by Darren Murph, posted Aug 4th 2008 at 11:28AM From the same brilliant mind that brought you the RoboStool comes something a bit less useful but equally mesmerizing. Put simply, Norris Labs’ Stonehenge is a robotic time teller which rearranges placards in order to express the current time. The concoction utilizes a CrustCrawler Smart Arm and a Parallax Propeller chip along with 14 cards to display the current time, though it does operate, um, a bit slowly. Ah well, it’s not like you’re in any hurry to see what this thing can do, right? Oh, wait… you are? Head on past the break for a quick look.[Via OhGizmo]Read PermalinkEmail this41 CommentsFiled under: Misc. (Read the full post about ‘Stonehenge robotic clock: telling time never looked so fun’…)

Apple on Monday evening released a minor yet much-anticipated update to its iPhone 2.0 software, bringing the version to 2.0.1. Vague as always, Apple said the update introduces "bug fixes." Seeing as it’s late in the day and I have yet to download and test the 249MB update through iTunes, I’ll defer to you, Gadget Lab readers, to report on your experience (good or bad) with iPhone 2.0.1. We’ll have an update Tuesday after some of our own testing as well. Hopefully iPhone 2.0.1 addresses most of, if not all, the bugs users caught in its predecessor. Most complaints about iphone 2.0 have focused on general lagginess and random application crashes. (Read the full post about ‘Apple Releases iPhone 2.0.1 Update’…)

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 4th 2008 at 12:54PM All but the most affluent among us have likely purged the pricey Meridiist from our memories, but if you’ve ever wondered what exactly a £2,650 ($5,162) cellphone looks like (and really, who hasn’t?), you’ll definitely want to check this out. The fine folks over at Stuff were able to point their camera at TAG Heuer’s exquisite handset ever-so-briefly, and while the images tell half the story, the folks handling it told the other. The chunky phone reportedly reeked of unnecessary luxury and was built solidly, but we didn’t get the impression that they were champing at the bit to call this a bargain. (Read the full post about ‘TAG Heuer’s ritzy Meridiist handset gets unboxed’…)

This is one hot computer for a simple reason - it has been crammed inside the case of a toaster. Yes, an ordinary toaster that belongs in the dining room or kitchen instead of the living room. Unfortunately, once a computer is up and running within, it will lose all ability to churn out perfectly toasted slices of bread for your morning breakfasts - but at least you get to have a crack at your favorite games and programs. Some of the hardware inside include :- Intel 3.6GHz processor 2.5″ hard drive DVD-ROM drive Built-in router Talk about one hot custom mod. What other shells of unwanted consumer electronic devices that you think would make for a good PC case? Tags: hi fi, wireless, dvr, ga (Read the full post about ‘PC Crammed Into Toaster’…)

NEC has done it yet again, releasing two more DLP projectors in the forms of the NP41 and NP61. They’re both perfect for frequent travelers, tipping the scales at a mere 3.5 pounds without sacrificing on functionality such as brightness. Shared features include :- 2300 and 3000 lumens, respectively 1600:1 contrast ratio XGA 1024 x 768 resolution BrilliantColor technology AutoSense 15-pin RGB, RCA, S-Video input connectors and audio input HD compatibility ECO Mode technology Quiet operation at less than 32dB You will be able to pick up the NEC NP61 and NP41 for $1,399 and $999, respectively. (Read the full post about ‘NEC NP41 and NP61 Projectors’…)

We a whole month of crazy rumors before Apple unveils new product, so here’s the rumor of the day: Robert Cringely from PBS thinks that Apple will add a chip from NTT that does 1080p H.264 decode and encode to its entire line of computers. The chip would cost as much as $50, which seems to be awfully expensive, but let’s put that aside for now. Cringely goes on saying that “it is within reason to expect they’ll claim to distribute 1080p over iTunes in two megabits per second… This is all about taking command of the 1080p video market”. First, what does video-encode do for Apple here? Secondly, why would you need a special-purpose NTT chip to decode H264 video when a $12 low-end GPU chip can do it? (Read the full post about ‘Rumor: Apple adding a H.264 chip from NTT to take over 1080p movie distribution? Unlikely’…)

Guess there is no escape from the clutches of Swarovski - even the iRiver Mickey Mouse mp3 player is now available in crystal studded models. Spread across seven different colors and four patterns, these MP3 players will come in limited numbers in order to raise their exclusivity. The only difference between these new models and the vanilla versions would be the addition of 133 to 210 Swarovski crystals - otherwise, everything else inside remains the same including 1GB of memory, MP3/WMA playback and ears that function as controls. Each of these limited edition MP3 players will cost an obscene $150 (definitely not worth the bang for your buck). (Read the full post about ‘Swarovski Blings Up iRiver Mickey Mouse Player’…)

Incipio Technologies, Inc. has just rolled out a new line of TSA (Transportation Security Association) “Checkpoint Friendly” laptop cases that target Apple’s entire line of MacBook computers, ranging from the super thin macbook air to regular MacBooks and the Pro versions. Each of these Incipio QuickCheck cases will come in a slim form factor that not only offers everyday protection from bumps and unwanted knocks, it also offers optimal function and protection throughout the TSA security checkpoint process without requiring the user to take the laptop out of its case. This will greatly reduce the amount of time it requires you to get through a security checkpoint, much to the relief of people behind you in line and simultaneously lowers the chances of having your precious MacBook stolen. (Read the full post about ‘MacBook computers get “Checkpoint Friendly” cases’…)

We’ve seen the Sony Ericsson K800i Cyber-shot phone in Casino Royale back in 2006. We’ve also seen both the P900 and the T68i featured in the Die Another Day sometime in 2002. Now in 2008, Sony Ericsson has once again sealed a deal with MGM, producer of the latest James Bond movie Quantum of Solace to have one of its latest mobile phone featured in the movie. This time, it will be Sony Ericsson’s recently announced C902 camera phone. The limited edition C902 will also be available in titanium silver and will come with a memory card pre-loaded with James Bond 007 content such as the first level of an upcoming spy-style game, full trailer of the Quantum of Solace, behind-the-scenes interviews with the casts of the movie, and various extras such as James Bond inspired wallpapers and screensavers. (Read the full post about ‘Sony Ericsson’s C902 is the new James Bond phone’…)

Lenovo’s got a new Ideapad in town - the S10. Without much further ado, here are the nitty gritty on this new ultra portable notebook that will definitely appeal to frequent long distance travelers. Windows XP operating system 2.4 pounds in weight 10″ LED backlit display Intel Atom N270 processor Intel 945 GSE express chipset The final price depends on the amount of RAM you want - the 512MB RAM and 80GB hard drive model will set you back by $399, whole those who opt for double the respective amounts will have to form out another $50, which makes the latter choice the more logical one. Tags: wi-fi, hi fi, mobile phone, Ogg (Read the full post about ‘Lenovo Ideapad S10′…)