Cool Tech Reviews

Riyad Emeran at The Register:

If you have even a passing interest in 3D graphics, you’ve probably been waiting for the appearance of ATI’s dual-GPU solution. It seems like aeons ago that ATI announced that it would produce a platform to rival Nvidia’s tremendously successful SLi, but now, finally I have a CrossFire system in front of me and it’s time to see if it was worth the wait, writes Riyad Emeran.

What I’m talking about is the ability to install two graphics cards in a single PC so the two cards share the load when it comes to 3D rendering - resulting in a significant performance boost when you fire up your favourite game.
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One of the most obvious physical differences between SLi and CrossFire, is the method of connection between the two cards. With SLi a small bridge is employed between the two cards that links them internally, while CrossFire uses a daisy-chained DVI cable that links the cards externally. There’s no doubt that the Nvidia solution is more elegant from a PC building point of view, but looks aren’t everything.

Another big difference between the two systems is that ATI has promised that CrossFire will work with every single game out there, whereas for SLi to weave its spell there needs to be a driver profile for each game you want to play. Of course, this doesn’t mean that CrossFire will enhance the performance of every game, but just that every game should play in CrossFire mode.

Much more by following the link, but frankly it seems that all these dual GPU systems are right on the bleeding edge with a variety of quirks. Per the reveiw, some of the ones with CrossFire may be alleviated by ATI’s next generation of graphics cards, based on the new R520 core.

Does your iPod nano have unsightly scratches, Bucky? Ed Oswald at BetaNews points to the ultimate do-it-yourself fix from Todd Dailey:

So, you have a black nano and now realize that you should have purchased a case or a cover for it. But, it’s too late now, it’s already covered with barely visible scratches and marks that you can only see under a 500-watt lamp. Oh no! What will you do? Never fear, I put my nano at risk for your sake. I had read on Slashdot and a few other places that Brasso can restore an iPod to like-new condition, but I didn’t believe it myself, and I was a bit worried that it would have some sort of bad reaction with my iPod, such as melting it. After all, a $4 can of Brasso can’t compete with $20+ third party creams and polishes, can it? Read on…

Hit the link for the before and after pictures, and while it worked out fine, I’d still be rather nervous about doing it myself. And as one of the commenters at BetaNews remarks:

$4 if your time is worthless. 20 minutes? the thing isn’t even a month old! So what is that, a few hours a year cleaning? sweet I’m picking me one of these wrist exercisers right away!

For some reason, I really like Small Form Factor (SFF) PCs and now Shuttle has formally launched one on steroids:

The XPC SN26P is the world’s first small form factor system based on the NVIDIA nForce4 SLI chipset. Designed to support GeForce 7 series graphics cards, this award winning barebone is a must-have component of the ultimate gaming system.

(Taipei, Taiwan — September 27, 2005) Shuttle Inc - the world’s leading manufacturer of small form factor PCs and accessories - has today released final details of its much anticipated gaming barebone, the XPC SN26P. Previewed by a number of hardware review websites and magazines earlier in the year, the XPC SN26P has, even before today’s launch, earned itself numerous awards including “Most Innovative Product” awards from websites HardwareZone and VRZone.
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At its core the XPC SN26P is powered by NVIDIA’s most advanced chipset, the nForce4 SLI. This gives the system enthusiast level performance features including full support for AMD socket 939 processors, SATA 3Gb/s hard drives with RAID, and gigabit Ethernet with hardware acceleration and firewall. 7.1 channel surround sound is enabled by the popular Via Envy24PT audio processor. The barebone has been approved to be compatible with NVIDIA GeForce 7 series graphics cards in SLI configuration, a list of compatible cards is available on the Shuttle website. The barebone will not require the specially designed SLI heat-pipe cooler as seen in prerelease models.The XPC SN26P has begun shipping around the world and should be available in stores in less than one week.

The specs page is here and The Register has some background on the preview program.

From the press release:

OQO today announces its newest ultra personal computer, the OQO model 01+. With upgraded specs, new features and additional accessories all packed in the same 14 ounce pocketable design that made the model 01 the smallest and most mobile Windows XP computer on the market, the model 01+ offers even more PC functionality everywhere you go.

In addition to upgraded memory, larger hard drive, and faster USB, the model 01+ incorporates an internal speaker and improved pen-based digitizer. The model 01+ now ships with a new universal power supply which adds support for airplane and automobile DC power outlets.
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“The OQO remains one of the most unique personal computers on the market and is proving to be valuable in industries such as healthcare and public safety,” said Rob Enderle, Principal Analyst for the Enderle Group. “In a world of otherwise similar products the OQO stands out as unique, amazing, and incredibly useful”.

The OQO model 01+ is optimized for highly mobile professionals in industries including public safety, healthcare, field service, insurance, manufacturing, sales and pharmaceutical. Earlier this year, OQO earned PC Magazine’s 21st Annual Award for Technical Excellence and the 2005 Mobility Award from MobileTrax.
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OQO model 01+ features include:

* 1GHz processor
* 30GB hard drive (shock-mounted)
* 512MB RAM
* 4.9″ x 3.4″ x .9″
* 14 ounces
* 800 x 480 W-VGA 5″ display (indoor/outdoor readable)
* 3D accelerated graphics with 8MB video RAM
* QWERTY thumb keyboard with mouse buttons and TrackStik®
* WiFi®
* Bluetooth®
* USB 2.0
* FireWire® (1394)
* 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
* Microphone
* Pen-based digitizer
* NEW support for screen rotation
* NEW support for network boot (PXE)
* Removable lithium polymer battery
* Battery life up to three hours, depending on usage

Included accessories:

* NEW universal power supply with auto and air adapter
* Desktop stand
* Digital pen
* Carrying sleeve
* Docking cable with following ports:
* 3D accelerated 1280 x 1024 VGA video output
* Additional USB 2.0
* Additional FireWire (1394)
* Ethernet (100/10)
* DC power
* Audio out

Prices start at $1899. Looks very slick, but I’m still seeking the Holy Grail of long battery life.