2009

Lenovo intros "fit anywhere" Q700 home entertainment PCThose looking for a happy medium between a nettop and a full-fledged HTPC will want to check out Lenovo’s sexy new Q700 system. The company describes it as the “perfect fit” for anywhere in your home. Just so long as you don’t do any serious computing that is.

The Q700 is only available with a Pentium Dual-Core E5200 processor at the moment, with 4GB of RAM, a max 640GB hard drive, built-in DVD burner, and integrated Intel X4500 graphics. You’ll also get an HDMI out, TV tuner, and some media-friendly features for the $499 starting price.

Dell Vostro All-in-One starts shipping to North America

Posted in Dell by Conner Flynn on August 11th, 2009

dellvostroallinone-sbRemember the Dell Vostro? The all-in-one was already released in China and Japan, giving users a 19″ display and VESA mounting compatibility for wall-mounts or an accessory arm-stand. Now it’s shipping to the North American continent.

The base model features a 2.6GHz Pentium dual-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, Windows Vista and an integrated DVD player. Some other features are a 1.3-megapixel integrated webcam for video chats, a gigabit Ethernet connection, standard WiFi, and an integrated GMA X4500 graphics processor.

Orcish World Of Warcraft PC case

Posted in Cases by Conner Flynn on August 9th, 2009

Orcish World Of Warcraft PC caseI’m not a WOW player, but this PC case with WOW art on it looks pretty damn sweet, featuring some Orc artwork. The translations make it difficult to figure out, but this is either a retail case or a PC case mod that will cost you $299.

If I was an uber WOW geek, I would snag this one up quick and brag to all of my guild mates about it. Then they would have no choice but to make me guild leader. One day it will happen. One day. It has to. It’s all I have. It is my destiny.

iBUYPOWER Chimera Killer Special Edition Gaming PCs

Posted in PCs by Conner Flynn on August 6th, 2009

iBUYPOWER Chimera Killer Special Edition Gaming PCsiBUYPOWER just announced two new PCs in the Chimera Killer Special Edition line that should have gamers everywhere excited. These high-end systems sport the Chimera Inferno case and some Killer specs. They feature the Killer Xeno Pro gaming network card, which provides lag-free gaming even when your frame rate settings are pushed to the max. Voice chat is also sped up.

The Chimera Killer Special Edition Gaming PCs are available in both Intel and AMD flavors and will cost $1,899 and $1,499, respectively. Both are available now if you want to hit the iBUYPOWER website.

HDTVs now in over half of American homes

Posted in Home by Shane McGlaun on August 5th, 2009

samsung50plasma-sbIf you are like me, you have probably been rocking the HDTV for several years now. Many consumers still haven’t moved to the HD world. I feel like I am walking into the 60’s when I go to my in-laws and see their massive 27-inch CRT TV sitting on the entertainment center.

According to a new report from CTAM, HDTVs have gained significantly in reach in American homes. The report claims that 53% of America homes now have HDTVs in use. That number is up 18% over 2008. The report also says that of that 53% owning HDTVs, 59% own sets with screens 32-inches or larger.

NZXT launches new M59 gaming chassis

Posted in Cases, Computer Components by Shane McGlaun on July 22nd, 2009

nzxtm59-sbGamers often spend big money on their gaming PCs. Most of that money goes into processors, RAM, and video cards. However, many gamers will spend some money on a slick chassis to put all that hardware into as well.

One of the most affordable makers of cool gaming cases for computers is NZXT and the company has announced a new mid tower chassis called the M59. The case ships with two 120mm fans in the side and rear of the case and it supports five total fans.

Averatec 22 inch D1005 all-in-one PC for $799

Posted in Desktop PCs by Conner Flynn on July 17th, 2009

Averatec 22 inch D1005 all-in-one PC for $799Averatec is offering this 22 inch all-in-one for your desk that doesn’t have much space left. The stylish all-in-one machine packs a 2.5GHz Core 2 Duo E5200 processor, a WXGA panel, 3GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB SATA hard drive, slot-loading DVD burner, X4500HD graphics, WiFi, gigabit Ethernet and a 2 megapixel webcam.

Not too shabby. Vista Home Premium is the OS that’s included and the whole deal will only cost you $799. If you have to have it, you can place your order today at your e-tailer of choice.

Hitachi’s electronic blackboards with built-in PC

Posted in Hitachi by Conner Flynn on July 14th, 2009

Hitachi's electronic blackboards with built-in PCHitachi is looking to take advantage of the education market, so the company has developed some new electronic blackboards. New and improved versions of the transformed PX-DUO-50 electronic blackboards will be resurrected in each of the elementary and junior high schools in Japan. Costing about ¥700,000, the electronic blackboards have a PC built-in and use a detection device consisting of two infrared cameras, with the lens having a field angle of 170°.

Measuring 50-inches, the blackboards support all of the character input and character recognition that teachers need and come with a terrestrial digital TV tuner.

Packard Bell intros updated ixtreme desktop PC

Posted in Packard Bell by Conner Flynn on July 11th, 2009

Packard Bell intros updated ixtreme desktop PCPackard Bell has rolled out its updated higher-end “ixtreme” desktop, which gets a spec boost and a sexier look. The sleek design is nice for Packard Bell, but the specs are even sexier. They include your choice of Core i7, Core 2 Quad, or AMD Phenom II X4 processors, up to 12GB of DDR3 memory, a max 3TB of storage space, your choice of NVIDIA graphics options (including the 1GB GeForce GTS 250), an optional Blu-ray combo drive, and ten USB ports.

Nothing on a release here in the states, but those in the UK will be able to get one this month starting at £599.





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