I just want to take anyone from Sony who's related to the development of the PS3 platform in any way, and shake them until the saboteur witch doctors hired from Nintendo and Microsoft lose their hold.
The latest idea from the Sony braintrust? No more big downloadable titles. So you'll still be able to download little arcade games, but future titles the size of Warhawk will no longer be offered on PSN.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has assembled an impressive library of $20 titles on the 360, and they're intelligently slapping games like, say, Mass Effect on there before Mass Effect 2 comes out. This kind of strategery is good for the game studios, sure, but more importantly, it's convenient for the consumer.
Anyway, Sony is having none of that. Why? Because their platform is heavily invested in 50GB-wielding Blu-ray (which requires hefty installs for some games all the same).
You want to know the chief problem with Blu-ray, Sony? It's that you can't download it. You aren't out of the console fight yet. Pick yourself up, dust off your gloves and attack the world with every tentacle that is Sony's larger development monstrosity.
I grew up listening to a Walkman. This shit kills me. [IGN via Kotaku]
You think you're better than me, TouschSmart 600? You think because you're now configurable with Core i7 720QM (1.6 GHz) or i7 820QM (1.73GHz) processors—starting at $1700—that you've defeated the long-standing caste system separating man and machine?
Well, at least this new option makes you a viable (though a bit Pontiac-looking) replacement for an i7 iMac. Check out what I thought about the Core2Duo version of the TouchSmart 600here. Then know that the i7 will be the exact same thing but faster. [HP]
This is the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly. Together with the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, and the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment, it will capture the Sun at IMAX resolution every ten seconds. They will travel together inside NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft.
After its February 2010 launch on top of an Atlas V rocket, the SDO will capture images at almost four times the resolution of an HD TV, transmitting the results back to Earth at 130 megabits per second. Basically, this thing will be transmitting the equivalent of 500,000 MP3 per day, seven days a week. According to Dean Pesnell at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, the potential for new discoveries is giganormous:
We'll be getting IMAX-quality images every 10 seconds. We'll see every nuance of solar activity.
Pesnell said that this speed opens an incredible potential for discovery, using 18th century photographer Eadweard Muybridge as an example:
But when Muybridge photographed horses using a new high-speed camera system, he discovered something surprising. Galloping horses spend part of the race completely airborne-all four feet are off the ground.
To achieve all this, the three instruments in the SDO have been designed to cover three vital aspects of our home star. First, the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly—which will be producing most of the data—that you see at the opening of this post uses four telescopes together. They will be the ones photographing Sol's surface and atmosphere using ten different wavelength filters. Meanwhile, the HMI will analyze the innards of the star, looking into the physics that govern it inside. Then, EVE will measure extreme ultraviolet light activity while getting a nice and toasty tan.
How would this data be received? Using two 18-meter antennas near Las Cruces, New Mexico, which will be linked constantly to the SDO thanks to its geosynchronous orbit. Until it gets destroyed by the mysterious flying spaceship.
Gateway's introducing two new gaming desktops to its FX line today, and you'd be forgiven for not being able to tell the difference right away. In fact, the lower-end model is essentially the same rig—but $400 cheaper.
Let's go to the tape: both run on Core i7-860 processors. Both house ATI Radeon HD5850 graphics. Both come with a 1.5TB SATA hard drive, a DVD drive, and WIndows Home 7 Premium. Both have the same impressive array of ports and 7.1 channel audio support. All of that, plus 8GB DDR3 RAM, is pretty terrific for the FX6831-01's $1300 price tag.
The higher-end FX6831-03, though, costs $1700 for the exact same set-up plus a Blu-ray drive and 16GB DDR3. And hey, that's still not too shabby! But not quite the steal that the $1300 version looks like, especially given the similarities.
Full PRrrrrrriffic details ahoy!
GATEWAY BRINGS ENHANCED DESIGN, BLU-RAY DRIVES, USER FRIENDLY FEATURES AND FASTER PERFORMANCE TO ITS FX, DX AND SX DESKTOP PCs
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2010 – Gateway today announced the addition of new models and features across its line of gaming, multimedia and small form factor PCs.
The FX Series of affordable gaming PCs gets a redesign that includes a modernized chassis and new lighting accents. The DX line of multimedia PCs and SX small form factor PCs both now include eco-friendly 1TB drives and powerful Intel Core i5 and i3 Processors, respectively. In addition, the FX and DX now include models with Blu-ray drives.
FX Series Desktops – Continuing to Redefine the Mainstream Gaming PC
With a newly designed chassis, Gateway's value line of gaming PCs continues to break all the rules, managing to pack more performance and features than ever before into a powerful PC that blows the doors off competitively priced systems. The new design maximizes usability and includes numerous additions that enhance the computing experience.
"When it comes to online entertainment, PC gaming and value, Gateway's FX Series can't be beat," said Steve Smith, Gateway desktop product marketing. "While maintaining our price/performance leadership position, the new FX models boast a race car-like design with red accents and lighting, and include several new features that enhance the convenience and use of the PC."
The new FX design makes it easy to access and use key features, providing simple and quick access to ports and peripherals. The top front of the PC includes high-def headphone and microphone jacks, while an angled media card reader makes it easy to insert, remove and transfer data from cameras and other devices. This can be especially helpful when the PC is placed under a desk.
A handy recessed storage tray on the top of the chassis makes it easy to place cameras, smartphones and MP3 players when downloading files. At the back of this tray, users will find two additional USB ports, which provide convenient connectivity for miscellaneous peripherals. Just behind this recessed area is an enclosed rear compartment which provides a place to store and hide the excess cables from any peripherals placed on the tray.
The control dial for the system's adjustable lighting effects can also be found on the top front of the unit, as well as the Photo Frame, stand by and backup buttons.
Boasting a 1.5TB drive, FX users will have plenty of room for photos, movies, music libraries and more. Tool-less expansion bays provide additional storage room for growth and backup. A convenient access door on the front of the PC conceals two external hard drive bays, and glides down effortlessly with a slight push on the front latch. Eject buttons for the optical disk drives are also conveniently and seamlessly integrated into the front sides of the PC.
Not to be outdone by its user friendly features, both new models in the FX line feature ATI Radeon HD5850 graphics and the Intel® Core™ i7-860 processor with Turbo Boost Technology for killer performance. The FX6831-03 also boasts a Blu-ray drive and 16GB of DDR3 memory, making it a true gaming solution.
Gateway® FX6831-03
* MSRP: $1,699.99
* Intel® Core i7™ 860, 2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz
* ATI Radeon HD5850 w/1GB discrete video memory
* 16GB memory (DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz)
* 1.5TB SATA hard drive (1) (7200RPM)
* 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti
* Blu-ray disc 4X BD-ROM / DVD-SuperMulti Drive
* Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Gateway® FX6831-01
* MSRP: $1,299.99
* Intel® Core i7™ 860, 2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz
* ATI Radeon HD5850 w/1GB discrete video memory
* 8GB memory (DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz)
* 1.5TB SATA hard drive (1) (7200RPM)
* 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
* Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Gateway's introducing two new Core i7 gaming desktops today, and you'd be forgiven for not being able to tell them apart at first glance. The lower-end model is essentially the same rig—but $400 less than its $1700 counterpart.
Let's go to the tape: both run on Core i7-860 processors. Both house ATI Radeon HD5850 graphics. Both come with a 1.5TB SATA hard drive, a DVD drive, and WIndows Home 7 Premium. Both have the same impressive array of ports and 7.1 channel audio support. All of that, plus 8GB DDR3 RAM, is pretty terrific for the FX6831-01's $1300 price tag.
The higher-end FX6831-03, though, costs $1700 for the exact same set-up plus a Blu-ray drive and 16GB DDR3. And hey, that's still not too shabby! But not quite the steal that the $1300 version looks like, especially given the similarities.
Full PRrrrrrriffic details ahoy!
GATEWAY BRINGS ENHANCED DESIGN, BLU-RAY DRIVES, USER FRIENDLY FEATURES AND FASTER PERFORMANCE TO ITS FX, DX AND SX DESKTOP PCs
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 3, 2010 – Gateway today announced the addition of new models and features across its line of gaming, multimedia and small form factor PCs.
The FX Series of affordable gaming PCs gets a redesign that includes a modernized chassis and new lighting accents. The DX line of multimedia PCs and SX small form factor PCs both now include eco-friendly 1TB drives and powerful Intel Core i5 and i3 Processors, respectively. In addition, the FX and DX now include models with Blu-ray drives.
FX Series Desktops – Continuing to Redefine the Mainstream Gaming PC
With a newly designed chassis, Gateway's value line of gaming PCs continues to break all the rules, managing to pack more performance and features than ever before into a powerful PC that blows the doors off competitively priced systems. The new design maximizes usability and includes numerous additions that enhance the computing experience.
"When it comes to online entertainment, PC gaming and value, Gateway's FX Series can't be beat," said Steve Smith, Gateway desktop product marketing. "While maintaining our price/performance leadership position, the new FX models boast a race car-like design with red accents and lighting, and include several new features that enhance the convenience and use of the PC."
The new FX design makes it easy to access and use key features, providing simple and quick access to ports and peripherals. The top front of the PC includes high-def headphone and microphone jacks, while an angled media card reader makes it easy to insert, remove and transfer data from cameras and other devices. This can be especially helpful when the PC is placed under a desk.
A handy recessed storage tray on the top of the chassis makes it easy to place cameras, smartphones and MP3 players when downloading files. At the back of this tray, users will find two additional USB ports, which provide convenient connectivity for miscellaneous peripherals. Just behind this recessed area is an enclosed rear compartment which provides a place to store and hide the excess cables from any peripherals placed on the tray.
The control dial for the system's adjustable lighting effects can also be found on the top front of the unit, as well as the Photo Frame, stand by and backup buttons.
Boasting a 1.5TB drive, FX users will have plenty of room for photos, movies, music libraries and more. Tool-less expansion bays provide additional storage room for growth and backup. A convenient access door on the front of the PC conceals two external hard drive bays, and glides down effortlessly with a slight push on the front latch. Eject buttons for the optical disk drives are also conveniently and seamlessly integrated into the front sides of the PC.
Not to be outdone by its user friendly features, both new models in the FX line feature ATI Radeon HD5850 graphics and the Intel® Core™ i7-860 processor with Turbo Boost Technology for killer performance. The FX6831-03 also boasts a Blu-ray drive and 16GB of DDR3 memory, making it a true gaming solution.
Gateway® FX6831-03
* MSRP: $1,699.99
* Intel® Core i7™ 860, 2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz
* ATI Radeon HD5850 w/1GB discrete video memory
* 16GB memory (DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz)
* 1.5TB SATA hard drive (1) (7200RPM)
* 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti
* Blu-ray disc 4X BD-ROM / DVD-SuperMulti Drive
* Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Gateway® FX6831-01
* MSRP: $1,299.99
* Intel® Core i7™ 860, 2.8GHz w/Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.46GHz
* ATI Radeon HD5850 w/1GB discrete video memory
* 8GB memory (DDR3 dual channel 1333MHz)
* 1.5TB SATA hard drive (1) (7200RPM)
* 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive
* Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
The CX2 dipped its toe into the pool last August, but already there's a successor—the CX3. The main difference is the 10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor (upgraded from the 9.29-megapixel used in both the CX2 and CX1).
The US pricing hasn't been confirmed yet, but over in Australia they'll be able to pick one up for AU$499 (US$443) later this month.
HD video recording is listed as 1280 x 720 res, a welcome upgrade from the CX2's 640 x 480, as is the 10.7x 28-300mm optical wide-angle zoom lens. Really, anyone who bought a CX2 six months earlier must be feeling preeeeetty annoyed right about now. [DP Review]
As strangely sleek and prettynaff this fiberglass F1 lounge chair is, I can't believe the designer—Hungarian Alexander Christoff—missed the opportunity to make it wheeled. What's wrong with you, Alexander?
You are making office chair racing fans weep all around the world. Are you happy now? Fine. Be that way. [Behance via Examiner via Born Rich]
We've been through so many ups and downs with Pleo. We saw him crumble in the face of a battlebot. We cuddled him. We cried over his extinction. We rejoiced when he survived! And now, we choose his color.
It's an obvious campaign to remind people of the clever little tyke, but when it comes to the Pleo we don't mind playing into the hands of the marketing bods. Especially when you get to decide on what new color Pleo comes in!
I'm voting purple. Everyone knows dinosaurs are either green or purple. [Pleo World via CrunchGear]
When Nokia announced free Ovi Maps for all, I was a bit ho-hum about it all. NOW I am excited. But not to the point where I'll actually buy a Nokia phone to play Ovi Maps Racing on, mind.
As the name suggests, the game actually uses real maps to race on, so you can fulfill those dreams of drag-racing through Manhattan or down Lombard Street, albeit virtually. It's compatible with Nokia Symbian^1 (S60 5th edition) phones, and is free. Certainly worth a download if you've got one of 'em. [Nokia via Electric-Pig]
A whopping 40-megapixel beauty from Hasselblad has been outed before the official February 10th launch. At $19,995, it'll only be within arm's reach for a few people, though as you know they're a big name in the pro-photography world.
While full specs haven't been announced by Hasselblad yet for the H4D-40, we do know they're billing it as the "perfect entry point." There's a new True Focus AF system and Phocus 2.0 software for managing those all-important pics, and it comes with an 80mm lens and viewfinder.
We're expecting more info closer to the launch date, when it'll be shown off at the PMA show in Anaheim in just a couple of weeks' time. [Hasselblad via Let's Go Digital]
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I just want to take anyone from Sony who's related to the development of the PS3 platform in any way, and shake them until the saboteur witch doctors hired from Nintendo and Microsoft lose their hold.
You think you're better than me, TouschSmart 600? You think because you're now configurable with Core i7 720QM (1.6 GHz) or i7 820QM (1.73GHz) processors—starting at $1700—that you've defeated the long-standing caste system separating man and machine?
The 
We've been through so many ups and downs with Pleo. We saw him 
A whopping 40-megapixel beauty from Hasselblad has been outed before the official February 10th launch. At $19,995, it'll only be within arm's reach for a few people, though as you know they're a