The Palm Centro is coming, and it's going to be cheap. Palm today unveiled most of the details on the diminutive Palm device, including the official release of October 14 with Sprint PCS and an official price of $99 . Naturally, that price is after a $100 mail-in rebate and requires a two year commitment with a minimum $25 data plan. The teaser site, Moreyous.com, touts the phone's Bluetooth wireless capabilities, EVDO for high-speed data transfers, compatibility with Word and PDF files, MP3 playback, and the ability to send and receive e-mails, texts, and IMs,It's being tauted as the world's smallest Palm and. While the overall look and shape of the thing isn't exactly sexy, we do find the red finish to be eye-catching. However, as we mentioned in our earlier coverage, the Centro's small size has lead to a thumb-crampingly small keyboard that may make texting, or even just dialing, somewhat problematic.From Engadget and Palm.Related Links: Palm Treo 500 Unveiled, World Shrugs Palm Cancels Laptop-Like Foleo The New Palm Centro - Can it Redeem the Company?  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, ComputersLook at that face. That's the face of some poor sap who is either the unluckiest thief ever, or a guy who keeps some really bad company. His misadventure began when one of five Mac laptops stolen from the offices of a Vancouver, BC-based Web startup landed in his hands.WorkSpaces -- the victim company -- had used this particular laptop as a photo booth for its online guest book hosted at photo-sharing behemoth, Flickr. The Mac had been rigged up with Flickrbooth, an application that can be set up to automatically upload photos to Flickr when they're taken by the laptop's built-in iSight Web cam. After the robbery of the WorkSpaces offices, this photo suddenly appeared on the company's Flickr site. When WorkSpaces realized that this mystery man was in all likelihood the same person who'd knocked off their property, the self-produced Wanted poster began making its rounds on Flickr, and then the blogosphere. In no time, this guy was an Internet celebrity.With nowhere to run, the unnamed man appeared at a Vancouver police station with laptop in tow. He claims he bought the laptop from a friend who'd bought it from another friend, and was unaware that is was stolen. At this time, no charges have been filed, but the matter is under investigation according to authorities.This guy is a shoe-in for the 2007 Darwin Awards if there ever was one.From Boing BoingRelated Links:Thwart Laptop Thieves with... a sticker?How Thieves Make Fake Credit CardsCircuit City Shopper Cuffed for Refusing to Show Receipt  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell PhonesWhat could be more exclusive than a $255,000 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti? How about a $25,000 phone given a few Ferrari 612 styling cues? The Ascent Ferrari 60, designed by Nokia's luxury sub-label Vertu, is a follow-up to the company's earlier Ferrari 1947, which commemorated Ferrari's 60th anniversary. This new version celebrates Ferrari's new Gran Turismo-style 612 roadster by using the same leather used for the car's upholstery and the same screws found in its interior. There's also a somewhat tacky looking shifter gate bolted onto the back. Beyond the posh exterior, the Ascent Ferrari 60 is a fairly standard mobile phone. In fact, it's more of a substandard phone for its lack of a digital camera or other features such as MP3 playback. Then again, if you can afford this thing, then chances are you can also afford to hire a photographer and a DJ to follow you around. If you do intend to buy the phone for use in the U.S., you're also going to have to lay out a little extra cash for importing. While the phone is available now at Nokia stores in London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Singapore, no U.S. release has been announced.It certainly makes the launch price of the iPhone look like a bargain, eh?From I4U NewsRelated Links: The World's Most Expensive Tech Toys Cell Phones to Get Universal Chargers Intel Shows Off Prototype iPhone Killer Nokia Working with Competition on Memory Card Standard  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersLong associated with no-frills design and affordability, computer manufacturer Gateway seems to be changing its tune in a big way with the unveiling today of its new Gateway One PC. Compared to the surprisingly sleek M-series laptops that came out a few weeks ago, the One, with its slanted, all-in-one, flat-panel design, is even more of a departure for Gateway.Sure, it may look like a black iMac, but it's got some extra twists that make it impressively innovative. For one thing, it's got a one-cord design, which means just one cable goes from the back of the monitor to a power adapter box, which is where Gateway cleverly located all the typical computer cable outputs. In other words, it's perfect for uncluttered desks or even a table, since it basically looks like a flat-panel TV.It also has a cool "hidden" flat-panel SoundVu NXT speaker, which uses elements of the screen and the bezel to create a sound robust enough to rival external speakers (which would ruin the sleek looks of this all-in-one PC, anyway). We saw this baby a few weeks ago when Gateway stopped by to show us, and it's every bit as sleek as the iMac, for all you PC lovers out there. We just got our hands on one, too, and will report back when we've had some time to play around with it.The Windows-Vista-enabled PC starts at $1,299 at the Gateway Web site and Best Buy and comes in three configurations:The $1,299.99 configuration includes an Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual-core processor; Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100; 320GB SATA II hard drive(2) and a 1.3 megapixel Web cam. The $1,799.99 configuration includes an Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 dual-core processor; ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics; 500GB SATA II hard drive(2) and a 1.3 megapixel Web cam and an analog/digital TV tuner. The Gateway One model available direct from Gateway includes an Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual-core processor; ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics; 400GB Serial ATAII hard drive(2); and a 1.3 megapixel Web cam for $1,499.99.Hot, hot, hot! What do you think? Is this thing sleek enough to replace your iMac?Related Links:10 Must-Have Dorm Room GadgetsNew iMac Out TodaySony iMac Competitor Boasts HDTV, Blu-ray Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Video Games'Halo 3' was already selling like gangbusters long before it was even released. Having finally been delivered into the sweaty palms of gamers a mere 60 hours ago, the game has now gone on to set a new record as the biggest video-game debut of all-time. In the 24-hour period following its release at 12:00AM on Tuesday, the game is estimated to have sold enough copies to rake in $170 million. That tops the $125 million release 'Halo 2' broke records with back in 2004; it even tops the $148 million opening weekend gross for 'Spiderman 3,' the current record holder for the movie biz.'Halo 3' is receiving rave reviews across the board, and after the time we've clocked playing some Legendary online co-op, we can say that the praise is most definitely deserved. From AOL Money & FinanceRelated Links: 'Halo 3' Receives Thumbs Up Across the Web 'Halo 3' Breaks Sales Records -- Before it Goes on Sale The 'Halo 3' Zune  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, GoogleConsumer advocacy site The Consumerist has spotted a story out of Fort Worth, Texas of a woman using the power of Google to fight an illegal tow. Dottie Kitchen had her ride jacked by a local tow company (for reasons not explained) and was slammed with a stiff $600 fine. After forking over the cash to free up her wheels, Dottie took to Google to do some recon on Preferred Auto Adjusters -- the company that had been holding her car for ransom. As it turns out, the tow shop had had its license revoked during the time Dottie's car had been towed. Though the license was reinstated shortly after, Dottie realized her car had been towed illegally. She got her money back, and now Preferred could be in the hole for as much as $30,000 in fines for illegally towing Dottie and several others during that time it didn't have a license.Who needs superheroes these days when we've got Google?From The ConsumeristRelated Links:Caught on Tape: UPS Guy Hurls PackageBest Buy Employee Caught Perving OutTeen Caught on Video Throwing Hot Sauce at Fast Food Worker Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersIt's been said that a dog is a man's best friend. It's also been said that one day robots will take over the world and put us all to work doing their bidding. So, it's with conflicted feelings that we report on a new robot dog, one that has the potential to be a little more useful than Sony's dearly departed (and frequently copied) Aibo. This new robo-mutt, called LittleDog, has been developed at American robotics company Boston Dynamics for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Agency (DARPA). The hope is that it will someday become a battle-ready companion for soldiers at war.The dogs, which at this point look something like a boom-box with legs, have been delivered to various top robotics universities around the country, including MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon, for them to develop the best software to control the bots. Each month the universities will send in their latest versions of the software they develop for DARPA scientists to put through its paces, tasking the robot pooches with scampering over obstacles and the like, as shown in the above test video that demonstrates current submissions from Carnegie Mellon and USC.What exactly the military will do with these dogs remains to be seen, but scouting and recon along with possible supply delivery seem perfectly reasonable. Games of fetch, however, are probably out of the question ... at least until someone grafts a head onto these suckers.From New Scientist TechRelated Links: The Dog That Speaks French, Sort Of... Sony's Robo Dog Back from the Dead Attack of the Clones  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, Video GamesWe were given an early look at Razer / THX's new Mako 2.1 sound system. This marks the first time that video game accessory maker Razer has worked with sound gods THX, and their offspring sounds quite impressive. The Mako is, on the surface, your standard two speaker, one subwoofer computer speaker setup. The similarities end there, however, and Razer wants you to know that the company isn't just about games anymore.Using what THX calls "Ground Plane" and "Slot Speaker" technology, the Mako's two main speakers appear to just be solid objects. Inside each unit are two speakers -- a midrange and a tweeter -- that face down toward the surface on which the speakers sit. This, in essence, turns your desk (or wall, if you wall-mount them) into what's called a "reflective" surface, opening up the sound field.When on a flat surface, the Mako produces life-like sound effects and music with someimpressive dynamics for such a small setup. However, when lifted off of the flat surface, it's as if half the sound disappears. Imagine getting a giant speaker out of a small little disk, and you're halfway to understanding how the Mako works. If your desk is extremely cluttered or not very flat, this system won't really work for you.A small, shiny, touch-sensitive remote rounds out the sexy black package. The remote controls not only volume but also tone control (bass, treble). It also includes a line-in and headphone-out, which is perfect for desktop computer installations, in case your computer is tucked away somewhere.All isn't perfect in Mako-land, however. Inputs are limited -- there is only a line-in on the remote and base unit along with an RCA plug set on the subwoofer/bass unit. If you're looking for digital inputs, move along. Also, Razer has priced the Mako at $399, a pretty steep price in the world of 2.1 computer sound systems. Finally, if your setup doesn't involve a nice, clean, flat surface, a more conventional satellite setup is probably the answer for you.Keep an eye out for a November launch through online retailers and January 2008 in brick-and-mortat stores.%Gallery-7830%Related Links:In-Car CD Players May Face Extinction Scented Movies Coming to a Theater Near You Bose iPod Dock Goes Portable Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Computers, GoogleGoogle Earth's omnipotent eye on existence has wrought many wonderful, strange and sometimes creepy discoveries. Giant bugs, Oprah tributes and even nude sunbathers have all been caught by the all-knowing, all-seeing Google-y eye.And what do we spy here? No, that's not the international headquarters of a white supremacy group -- but good guess. Believe it or not, this swastika-shaped building complex is a U.S. Naval barracks in Coronado, California. The buildings were built in the 1960s but, according to the Navy, their sinister configuration wasn't discovered until the construction project had already broken ground -- which was apparently too late to do the decent thing and modify the designs a bit. But that's beside the point, anyway. Are we to believe that not a single person involved in a construction project for the U.S. Navy ever looked at a set of blueprints? Is it also just a coincidence that the buildings sit at the intersection of Tulagi and Bougainville -- two streets named after famous WWII battles?Whew. Let's reel in the paranoia a bit.According to a report by CBS's San Diego affiliate, News 8, architect John Mock still stands behind the design of the buildings, which he insists were never meant to look like a swastika and for which he actually won an award. Nonetheless, change is on the way thanks in large part to Missouri-based radio host Dave vonKleist, who has been vocal about the structure since he first stumbled upon it in Google Earth in 2006. Today brings word that the Navy is finally relenting to vonKleist's calls to action and intends to spend upwards of $600,000 to camouflage the structure with landscaping, walkways and solar cells, all of which will hide the offending shape from aerial views.For some seriously haunting conspiracy theory surrounding the Coronado barracks (including parallels drawn to 9/11), read the full News 8 report. From News 8 and LA TimesRelated Links:Google Adds Widgets to MapsExplore Millions of Galaxies with Google SkyThe Scariest Google Street View FindsGoogle Earth Shows Darfur Crisis Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Audio/Video, Computers, TVPlenty of companies have attempted to replicate the success of the all-in-one iMac design and failed ... often miserably. Sony has consistently come the closest to replicating Apple's success in the industrial design department, but has yet to really capture the hearts and minds of the PC buying public.Sony's latest all-in-one box just got the hands-on treatment from PC World, which liked what it saw and gave the new VAIO VGC-LT19U a 4/5 rating. ' VGC-LT19U' sure doesn't have the easy name recognition of 'iMac,' and it certainly costs quite a bit more, starting at $1,899 and topping out at $2,899 for the high-end configuration. What does this box have over the iMac? For one, the LT series VAIOs are not simply PCs, but they're also HDTVs with built-in Blu-ray burners, cable card tuners and up to 1 Terabyte of hard drive space (that's about 250 hours of HD programing). Plus, they're wall-mountable.On the downside, like all other Sony PCs this box is loaded with an obscene amount of bloatware -- trials, demos, and loads of other questionable applications PC-makers pre-install on a system in a deal with software makers that helps lower the unit's retail price. Also, the cable card tuner is not actually built into the PC, but is an unsightly black box that sits outside of the PC, detracting from and defeating the purpose of the sleek all-in-one design.Be sure to check out the rest of the PC World review for more.From EngadgetRelated Links:HP Delivers Nine New DesktopsNew iMac ArrivesLenovo Launches 15th Anniversary Thinkpad Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell Phones, ComputersCalling all technologically inclined high school seniors! Memory maker PNY launched its Seniors Helping Seniors college scholarship contest in which high school seniors (either individually or in teams of up to five) are invited to put together projects to help teach senior citizens about technology.Submissions are being accepted until December 31, and a $2,500 scholarship will be handed over to the winning team. There are also three prizes for honorable mention (a PNY-branded USB flash drive and a flash memory card) and undisclosed rewards for simply participating.Teaching seniors about the latest in computer technologies -- and how to utilize them -- is something we can all get behind. One caveat: The contest has a head-scratching requirement that all entrants be public high school students.From Gear LogRelated links:Microsoft Doubles Student Discounts on OfficeCollege Offers YouTube 101 CourseScratch-n-Sniff Old Book Smeel for E-Books Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Video GamesFor children, the best solution for battling obesity isn't surgically stapling a Roker ring to their stomachs, but rather educating them about exercise and healthy eating habits early on. That's the idea behind a new child-friendly video game aimed at quick-learning kids. Why quick-learning? Because the game only lets them play for 20 minutes at a time before requiring a 60 minute break. 'The Incredible Adventures of the Amazing Food Detective,' funded by mega-HMO Kaiser Permanente, tasks kids with objectives that teach them about foods and exercise, then boots them offline after 20 minutes to hopefully force them to go get less of the former and more of the latter.There are online challenges in both English and Spanish that have kids solving in-game puzzles, like why one character's energy levels are spiking and crashing and (spoiler alert!) how healthier snacks are the solution. There are also printable scavenger hunts thatkids can take with them if they can't get enough of the online version. The game is a move by Kaiser to try and reduce childhood obesity rates, which currently stand at a whopping 20 percent.The game is available gratis on the Web sites of both Kaiser Permanente and the CDC. It will also be distributed to 5,000 schools nationwide. If the kids are looking for something to do during the game's mandatory 60-minute recess -- and they're not fans of the outdoors -- might we recommend augmenting the curriculum with such blubber-burning video games as 'Wii Sports,' 'Dance Dance Revolution' and the upcoming 'Wii Fit.' From I4U NewsRelated Links: Nintendo Wants You Thinner, Smarter How to Play Video Games and Lose Weight, Simultaneously! Video games rot your brain, study says Video gaming not an addiction, says AMA  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: ComputersAs laptops get smaller and smaller they're becoming increasingly easy to steal. And, with some coming with luxe trappings like the saddle-grade French leather on Lenovo's recent 15th anniversary ThinkPad Reserve Edition, they're not necessarily getting any cheaper. Combine those assets with the saved bank account passwords and other personally identifiable information contained within and it's easy to see why laptops are becoming an ever more desirable target for thieves. Enter the Stop-Lock, a barcode-bearing, uniquely identifiable sticker that leaves a (supposedly) permanent "tattoo" on your notebook if forcibly removed.The sticker is applied to a laptop or desktop computer with an adhesive that creates a bond requiring 800 pounds of pressure to remove. The sticker contains the receiving end for a locking cable, letting you tether your device to something a thief won't be able to walk away with, like your desk or one of those Acme anvils from the cartoons. If the sticker is plied off, it leaves behind a permanent marking indicating "Stolen Property," along with a phone number others can call should they see such a laptop being used or for sale.It sounds like a step in the right direction, extending some level of protection for laptops when they can't be tethered down. However, we see two problems with this. The first, which TG Daily points out, is that often the most valuable part of the laptop is the information contained within. Once that is accessed, the stolen laptop can be dumped. The second problem is that there's certainly no shortage of sticker-laden laptops out there. It sure seems like one of those would pretty quickly hide any trace of a tattoo on the lid of your laptop.Now if only getting rid of questionable tattoos on your skin were that easy ...From TG DailyRelated Links: Lenovo Launches 15th-Anniversary ThinkPad How to Clean a Keyboard Spill How to Rescue a Wet Laptop  Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

  Filed under: Cell Phones, BlackBerryThey say kids these days don't read. In Japan, however, teens are back into reading novels big-time with one major difference: They're reading them on cell phones.Mobile novels (called "keitai" in Japan), books written for the cell phone screen, have taken off with startling success in the east. These serial-based novels are delivered in read-on-the-corner byte-sized chunks on a regular basis to hungry young subscribers. Most are written by young authors in their teens and 20s, and are penned in a comic-like shorthand script.Several titles have seen huge success, especially when compared to how traditional novels have been selling lately. One such novel, written by a 27 year-old woman named "Chaco", receives over 25,000 readers per day. When a book company begged her to turn the mobile novel into a real book, it sold 440,000 copies. Meanwhile, a relatively new online community for cell phone novels called Maho i-Land has over six million members.Possibly more shocking is the fact that the authors of these books usually write them using just their thumbs and cellphones. Talk about a bad case of BlackBerry thumb!From textuallyRelated links:Friday YouTube Fix: Woman Taunts Polar BearDirect-To Cell Phone Advertising ComingJapan Promises a New Internet by 2020 Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments