Hasta La Gadget!

We can’t say we didn’t warn you. Looks like the kids at Comcast have to answer some questions over at the Justice Department — and the FCC — before they get their hands on NBC. Both agencies have pledged to “examine the transaction closely,” says AP, being ever-vigilant as they are to protect consumers and competition in this free market society of ours. The review could last upwards of a year, but if that means that 2011 could see the debut of NBC-Universal’s “Comcastic!” theme parks, it will all have been worth it.

NBC-Comcast deal comes under Justice Department, FCC scrutiny originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you were waiting to purchase the Plastic Logic QUE ProReader e-reader tablet, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.

Late Thursday night, the company notified customers that the company is postponing shipments “until the summer”, to “fine-tune features and enhance the overall product experience,” according to a note sent out by Richard Archuleta, the company’s chief executive.

“I can imagine that you want to get your QUE proReader as soon as possible,” Archuleta wrote. “We
are sorry for the delay. For your inconvenience, the shipping charges will be on
us.

Plastic Logic will send more details on when customers can expect their ProReaders next month, Archuleta said.

There will be two version of the QUE proReader: a
$649, 4-GB model that includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; and an $799, 8-GB
version that also has a AT&T 3G modem. The QUE proReader is 1/3 inch
thick,and weighs about 1 pound. It uses a 10.7-inch shatterproof
plastic display, which is larger than the Nook or the Kindle.

Want to see more? Take a look at Lance Ulanoff’s
hands-on video with the Que.

Lazy humans, your dream has come true: a robot that could carry food and drink from the kitchen straight to your couch-borne position without you having to get up. It’s the Toshiba Wheelie, a balancing bot that zips around on two wheels like an autonomous Segway, but with the added bonus of retractable runners on the front and back to keep it from toppling should it ever suffer an abrupt power failure. It sports stereo cameras on top and a laser range finder as well, enabling it to find its way around (or under) obstacles. The demonstration video below shows it propping a plate of steak and mixed veggies on its head before taking them for a ride around a demonstration space — impressive, but given it lacks the arms to pick up the plate in the first place we’re thinking this one’s usefulness is sadly rather limited. He also can’t talk, which means rhyming is right out, but he is kinda cute.

Continue reading Toshiba’s Wheelie robot carries your dinner, doesn’t do burnouts (video)

Toshiba’s Wheelie robot carries your dinner, doesn’t do burnouts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNET experts answers questions about 3D TV display technology, and 3D LCD and plasma TVs from Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Vizio and more. Read this blog post by David Katzmaier on Crave.

Sellout risk: huge. Dell’s zero-ink printer is a fun little gizmo that normally sells for $99. If you get there in time, you can score one for a fraction of the price. pOriginally posted at a href=”http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-10467942-58.html” class=”origPostedBlog”The Cheapskate/a/p