Portable media player enclosures go the extra mile

Almost two years ago, Consus wowed us with a 2.5-inch enclosure which played video and MP3 files directly onto a TV. Though the formats were limited to a handful of common standards, it did free us from the need to lug along a PC or DVD player when we stayed in hotel rooms.

Recently, we spotted similar enclosures that not only play processer-intensive formats like XviD, DivX and DVD MPEG-2 files, but also include additional functionality in the form of an SD card slot and OTG capabilities. The latter is essentially a USB port which can transfer files from any USB storage device directly to the harddisk sans a computer. This is a great boon for those who love to take tons of photos on their digital cameras, as they can transfer the contents to the hard drive and save money on multiply memory cards. Though it requires power for the file transfer function to work, some brands bundle an external power adapter which uses four AA-sized batteries.

These enclosures can be found in most Asia IT stores under different brand names like Gemini and Consus with prices ranging from S$70 (US$46.84) to S$100 (US$66.92).

Nvidia unleashes GeForce 8800M graphics

Nvidia was trumpeting its two newest mobile GPUs, the GeForce 8800M GTX and GeForce 8800M GTS, as a "gamer's wishes come true". The two graphics cards are now the company's highest-end options for mobile gaming, and Nvidia claims they are the world's fastest notebook GPUs.

Key features on the GeForce 8800M series include both DirectX 10 and DirectX 9 compatibility, so you can make the most of the newest games as well as your old favorites. The graphics processors also include the company's PureVideo HD engine for playback of high-definition video and PowerMizer technology, which the company claims balances battery life and performance.

Specifications for the GeForce 8800M GTX:

Stream processors: 96

Core clock (MHz): 500

Shader clock (MHz): 1,250

Memory clock (MHz): 800

Maximum memory: 512MB

Memory interface: 256-bit

The GeForce 8800M GTS includes nearly identical specs, but has only 64 stream processors.

Via CNET Crave

The iconic Mac

Icons are usually things you see on the screen. Well, one designer decided to put a different spin on things and made an entire Mac Classic the icon instead.

Satta van Daal painted the old startup icon for Mac OS onto an old computer. This makes it useless as a computer, but hey, who uses a Mac Classic these days anyway? In my opinion, as art, this trumps the Macquarium anytime, but only because you never have to change the water for this piece dubbed Happy Classic by the artist. For those without an old Mac to try this on, perhaps starting with a CRT monitor and painting the BSOD would be a good start.

Satta van Daal's Flickr page (via Notcot)

USB locket is a sad comment on what we love

This is a sad commentary on the state of modern culture. There was a time when lockets were reserved for photos of loved ones or, in the 1970s, perhaps a gram or two of an illicit substance. Now? A USB drive.

It's obviously not the first time we've seen a memory stick worn around the neck, but most of those trinkets were the actual drive themselves. There's something about secreting it as a hidden treasure that makes this "Olinari Sterling Silver Dog Tag" particulary perverse, not to mention overpriced at US$349 (or US$319 without the 2GB Sony Micro Vault). Luxist calls it "the perfect hoiday gift for that hard-to-buy-for, rugged person" (rugged?) but we're reasonably sure we could come up with something better for that kind of money.

Via Crave CNET

A USB alarm for your notebook

Now here's a keeper. Yours truly hasn't had her notebook pilfered before (touch wood), unlike a friend's unlucky husband who thought tucking his S$4,000 machine away under the car seat was a deterrent. So for a paltry US$25, this keeps tabs on your portable by shrieking its metal lungs out if someone yanks your laptop away. To secure, you attach the base unit to an anchor and plug the cable to a USB port on your notebook. To deactivate, you insert a key into the base unit of Belkin's USB Laptop Security Alarm. Disconnect without the key and let's just say even those hard of hearing will hear those decibels. Note that this works as a passive watchdog since nothing will stop even the most determined thug short of tasering him. Too bad that's illegal where we come from in Asia. So the best prevention? Keep your eyes on your laptop. 'Nuff said.

Via Everything USB

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