I’m sure that we are all sick of the word “hybrid” when it comes to eco-safe vehicles, and now MSI has recently unveiled the U115, a hybrid netbook computer. So what exactly is a hybrid computer? According to MSI, it is a computer that has a solid-state disk for most of the PC operation, coupled with a back-up spinning disk drive for extra storage. It comes with an Eco on mode will briefly disable the hard drive, and this can somehow extend the battery life.

Since the U115 has both a solid-state disc drive and spinning disc drive, this amounts to a lot of memory. The U115 has a standard 120GB hard drive and 8GB SSD, with the option of upgrading to a 160GB hard drive and 16GB SSD.

Other features include a 10 inch display with 1024×600 resolution, 1 GB worth of RAM, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, plus Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. It also has a built-in 1.3 Megapixel camera that can be upgraded to 2.0 on the user’s request. The user also has the option of adding Bluetooth 2.0 and a 6-cell battery (the U115 normally uses a 3-cell).

All in all, the MSI U115 measures at 260 mm x 180 mm x 19-31.5mm, and weighs about a kilogram. There is no word on a availability of the MSI U115, nor any word on price.

CES 2009 is going to be a bang, never mind that there is the shadow of a looming global recession right behind our backs. The show must still go on, and even if it is going to be on a less grand scale come this January, we will be there to bring you the latest and best coverage in terms of new gizmos and gadgets. Good thing certain companies have prepared everyone else in advance by offering a glimpse into what they have to offer on the vast CES showfloors, and LG Display just announced the completion of its first Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV panel that touts to boast an impressive 480 refresh rate per second that is good enough to accelerate the advent of ultra high-speed images without sacrificing on picture quality in the process.

According to LG Display, this new LCD TV panel will feature ‘scanning backlight’ technology that allows a backlight to be repeatedly turned on and off to reduce motion blur. When used in tandem with their own 240 Hz technology, the display is able to hit a refresh rate of 480 images per second. Not only that, LG Display’s “Trumotion 480Hz” display also comes with an even lower motion picture response time (MPRT) of 4ms, hence doing away with motion blurring for fast moving images while allowing for realistic, crystal clear pictures. Dark images will be even darker while bright images will be far brighter than ever before, offering unparalleled, vivid picture quality right in the middle of your living room. Not only that, you won’t burden your monthly power bill since energy consumption is reduced by adjusting the backlight brightness.

The first Trumotion 480Hz LCD TV panel in the world will be released for retail sales sometime in the second half of next year, but you will be able to see it first at CES 2009 – and we plan to bring you all the relevant updates.

I guess I didn’t know that the Mobile Gaming market is growing, but I suppose it was only a matter of time before somebody made joysticks for mobile phone games. In case of the BGP100 Bluetooth Game Pad, these controllers are wireless.

The BGP100 has a 4-way pad for directional control, and seven programmable buttons for whatever else the game requires. As you can see, these controllers can affix themselves to the side of the mobile device with the use of included rubber strips.

Just think of it as turning your mobile phone into a mobile gaming device like a PSP or DS, and the BGP100 is also designed for pocket PCs as well as Pocket PC Phones. The BGP100 supports a number of platforms including Window Mobile 2003, plus the Symbian Series.

As for power, the gamepads are powered by a 1.5V AAA battery, which is good enough for three and a half hours of continual use. As far as the range is concerned, it is about 55mm with the smartphone or Pocket PC in the middle, but it can also be used from a larger distance with the Bluetooth-enabled mobile unit sitting on a desk.

Crazy

Talk about mixing 2 great things!! Motorcycles and BBQ. Aparently the guys at Orange County have mae another monster of coolness with this BBQ smoker motorcycle for some restaraunt in NY. Yeah, BBQ in everywhere.

Steinway Music System Delivers for Audiophiles Who Have It All

Music nuts lust after spatial sound: output so precise you can pinpoint each instrument’s location in the recording hall. Well, the room-size Model C isn’t just spatial, it’s intergalactic. We dare you to listen to this integrated CD player, amplifier, and speaker symphony without jumping up to conduct. While most speakers are sealed boxes, Steinway’s engineers left these open, replicating the resonance of live instruments. And unlike other systems, which convert the audio signal from digital to analog in the amp — many sound-distorting circuits and wires away from the speakers — the C is digital from source to driver. What comes out is as close as you can get to what went in; in fact, it’s so pure that experts can discern a violin’s make and country of origin. The only weak link in this six-figure aural experience might be your musical taste. So lose the Coldplay, moneybags.

• Home Audio Components: CD/MP3 player, Speaker systems
• Manufacturer: Steinway & Sons

America is a nation that lives in its cars. Sprawling cities and big, open spaces mean that a car is a second home to many Statesiders, which is why it’s a surprise to see this in-car microwave for sale in the UK, a place where “The Countryside” exists only in the collective imagination and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

And what is it for? We can imagine this (in the US at least) being used as a kind of replacement for a real, manly fire at a tailgating party, but the product page clearly states that it is for “Meals on the move!” Surely the preparation of hot food and beverages while driving is hazardous. The only use we can possibly see for this device is to prepare dinner upon the permanent car-parks that are the roads of LA, but again, there is nothing of that scale in Blighty.

If you insist on nuking your breakfast on the way to work, the £130 ($240) In-Car Microwave will either plug into the cigarette lighter socket (thus providing a mere 175W of power) or direct to the battery, whence it will throw out a popcorn-poppin’ 660W.

And here, for those lacking in gourmet imagination, is a list of recipes from the product page, including cooking times:

Features

Easy portability featuring slim design, built-in carry handle, rotating iPod docking station—plus rechargeable lithium-ion battery for hours of playing time between charges.

System is “Made for iPod” certified and is compatible with most iPod and iPhone models.

Bose portable music package

• A complete, portable iPod listening solution in one convenient bundle
• Package includes SoundDock Portable digital music system, Bose in-ear headphones and SoundDock Portable bag
• Acclaimed Bose sound performance for listening out loud or in private
• Travel bag with adjustable shoulder strap stores SoundDock system plus in-ear headphones, iPod and accessories

Everything you need for portable iPod enjoyment. This iPod accessory package includes the SoundDock Portable system and Bose in-ear headphones for listening out loud, or in private. And the SoundDock travel bag conveniently stores them between playings.

The SoundDock Portable digital music system plays tunes from your compatible iPod in lifelike sound almost anywhere. Use the auxiliary input to hear audio from a portable DVD player and other sources, too. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides hours of playing time—or just plug in the included power cord. The rotating iPod docking station disappears for protection during transit, and a built-in handle makes it easy to carry this iPod speaker system from place to place. Enjoy your favorite music in quality Bose sound, in more locations, with the SoundDock portable system.

Bose in-ear headphones are ideal for iPod listening while commuting, exercising or relaxing. These music headphones offer a combination of rich audio and comfortable fit not available from most conventional sports headphone and ear bud designs. You’ll enjoy surprising low-frequency performance and a custom fit provided by three sizes of interchangeable ear tips.

The SoundDock Portable bag keeps these iPod accessories all neatly in place. The padded, adjustable shoulder strap and carry handle make it easy to take the package with you.

The Bose portable music package. Quality performance for your iPod, wherever and however you like it.

iPod is a registered trademark and iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. in the US and other countries.

Product Description
The introduction of the revolutionary Bose® 901® speakers in 1968 redefined the phrase high fidelity. For the first time, a speaker was capable of reproducing music with much of the impact, clarity and spaciousness of a live performance. Today’s 901 speakers incorporate some 350 enhancements over the acclaimed original. 901 speakers work by reflecting most of the sound off walls and other flat surfaces, instead of aiming all the sound toward you, as conventional speakers do. With Direct/Reflecting® speaker technology, anything you listen tofrom the latest DVD audio to your favorite vintage recordsacquires lifelike realism, because the speakers reproduce the natural concert hall balance of direct and reflected sound. The result is what we call Stereo Everywhere® speaker performancestereo performance that is clear and lifelike everywhere in the room, instead of in just one “sweet spot.” You’ll experience balanced sound throughout the listening environment, no matter where you sit or stand. Just as you enjoy beautiful music reproduction from these speakers, you can also experience thrilling home theater effects from your home theater components. These speakers are an appropriate choice for use with your surround sound receiver, and can be used in conjunction with other Bose home theater speaker options.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Description
With conventional outdoor speakers, sound can only be heard with impact in a few “sweet spots” instead of the broader range of your patio, pool or yard. But Bose® 251 environmental speakers produce remarkably rich sound across a much wider listening area. Vital to that performance is Articulated Array® speaker design, which houses two speakers set at precise angles in each enclosure. This produces an extremely wide sound field so that you experience consistent stereo effects as you move around outdoors. The small cabinets of conventional outdoor speakers often can’t produce the low notes that provide impact. The 251 speakers blend with your outdoor surroundings, yet their technology and design eliminate the audible distortion often heard in other speakers. You can enjoy full, rich music without the need for large, bulky speakers. Bose 251 speakers are engineered and tested to withstand snow, rain, salt and temperature extremes of 140° F to -22° F. These speakers deliver a level of performance many conventional outdoor speakersand most indoor speakerssimply cannot match. They are also protected by a five-year limited warranty.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Description
From premium performance to elegance, the Lifestyle® 28 Series III DVD system is made for your roomwith all its unique characteristics. It includes the ADAPTiQ audio calibration system to deliver a consistent surround sound presentation in any room, while offering greater freedom of speaker placement. This proprietary technology analyzes and adjusts your Lifestyle® systems sound to your rooms dimensions, speaker placement and preferred seating locations. The brushed silver media center features an integrated progressive scan DVD/CD player and AM/FM tuner. Its also the hub of a whole-home entertainment system, made possible by Bose® link home networking technology. This allows you to connect compatible Bose products to your Lifestyle® system for sound in as many as 14 additional rooms, even outdoors. Direct/Reflecting® cube speaker arrays, standing roughly 6″ high, blend with your décor and deliver a level of sound youd expect from much larger speakers. A new, horizontal center channel speaker locks dialogue on screen and complements flat-panel television dimensions. And the redesigned Acoustimass® module — now 30% smaller than the previous model — reproduces deep, resonant low notes while stationed inconspicuously almost anywhere in your room. Lifestyle® systems are designed to make the most of DVDs and the rest of todays digital media. But you may still hold a spot in your heart for the film or TV classics you have on VHS. Keep them … and enjoy them. The Lifestyle® 28 DVD system features an integrated suite of signal processing capabilities, including Videostage® 5 decoding circuitry and digital 5.1 decoding. Together, they ensure a high-quality, 5.1-channel surround experience from practically any source. Even those recorded well before surround sound was an option. No matter what you want to hearor where you want to hear itthe Lifestyle® 28 Series II DVD system makes it all possible with performance you expect from Bose.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Description
Our premium computer speakers deliver multichannel sound that seems to surround you, specifically designed for computer listening. Just right for music, games and moviesand setup is a snap. The Companion(R) 5 multimedia speaker system is engineered to deliver the excitement of surround sound content right at your computerwithout the clutter of five speakers. Just two small speakers and a hideaway Acoustimass(R) module deliver much of the audio performance you’d expect from a five-speaker surround sound system. And a single USB connection is all it takesno special software, hardware or sound card upgrade necessary.* The system features a handy, all-in-one control pod to keep speaker volume control, single-touch mute, headphone jack and an auxiliary input all within easy reach. Speakers are mounted on stands enabling superb performance and more usable desktop space. *For optimum performance, we recommend Windows XP or later. For Macintosh computers, OS X 10.4.6 or later.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Description
High-quality sound from your iPod® - now made portable. Enjoy acclaimed SoundDock® performance almost anywhere.The SoundDock Portable digital music system reproduces music with fullness and clarity unmatched by other battery-powered iPod speakers, from a design even slimmer than our original. Proprietary Bose® technologies let you enjoy your iPod out loud in more locationswithout compromising soundquality.A rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) provides more power and longer playing time than most other rechargeable batteries. The rotating dock disappears for storage and protection during transit. And a molded handle makes it easy to carry the system from place to place.Just dock and play all iPod models featuring a click wheel, including all nano, mini, photo, and video models. The system also plays music from your iPhoneTM.* The iPod charges as it plays for uninterrupted music enjoyment. A custom remote easily controls the system and basic iPod functions, including playlist navigation. Auxiliary input lets you play other portable sources, too.The SoundDock Portable digital music system. Unsurpassed performance and portability for the serious iPod listenerfrom the most respected name in sound.*In the event of audio interference, set iPhone to airplane mode.

Technical Details

• More efficientand higher quality audio reproduction than other battery-powered iPod® speakers.
• Works with any iPod® featuring a click wheel, including all nano, mini, photo and video models. Also plays music with iPhoneTM.
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery gives more playing time per charge than other types of rechargeables
• Built-in carry handle and rotating dock enable quick and easy transport from place to place
• Auxiliary input for playing other audio sources, like a portable DVD, CD or other MP3 player.

Product Description
Our best all-in-one music system is now even better. The Acoustic Wave® music system ll offers more lifelike sound for larger spaces, with improved functionality and versatility, yet remains refreshingly simple to use. Acclaimed waveguide speaker technology still lies at the heart of this system’s performance, so it rivals the sound of much larger, more complicated stereos. An all-new Bose digital platform fine tunes the sound for more accurate, consistent music reproductioneven at louder volume levels. Vocals sound cleaner. Instruments ring truer. The result comes closer to music in a natural, live-performance setting. The Acoustic Wave® music system ll plays your home-burned CDs as well as regular discs and AM/FM radio. You’ll find a new headphone jack for private listening, auxiliary inputs and an updated informational display. A variety of accessories adds to your listening enjoyment at home or on the go. And you can add our optional 5-CD changer for even more continuous listening. The system hasn’t changed in size or convenience. It still fits almost anywhere in your home, easily controlled from across the room by a credit card-sized remote. It accomodates your MP3 player, travels easily and goes portable with the optional power pack. The original Acoustic Wave® music system changed opinions of what a quality stereo system could be. Now, the Acoustic Wave® music system ll challenges our perceptions once again, with sound that comes even closer to the essence of live performance.

Technical Details

• Our versatile, all-in-one music system now delivers smoother, more lifelike sound even at loud volumes
• Ideal for large rooms and outdoor spaces
• Available accessories for multimedia expansion and portability

Product Description
Philips 300 Watt DVD 5.1Surround Sound Home Theatre System with Ipod Dock HTS3151D/37 is a stylish and compact digital system with high quality Dolby multi channel surround sound. Able to play practically any disc, it provides captivating hime entertainment of both movies and music. Dock included for iPod. USB direct plays photos and music from USB flash drives. MP3 line in for music playback from Portable media players. 12 Bit/108 Mhz video processing for sharp, natural images.Dolby digital and Pro Logic II surround sound. DivX Ulta Certified for enhanced playback of DivX videos. Plays CD, (S)VCD, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW,DVD+R DL, Plays DivX, MP3, WMA and jPeg digital camera photos. Easy fit connectors with color coding for simple set up.
A stylish and compact digital system, the HTS3151D produces high quality Dolby multi-channel surround sound. Able to play practically any disc, it provides captivating home entertainment for the enjoyment of both movies and music.

Product Features and Technical Details