This Frankenstein of a creation is actually the amalgamation between a Spectrum ZX and a Toshiba Libretto 110. The latter retains its processor, but both the lower case and keyboard has been replaced with ZX hardware. It is easy for the creator to create a passive adapter circuit to match things up since both machines employ the use of matrix style keyboards, albeit with different matrix layouts. Tags: speaker, lcd, camera, video games (Read the full post about ‘Spectrum ZX Laptop’…)

Earlier this week, Avi Cohen, of research company Avian Securities, suggested that a large PC vendor was seeing up to 20% of laptops with SSDs being returned due to failures and poor performance. It did not state which company it was referring to directly, but Dell seemed to be the likely candidate.

Dell has now hit back about suggestions it is the company seeing such high return rates through its blog. An excerpt from the entry is re-printed below:

Here’s the real story: the 20 - 30% failure and return rates cited by Avian Securities don’t even vaguely resemble what’s happening in our business.

(Read the full post about ‘Dell reacts quickly to SSD failure claims with facts’…)

Nokia’s ”Comes With Music” offer sounds real nice up front, but it does have its limits, most notably the DRM, which a lot of current services seem to be moving away from. The service was originally announced last December and is still expected to launch in mid-2008, but an official date has not been announced. Joining Universal, EMI has just jumped on board as the second major label. So now with two major labels on board the service seems to be shaping up, but there is another key item that still needs some clarification, the “Comes With Music” service is reported to be paying $80 per handset per year for the unlimited download account. (Read the full post about ‘Nokia picks up EMI for their “Comes With Music” offer’…)

You won’t see anybody at The Tape Project using anything as vulgar as an ipod. For those guys, even CDs and vinyl aren’t good enough, so they’ve started selling music on reel-to-reel tape. The original studio master tapes are dubbed to a 1″ duplicate master and then copied to quarter inch tape for the ultimate in audiophile bragging rights. According to Dan and Paul of The Tape Project, “You just aren’t going to get any closer to the original master, short of buying a record label or two.” You also aren’t going to get many titles. Currently the line-up number just ten, mostly classical and jazz. Sonny Rollins is in there, as is Robert Cray (no relation to Seymour Cray). (Read the full post about ‘The Tape Project Gets Real With Reel To Reel’…)

Those taking domestic flights on Qantas can enjoy sending and receiving text messages as well as emails sometime in the near future. The trial lasting from April till January next year involves a Boeing 767 that has been fitted with the necessary hardware to facilitate this exchange of information, with Airbus A330 jets to receive similar treatment later this year. Such modifications will enable cell phones and portable devices to be used without causing any interference to the aircraft systems or ground communication network. You won’t be able to make or receive voice calls though, but the thought of Mario Karting with another person on the other end of the aisle is very, very enticing. (Read the full post about ‘Text Messaging on Qantas Flights’…)

Apple has at last divorced RAW camera support from operating sytem updates, a frankly clunky and ridiculous way to add compatibility for new camera models. With digital camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.0, a slew of new models have been added, and in a download of just 2.3Mb. While the update quashes some security issues, what we care about is the list of updated models, copied and pasted below for your reading leisure. You’ll need the latest version of everything for the update to have any effect, but if you do, this miniscule download will let you view RAW files in Aperture 2, iPhoto and directly in the Finder. I tried it with Nikon D60 NEF files and everything worked. It doesn’t even require a restart. (Read the full post about ‘Apple Updates RAW Camera Support’…)

Posted Mar 21st 2008 4:10AM by Thomas RickerFiled under: Desktops, Laptops It’s only beta at the moment, but the open source community just kicked Ubuntu 8.04 out into the wilds. As you’d expect, the update brings an increment to Ubuntu’s quaint, alphabetical naming convention. In other words, the new Hardy Heron will supplant the current Gutsy Gibbon as we make our way towards an October release of Intrepid Ibex. Got it? Good, now do yourselves a favor and check out Ubuntu’s latest. (Read the full post about ‘Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 launched into beta, our hearts’…)

Posted Mar 21st 2008 5:19AM by Darren MurphFiled under: Cellphones, TransportationAbout this time last year, the cab drivers of New York City were taking a stand against GPS installations. This year, they’ve taken to the streets of downtown Manhattan in order to rally for the right to use cellphones while on duty. For those unaware, NYC cabbies are currently disallowed from using hands-free apparatuses while on the clock, and those in the profession are arguing that having one would enable them to feel safer and more connected to the outside world. (Read the full post about ‘NYC cab drivers lobby for right to use cellphones on duty’…)

Milk Chocolate Refill Oh sweet heavenly god of chocolate - actually shouldn't that be goddess - here is an altar into which we shall dip fruit and marshmallow sacrifices. You can have this for ?9.99 Tags: Gadget, Hi-fi, DVD, players (Read the full post about ‘Milk Chocolate Refill’…)

USB Cup Warmer & Hub New lower price. Was £14.99, now £11.99. (Read the full post about ‘USB Cup Warmer & Hub’…)