Nvidia doubles the GeForce 8800M GTX

Nvidia announced that its GeForce 8800M GTX graphics could be combined in an SLI configuration. The scalable link interface lets two graphics cards work in tandem, essentially doubling your graphics capability for added performance on the most hardware-demanding games. The concept is nothing new, of course, and we've tested several laptops, such as the Dell XPS M1730 and Alienware Area 51 m9750, running earlier Nvidia cards in SLI configurations. This announcement just marks the SLI compatibility of Nvidia's latest high-end laptop GPUs.

At this point dual GeForce 8800M GTX configurations haven't shown up on manufacturers' Web sites, but Nvidia tells us we can expect gaming laptops from Dell, Alienware, and others to incorporate the technology "soon".

Via CNET Crave

Ideazon Merc Stealth: N00b-hunting keyboard

Ideazon had a hefty hit with PC gamers a few years back--the innovative Zboard keyboard, which offered different keysets for specific games. It was rather clunky, but it succeeded in making PC gaming slightly friendlier--the Battlefield 2 keys were certainly very handy. Now Ideazon's back with the altogether sleeker Merc Stealth keyboard.

Instead of a swappable keyset, the Stealth has an extra-wide chassis with special gaming keys built into the left side. These are basically a second set of the keys you use most when playing FPS-type PC games, such as W, A, S, D, Shift, Space and so on, but in a much more user-friendly design. It means you still use the key presses that are hard-wired into your shooter brain, but with less RSI and fewer mistaken keypresses. The W key, for instance, is exactly above the S, unlike on a normal keyboard, and both are much wider than your run of the mill key.

Other features include a backlit keyboard so you can play in the dark--very cool if you're playing something scary like F.E.A.R.--which can change color at the press of a button. Red, blue and purple lighting are available for your customization delight. Ideazon also bundles a very easy-to-use software tool to assign functions to each key, which brilliantly includes mods for dozens of the most popular games.

Testing the Merc Stealth out on a few of our favorite titles, we found the gaming keys responsive and very comfortable. The build quality is very high and (although obviously we haven't been hammering it for months) we imagine it'll last a good deal longer than a bog-standard keyboard would.

The only downside we could find was that the design has squashed the right-hand side of the keyboard together, so the cursor keys and those you'd normally find above them (Insert, Home, Page Up and so on) are all part of the number pad. This can be irritating if you plan to use the keyboard for more mundane pursuits.

The Ideazon Merc Stealth is available now online for US$89.99 (S$127.78).

Via CNET UK Crave

Get Apple stuff at a discount

Apple is one of the few vendors which doesn't believe in price wars. In fact, other than an Educator Purchase program, it's probably easier to squeeze blood from stone than get a discount for Apple stuff.

But for a short 24-hour period, the Apple Singapore online store will be pushing out special deals for its products. Starting from 12 midnight on January 30, you can get a headstart on your Valentine's Day present (or presents, if you don't believe in putting all your eggs in one basket). Don't worry if you miss this offer, as another one will roll around in, oh, another year or so.

And no, we do not get advance notice on specific deals, so please stop calling us and stay up late like everyone else.

Oh give me a Skype where the Buffalo roam

Can one technically sue a tech company whose product image almost caused a writer to choke? One glimpse of this, and one of our reviewers scarfing down his bun almost gagged. Assuredly not with emotion, but over what goes for innovation these days. Honestly, what will they think of next? Skype in a mouse? Oh wait, done that already.

Still, if you're the kind who likes your Skype integrated into your PC accessory like a keyboard here, no matter how silly and midget-sized the handset looks, and particularly if you have big paws for hands, check this one out from Buffalo.

Crunchgear reports this out in Japan this October for US$65. And if you get tired of holding up this extremely tiny handset to your face for those lengthy long distance chitchats, don’t hang up. Just get a velcros strip and tape it around your head for some handsfree time. It can't look any sillier.

DIY 3D scanning for US$2,495

We've heard of 3D scanners before, but never got to see one in action. Ex-CNET staff Veronica Belmont did. Lucky her. On one of her recent Mahalo Daily episodes, she hosted Dan Gustafson from Next Engine who gave her a demo of 3D scanning and its uses. Basically what the machine does is it triangulates the light against the sensors and measures the speed of light. We can't really make out the rest of the stuff, but the things that they showcased looked pretty awesome.

Just in case you think this is another one of those random, silly stuff that would never make it to the market, you are wrong. You can actually own the Desktop 3D Scanner at a cool US$2,495. Price includes the scanner, ScanStudio CORE, AutoPositioner, PartGripper, PowederPen, PaintPens and a one-year parts and labor warranty.

Hit the read more link for the video interview. They even have a 3D printer toward the end of the interview! Sweet.
Read more »

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (968)

» Digital Cameras (568)

» Notebooks (699)

» PC & Peripherals (760)

» Handhelds (355)

» Printers (50)

» Home AV (650)

» Music & Play (533)

» Gadgets (1198)

» Future Tech (244)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads