HomeHomesoftwaresoftwarewebsiteswebsitescontactcontactaboutabout

   

 

Rob Francis BSc. MCP

Rob Francis is currently working towards a Ph.D in E-commerce and Website Management through Rushmore University (USA). He obtained a BSc in Computer Science from Canterbury University and gained Microsoft Certified Professional status. Rob has written two published books “Starting with Microsoft Visual Basic” & “Rescued by Active Server Pages and ASP.NET”. He has had over eight years full-time experience in systems administration/development. Rob has also been included in the New Zealand Who's Who Literary Edition 2003.

  



Dr Anne Lucas BSc.(Hons) PhD.

Anne covers a lot of the web design and graphical layout work, as well as some HTML for inspecting sites in browsers.


Shahla Francis BEd. DipTch

As well as being a qualified teacher and still working as a part-time supervisor in her chosen field, Shahla also handles the accounts and invoicing for Neon Ant Software.


Harold Kho

Harold does a lot of the 3D and animation. He was a 3D Animation Tutor in a Multimedia College, where he tutored video editing, 3D design and life drawing. He has also done 3D animated children TV interstitials, TVC, pre viz images for concepts proposal and short film editing. Harold's software skills include Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, Freehand, Maya and many others.

    
 


Are you getting into digital photos? See the team at Photo & Digital for all your digital photo processing needs.


Synthetic Blood From Stem Cells? Yes, a Company Says
<!-- PORTFOLIO.COM LINKS --> <div class="content_sharing"> <strong>News from Portfolio.com</strong><br/> <a href="http://www.portfolio.com/?TID=wiredpartner"><img src="http://www.wired.com/images/article/full/2008/03/logo_portfolio.jpg" class="portfolio_img"></a><br clear="all"/> <div class="content_sharing_txt"> <p><strong>Also on Portfolio</strong></p> <!-- LINK #1 --> <p><a href="http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-tech-observer/2008/08/27/ie8s-new-privacy-features/?TID=wiredpartner"> Tech Observer: IE8's New Privacy Features</a></p> <!-- LINK #2 --> <p><a href="http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/daily-brief/2008/08/27/this-bit-of-tedium-brought-to-you-by/?TID=wiredpartner"> This Bit of Tedium Brought to You By...</a></p> <!-- LINK #3 --> <p><a href="http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/daily-brief/2008/08/26/obama-vs-phelps-its-down-to-the-wire/?TID=wiredpartner"> Forget McCain: How Does Obama Stack Up Against Phelps?</a></p> </div> <div class="content_sharing_sub"><a href="https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/N3/FOL/self_fol_control_TVL.jsp?cds_page_id=39267&cds_mag_code=FOL&id=1205777661443&lsid=80771311187037701&vid=2&cds_response_key=I8CNAAA9&cds_mag_code=FOL">Subscribe to Portfolio magazine</a></div> </div> <p>Will bloodmobiles soon be a thing of the past, like vacuum-tube televisions and glass milk bottles delivered daily?</p> <p>More important: Will the use of embryonic stem cells, which became a heated issue during the 2004 presidential election, finally produce a breakout product? One that will squelch the controversy for all but a few die-hards who still prefer their milk in glass bottles?</p> <p>Researchers at Advanced Cell Technology in Worcester, Massachusetts, announced the breakthrough a few days ago. Working with scientists from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the University of Chicago, A.C.T.'s team says it has developed a method for making potentially unlimited and scalable supplies of synthetic blood from embryonic stem cells.</p> <p>The findings are <a href="http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/cgi/content/abstract/blood-2008-05-157198v1">published in <cite>Blood</cite></a>, a scientific journal. A.C.T.'s chief scientific officer Robert Lanza led the team.</p> <p>If the claim holds up to scrutiny, it would be a huge boon for humankind, which until now has had to collectively open its veins to provide tons of this basic stuff of life for people who need extra blood because of injuries, surgeries or disease.</p> <p>The discovery also would remove the danger of blood being tainted by pathogens that cause hepatitis, H.I.V. and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, among other viruses and bacteria.</p> <p>But will this promise become reality?</p> <p>Advanced Cell Technology has made incredible claims before. Under recently departed C.E.O. Michael West—whom <a href="http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Michael-D.-West">some critics compared</a> with the circus promoter P.T. Barnum—the company routinely asserted that stem-cell therapies were likely to reverse the aging process and grow replacement body parts, while most scientists were talking a more cautious line.</p> <p>The company was the first to <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9803E2DD103CF93AA35753C1A9669C8B63&scp=1&sq=Advance%20Cell%20Technologies%20gaur&st=cse">clone an endangered species</a>, an Asian bovine called a <a href="http://nature.ca/notebooks/english/gaur.htm">gaur</a>, which died soon after—possibly from causes unrelated to the cloning. <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06EED81E3AF934A15752C1A9679C8B63&scp=3&sq=Advance%20Cell%20Technologies%20human%20clone%202001&st=cse">A.C.T. also claimed</a> it had cloned the first human embryo, attracting worldwide attention, though the embryos grew to only a few cells in size.</p> <p>Some blame the company's over-enthusiasm for playing into the hands of stem-cell opponents in the Bush administration and elsewhere who were bent on squelching this new therapy. President Bush severely restricted federal funding for stem-cell research in 2001—restrictions that remain today, and are likely to until the next administration takes office.</p> <p>Under Lanza, the company may not have fulfilled all of the promises made by West, but it has produced a string of solid discoveries and observations—though none have proved to be commercially viable. Most recently, Lanza's team has also <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/21/science/21stem.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Advance%20Cell%20Technologies%20retinal%20cells%20&st=cse&oref=slogin">induced stem cells</a> to grow into retinal cells in eyes.</p> <p>Creating synthetic blood has proved difficult; decades of efforts have so far been in vain. Several potential products are being tested in human clinical trials, most of them focusing on the critical function that blood plays in transporting oxygen. Other products, however, have been abandoned when they either didn't work, or proved to have dangerous or deadly side effects.</p> <p>Blood created by stem cells is very similar to the real thing, and may avoid the pitfalls with other, more artificial techniques. If further tests confirm A.C.T.'s discovery—and, critically, show that the process is scalable and affordable—stem-cell blood may make the company more attractive to investors as it desperately seeks cash to carry on.</p> <p>In July, a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that A.C.T. had $17 million in current liabilities, but only $1 million in cash and other current assets, the Boston Globe reported. A.C.T.'s stock has been trading at 6 cents per share, down from $8 per share three years ago.</p> <p>It's hard to know what the new techniques will cost once scaled up, or what revenues the discovery will bring in; Lanza says that he expects the company to know within two years if the processes will work.</p> <p>Independent scientists are hopeful that the discovery will pan out. "The problem with relying on donated blood is that there are always shortages," Professor Alex Medvinsky, a blood stem-cell expert at the University of Edinburgh, <a href=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4567387.ece">told the <cite>Times of London</cite></a>. "The ability to generate red blood cells in very large numbers would be a very big thing."</p><br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:e966dbd7b1d4ccdaefa863e7e1954ffc:%2BdEodl7Q5Be6tVWzzoaDwckz1GzaVf7n4%2B5dOq3Ght1wdJj1QSCiLpqvMrvp57yttevhLVUngK5Bkl41HT7QYgcRZylVhm6RDYcWmqPdiSs%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:e0247ba9d89aa8c4b9b37fd27f04057c:5htk2rNC5D2UXM0RLUqPLoEV6%2BVbkMOSyhU8f6gU74GJx%2BwbGj%2B6MhhMhMshA9RlYnzk0w3F2oazmQGI0ShANsAWBrcqHVVl6%2FD0EcU1jOE%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0eed09435b37d49e14415cfb16d582f9:shQpIZQyuZ%2BK3aBsYFeFLBLMmdWeb04JRpYtTHau66A5XIr48SHcvgoPyYsi1RG7sFA57D%2Bybo3BBb5AGBpNlv5duhMRkVkuhFECJdiJoas%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0cc9e0993b979f71d87e3640948fc342:aVSfrx6cCxtCrZ7kSGd9%2FSckvLhmKaHbVVsUeyIRHfVV4bHijklcEzubJTkdRH6nX2qfYi9hfctmQXa6XyHjK3sX6GSXB7amr9OwHxPEf3E%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=9802537971ec1b55d4ab9a8863d108b3" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=9802537971ec1b55d4ab9a8863d108b3" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=YkJJon"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=YkJJon" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/376282456" height="1" width="1"/>

Best Western Rebuts Claims of Massive Data Breach
Best Western International and the Sunday Herald newspaper of Scotland are duking it out over a story which reports that a hacker stole the records of 8 million customers from the hotel chain's global network in the "the greatest cyber-heist in world history." Best Western says 10 people were affected at one hotel.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:148edb532666e124d2b0949f24f4accb:pFzyTmmvD2R2%2FFPI%2BBgoAKL4OTUVArtIifnL9elwk6rxeiaBHXTp%2Bql7azhxsCB7gphudjIcSe8s8WKF5Ino4qyMImgGsEYEMpbzMkBbe5w%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:b83ab1fc5e0f29580a05c459c901acf7:oDLX9hv%2F9qXVL14xnD%2FQuRIowQfbVdNSsRyhe5nqALW9DpQTtDAOaMNjUQO3Sk0yRC3Tn7HbABfI1qCoeM4DgPhl%2BFWg2UhS%2Fgj9cm5RueQ%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:9102fcbb42454022cfebc570ccb1760c:K5AAvHllixWVndHFwbzkFLJYKSYWmpjcIVkmm2165oMji82StHmZm3K8Y4yr4huir4pAJvsCvx9EVm2LYzvyUheOLits7kLa9aM8mPgG2T4%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0859f26c82d46acba37d6537abd81872:Wj6yKmBN5V4505TjXDqTogaazG5kaClRx9oCzk0Wk8suJSPUGsVtZ8iJ3rgHn%2BCUp1bLAaR4yRvqyrhiOqvPbOO%2Fbk2N5v%2BJw6wSr1RdY1s%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=90e6ed4529801b3a1f7997f711228c00" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=90e6ed4529801b3a1f7997f711228c00" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=ukmbfD"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=ukmbfD" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/376211780" height="1" width="1"/>

FAA Says Communication Breakdown Delayed Flights
Numerous flight delays caused by an electronic communication failure at a FAA facility drew new criticism for an agency that has been scrutinized over air traffic controller staffing levels and inspection standards for its ground-based equipment. The Northeast was hardest hit by the delays prompted Tuesday by a glitch at a Hampton, Ga., facility that processes flight plans for the eastern half of the U.S.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:5d4afbc9caca7d2010ca5e931511df32:5JZ%2BhuSgbsnfAhDSPM0txVoAqVqDnP%2B9z0kyugext2kT%2BFCBueS3iTcC3mVc%2FwfHqLE5dN5r2HkPirXEmH%2FC5gv9MOJGSQT51EkNzsPOiiQ%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:5220e45c5a8d8ccf7190ff3c6e6591c1:lc9s0CPN5AkiTOOu6QgCwnV3t2QVc1mXTujcIFTvlM8d5WIL66JwJaEVDurc8LmNE2HA5gmiZ7S44kqFO3r4Be103Ro077mHzrhgFSY5Ess%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:3ab5ab6e120bea522b36b93158427d6f:JBrTPBZRvmAEa1xcAcvNldPZTV8tiAqrv4Ou4pfzTZT7fVb3oj7Fw1%2Bu9U8MP6U7F%2B%2FDE5PM3qrkv5hXIGqway3cccBXqHgUp7dcz1Ktcck%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:9e535209587bce1bc1bf220ccb2eb8ab:4e%2F21h1jsvCEnmrdu8N4YWkqluxxlyCJfT%2FybZbpGE3GFFU1FSE%2B%2FyM7vb%2Bh6l59eKqeA%2ByhnFcHz2lmOcZ6Nt1LOqx%2BG0I%2Buo6%2F%2F3lijR4%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=881093db3fd0cb889bf5e702077e57e6"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=881093db3fd0cb889bf5e702077e57e6"/></a> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=881093db3fd0cb889bf5e702077e57e6" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=QfbEOg"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=QfbEOg" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/376246620" height="1" width="1"/>

Massive iPhone Security Flaw Exposes All Private Data
A simple, two-step workaround makes it easy to bypass the iPhone 3G's passcode lock, if you're using version 2.0.2 of the iPhone operating system.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:792028f436feb8e0ff41f4747a771a7c:W1uAYGdOC40%2FeVoKiKvTdgeuKXLRg1enJZdZRfPlHLKEA4z4ncujjF76tFtS1Vhkd%2FBPVq2W9H5YsizDOnFs8Vis%2B2%2FfZoya0FDyhG6XQJg%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:470c66fc3bab774898d0fcf4af11d7c7:DoVuLogpOYkxX7qtVDTh0sMyFsYCR5pqf0TUPEOOkbcn%2FaQvX3bhXGGry7kPXRH0fHKjma8rpiKM6ZjfelDZ8npkrFhtS%2FoyjoV3zYbJhy8%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:e6868a9ca1a3a46f8d66b504aabedfb4:S9dXNnEkkM%2BzDPA8z8i%2FeEXUjBOfsJKaDOcwLpwBHCJ9CGAAeEYs1ZeNfdJpz3Dt%2FalJttm2Y6PuJ2TXY9Vrmf97W%2BF%2BEzhEyaDI%2FdKU2lQ%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:e23280b8ff1525f75246d6c0f1cfe86e:Llw3JPbFSmqwjKv2%2FLyExTXDt%2FrlTJ2CQrk5NQ%2F5JYm9XauI4xpHleWf119vfR2z3eOs8JanLhwnljXLRKJKmeaIkrHVv10%2FE9caX%2BcvImM%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=d9037bda361bf844a458afdf69cfd5b7" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=d9037bda361bf844a458afdf69cfd5b7" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=CDEoEF"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=CDEoEF" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/376298249" height="1" width="1"/>

Warner Keynote Comment On Science Lights Up Twitter
"Just think about this: In four months, we will have an administration that actually believes in science!" said former Virginia Governor Mark Warner during his keynote speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. It didn't set the room on fire but Twitter was aflutter as its geek community celebrated a throwaway line.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:7e57097dfc3eb4e70472429fdcd3934e:DIpf4RCRYeHMunGuwZhTVxNruoLkcB4KGHpFB%2FbFyqn1Dg3DKdVeljMXUSIbFQsbmn4LXI8QD1WIOEw9vAT0OPlVjSIlqV9OCIjQg5fhPfY%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:45b2ef8e23ea7e415b1d449415f00fb8:f7q1FEVVns5xHKEx5FvMvYocAXolBS1JdacOaslsf%2FBJJMNzGWUH8hUxHSgMO5vU7M74IDkflccKnGDthUoYTEE4Ftt9lTswvOSW6Uik758%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:a7759134882f76f32ac86998877ae344:F5G%2FQX9JB2x0fr2Emc%2FSjJgY%2FFpvNJH6H1WBjFybMEXR%2BdBGv1ZlcoMqvwJCIUj1LxOSiP1kDZ42KWx2lmgud4Ntzf83wc1DwzB2sI8G5R8%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:fd4acf4bf62d29cc37dd4270897ae2a9:ylEZoF3UtafFOoWl8cyuitvBfSmI4nKd04qti5tOrft3bUqfCYkZacmc6PCDGOlD6VMhitPIY6GUV4UdxePEl1VhPnXGP0XA3hi%2BDg41Jbw%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=6ef0b8dca0b9d2d794c55f1298a27274" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=6ef0b8dca0b9d2d794c55f1298a27274" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=1ReMC9"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=1ReMC9" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/376298250" height="1" width="1"/>

Clinton Urges Party Unity In Powerful Convention Address
Hillary Clinton exhorts the members of her party to unite and rally behind former Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, saying that the nation can't afford to elect another Republican to the White House.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:695bac30e98ff14bb1c6818942622421:XMiW0hRwIxTFXUyEYbFUg6h4qEhzoA5Z4JgvtholH2Tkvg2JtsftJLbFgdXcvr8%2Fa%2FZuZ%2FWQ1hxKOn46%2F3udLFN9Wbmckr9TG%2FnZdbyPfZk%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:2087a22096ab7eaa0cdee461acdc7a44:aryz4TwW6oiBIt7BKQolKAhizfRjrnTYV6jPMwa3f279A5OWwIA1QxYaJ91Epd2j7qfekn0XifRnr28t%2FikXG8ChVeJR2gHzsM7Tu6pd8eo%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:4d784bdee5c0cce966665b9eb73d9cfa:5iJCztRyC8kNXwBvOKiwC5666EygrxcmRzxxgXfrIe%2BmD1LSs4pm7G23F%2BUEDIGNoVYFlCIKsRu6q9xLbQqpRwU858TKVT0dnFA2yCAlUrA%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:f1e6a932656fc330bcb2124d22b837ef:w1YZrVjT14DBeQDit2eJYiVOFeVvhMa3ODNQvWZU7bT6y1y72NN1F1%2FC6LR5%2BrKQOkM3eTxtVcmBRMoTVUlSX4W00rwcI7coB1RUsjS06bo%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=614715f0e0ec38e5baf10fd932f0630a" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=614715f0e0ec38e5baf10fd932f0630a" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=u9zulN"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=u9zulN" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/376155186" height="1" width="1"/>

Gear Gallery: Beautiful Bargain LCD, Touchscreen PC and Nikon's D3
<img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/samsung_lcd_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Think of this 26-inch TV from Samsung as any one of last year's larger models, shrunk down. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's only 720p, but its bright, detailed picture is impressive and its vivid color is surprisingly accurate for a set this small. <a href="http://www.wired.com/gadgets/displays/magazine/test2007/tv_burning_question">It scores surprisingly well in our video-processing tests</a>, even besting many of this year's small models. Sure, this model is a bit challenged in the areas of de-interlacing 24-fps film-based HD sources and removing jaggies from diagonal lines, but then so are many of the 32-inch and smaller TVs we've tested this year. And who really worries about 24 FPS film sources on a 26-incher besides geeks like us? Unlike many small sets, though, the Samsung's noise reduction performs beautifully. We saw good results leaving it in "auto" for all but the crappiest video, and only had to really adjust for our truly hideous NR test clip. Hardcore testing aside, the Samsung's good NR combined with its great picture and color delivered where it matters the most: Our HD and SD test movies looked awesome, as did satellite HDTV and output from our 360. <strong>—Chuck Cage</strong></p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Attractive, simple remote-control. Side ports (HDMI, S-Video and composite) make hooking up a 360 or camcorder a breeze. Optical digital audio out -- perfect for tying into that massive dorm-theater sound system.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Some video-processing issues. 1366 x 728 native resolution makes it a not-so-great computer monitor unless you're over 40 and want to read without your glasses.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $550, <a href="http://www.samsung.com">Samsung</a></p> <p><em><img alt="7 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles7.gif"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-bite-siz.html">Samsung LN26A450C1 LCD TV review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/hp_touchsmart_t.jpg'></img>: <p>The HP TouchSmart IQ506 is an update to last year's all-in-one touchscreen, the TouchSmart IQ770. This year, HP went for a countertop-friendly design by packing all the components into the IQ506's brilliant 22-inch, touch-sensitive display. As a whole, this makes for a much more streamlined and clutter-free presentation compared to its predecessor. In terms of general ease and responsiveness, the IQ506's touchscreen does a marginally good job. Common maneuvers like double taps and click-and-drag highlighting can be pulled off with minimal hassle. Even problem areas like corners were accessible with relatively effortless finger pokes.</p> <p>Save for a pinch/zoom gesture, however, all the image-rotating fun we were expecting was largely nonexistent. In its defense, leaving notes, creating calendar reminders and a host of other "bulletin board" tasks were a cinch using the TouchSmart dashboard. But even though you can incorporate non-dashboard programs like Firefox into the interface, opening these applications kicks you back out to the Vista desktop. On one hand, the system is a great value when one compares the sticker price to the components, but it's disconcerting that a $1,500 computer lacks the flair and usability of a relatively inexpensive device like the iPhone. We've got our fingers crossed for next year's model.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Elegant space-saving design. Speaker bar produces booming lows and clear highs. Bright 22-inch screen hides smudges and fingerprints. Integrated TV tuner adds living room chops. Blazing connectivity via gigabit Ethernet and integrated 802.11b/g/n. 500-GB hard drive offers plenty of room for media storage. Whisper-quiet operation.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Not the smoothest touch-based interface. Handoffs between TouchSmart/Vista programs are slow and awkward. Very limited upgrade options. Midrange GPU puts a damper on hardcore gaming. Retractable bezel feels cheap and rickety. Sluggish processor given its all-in-one class. What? No Blu-ray?</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $1,500 (as tested), <a href="http://www.hp.com">hp.com</a></p> <p><em><img alt="6 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles6.gif"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/hp-touchsmart-i.html">HP TouchSmart IQ506 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/casio_phone_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Dubbed the "Boulder," this angular, candy-colored handset is the offspring of the Gadget Lab's crumpled <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2007/01/casio_gzone_typ.html">Type-V</a>, <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2007/05/review_casio_gz.html">Type-S</a> and <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/03/review-casios-r.html">Type-SL review units</a>. The Boulder isn't another rugged rehash, though. In fact, Casio finally threw a curve by including some fairly useful multimedia features. Welcome additions like music playback, a more powerful (but still lacking) camera, and zippy EV-DO connectivity fatten up this phone's already rock-solid resume. But let's face it -- Casio is extremely late to the party with these commonplace features. Previous pratfalls like the laughably low-res external LCD, and an annoying light show for incoming calls have returned too. </p> <p>Foibles aside, a lot of the "new" features were actually well integrated into this otherwise hard-knock handset. Tasks like downloading and playing music, mobile messaging and accessing webmail were brisk and painless due to a sensible layout and speedy EV-DO network. Little usability improvements (and smart additions like a waterproof cover for the microSD port) reinforced Casio's obvious commitment to achieving a rugged/user-friendly balance. Casio definitely gets kudos for bringing a tank like the G'zOne into the multimedia era. However, the Boulder is more a patchwork of desirable features, rather than a cohesive marriage of entertainment and durability.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Armored cross section where mud meets multimedia. External LCD doubles as wanderlust-friendly e-compass. Awesome camera flash/flashlight combo. Expanded memory via microSD card slot. Solid call quality -- even after 12 rounds of tough love. Included cradle doubles as a travel charger. Also comes in "less-flamboyant" black.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Terrible speakerphone quality for both voice and music. Far too expensive. Annoying multicolored lights show signals incoming calls. No file sharing via Bluetooth. Lackluster 1.3-MP camera sucks for both stills and video. Sweet angles still can't hide a brick-ish profile.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $130 (after $50 rebate), <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com">Verizon</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles7.gif" alt="7 out of 10"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-rough-ri.html">Casio G'zOne Boulder review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/nikon_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Out of the box and straight up to the eye you'll immediately enjoy the D3's spacious and bright viewfinder. The noticeably improved 51-point auto focus system is whip-fast and works in concert with an outstanding 1005-pixel metering sensor that gets it right in the most challenging lighting. Images are beautifully consistent with a wide dynamic range and improved noise-reduction settings that give the pictures a more natural look. To achieve that end, Nikon pulled back on the sharpening levels, leaving the choice of added "crunchiness" to a photographer's post-production predilections.</p> <p>Nikon's new three-inch high-res LCD is a revelation. If you do take the plunge, be ready to spend a good chunk of time learning the feature set to exploit the D3's capabilities. From resolution to speed, color control, bit-depth and so much more, the D3 is incredibly customizable. Dial it in for lightning-quick 11-fps sports action, superlow-light shooting (ISO up to 25600), handheld or tripod-mounted live view -- you name it, whatever and however you want to shoot, the D3 does it exceptionally well.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> High ISO shooting is fantastic with relatively low noise at settings up to ISO 3200 and beyond. Live view function the best of the top-end DSLRs. Dual CF card capability.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> So many functions it could take a lifetime to learn them all. No in-camera dust-reduction system.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $5,000 (body only), <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com">Nikon</a></p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles9.gif" alt="9 out of 10"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-nikon-d3.html">Nikon D3 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/lenovo_ideapad_u110_t.jpg'></img>: <p>The U110 ultralight we received looks striking, with a scarlet paisley-etched aluminum lid paired with a shiny jet-black keyboard area. As soon as you open it up and power it on, you come face to face with one of the U110's most interesting yet unsettling features: VeriFace recognition. After booting up, the webcam embedded in the bezel starts scanning the room. When it finds you, it superimposes disturbing cross hairs on your eyes in an attempt to recognize you and unlock the PC. If you haven't registered your peepers, the system will hang, so you have to shut it down, turn the notebook away and open it up again to get it to boot. </p> <p>The 11.1-inch display is bright and sharp, though it can look a bit iridescent at close range. The glossy black keys are big and square but the thin membrane beneath the keys is flimsy and deforms as you type. There is a decent set of ports, but the designers couldn't find room for an optical drive. Seriously, we're pretty disappointed. The included external DVD drive looks cool, but you know what would be even cooler? Not needing an external drive at all. For work purposes, the Lenovo is a capable little machine. The U110 excelled in our PCMark tests, far outdistancing most other ultralights. Overall this is a good PC; it just has a few annoyances. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Charming good looks will attract the Lenovo faithful who are sick of looking funerary. Excellent business performance will silence office critics of your "red PC (Harumph!)." Delightfully light and slim. </p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> The keyboard, though pretty, is pretty flimsy. Terminator-style face recognition will give you the heebie-jeebies and make you torch all your Schwarzenegger flicks (Especially <cite>Batman and Robin</cite>). External DVD means one more gadget to tote. </p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $1,800 (as tested), <a href="http://www.lenovo.com">Lenovo</a></p> <p><em><img alt="7 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles7.gif"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-little-l.html">Lenovo IdeaPad U110 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/sony_hd_camcorder_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Dishing out a hefty helping of HD, the SR12 is a lot of camera, both in your hand and under the hood with its 120-GB hard drive. The upgraded CMOS sensor and Bionz image processor have significantly improved image quality and stomped out even more noise. Sony’s face-detection system, which works snappily for video and the 10.2-megapixel stills, is very effective both up close and at long range. OK, so it makes great video, but what about the controls? For those who fly on manual, the Cam Control Dial is like piloting an F22. Neatly nestled next to the lens, the silver nubbin is a twisty-twirly festival of videographic functionality, providing quick access to manual adjustments of exposure, focus, white balance and aperture.</p> <p>There’s also an “easy” button on board. A quick tap on the little blue button and all you’ve got to do is point the camera in the right direction to get the good stuff. In spite of all this Sony video goodness, the SR12 has one glaring flaw — terribly difficult Mac integration. To get it working you’ve got to have iMovie '08. Previous versions of iMovie don’t have the capability to natively read the AVCHD codec meaning that you had to convert the video to other formats in order to do any post-production.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Excellent AVCHD video quality got better this time around. Extra-wide 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD is a big bonus. Outstanding sound quality. </p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Massive internal hard drive makes it somewhat chunky and a bit of a load to carry. The “easy” button should be bigger and easier to find. And it should be red. Yeah red and all glowy. </p> <p>$1,400, <a href="http://www.sony.com">Sony</a> </p> <p><em><img alt="8 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles8.gif"></em></p> <p><em>(Photo by Jackson Lynch for Wired.com)</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-sony-hd.html">Sony HDR-SR12 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/kensington_wireless_usb_t.jpg'></img>: <p>With Kensington's Wireless USB Docking Station, the moment you open your Wireless USB (WUSB)-enabled notebook, all your desktop devices are ready to go. We were amazed at how seamless the process is: The station recognized our 20-inch monitor, wireless USB mouse, keyboard and printer. It was as if they were always connected to the notebook. Of course, there are a few gotchas. WUSB is a new standard and some notebooks can't hook up with this docking station. Dell and Lenovo offer a few models, and other companies should be out the gate by this fall. </p> <p>With its plain, geeky looks, the 11.4-ounce antenna-topped station could get lost in a field of wireless routers. But that's not quite enough to put our <cite>Battlestar</cite> boxers in a knot: The Kensington Wireless Docking Station is a snap to set up and makes mobile computing, well, mobile and hassle-free. You know, the way it's supposed to be. <em>—Michael S. Lasky</em></p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Drop-dead, simple setup and instant wireless connection of all desktop peripherals makes moving a notebook to and from the desk a hassle-free, nothing-to-plug-in experience. Small footprint means no great loss of desktop real estate.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Still few WUSB-enabled notebooks on the market. Audio handling could be smoother; default requires USB-powered speakers. First generation device is still pricey.</p> <p>$230, <a href="http://www.kensington.com">Kensington</a> </p> <p><em><img alt="7 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles7.gif"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-kensingt.html">Kensington Wireless USB Docking Station review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/jvc_everio_t.jpg'></img>: <p>This standard-definition lightweight shoots better video and has a much smarter feature set than most of its competitors. In fact, JVC knows that YouTubers can't bear missing the latest police beating or Matthew McConaughey shirtless in the grocery store, so the MS100 is lightning-quick on start up. The 35x optical zoom allows you to capture the crushing blows and bothersome blemishes while keeping a safe distance. Plus, the nifty laser-touch LCD makes you feel like a real cinematographer with speedy access to manual features.</p> <p>While it's nicely appointed, you've got to bridle at a couple things. First, there's no optical image stabilization. But shaky image stabilization aside, the very nature of this camcorder calls into question its usefulness. While neither big nor expensive, there are other, better, ultrasimple run-and-gun camcorders out there. Most are smaller and cheaper, too. With this form factor at this price, the MS100 is kind of stuck in the middle between the svelte flash-based AVCHD camcorders and the shirt-pocket shooters from Flip, Kodak and Creative.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> 35x optical zoom brings the action right to your doorstep. Superb video quality. Formula 1 start-up speed. Easy to use laser-touch LCD.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> No optical image stabilization. Lack of Mac compatibility is inexcusable and utterly perplexing. Three hundred and fifty bones for a camera that's made to record for YouTube? The Flip Mino does the same thing for about half the cost. </p> <p>$350, <a href="http://www.jvc.com">JVC</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles6.gif" alt="6 out of 10"></em></p> <p><em>(Photo: Jackson Lynch/Wired.com)</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-jazzed-u.html">JVC Everio GZ-MS100 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/jumbo_gateway_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Through some loophole, wormhole or deal with the devil, Gateway has produced a massive desktop replacement that's fast, good and cheap. How fast, you ask? Fast enough to go toe-to-toe with -- and school -- a <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-alienwar.html">$4,800 Alienware Area 51 m15x</a>: In our Quake 4 test, the Gateway posted a score of 167.8 fps to the m15x's 167.2. This is partially because the Gateway's 512-MB Nvidia Geforce 9800M is running the show. The FX also has Olympic endurance for larger-class notebooks, going 2 hours, 23 minutes to play a DVD.</p> <p>And that brings us to the cheap part. The Gateway is just $1,400 -- more than three times less than the Alienware and hundreds (and more hundreds) less than most other desktop replacement machines. Sure, it lacks the latest processor (it's got a 2.27-GHz Core Duo), but it has a whopping 4 GB of RAM to help it attack processing tasks and a spacious 200 GB of drive space for your stuff. The big bummer here is the missing Blu-ray drive, which is what is likely keeping this thing so affordable. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Some of the best gaming performance ever recorded on a PC. Long battery life for a desktop replacement. Comfy and solid keyboard withstands heavy hands. Multimedia controls and slide volume look cool without glowing too brightly.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> No Blu-ray is a letdown for HD-heads, and you can't configure your PC to include the drive. The battery sticks out a bit in the back, and the power brick is monstrous. Power lights on the front, unlike the multimedia controls, are too bright.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $1,400 (as tested), <a href="http://www.gateway.com">Gateway</a></p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles8.gif" alt="8 out of 10"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-alienwar.html">Gateway P-7811FX Notebook review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/alienware_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Alienware prides itself on its tower rigs and desktop replacements, but several of its earlier forays in to the mid-size laptops were disastrous; the branding was intact but the performance wasn't. Not so with the m15x. This 15.4-incher is plenty portable, yet it has all the gaming trappings and the performance to back it up.</p> <p>From the unboxing onward, you can tell that you are paying for the experience as well as the hardware. A baseball cap with an alien head on it, an extra battery, VGA-to-DVI adapter, FireWire adapter and entertainment remote show that Alienware will risk no dissatisfied customers due to lackluster goodies. With specs that include a 2.8-GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme processor, 3 GB of RAM, and a 512-MB nVidia GeForce 8800M GTX, the m15x performs impressively, but not out of this world. It all comes down to the loot; this is a luxury item and there are far more affordable PCs with comparable performance. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Tip-top business and gaming performance. Lots of included extras for gaming elitists. The solid and handsome design will please gamers, and cool lighting effects will titillate geeks.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Exorbitant price that only a space tourist could pay without wincing. For all the expense, it's not the very best gaming PC. Dual batteries take a long time to charge up. The Blu-ray drive must be removed to accommodate the secondary battery.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $4,880 (as tested), <a href="http://www.alienware.com">Alienware</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles6.gif" alt="6 out of 10"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-alienwar.html">Alienware Area-51 m15x review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/archos_605_t.jpg'></img>: <p>The Archos 605 WiFi is a damn fine portable media player. Now it’s slightly mo' better due to this new GPS accessory, which for $130 adds full-bore street navigation that's on par with a Garmin or TomTom system. Well, a low-end Garmin or TomTom from a few years ago, anyway: This lackluster accessory does not have many of the bells and whistles of modern nav systems, and the one it does have -- real-time traffic updates -- works only in Europe.</p> <p>On the plus side, the software locks in satellite signals faster than NORAD. However, it navigates like a base commander heading home from the officer's club. On several occasions the GPS tried to route us totally out of the way instead of continuing on the road right in front of us. To make matters worse, the software doesn't announce street names, only directions. The GPS Car Holder would look pretty good if this were, say, 2003. And it does get you where you're going, if not always by the fastest or most logical route. At $130, it's a decent deal for current owners, but definitely behind the GPS times. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Cheaper than a standalone GPS, at least if you already own an Archos 605. High-resolution screen makes maps look mighty purty. Lightning-fast satellite lock.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> The 605 can’t navigate without the car holder, so you can’t go on walkabout. Doesn’t say street names. Requires you to move to Europe if you want traffic features. You have to manually restart the GPS app every time you power on the 605.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $130, <a href="http://www.archos.com">Archos</a></p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles5.gif" alt="5 out of 10"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-archos-g.html">Archos 605 WiFi GPS Car Holder review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/fujitsu_lifebook_t.jpg'></img>: <p>As one of six new Fujitsu offerings equipped with Intel's Centrino 2, the Lifebook A6120 more than makes up for its dull exterior with features that will have prettier laptops quaking in their neoprene sleeves. Opposite its no frills glossy shell resides a gorgeous 15.4-inch LCD capable of brightening even the darkest depths of Mordor. </p> <p>Battery life and performance are equally impressive. The new 2.26-GHz CPU more than did the job when it came to photo editing, gaming and pretty much every other benchmark we threw at it. What's more, we squeezed a respectable four and a half hours of battery life under normal usage out of A6120. In fact, after playing with the Lifebook for a week, we were hard pressed to find anything significant to complain about. Would Fujitsu be well served by spending a little more time and effort on design and shrinking down that plump chassis? Sure. But this reviewer is more than happy to overlook a 1.7-inch waistline as long as it hides enough goodies.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Great bang/buck ratio. The A6120 starts at only $1,150 and jumps but $200 for a Radeon HD 3470 card and Blu-ray drive. Sharp, beautiful screen is one of the brightest we've seen on a laptop. Screw the chicklet-style keys found on other notebooks: Fujitsu's old school keyboard provides near perfect "clickiness" (to borrow a term from designer <a href="http://amarsagoo.blogspot.com/2008/05/science-of-keyboard-design.html">Amar Sagoo</a>).</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Small trackpad makes for a less than thrilling multitouch experience. Runs consistently hot -- don't rest it on your lap for long or risk a scorched crotch. While certainly not ugly, design is blander than a plate of lima beans.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $1,350 (as tested), <a href="http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=A6210">Fujitsu</a></p> <p><em><img alt="8 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles8.gif"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-fujitsus.html">Fujitsu Lifebook A6120 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/getac_e_100_t.jpg'></img>: <p>GeTac clearly had utilitarian users in mind with the E-100, which makes for a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to function. On the bright side, this surprisingly light ultramobile PC is military certified to withstand splashes of water, dust, humidity, shock and even freezing temperatures. Even common vulnerabilities like exposed ethernet and USB ports have been sidestepped with a bevy of watertight rubber stoppers. In fact, my review unit was able to smoothly stream <cite>South Park</cite> episodes while taking repeated tumbles down a flight of stairs.</p> <p>But it was when I looked under the hood that I found kinks in the armor. Mission-critical applications like Office ran at a reasonable clip in a number of bumpy environments, but for the E-100's price I was expecting a little more "oomph." The 100-GB shock-resistant ATA hard drive and 1 GB of RAM tilt the balance a little bit, but honestly, even the unassuming Eee PC comes stock with Intel's newer Atom chips. Mediocre specs aside, this rough and tumble UMPC performs solidly in a number of harsh environments and boasts a host of connectivity options. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Rock-solid construction, ergonomics and field performance. Responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen looks phenomenal in direct sunlight. Web ready with 802.11b/g, gigabit ethernet and SIM card slot. Waterproof combination SmartCard/PCMCIA slot. Decent battery life at 3.5 hours (WiFi on). 100-GB hard drive has its own heater for cycling up in freezing conditions.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Too little processing given the amount of buck. Near three grand price tag? Seriously? No option for a solid state drive?! Recessed USB and headphone jacks are a hassle to plug into. Tinny speaker is more of an afterthought. Lose the stylus and you're S.O.L. Looks that only a FedEx driver could love.</p> <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $2,880 as tested, <a href="http://www.getac.com">GeTac</a></p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles6.gif" alt="6 out of 10"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-ruggediz.html">GeTac E-100 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/MSI_laptop_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Most of the new mini-laptops look like toys, educational tools or lab experiments in miniaturization, but the MSI Wind is an actual PC. Packing the latest 1.6-GHz Atom processor and a roomy 80-GB drive, the Wind boasts some legit PC cred. Yes, your iPod probably has more drive space, but 80 gigs was plenty not so long ago, and it's not like you're going to be producing HD video on this thing; it's more of an internet lapdog than a laptop. </p><p> The 10-inch widescreen can display most fixed-width webpages comfortably, and its keyboard is large enough to house decent-size keys so you can type easily without resorting to Homer's dialing wand. While even some larger laptops are short on ports, the Wind finds room for three USBs, an SD slot and a display connector (take note, MacBook Air!). Of course, it's not perfect. We would have loved to see a DVD burner included, and with all its ports, a mini FireWire would be welcome. Also, don't expect high-end performance from the unit or hearty battery life from its slim, three-cell battery. But if you want a cheap and tiny companion for uploading pictures during a Malaysian jungle trek, or just a little buddy to hang out with you on the couch for IMDB searches, it's pretty hard to be against the Wind. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Grown-up looks (as opposed to "I want to sit at the big kids' table" found in other netbooks). Full keyboard and the largest screen among mini-notes. Plenty of ports to plug away at. 2.3-pound weight and rounded edges make it simple to pack and lug.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Lack of a DVD is understandable, but it still makes us cry a little. Hard drive sometimes makes mysterious swallowing sounds. Two-hour battery life is OK, but three would be better.</p> <p>$500, <a href="http://www.msimobile.com">MSI Mobile</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles8.gif" alt="8 out of 10"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Jon Snyder/ Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-msis-nap.html">MSI Wind U100 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/eee_box_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Behold, the new Eee Box! Like the rest of the Eee bloodline, these varicolored desktop boxes are small, cheap and adorable (think AppleTV or Mac Mini). Intel's 1.6-GHz Atom processor, up to 2 GBs of memory, four USB ports, an SD card slot, 802.11n and Bluetooth are plenty for the Eee Box to hit that elusive "good enough" mark with aplomb. Once again, you'll get your choice of running either Linux or Windows XP. </p> <p>Then there's the size. While it does have a slightly larger overall footprint, it's much trimmer than the Mac Mini. Not only will this elegant 8.5 x 7 x 1-inch box fit anywhere, but you also have the choice of mounting it directly to the back of any extra monitor you happen to have lying around. To be clear, the Eee Box is not for sweaty frag fests or heavy-duty HD video decoding. But if you have a hankering for a killer kitchen PC or just an &#252;ber-cheap second or third home PC that runs Linux or XP, it simply can't be beat.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Small, lightweight and cuter than a bowlful of kittens. More than enough processing power for everyday computing. Cheaper than an ounce of <a href="http://www.drugscience.org/Archive/bcr4/4Price.html">Da Kine bud</a>. The option of running Splashtop for preboot access to Skype, web browsing and IM clients.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Where's the optical drive? No HDMI output, which actually doesn't matter much because there's also no hardware to decode acceleration. By itself, the Atom processor can barely handle 720p H.264 streams, dashing our hopes of this being the ultimate home-streaming box. </p> <p>$300 as tested, <a href="http://www.asus.com">Asus</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles8.gif" alt="8 out of 10"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-asuss-mi.html">Asus Eee Box review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/iomega_dvdr_expander_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Iomega's own $190 solution for a filled DVR is a 500-GB drive that plays nice with two DVRs in particular: Scientific Atlanta's 80-GB standard definition 8300 and the more recent 160-GB 8300-HD model. We tested the drive out on the latter model and found it more or less did what it promised. It even worked with a neighbor's Series 3 TiVo, which (to its credit) is known for being something of an eSATA slut. </p> <p>Setup in both instances was quick and painless, and involved simply turning off the DVR, plugging in the Iomega drive, and then turning everything back on again. Voila, no more having to choose between <cite>Emmanuelle: The Art of Love</cite> and the latest episode of <cite>Mad Men</cite>. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Reasonably priced. Your grandmother could probably set it up. Instantly adds an additional 300 hours of SD TV, or 60 hours of HD content.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Only one way to connect the drive to a DVR (that would be eSATA). Limited compatibility, although Iomega claims the drive will work with future SA eSATA-enabled DVRs. No way of controlling what gets stored on the expander drive and what gets stored on the DVR. Transporting DVR'd content to your computer is verboten, and plugging the drive into a computer will automatically reformat it.</p> <p>$190, <a href="http://www.http://store.iomega.com/section?p=4760&amp;secid=40079">Iomega</a> </p> <p><em><img alt="6 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles6.gif"></em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/review-iomega-d.html">Iomega DVR Expander Drive review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/samsung_slider_t.jpg'></img>: <p>The Samsung U900, aka Soul, aka Magical Touch, doesn't really have any supernatural abilities. What it does have is a tiny, touch-sensitive OLED nav-pad that is one of the coolest, most efficient touch interfaces we've seen on a handset. The small display (situated below the main 2.2-inch QVGA screen) features icons that morph based on whatever application is currently on the screen. Switch to camera mode and controls for snapping pictures. Toggle to the music player and buttons for fast-forward, rewind, pause and play pop up. </p> <p>The big selling point is the phone's pocketability. The picture quality and dynamic range could be better (LED flash, we're talking about you), but at 0.5-inches thick and 7 ounces, this slider is more svelte than just about every 5-MP cam we've tested. Ultimately, our biggest complaint is that you cannot use the camera without sliding open the phone first. This design protects the lens from dust bunnies and pocket grime, yes, but shooting with a fully open device was a tad awkward at times. </p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> External microSD slot makes it a cinch to swap cards on the fly. Bluetooth (+A2DP). Competent image-editing suite. Video editor allows you to layer additional audio tracks. Decent facial detection. Haptic feedback can be tweaked to three different levels of intensity or switched-off entirely. </p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Bundled proprietary ear buds sound duller than Ben Stein. No Xenon flash. No GPS. No WiFi. Lower-res video clips. Proprietary headphone jack positioned on the side = hard to pocket when phones are plugged in. Noticeable screen glare when outdoors. </p> <p>$400, <a href="http://www.samsung.com">Samsung</a></p> <p><em><img alt="7 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles7.gif"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Issac Brekken/Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/07/review-svelte-s.html">Samsung SGH-U900 Soul "Magical Touch" review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/t_mobile_sidekick_t.jpg'></img>: <p>The biggest selling point of the new Sidekick is supposed to be the customizable "skins" you can order to replace the solid-color ones (we opted for jet black). But apart from flashy aesthetics, the pocket-friendly 2008 is 0.4-inches shorter and 0.9-ounces lighter than the pricier LX. It also packs features that were sorely missed with the tragically minimalist iD. Most notably, a 2.0-megapixel camera that can also capture video clips (albeit crappy ones). </p> <p>Though the 2.6-inch WQVGA swivel screen’s received a slight -- and necessary -- boost in pixels (400 x 240), the resolution’s still not fantastic. And neither is Bluetooth. We found data transfers not only paused the media player (annoying), but afterward, we had to go back and manually un-pause whatever track was playing (doubly annoying). For the price, though the 2008 is a solid option compared to the LX -- but only if you live and die by instant messaging and you don't mind being seen with Paris Hilton's device of choice in public.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Spacious, comfy QWERTY. 3.5-mm headphone jack. Surprisingly loud, radically clear music player. Wide screen excellent for web browsing. Solid battery life. Quick video recording/sharing. Comes with two skins (we got black and iridescent lime). Bluetooth with A2DP (great to have, even if it does disrupt tunes).</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Screen retains more fingerprints than the Feds. No flash. No WiFi. Mike captures poor sound when recording video. Only 20-second video clips. Only 512-MB microSD card included. Apps are mostly in the $2.99+ range (except for the janky free Calculator). No 3-G. <p><strong>Price/maker:</strong> $150 (with 2-year contract), <a href="http://www.t-mobile.com">T-Mobile</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles6.gif" alt="6 out of 10"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/07/review-newest-t.html">Sidekick review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/planet_bike_blaze_t.jpg'></img>: <p>Cyclists know it's plum foolish to roll around on two wheels sans helmet, but it can be just as dangerous to bike about at night without a light. A good headlight affixed to your handlebars is just the thing to help cut through the murk and get you to your destination safely. Here we pit two of the top dogs on the market against each other and see which comes out on top. <strong>—Eric Smillie</strong><br><strong><br> Planet Bike Blaze</strong></p> <p>This one-watt LED cannon goes the extra mile, and we don't just mean it shoots light a ridiculous distance. Due in no small part to its particularly aggressive blinking mode, accurately called superflash, it didn’t just help us catch drivers' attentions; it had them anxiously craning their necks to check whether we were trying to pull them over. Drawing on only two AA batteries, this baby cuts down on weight but its CREE XR-E diode, coupled with a specially engineered Fraen lens, still pumps out the brightest light of all the lamps we tested -- enough to bounce off signs, license plates, and other reflective materials up to four blocks away, giving us plenty of time to make an impression. All we have to worry about now is whether some cop-hating, GTA IV-overdosing motorist trying to run us down.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Recessed switch only works if pressed firmly, which means it won’t turn on in your bag while you jostle your way to the bar, leaving you in the dark at closing time. Planet Bike spends 25 percent of its profits on bike advocacy.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> The brightness and reduced weight come at a price: 20 hours of battery life in blinking mode, and only seven on high. Though it installs without the use of a tool, the handlebar bracket is tricky to tighten and slips easily.</p> <p>$50, <a href="http://www.planetbike.com">Planet Bike</a> </p> <p><em><img alt="8 out of 10" src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles8.gif"></em></p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/topeak_whitelite_t.jpg'></img>: <p>While not the sharpest bulb on our handlebars, the WhiteLite HP AA is in it for the long haul. Don’t get us wrong -- just like other 1-watt LED headlamps, this portable, all-in one lamp is more than a glorified blinky. When engineering this light, Topeak got all snippy, cutting the cords to one of its external power-pack lights and reengineered it to accept three AA batteries. </p> <p>Its widely diffused beam covers plenty of surface area and earned our trust by helping us dodge nasty potholes and tree roots on unlit paths. But where this guy really shines is in perseverance, by lasting 30 hours on high and a whopping 120 on flash.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> The mounting bracket screws tight with a finger knob and adjusts five degrees left and right to get a straight aim even on angled handlebars, although it does require an Allen key to tighten. Little red LED signals when batteries are low.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> Blinks come slowly and lack urgency in flashing mode. Pushing the rear on/off push button can rotate the mount and mess up the light angle. Sound like a small problem? It won't be when you look up just in time to face plant into the bumper of a lifted pickup. </p> <p>$60, <a href="http://www.topeak.com">Topeak</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles7.gif" alt="7 out of 10"></em></p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p> <img src='http://www.wired.com/images/slideshow/2008/08/gallery_gadgets/nokia_e71_t.jpg'></img>: <p>The E71 looks more like a Blackberry Killer, but don’t be fooled: This great white hope gives the iPhone a run for its money in a lot of different areas (yes, really). Despite its obvious lack of an oversize touchscreen interface, Nokia wins points for a remarkably trim profile (10mm vs. 12.3mm), decent 3.2-megapixel camera (instead of 2.0), and the fact it's not tied to any carrier (yet). Setting up Nokia's Mail for Exchange program required no IT help or time. QuickOffice let us create, edit and send Word/Excel/PowerPoint files on the fly while we browsed PDFs with Adobe Acrobat Reader. </p> <p>The E71 is stocked with enough apps and goodies to keep even the most overworked road warrior on the ball, but it didn't feel too "business" due to two separate customizable home screens. One is designed to house all of your work apps while the other is geared more toward entertainment with programs for audio, video and gaming. The phone's 2.36-inch, 320 x 240 QVGA display is only slightly smaller than the iPod classic's, and though the resolution can't top the iPhone's, with 15 fps, the E71 is still solid for YouTube clips. Oh, and did we mention the E71's got battery life for days? Yes, literally, three of them.</p> <p><strong>WIRED:</strong> Up to 8 GB in an easy-to-access, external microSD slot. Quick and seamless OS. GPS, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth (you name it, it's basically got it). Vivid screen (even in direct sunlight). Textured stainless steel backing prevents slippage. Relatively lightweight (127 grams = six grams lighter than iPhone). Hit any letter on the QWERTY pad and predictive text calls up that section of your address book.</p> <p><strong>TIRED:</strong> No standard 3.5-mm headphone jack. 3.2-megapixel camera's optics could be better. LED flash could be way better. N-Gage gaming platform not available. Screen's wide, but not wide enough to do a feature-length film justice. For $500, you could get <em>two</em> 8-GB, 3-G JesusPhones (with $100 left over to put toward AT&T's data plan). </p> <p>$500 (unlocked), <a href="http://www.nokia.com">Nokia</a> </p> <p><em><img src="http://blog.wired.com/images/circles9.gif" alt="9 out of 10"></em></p> <p><em>Photo: Max Buck/Wired.com</em></p> <p>Read our full <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/07/review-nokia-e7.html">Nokia E71 review</a>.</p> <p>Check Wired.com's latest <a href="http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/reviews/">Gadget Lab reviews</a>, updated daily.</p><br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0e60de3cad9f3ad24618fe53da3da41f:SGbmZwVmyVmK6GOTB91tDJx2yX5R0byOJlZu3NuYO%2Bloi2M33bJMY16l1zV9pw%2FOUIpwtI%2FM01k%2FPYblCIu1ikJEdKhs%2FK0BeGgzodhQ540%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:618909dc7a482f22501b5730c0a805fe:V3uN6lffFfhOyeCkWDQqQZMh%2FUzJh%2BnAr1p3yEbWwIS86snmbe1uJ7VlV1%2BwMqrkkVdejsha%2Bf8Zgrvleb6mjA3uyzuyLDQ%2B3Qt%2BbUT2K%2Fo%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:bddae8d16e5dc23ea1b26e585f6ba707:Nbkj5LSFwxpkIVQ5uNt4hAoalTxSFMsn3TudgXLeRn4zDO881vaWmitSYDltvRX9EYWC%2BdQ5gKA1FGSiYBuAMtTNC%2FnGNKMMVaj2Wc49mO4%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0c3811f121775267a3e7b3d4e9fe9c36:YiujNOXSaOxV90rzekN%2FV8ReGd8AGSb8Kmqpn59Q5zVbeL4qYznAz2%2FToQrxBa9dSusFnPCFsQWGfncR1xsW1BVhNwI%2FfzCqXfFF9g14HCw%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=f37f1975e30f9f7233ee9e512ba331fe" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=f37f1975e30f9f7233ee9e512ba331fe" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=e0N46k"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=e0N46k" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/359081687" height="1" width="1"/>

Clive Thompson on Why Urban Farming Isn't Just for Foodies
<!-- pageType= magazinesmall slug= st_thompson section= techbiz subsection= people headline= Clive Thompson on Why Urban Farming Isn't Just for Foodies authorName= Clive Thompson creditType= illustration credit= Carin Goldberg --> <p>This year, Carol Nissen's crops include mesclun, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and assorted herbs. When she sits down to dine, she's often eating food grown with her own two hands.</p> <p>But Nissen isn't tilling the soil on a farm. She's a Web designer who lives in Jersey City, New Jersey &mdash; one of the most cramped, concrete-laden landscapes in the nation. Nissen's vegetables thrive in pots and boxes crammed into her house and in wee plots in her yard. "I'm a micro-gardener," she says. "It's a pretty small townhouse. But it's amazing what you can do without much space."</p> <p>The term for this is urban farming &mdash; the art of growing vegetables in cities that otherwise resemble the Baltimore of <cite>The Wire.</cite>It has become increasingly trendy in recent years, led by health-conscious foodies coveting just-picked produce, as well as hipsters who dig the roll-your-own vibe.</p> <p>But I think it's time to kick it up a notch. Our world faces many food-resource problems, and a massive increase in edible gardening could help solve them. The next president should throw down the gauntlet and demand Americans sow victory gardens once again.</p> <p>Remember the victory garden? During World Wars I and II, the government urged city dwellers and suburbanites to plant food in their yards. It worked: The effort grew roughly 40 percent of the fresh veggies consumed in the US in 1942 and 1943.</p> <p>These days, we're fighting different battles. Developing nations are facing wrenching shortages of staples like rice. Here at home, we're struggling with a wave of obesity, fueled by too much crappy fast food and too little fresh produce, particularly in poorer areas. Our globalized food stream poses environmental hazards, too: The blueberries I had for lunch came from halfway around the world, in the process burning tons of CO<sub>2</sub>.</p> <p>Urban farming tackles all three issues. It could relieve strain on the worldwide food supply, potentially driving down prices. The influx of fresh vegetables would help combat obesity. And when you "shop" for dinner ingredients in and around your home, the carbon footprint nearly disappears. Screw the 100-mile diet &mdash; consuming only what's grown within your immediate foodshed &mdash; this is the 100-<em>yard</em> diet.</p> <p>Want to cool cities cheaply? Plant crops on rooftops. This isn't just liberal hippie fantasy, either. Defense hawks ought to love urban farming, because it would enormously increase our food independence &mdash; and achieve it without the market distortions of the benighted farm bill. You don't need tomatoes from Mexico if you can pluck them from containers on your office roof.</p> <p>Better yet, urban farming is an excuse to geek out with some awesome tech. Innovations from NASA and garage tinkerers have made food-growing radically more efficient and compact than the victory gardens of yore. "Aeroponics" planters grow vegetables using mist, slashing water requirements; hackers are building home-suitable "aquaponics" rigs that use fish to create a cradle-to-grave ecosystem, generating its own fertilizer (and delicious tilapia, too). Experts have found that cultivating a mere half-acre of urban land with such techniques can yield more than $50,000 worth of crops annually.</p> <p>But what I love most here is the potential for cultural transformation. Growing our own food again would reconnect us to this country's languishing frontier spirit.</p> <p>Once you realize how easy it is to make the concrete jungle bloom, it changes the way you see the world. Urban environments suddenly appear weirdly dead and wasteful. When I walk around New York City now, I see the usual empty lots and balconies and I think, Wait a minute. Why aren't we growing food here? And here? And here?</p> <p>In fact, that's precisely what occurred to me when I came home and looked at the window of my apartment. So now it holds three pots balanced on the ledge: One with herbs, one with lettuce, one with tomatoes.</p> <p>I should have my first crop in about a month. And I expect my victory salad to taste very sweet indeed.</p> <p><em>Email</em> <a href="mailto:clive@clivethompson.net">clive@clivethompson.net</a>.</p><br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:45d3cf2ad2a2c1aeaf55478f63e1a022:eFda2Wez4wI2VbU6ky9x4lL9LOPMiyrTltjmP4M%2BAumWjjXqpD5ja6255t5yM2VCr0%2FFcdKwjuu9l7fMEjNILN1ELgtghwndTLI2Tghr5WM%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:a9a19cf18a73b00aad8bd727adb8fee6:pY6ANGG%2B8n28ghOlRYqcEJptb7gKglC9sBdN5S8X%2F6f67eGcdhZsCUIXLWqdJl75ZroZvHbx3to8BbwOtpOSrSHfmY%2FjorLZfqdwgjqXiMs%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:332b71df261b6b7dc27d8d32ef9c729f:Gq4pAE8vCmu00xYR2k1iqvOmelcyVGkIgKiKn3j0pZBQiXd2ufLfVAjaPsB6w0GoW4HcW33o4mD%2BkByIBS9%2FHSSgb%2BAjP4H5iEUuupwnExo%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:a2941baf92bf888046ee0fd07519a015:wTlhKuCSb%2BaLRcIeBNjXWi3YnHKmCVtltEjLHZZDoSGL4AtrLG17Wl6jlXt34JqnOvm910n96ABIjr8m7B0wiDuNvZ2nAwHOLzUHJhpgJjA%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=f75e22e23851f10d1459f25ce1dc723f" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=f75e22e23851f10d1459f25ce1dc723f" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=vQruoS"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=vQruoS" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375843395" height="1" width="1"/>

Aug. 27, 2003: The Lights Will Stay On in Fairbanks
<p><strong>2003:</strong> Fairbanks is connected to the world's largest storage battery, built to provide Alaska's second-biggest city with an uninterrupted power supply.</p> <p>Fairbanks' remote location and sub-Arctic climate makes supplying reliable power to the city of 32,000 difficult. In deep winter, the temperature in Fairbanks is almost constantly subzero, dropping as low as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit The situation is complicated by the fact that Alaska isn't connected to the <a href="/science/discoveries/multimedia/2008/08/gallery_electrical_meter?slide=4&slideView=2">power grid</a> that keeps the lower 48 humming.</p> <p>As a result, Fairbanks used to experience a serious, <a href="http://dwb.adn.com/life/story/3865063p-3888425c.html">"cascading" blackout</a> every two or three years, along with a number of smaller failures every month. Since the mountain couldn't come to Muhammad, it was necessary to devise another source of reliable local power.</p> <p>The answer turned out to be a massive battery, the largest ever built, that now sits in a warehouse on the outskirts of Fairbanks. According to ABB Communications Services, the power-components specialist that built it, the battery can generate up to 40 megawatts of power -- enough to keep 12,000 people supplied with electricity -- for seven minutes. That's long enough to fire up the city's backup diesel generators and restore the power supply.</p> <p>The <a href="http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/246701/6/ARTCL/none/none/1/World’s-Largest-Battery-Storage-System-Marks-Second-Year-of-Operation/">battery energy-storage system</a>, or BESS, which cost $35 million to build, contains 13,760 nickel-cadmium cells weighing a total of 1,400 tons and covering more than 10,000 square feet.</p> <p>BESS is controlled by a Pentium PC-based platform programmed to provide all the essential services, including a complicated temperature-control system designed to withstand the rigors of the Alaskan winter.</p> <p>In its first two years of operation, BESS reportedly prevented at least 81 power failures, an average of more than three per month. In a hostile environment like the area around Fairbanks, that can mean the difference between life and death.</p> <p><em>Source: Various</em></p><br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0f52e6c648d475993a52423546fa1072:uYuAE0A1P8fW1YvOE2sKug3rvfwLg%2FTE2b47rKioTcmQCZiRQN%2FbYUtC0RdzP6kT1lgDf6E6zleX2jYBML2EkX%2Bs6bWrDJJUu4n%2FUAAkeoA%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:a0a7c682b7162342566cb050248c5f1f:j9kWwmulSVXHuRweMz9OhfcTUeDhcfKIANXgCS52udKWgTiFZ7Jz27ygkbHhQaZkeUukcn492YD26NvsRjGLZ2dJ4voV8JBRMN%2F7Anj5TfQ%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:727e12993364f6e760421ecd14cf0808:jGyZVKMzGmv5oKfknEKfW9yU4YeI32wFSdQDnfN%2FSQP6VxCO44Zq7R8J25SU%2BcOSR%2F5dHZ6ANmqu5sPRUtybqTvZ%2Bq8iByN4fUWxNNnuY1c%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:c8126dcdbb13deda43532b66826d62f9:bnNMsHx6sewjFaMnlTQKEW9%2Baa03r9Codh7mlu4d%2FHAMF6zgVAD46cGGqTyekxbO6VcRtR1F5VKMCKXQMAYrkaoIYyunOSC%2BGqtAr53BWCM%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=5dcc8ff5a969017a38eaee06578a27f5"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=5dcc8ff5a969017a38eaee06578a27f5"/></a> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=5dcc8ff5a969017a38eaee06578a27f5" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=CHcEsH"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=CHcEsH" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375843396" height="1" width="1"/>

Build a Green Roof
You can't get much greener than photosynthesis, and if you own a house you can take advantage of it. Plant some greens on your roof and you'll have a rich harvest, an insulated (and better looking) roof -- not to mention a cleaner environment. Stop wasting sunlight and green your roof.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:3eb1c65284690804dc29ea4f7e746db9:2hcahTJk3hgHn8mQk3KiYDQGI534%2BENSnkteHpNOdo7VV1%2BtSOw0pPuXx85QHbx1JljHM5T2LakCyYbNh1rnsVfXlBSkEDxlM4pC6f%2Bov78%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:5a6dc257d06744dc1811891a2862c8b7:egYq6Xp91Q3tAP2qxJZi6AhdZUO0fDxn1x2bR7Hx4YjfOT2pGchNtkBbdGcHzINgDRoVLQoEElklkmaXwcHKaMWEcFrgLr15guLC%2BdZhXQQ%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:a197594602052bb312b3f3c43abe3939:7YL76hcOT5fXNaO%2BpiFiSOwSwRgDd0xZCvC9bKdyWkPaQIWmFpB%2B8sqUO1518jGyDzMt%2FjRO0LY1jXt6x3sGJWioH72Ur3flPOPGh4VCfQI%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:dee4ee1e9af418229aac90512b315380:LuQopJGHx3zGDG28Xn6EGLN2rZrJzgtla1ZzxTvtdxcRNfJgcW9JqAagHpAtbJQrWJGp6eNpJJUfeUvDrNKRILAUZrfpujrthl%2BMGl8pWwI%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=d0c6dab4a40c90f5de28be86f69fd9bc" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=d0c6dab4a40c90f5de28be86f69fd9bc" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=E906Wk"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=E906Wk" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375711218" height="1" width="1"/>

Alt Text: A Wistful Geek Heads for Sweet iPhone Hell
<p> I do not, as of yet, own an iPhone. However, soon my cellphone provider will be unlocking the door, shooing away the rats, taking off my shackles and releasing me from my contract. </p> <p> At that point I will be buying an iPhone. Not because it's a shiny new Jobs-job, not because several of my friends have it and keep waving it at me, but because I clearly need it. I require its functionality for such important business purposes as having an iPhone. </p> <p> <div id="lorepodcast"><img src="http://www.wired.com/images/commentary/lorepodcasttall.jpg" /> <h1>Alt Text Podcast</h1> <p>Download audio files and subscribe to the <a href="http://rss.sonibyte.com/rssfeed/wired/20.xml">Alt Text podcast</a>.</p> </div> </p> <p> In the past, technology has often taken me by surprise. I go over to a friend's house to see this new "TiVo" device they've got ("It's what? Like a VCR? I already have a VCR.") and before I know it, I'm refusing to watch television shows during their scheduled time slots just on principle. I find out about geocaching, pick up a GPS to give it a go, and in no time a stoic, computerized voice is telling me to drive through a 6-foot-wide alleyway on the way to San Diego's only In-N-Out Burger. </p> <p> This time, though, I'm not going to be taken by surprise. These are my last few weeks before I have an iPhone, and I'm going to make sure I cherish my ignorance. </p> <p> Right now, I can have a thought like, "I wonder who had a hit first, Chuck Berry or Little Richard?" and allow that question to wander around in my head. Maybe I'll remember it and look it up when I get the chance; maybe I'll just let it go. I suspect that this time next month I'll be pulling over to the side of the road -- I <em>hope</em> I'll pull over to the side of the road -- to get the answer immediately. </p> <p> Right now, my friends are not subjected to photos of every "witty" stop sign annotation I encounter. In fact, they can actually hang out with me with no fear of showing up in my Flickr stream with basil in their teeth. </p> <p> Right now, I do not post to Twitter every time I see a dachshund. </p> <p> While I long ago surrendered my right to stride the world undistracted by phone calls, right now I at least do not compulsively grab for my cellphone whenever someone friends me on Facebook. </p> <p> Right now, sometimes I have ideas for columns, and they slip my mind before I can write them down. I like to think they go to Idea Heaven, where they become a much better essay than they would have been if they had been brought to life by my mortal fingers. Once I have my iPhone, none will escape. </p> <p> Right now, I am capable of referring to my cellphone without actually telling people what brand it is. </p> <p> Right now, although I sometimes regale my long-suffering non-gamer friends with tales of the latest gear to drop from Kara, I do not actually pull up <a href="http://www.wowarmory.com/">The <cite>World of Warcraft</cite> Armory</a> and force them to look at my Cyclone Helm. </p> <p> Right now, I do not appear to bystanders to be speaking into an ice cream sandwich. </p> <p> Right now, I rarely, if ever, use the phrase "awesome new app." </p> <p> Right now, I would be surprised if using the phrase "awesome new app" in public did not result in mob justice. </p> <p> Right now, I understand that there is absolutely no reason for me to watch an episode of <cite><a href="http://www.dogthebountyhunter.com/">Dog the Bounty Hunter</a></cite> in the bathroom. In fact, I realize that the very fact that this is an option is, in some indefinable way, a sign that our civilization is doomed to collapse in flame and sorrow. </p> <p> So goodbye, non-iPhone Lore. It's nice having been you in a simpler world. These were the days. </p> <p> - - - </p> <p> <em>Born helpless, nude and unable to provide for himself, Lore Sj&#246;berg eventually overcame these handicaps to become a telecommunicator, a telecommuter and a teleconverter.</em> </p><br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:973569eab21dfbcddc49012dbd342578:bUyn9I2U0mQYuSEXu3iJpDaUviYFZVsnU%2Ff9JPrJ5Qb48Aldz0eGkun2%2FSVaO%2FijeY2Urku18sBxgNB3gDEKPTxZNetkeD%2B%2Bzu47iA2%2FtW4%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:45af7b623ed1957ae600f4d1fdb8ad63:RBJF%2BdbtJvZOcWfYVElS4ldDqe3im1ob%2BTK2uOG9yuCnqLJB2reY%2BApVv%2F9wm3NDOEPrUSIb1WAJUyafmxKw9sFAke%2By1OG9%2FvuBulUB9CA%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0ffbe5c2e115e305e802053706798dbd:aOue1dKS9XMIP9oQiwEQKDT%2Bb1DaMz%2Bgv9HNcBoaF5ez5F7IjsENHrw5JP0cyfIoHnUiLDyp15oVs1tVUYa7qzHYWhdR5SGIQEHOL3MknwM%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:0413b5f9c9025731ccc946b39e46078c:XJe4K%2FzB3AWlT1zygcSLaJNJINvEEeRWYLEUgwiWXYof%2BaqAQGIiGawZaAWwjOzCIqvVH4AL3n7vPWJE36XZ4XahZrkzBd9%2B1y9lIc1z%2BJ0%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=e5ee26f20c114dbda89151cad862a764" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=e5ee26f20c114dbda89151cad862a764" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=TaHrQa"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=TaHrQa" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375749849" height="1" width="1"/>

Revealed: The Internet's Biggest Security Hole
Researchers demonstrate a serious eavesdropping risk in the internet's fundamental infrastructure, putting proof to a theory that's long been whispered about in national security circles.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:f2f80659738a2fb7d9891184b9685bb4:MsQfzLgjBZzMfZW%2Bj6NsXoKH2oRgHKDcx3sRVXyR8CQFmiTmPIGV%2FYEqX%2FQ8QElFWj%2BuUd%2FWw%2BPGHUDYqZC4IW9qDhbywLE6Qq7xca%2BbX0o%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:48bb362517102646a4dc6e1f9bfc83b9:k6xxKIw10ShLSS%2Fvmhbtj6nOrKMGZLvMThNsrynngmJuwq5ZHBaiwtNnEZoz7ERiF8JxqVib09f8PeDXnS3g1LZBDZcvNmB9vwGawdwK6Dc%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:a68d2d0ddf8e653298529f88e995ab98:Tcf3UZKjIZ9rIO1RZJUO5LCU%2Faxhc%2F6z47nOOL1N3EohNdLdPxzjcYWO%2B9ndGmKVZNNctkuw1A9eftvDy9f3juHffKpagT9eErHyCNznXbg%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:5ca48958a7c8f867e160634ce76cf379:YItvoicLr9z5F%2Bh5ZFhbYo7LA9LzUoGGfWe1YmFTXAi2bc%2BA%2FciTZDOzmsPFSNSt62XvBALqSILXXWwExOHIJWL%2BK0d5IQb3ucClE4431qc%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=d5b82b7b0e05f23a4b7b3f5dab5a97b7" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=d5b82b7b0e05f23a4b7b3f5dab5a97b7" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=vUZZ12"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=vUZZ12" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375711217" height="1" width="1"/>

Little Yellow Lego Guys Turn 30
This week marks the 30th anniversary of Lego's introduction of the "minifig," the friendly yellow characters that add a human element to those iconic, plastic bricks.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:6435f02aa4f0c26623d10358d3f47e8c:%2BVV3L%2F3O6UT46I58lZBRF%2FeHgsEU%2BQFwF02AEb8nvFaGnS2s1raxDNMK7V%2BnN%2FDqbF9DF72cIuH0HNP4TVPgl84BaEbQTq8mS8yqwKGeVd0%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:dc036b499a52fc75c51f5a07dc5a0353:Rs5CuD8YMxGNv9irMw1NYLuTyv0GlCTCEP1o6tmgpj4zhZS4vMgRls8FEbfPXwP56K8yb3%2BpjB7wXmFKbHD6DkUgb%2F4G%2Fs4DWUFFk761cHM%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:7b7f4fef42137b09a34b51b45be1e278:MH%2Fb%2BuGjNx80ooshL86%2B4rNzi9ob1KDXNyDne3Wd6BtsJ161MU9fkGimyn4lQGoZgu8YHXkzhdCYU3bliGqpBOQJ%2B833d%2FNh4orS9FdK7rA%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:cd504adc4ea7653afd1e85aa13c83af5:oJLgi4Qzpy6sTbs730b35mz9NwANocCUDzfHLPP9UrOQVzywpYkbdFk9kRSEHRGXrvU2KXLwRn%2Bdu8fRt7TeQHPjs180G2VqFkZLIxFpbSI%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=f13a1ee6ebb594bffc9a2d776645038f" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=f13a1ee6ebb594bffc9a2d776645038f" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=93bJBK"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=93bJBK" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375614993" height="1" width="1"/>

RIAA, MPAA Converging on Political Conventions
The Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America are well-known for their thousands of copyright infringement lawsuits. But they're also Hollywood's biggest lobbying organizations. The pair have descended upon Denver for the Democratic National Convention and are headed to the Republican's convention next week in Minnesota -- in a likely move to bolster proposed legislation creating a cabinet-level copyright czar.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:2500ba7aca56bda27450d4b457022c86:ejwg4I2Q18v0xFUk8ALwHvnCXRqB3%2BiaqVxIOqKE8cH%2BHfvsEUOzO5uvquQhIMKhelekCYncE5oNPJ5CReBfkQZUTzpDu%2Be5mFOsXXNTn8E%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:8f59899cfa25942e9def15c84c046db2:H4WTaMNobkoQUfZVEwdtjjRBxUtvyxstYhyoQr7uM0Z7qAkstj2TYpeYbSLwwJhTvbYveUFWHLpn8GoOkypJ1h84VltLQ6ktEVuHDb9AHqU%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:b68b69c6c949650a21a2ac70284c288d:NdR4eLxjp%2F7t2WV2pkRdoVqptdPDjed8OAV3UBYWJ592prj5D%2FxEVEq8yF169g7w0OX3kPCFb1wVivnoQV4A85BVr3jyKZa6hGmXlXQQFv4%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:ad00f8920674effa47656fdb78b7b1a8:nmwuIHrK0ErRxq2Syp3FdU1swfgRXwC5GJUhHtNjM8kd4dhNo3LuuwaTbASyivAzH7kfA1WIozudP%2Frzy7slACfuOMpA0gESNOOsIdK1cFI%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=5f036b04d20c8a32a197c73b95407512" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=5f036b04d20c8a32a197c73b95407512" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=T3N2rt"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=T3N2rt" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375614994" height="1" width="1"/>

Your Parents (and Kids) Will Love Adobe's New Photo and Video Tools
Adobe announced new versions of its Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements suites for editing, cataloging and sharing digital photos and home videos on Tuesday. The tools are aimed squarely at novice users and budding hobbyists, yet they deliver much of what's available in more powerful, pro-level applications.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:f23860bb68eb63e26da9deb6603ab579:8Am7aRWkAN5M2LuAAr8VG9W2ZIq2g0UCza%2FeCrIp5U7U5ybnf01T1LHEqwqx%2FldK%2Fis3rT2PFNHpOI3eu4o4qAjwWLY2Hp7IQzIjrGfaSao%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:d3b0f293aa967d1ca99662ff2dfa7bb2:JsJuYMPY864o%2F%2B%2FbAfKEuEtAUzJVCYpOx%2BORJM8hzUVFiJFJoCMwDC9c7qVEq%2FG%2BrnQHM8yRPPegk6sqztTwH2IrxPLCjmuaZP4RLl7cIj4%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:e69a08e93fb5e42256fa73451e750434:8PHUKoLM6QyIAHprO5Kxxp4mYcGy39n5Q2i%2FUS9vDmqGdML707grAwteoi%2BVfzBXyUBE8Fnmmm3MW04vZHWC5UxBNI1Hwz3ynQ4%2F324txVI%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:8d0f2439f196546e712e63b6e802abcb:re8wxsIWGo6hm8C1JT8MGTeGt70vLPn6%2FUX9yy04N5rJSq4ePbDbYWcjlZgN4aVe9q%2FSzPRJZjbJSS%2F1mW7K5grffI1tw5T6gBHJ5aMzAes%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=49d67cb69f63ba5eed1c7486f5fb1f96"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=49d67cb69f63ba5eed1c7486f5fb1f96"/></a> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=49d67cb69f63ba5eed1c7486f5fb1f96" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=rKsqh0"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=rKsqh0" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375706060" height="1" width="1"/>

The Internet Gets a New Command Line With Firefox's Ubiquity
Mozilla released a new, experimental add-on for Firefox Tuesday which adds a human-language text interface to the web browser. Now users can manipulate web services by typing one line of text, setting a whole new paradigm for how we interact with applications on the open web.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:99e01aad8342029fe9dcfb60d9a4f17d:TCpGiq%2FftW3%2BWUOLeGesSPFAosfWLNRk25mydh%2Fdmz2Z%2FCsGfBzk981UvjD9dIQ3Bp9XTBHhvFZ%2F3DlSU5WDG%2BGV7ujgAL6bGNcqk6DXP90%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:f62f97213ac9f400f33ebcdad1df1262:FHmn8CFSyvUYY2vOY%2BetlswlFdZmdvX7CqC7eJi7qNinYY0FZOPMvPz%2FNEub0K%2FpTGIGGTMZlZb5V4FYk7CjHTnQ%2BuoJzZNcR5qcv0J%2FpPw%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:cb78850541fd2f3377d954e2f62ff8f2:qPXMqM8bJs8Lrb%2FmQ6zdpMjkt7CILIl%2BDPC%2FqWWnmEshmi608TqJmchsHk%2BHuz3YBkh1OFcYZrZEIHzxD%2FsAcReKlPQB944OxKYWJGdhp4Q%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:22e4428d6e2239d9815cc4d61380327f:XuJ8G5jBteol1ZNWeljQQkIhJ03GM7C3EsDgFY7tI%2FqykZl8tAUj0c%2BGJD0HuaO2HtKl7YEAQ6DINXwpx6WNYXhVfmeeMBB05yWGSr0hZuM%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=b45cec8e4f12f9404f79d63d98021314" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=b45cec8e4f12f9404f79d63d98021314" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=xJ8vaC"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=xJ8vaC" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375706061" height="1" width="1"/>

Review: Phantom Lapboard Wasn't Worth the Wait
Vaporware becomes corporeal at last, but this supposedly liberating keyboard-and-mouse combo for gamers fails on a variety of levels.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:e6f808cd17d3c4dc289796c47d4a8188:dNTt6ClXY3y6r7%2BWElTVignHDHwMcI5QKqhya5uB1ar0nk%2Bx3muPHUlN5E3JeDnwfHBReeEVWr5r%2BIyrdF5mDh4YZ2OQRH9%2B%2Ff2xK4vG2Yw%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:1f37631cd3d3be69a440f6259e176348:gIs2jeHBvORM9I11R37c3GeFjIGQWYdXSvYMNZeAEi27leHgKCRgTtd5OI14AeccyqBhK9lxi0djAqJVhgsvDIHv0GhiVqz2uACmS1kbhwA%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:b732cee5fce991ddd293aca5b6c9f4bb:PC4VTQpmHNPB1jH1HolFrpLkxougYOu0xWw6JT7Vm27PiBsLcZid9jAuXIRjT%2BNVSWbZkTzzsNyahG80W4e5MPe3UFawPipOWnwG3Vv9GHU%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:65b957e4b076f778190010aa17db545b:%2FcQOQQQAiPmdNuajIMHWPz9Yv7H39IzUmUrYCygKmoM%2B%2FWY%2FWhx4tjsIkd8xgzhGfF%2FsDaqczZ9ZCAJ%2FUZ7Kj9z%2Fs5MdBWkdJtef%2BzDvk5E%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=495c875f777fca5d8f9106ac63e88f30"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=495c875f777fca5d8f9106ac63e88f30"/></a> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=495c875f777fca5d8f9106ac63e88f30" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=YQ1Brm"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=YQ1Brm" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375588076" height="1" width="1"/>

DTV Upgrade Proves Costly, Headachy
As the FCC pushes $40 coupons for digital TV converter boxes, complaints about the boxes have grown loud -- for many Americans, the device hasn't delivered an acceptable quality of television reception.<br style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:5649123a803dc58479974faf08834c57:%2FzhT465%2F6Y%2FBMZvvAczeTXUjClJPpx6jXMii7UAZRstN19xxcMCecogq8Zf1FScOPTuIAWLweiuDWvtaJPYhIzajAT%2F%2BquwVDP1Yu5uNOgQ%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:8a996da8c91cea38fb20f1d0671c1d0d:hN4gNs6satL2dkwnv25AyjlbBk%2Ft0Sw2SAAgM3436%2BgW97qFbA3YB97deNN8J4%2F2uAg0K3aC%2Bx5o0XoFepLQZZlf0bndzl6oI2oz5VSYJuU%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:e7e90fe24f39b93035591045a9bbded7:d0sFQ94z15KwmXWk0YXM%2BekMJ7JBRI7%2B6MwZv5chnAwuyoPeXwlYa8Q99l6Tdfad4y09sUAaSLVa1MPPLeCm73dDyZWAPyfcFTHRcA%2F6N4M%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedo.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v2:951044c73eda6e846caec4d6d66d7ad5:H9IOUGSSFR%2FlySrlW%2FKAcWGEf6Jm9lwWRSKDYeZf5z%2FeTiNOEmjAaq4Rt3KP%2Bs9SrWyf%2BknUbpmfbP9ge5okq4%2BK1HbcOF1q0BcRwALXbY4%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://www.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <br style="clear: both;"/> <img alt="" style="border: 0; height:1px; width:1px;" border="0" src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?i=8c428364ba93beb11dd92f0ded24706c" height="1" width="1"/> <img src="http://www.pheedo.com/feeds/tracker.php?i=8c428364ba93beb11dd92f0ded24706c" style="display: none;" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/> <p><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?a=RQG4re"><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~a/wired/index?i=RQG4re" border="0"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/index/~4/375588077" height="1" width="1"/>

Wounded G.I.s' New Rehab: Wi