Hasta La Gadget!

The PRS-300 has a 5-inch screen, while the larger PRS-700 is a 6-inch model.

(Credit: Sony)

A couple of days ago I posted an item on how I’d heard whispers of a new Sony digital reader potentially hitting the market in August. Well, now some images and details of …

It may seem like only yesterday (or a couple of months ago) that Acer was rolling out its very first Timeline laptops to much fanfare, but it’s now already turned things around and kicked out a whole new addition to the line-up: the 8000 series. Apparently aimed at both business users and average folk, this one will be available in 13.3-, 14- and 15.6-inch variations, and pack the usual Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Solo ULV processors, 4GB or 8GB of RAM, a 160GB or 500GB hard drive (or even an 80GB Intel X25-M SSD, for those looking to go all out), and either some basic Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics or a ATI’s 4330 dedicated GPU — not to mention some bonuses like a multitouch trackpad and optional 3G (at a later date, it seems). No word on pricing or availability just yet, but it seems safe to bet that at least the entry-level models will be sub-$1000, if the current Timelines are any indication.

Filed under: Laptops

Acer further bolsters Timeline lineup with new 8000 Series originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you have a tangle of cords and power strips behind your desk, you might want to consider one of these cable management solutions. And while you are at it, show us a picture of what your are dealing with.

If you have neatly organized your cables, feel free to show that in the comments too. Even if it’s just zip ties, well-organized cabling can be like a work of art.

To be honest, this is my favorite solution on the list—so much so that I am planning on doing this one myself. Going to your local hardware store and picking up a rain gutter and accessories then installing it under your desk or along the wall is a cheap and effective DIY solution. [Lifehacker via Link]
Cablox adhesive pads stick to the bottom of your desk, allowing you to wind cables out of the way through the nodules on the business end. [Cablox via Link]
If you are creative enough, you might find something around the house that can serve as a basic cord wrangler. In this case, Wolverine Mighty Muggs toys decently handle small jobs. [Geeksugar via Link]
The Cordotz cable organizing system goes beyond simple zip ties and colored tape with candy-colored cordwraps, cordstraps and cordidentifiers. [Cordotz via Link]
This snake-like contraption conceals your cords and channels them down to the floor. [CableOrganizer]
Many of the workstation desks coming out these days have built-in cord management systems. The Swan Desk concept pictured here takes that idea a step further by allowing you to weave your cables through the desk in an artistic way. [Les Chics Types via Link]
Cablebox is a simple box with open slots that tucks away cords and power strips that would otherwise be lying in a heap on the floor. [Bluelounge via Link]
The Cable-Safe is basically a shelving system that you can neatly hang cords and power strips from. Aesthetics aren’t addressed so much with this solution, but it will keep your cords off the floor. [CableOrganizer]
Inside the WireMate, users can wrap and fasten cords in place. After the cover is attached, the unit can be mounted anywhere that’s convenient or out of sight. [CableOrganizer]
Why fight with power strips—all you need are more outlets. This extreme solution is only a concept, which is just as well considering that practicality and safety don’t seem to factor into the design. [Ironic Sans via Link]

Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he’ll explore where our industry is and where it’s going — on both micro and macro levels — with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

Last week, fellow columnist Ross Rubin talked about the state of mobile platforms and how the era for launching new platforms has come to an end. I tend to take a different view of the mobile market. There are currently six major platforms vying for the hearts and minds of users and third party applications developers — RIM’s Blackberry, Microsoft’s Windows Mobile, Apple’s iPhone, Nokia’s s60, Palm’s WebOS and Google’s Android — and there’s simply no way the market will support that many device ecosystems. But there may yet be opportunity for other players to enter the market.

This is not a new phenomenon. In the early 80s there were a multitude of personal computing platforms. Atari, Commodore, Radio Shack, Texas Instruments, Apple and even Timex (yes, Timex) all were in the personal computing business, long before IBM entered the game. All survived for a period of time selling to an enthusiast market with a focus on out of the box featuresets. Once the target became the mass market, however, user expectations changed from the out of box experience (which essentially meant programming in Basic) to additional capabilities provided by third party software. The success or failure of each PC platform was decided in no small part by the availability of third party software. Exclusive titles, best of breed titles, and titles that appeared on a given platform first determined winners and losers. The same thing is happening today in the mobile space.

Continue reading Entelligence: Six is much too much

Entelligence: Six is much too much originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CMS Products, manufacturer of data backup, encryption, and security products for business users and consumers, is offering some excellent deals, including a free hard drive.

For starters, you can get a free 160GB Value Line Hard Drive when you purchase BounceBack Ultimate for Windows ($99), software that lets you back up your entire PC or laptop hard drive, including the operating system, data files, applications, pictures, video, financial documents and settings.

While supplies last, a 1GB Vault OTG Secure Encrypted Flash Drive can be yours for just $10 (originally $29). With the included CE Secure software, you can set password-access control to the drive that utilizes 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption.

Looking for a good deal on refurbished items? CMS Products has those, too. The 500GB Refurbished V2 eSATA ABSplus External Desktop Backup and Recovery Drive, regularly $167, is on sale for only $115. All of your files are copied to the backup drive, and the included BounceBack Ultimate Backup software enables data backup sets to be configured and automated.