Fashion PCs with an environmental conscience

If you're not sold on these environmentally friendly computers based on their unique designs, their names alone are worth giving them some consideration: Sarah and Nora.

Both are models made by an Irish company called Iameco, which prides itself on producing tailor-made computers in stunning wooden cases that are free of toxins. The unusual curved supports make an architectural statement, according to BornRich, "representing strength and load-bearing capacity". Their innards are nothing to sneeze at either, with typical models including an Intel Core Duo chip, 400GB SATA 2 hard drive, and more than 2GB of memory.

Following the sylvan theme, they come with a wooden mouse and keyboard as well. Not bad for around US$1,550. And they won't be mistaken for a drum set.

Via CNET Crave

OWC did it again

As if being the first and only vendor that offers the largest pocket-size external hard drive, wasn't enough, OWC announced today the first 320GB external had drive that runs at 7,200rpm, the Mercury On-The-Go 320GB 7,200rpm. This is actually not the first high-speed compact external hard drive (and definitely not one with the most creative name, either), but it is the first that offers 320GB of storage space. The first 7,200rpm portable hard drive is the G-Tech G-Drive, the rest of compact external drives spin at only 5,400rpm.
Read more »

USB hubs for Star Wars fans

Non-Star Wars enthusiasts may find these two USB hubs utterly tacky and even, horrors, downright ugly on their desktops. Then again, the official R2D2 and Darth Vader USB hubs were designed for hardcore Star Wars followers who are so in a galaxy of their own, far far away. In addition to the four USB ports, the R2 hub turns its head, lights up, and whistles the signature sound effects one associates with the droid. The Vader model features sound effects and glowing red eyes.

Unfortunately, the USB hubs appear to be located in a particular region of the universe called Japan, at least for now. Though we're sure that with so many Star Wars devotees patrolling our galaxy for such paraphernalia, it really shouldn't be too hard to find one popping up on online stores and auction sites soon enough. Both the R2D2 and Darth Vader USB hubs will retail for US$66 each from July.

Via Gizmodo
Photo credit: Gizmodo

Facebook suspends app that permitted peephole

Vancouver-based computer technician Byron Ng, who likes to prod social networks for holes and other errors, stumbled across a way to learn more about Facebook users than you're supposed to be able to--prompting Facebook to suspend the Top Friends application late on Wednesday.

Until Facebook suspended the Top Friends app, created by Slide, anyone could browse partial profiles of anyone else on Facebook who had added Top Friends to their page. CNET News.com confirmed that the security hole exposed the birthdays, gender, and relationship status of strangers, including Facebook executives, the wife of Google co-founder Larry Page, and one profile that seemed to belong to Paris Hilton that used her middle name "Whitney".

Basically, the app was not obeying the privacy settings specified by the user, enabling anyone with the know-how to bypass the security once they obtained someone's Facebook ID number.
Read more »

iHome blends computer speakers with iPod dock

iHome has introduced the first combination of an iPod dock and computer speaker we've seen. The iH69 and iH70 will let you charge, play, and sync your iPod to either your Mac or PC without the need for additional cables or docks.

Both models are compatible with any docking iPod and also provide a headphone jack for private listening. The iH69 is available in black, while the step-up model iH70 comes in silver. Also with the iH70, you'll get a higher wattage as well as a fully functional remote.

Priced in the same range as other high-end computer speakers, the iH69 will cost US$100 and the iH70 will cost you US$130. You can preorder them now at iHome.com.

Via CNET Crave

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