Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Saturday, March 27th, 2010
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We pay lots of lip service to Turing but has anyone actually seen or thought about what Turing did for computing? Aside from the Turing Test, Alan Turing invented his Machine, a “tape-based” system for digital computing. The machines have always been thought of as a “thought experiment” but on crazy man actually built one. Although this Turing machine is controlled by a Parallax Propeller microcontroller, its operation while running is based only on a set of state transformations loaded from an SD card and what is written to and read from the tape. While it may seem as if the tape is merely the input and output of the machine, it is not! Nor is the tape just the memory of the machine. In a way the tape is the computer. As the symbols on the tape are manipulated by simple rules, the computing happens. The output is really more of an artifact of the machine using the tape as the computer. The heart of the turing machine is the read-write head. The read-write head transports the tape and positions cells of the tape appropriately. It can read a cell determining what, if any, symbol is written there. The machine works on, and knows about, only one cell at a time. The tape in my machine is a 1000’ roll of white 35mm film leader. The characters, ones and zeros, are written by the machine with a black dry erase marker. This thing is so far over my head that it’s in the stratosphere, but it’s an amazing build.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
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While the Eye-Fi Pro X2 – an 8GB Eye-Fi card with RAW support and ad hoc mode – is already available, the company just released two new additions to the X2 line, the Explore and the Connect. The Explore includes automatic geotagging for images and videos. Here are the specifics: Eye-Fi Connect X2 – At 4GB capacity, the Eye-Fi Connect X2 will automatically upload JPEG photos and videos to the computer and one of more than 25 online sharing sites, such as Flickr, Facebook, YouTube or Picasa, through a Wi-Fi network. MSRP: $49.99. Eye-Fi Explore X2 – At 8GB of capacity, the Eye-Fi Explore X2 will automatically upload JPEG photos and videos to the computer and one of more than 25 online sharing sites. It offers lifetime automatic geotagging so photos and videos arrive at the user’s computer with location information already included to identify where the image was captured. Explore X2 also offers one year of hotspot access for uploading away from home at more 21,000 AT&T and Harborlink locations across the Unites States and through open hotspots. MSRP: $99.99. Eye-Fi Pro X2 – Unveiled at CES and winner of CNET’s “Best of CES” award, the 8GB Eye-Fi Pro X2 will automatically upload JPEG and RAW photos and videos to the home computer, and will send them to one of more than 25 online sharing sites. It also allows users to create an ad hoc connection directly to their computer to wirelessly upload photos and videos while away from a wireless router. Like Explore X2, Pro X2 offers lifetime geotagging and one-year of hotspot access to enable uploads away from home at more than 21,000 AT&T and Harborlink hotspots and open hotspots. MSRP: $149.99. These new devices can use multiple AT&T hotspots and feature faster video upload and a new “Endless Memory” mode that will upload images and video as you take them. They’re available today. Product Page
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
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At some point we’ll probably just ingest our memory cards. via Reddit
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
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iBUYPOWER announced today its latest, 4 new “Paladin” systems using the i7 980x processors . These new systems come with iBUYPOWER’s free liquid CPU cooling, and you can request that the CPU be overclocked and tested before being shipped out. The new systems are available in whatever custom configuration you might like, including your choice of ATI Radeon or Nvidia GeForce video, up to 1TB of storage, and Blu-ray drives. The F970 and XLC V3 both come standard with an 80GB SSD drive, and Windows 7 Ultimate. From the press release: El Monte, CA – March 18, 2010 – iBUYPOWER, a leading innovator of gaming PCs, is excited to announce four new Paladin gaming systems all powered by the new Intel Core i7 980X Extreme Edition Processor. The new 6 core processors are extremely overclockable, deliver benchmark shattering performance and allow unmatched multitasking capability. Gamers need not be concerned with having multiple browsers open, team speak, or MP3s files playing while gaming due to the new processor’s revolutionary hyper-threading technology. The four new configurations all feature the finest components available, including the newest ATI Radeon and NVIDIA GeForce high-definition video cards, which all support DirectX 11 graphics. The Paladin F950, F970 and XLC V3 all pack 12GB of DDR3 Memory, provide at least a 1 TB of storage space and a Blu-ray drive. The fully loaded F970 and XLC V3 also come standard with an 80GB solid state drive and have been upgraded to Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate. Additionally, like all iBUYPOWER desktop systems, the newest Paladin model all feature free liquid CPU cooling. Gamers looking to get the most out of their new six core systems can take advantage of the iBUYPOWER Labs’ Power Drive Overclocking Service, which overclocks the CPU by as much as 30% and comes standard on the Paladin XLC V3. Other innovative iBUYPOWER exclusive products and services include the Harmony Sound Reduction System, the Internal USB Expansion System, and iBUYPOWER’s Specialized Advanced Packaging System with expanding foam inserts to prevent damage during shipping. The new Paladin systems start at $2,159 and are available now at www.iBUYPOWER.com . Customers with more specific gaming needs can configure a fully customizable system at www.iBUYPOWER.com. All iBUYPOWER systems also come standard with 1 year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
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Jerome York – Jerry to the folks at Apple – joined the Apple board in 1997, the board that voted Steve Jobs back into the CEO position after a decade in the wilderness. York died of an aneurysm. Apple dedicated their entire front page to his memory: Jerry joined Apple’s Board in 1997 when most doubted the company’s future. He has been a pillar of financial and business expertise and insight on our Board for over a dozen years. It’s been a privilege to know and work with Jerry, and I’m going to miss him a lot. The business community called York a “turnaround artist” and he brought Chrysler and General Motors back into stability in the 1980s. He also worked as CFO of IBM and ran Micro Warhouse, Inc.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
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So you’re hopping on a flight and you sit next to a sexy member of the opposite sex. You’ve got to get some work done so you whip out your nasty laptop, a fat and ugly IT department-supplied monstrosity (probably from Dell or HP). Your seatmate looks over, idly contemplating your potential as a lifemate, and sees your junk laptop and starts reading the Skymall catalog. After all, laptop makers for years have been saying that a persons value as a genetic donor is wrapped up in the look and feel of their hardware. That’s right: if you don’t buy something from the Dell Vostro 3000-series, you will die alone. These laptops come in two sizes, 13- and 14-inch, and run up to a Core i7 processor (in the 3700). They start at $649 and are available now on Dell’s website . How great will your life be when you buy these laptops? Dell SVP Alex Gruzen has the answer: “These entrepreneurs want technology that makes them more productive and helps them compete, and the Vostro 3000 delivers in a package they will be proud to show off in the airport or the boardroom.” Proud, Alex? Not pride. Satisfaction. Satisfaction in knowing that 80% of Dockers-wearing businessman progeny will be spawned, it seems, from the loins of Mother Dell herself. It’s Vostro’s world. We just live in it. Dell Celebrates Entrepreneurial Spirit with New Vostro Laptops Vostro 3000 Series Offers World-Class Security, Services and Reliability to Help Small Businesses Succeed Date : 3/9/2010 Round Rock, Texas Following the successful launch of the ultrathin and light Vostro™ V13, Dell is offering business customers even more choice with the stylish Vostro 3000 series – a range of new thin, lightweight and durable laptop computers. Featuring powerful processors, high-end graphics and built-in security, the Vostro 3000 series is designed for small businesses that require robust mobile computing solutions. Today’s SMBs and entrepreneurs want notebooks that are powerful and attractive, and the new Vostro 3000 series was designed to meet and exceed both those needs. For the most demanding tasks, the Vostro 3000 series sports the latest powerful Intel® Core™ processor technology, including, the optional, Core i7 Quad Core processor available on the Vostro 3700. For those that demand portability and productivity, the Vostro 3300 is one of the industry’s thinnest commercial 13” laptop with an integrated optical drive. For those that can’t afford to be chained to their desks, the 14” Vostro 3400 offers a full day of mobile productivity with up to 8 hours of battery life with an optional 9-cell battery. “To succeed, small businesses need simple, reliable and affordable technology solutions,” said Alex Gruzen, SVP, Consumer, Small and Medium Business, Dell, Inc. “These entrepreneurs want technology that makes them more productive and helps them compete, and the Vostro 3000 delivers in a package they will be proud to show off in the airport or the boardroom.” “Dell continues to sharpen its focus on SMB customers with the new Vostro 3000 series,” said Ray Boggs, VP of SMB Research at IDC. “Small and mid-sized firms are returning to the PC market after a year in the recessionary wilderness, and they are ready for the kinds of capabilities, including Microsoft Windows 7, that will get them to the next level of productivity.” “As the first PC brand designed exclusively for small businesses, over the last year, Dell has introduced several new Vostro laptops and desktops to serve their distinctive needs. Ranging from our recently announced, super dependable Vostro 230 or future-proof and powerful Vostro 430 desktops, or the ultra-thin Vostro V13 laptop, Vostro products are designed for small businesses helping them stretch their budget and protect their data, and come with dedicated small business services and support to keep a small businesses moving,” added Gruzen. Worry-Free Business IT All of the Vostro 3000 laptops have embedded webcam and microphone for collaboration through videoconferencing, while the Vostro 3500 and 3700 offer the option of high definition WLED screens and the 3700 offers the option of up to 1GB of NVIDIA® GeForce® discrete graphics to help ensure one of the best visual experiences. With the built-in HDMI port, users can even make high definition presentations to clients when required. These new Vostro notebooks are also backed by a dedicated and specially trained small-business sales and support team of experts, which is a key pain point for small businesses that typically have little or no IT support. Inclusion in Dell’s FastTrack program enables select configurations of the Vostro 3000 series to ship within 48 hours of ordering , further removing worry from buying a new laptop. Durability is another feature more customers are demanding from their laptops. The Vostro 3000 series laptops sport durable hinges and are encased in aluminum for extra protection while away from the office. Shipped with a 30-day return policy , the Vostro 3000 notebooks also feature a suite of customizable service and support solutions to keep business data protected and business moving at an affordable price. Vostro 3000 Series: At a Glance Stay in Touch: With the integrated webcam and microphone , users can make Internet calls, conduct video conferences and remotely exchange files to help increase productivity. Always Be Connected: Users can go wireless with a full range of connectivity options: 802.11g/n wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and WWAN mobile broadband. Memory to Spare: Run Windows® 7 effortlessly while performing everyday tasks quickly with support for up to 6GB of DDR3 SDRAM memory. Protect Your Work: Keep your critical data under lock and key with optional finger print reader and full-data-encrypted hard drives. “Set & Forget” Online Data Protection: Easy, secure and automated Dell DataSafe online backup protects and helps recover business-critical data. Coverage Now and Later: Users can extend their basic Limited Hardware Warranty from 1-3 years to stay covered into the future. Remote On-Call Support: Small businesses can get help when they need it with DellConnect, which allows tech-support agents to troubleshoot and help resolve system issues remotely. ProSupport to Simplify IT: Businesses can choose their own level of 24
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Friday, February 26th, 2010
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Sony Japan today announced [JP] the “nav-u NV-U35″, a portable navigation system that also can be used as a music and video player. The device comes equipped with 8GB of internal flash memory and a 3.5-inch LCD screen with QVGA (320×240) resolution. It supports video in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (Baseline Profile), MPEG-4 (Simple Profile) and WMV (VC-1 Main/Simple Profile) formats. Music can be played in MP3, AAC, WMA, ATRAC, HE-AAC and linear PCM formats, while the NVU35 displays pictures as JPEGs. Buyers also get a 1W mono speaker, a USB port and a Memory Stick Duo slot. The device is also water-resistant (IPX 5), comes equipped with quite powerful navigation software (that’s only useful within Japan though), features Sony Blu-ray recorder connectivity and has a battery life of about 4 hours (after a full charge). Sized at 112×17.8×79mm, the NV-U35 weighs just 176g. It will go on sale in Japan on March 13 for $410. Sony hasn’t said anything yet about international sales but does offer those navigation systems outside Japan, too ( this one , for example), which means a release in the US is possible.
Posted by Kevin Huffman
Tech
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
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Aperture 3, Apple’s latest prosumer photo manipulation and organization software, got a major update and it looks like a doozy. As you recall, Aperture was eating memory like an Ancient Roman at an orgy and essentially bogging down all and sundry. This update improves the speed with which large libraries are imported and fixes many of the heavy batch issues that cropped up in the first release. Full list of fixes after the jump. You can read more about the problem over at the KBase . About Aperture 3.0.1 This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3, including: Upgrading libraries from earlier versions of Aperture Importing libraries from iPhoto Importing photos directly from a camera Memory usage when processing heavily-retouched photos Face recognition processing Adding undetected faces using the Add Missing Face button Printing pages containing multiple images Printing photos and contact sheets with borders and metadata Editing photos using an external editor Display of images with Definition and Straighten adjustments applied Zooming photos in the Viewer and in the Loupe using keyboard shortcuts Accessing Aperture libraries on a network volume Selecting and moving pins on the Places map Adding and editing custom locations using the Manage My Places window Switching between masters when working with RAW+JPEG pairs.