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Tesla to supply Mercedes-Benz with lithium-ion batteries? June 30, 2008

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Filed under: Transportation

Man, Tesla's been busy today -- in addition to the announcement of the Model S and Elon Musk's promise of a sub-$30K electric car in four years, word on the street is that the company's inked a deal with Daimler AG to supply it with lithium-ion batteries for upcoming electric cars. Daimler's CEO has said the company was open to leasing battery tech to get out an electric Smart by 2010 and it's rumored that the German marque is looking to ditch gas entirely by 2015, so going to Tesla, which has been working on battery tech for some time, isn't a totally out there proposition. Just a rumor for now -- given Tesla's generally-prickly relationships with others, we'd wait for an official announcement before getting too excited about a Roadster-powered SLR, but it's certainly intriguing.

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Tesla to supply Mercedes-Benz with lithium-ion batteries?

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Filed under: Transportation

Man, Tesla's been busy today -- in addition to the announcement of the Model S and Elon Musk's promise of a sub-$30K electric car in four years, word on the street is that the company's inked a deal with Daimler AG to supply it with lithium-ion batteries for upcoming electric cars. Daimler's CEO has said the company was open to leasing battery tech to get out an electric Smart by 2010 and it's rumored that the German marque is looking to ditch gas entirely by 2015, so going to Tesla, which has been working on battery tech for some time, isn't a totally out there proposition. Just a rumor for now -- given Tesla's generally-prickly relationships with others, we'd wait for an official announcement before getting too excited about a Roadster-powered SLR, but it's certainly intriguing.

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Nikon D700 presentation video revealed early, it’s very nice

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Filed under: Digital Cameras

We've been teased with the inevitable launch of the Nikon D700 DSLR, but it looks like our introduction is pretty much here with the nascent of a product presentation video that's supposed to hit the internets tomorrow. Observe as the nice man rubs the camera and says naughty things in French (hopefully we'll have a translation soon). He goes on to show off the new interface, quick menus, battery port, pop-up flash, and even gets a nice shot through the new viewfinder. In all seriousness, this is looking like a slick new camera. You're still looking at around €2,600 ($4,000), a July release, a 12-megapixel sensor, and sensor cleaning system. More information is sure to surface tomorrow when our friends across the pond wake up. Hit the continue link to be taunted a second time.

[Thanks, Pete]

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Sony applies for “tactile pixel” haptic touchscreen patent

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Filed under: Displays, Gaming

It's never clear how a company plans on implementing a given patent, but Sony's patent application for a haptic touchscreen composed of "tactile pixels" lists former Sony Computer Entertainment chief Phil Harrison as the inventor and makes several references to potential use in "a game device" and to "game events," so it's a safe bet that it was at least developed with the PSP in mind. The patent app describes a sophisticated haptic feedback system that goes well beyond the basic rumble of today's device -- the pixels themselves are able to move up and down between two positions, providing direct feedback to user actions. That's certainly an interesting idea, but like all patent news, we're not going to hold out hope for it to surface in a consumer device anytime soon -- but we're willing to be surprised, you know?

[Via PSP Fanboy]

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The Eee PC 903, 904, and 905 make their unofficial debut

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Filed under: Laptops

The non-stop barrage of Eee-branded gear from ASUS continues on today, with the first appearance of the Eee PC 903, 904 (above), and 905. It's not clear exactly what the differences between the three models are, but as we've heard, they're all basically the Eee PC 901's Atom-based guts shoved into the Eee PC 1000's case -- which means you're getting a larger keyboard, but the 8.9-inch display will have a pretty significant bezel around it. As before, final specs and pricing aren't available, but since these are destined to replace the 900 and 901, we'd expect pricing to remain in the $600 range.

[Thanks, Sascha]

Read - Eee 903
Read - Eee 904 and 905

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The Eee PC 903, 904, and 905 make their unofficial debut

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Filed under: Laptops

The non-stop barrage of Eee-branded gear from ASUS continues on today, with the first appearance of the Eee PC 903, 904 (above), and 905. It's not clear exactly what the differences between the three models are, but as we've heard, they're all basically the Eee PC 901's Atom-based guts shoved into the Eee PC 1000's case -- which means you're getting a larger keyboard, but the 8.9-inch display will have a pretty significant bezel around it. As before, final specs and pricing aren't available, but since these are destined to replace the 900 and 901, we'd expect pricing to remain in the $600 range.

[Thanks, Sascha]

Read - Eee 903
Read - Eee 904 and 905

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HTC Touch Pro passes FCC in CDMA flavor

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Among the many ducks that Sprint (and Verizon?) will need to get in a row in order to launch their own version of HTC's Touch Pro, FCC certification ranks pretty freakin' high on the list. No worries, though -- it's all good, because that just happened. An HTC device with model number "RAPH800" has now popped up in the filing system, featuring CDMA with EV-DO on the 850 and 1900MHz bands. Of course, certification is certainly no indication of when a product's actually going to launch, but if (heaven forbid) the glossy QWERTY WinMo slider gets delayed, at least we can call out anyone trying to slide the "we're waiting on FCC clearance" excuse past us.

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HTC Touch Pro passes FCC in CDMA flavor

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Among the many ducks that Sprint (and Verizon?) will need to get in a row in order to launch their own version of HTC's Touch Pro, FCC certification ranks pretty freakin' high on the list. No worries, though -- it's all good, because that just happened. An HTC device with model number "RAPH800" has now popped up in the filing system, featuring CDMA with EV-DO on the 850 and 1900MHz bands. Of course, certification is certainly no indication of when a product's actually going to launch, but if (heaven forbid) the glossy QWERTY WinMo slider gets delayed, at least we can call out anyone trying to slide the "we're waiting on FCC clearance" excuse past us.

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Kage roi table does your web searches for you

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Household

Only recently we told you about a table that monitors who is dominating a conversation and deemed it potentially disruptive. This time, however, we're looking at the "Kage roi" which looks to add to the coming together of wits and intelligences. Using voice recognition, Kage roi grabs keyboards and performs internet searches, displaying the results for each to see. To add it it all, the table even uses colored LEDs to set the mood. For instance, if you work with a group of morning people, set it to sunrise. If you're trying to get them to scramble before the end of the day, give them a sunset and let the desperate brainstorming begin. Developed by IT firm Kayac with some brains on Keio University, Kage roi won't be in a board room near you any time soon.

[Via Coolest Gadgets]

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Netgear’s WGR614L Wireless-G router openly plays nice with Tomato / DD-WRT

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Filed under: Networking

Although Linux-based Tomato and DD-WRT firmwares work with a plethora of routers, Netgear is getting savvy with its marketing by actually aiming its WGR614L at tweakers who just melt upon hearing either term. The so-called open source Wireless-G router features a 240MHz MIPS32 CPU, 4MB of flash memory, 16MB of RAM, an external 2 dBi antenna and a second internal diversity antenna to enhance range. Additionally, the unit will "soon" support OpenWRT, and there's also four 10/100 Ethernet ports in case you're looking for a bit of wired action as well. Potentially best of all, the WGR614L is available as we speak for a very manageable $69.

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Nokia E71 Review - BoyGeniusReport

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BoyGeniusReport reviews the Nokia E71 and writes, "We’re at the end of the review, but by now, you’ve seen how impressed we are with the phone. It takes a lot to get us excited but the E71 has done it. This thing, in our opinion, is the best phone Nokia has made to date. That’s a very bold statement, we know. But this really is going to be the phone to beat by a lot of manufacturers. From the design, to the specs, to the size, the feel — it has the entire package. It’s not for everyone, though. Some people prefer a straight up phone like a flip phone, but in terms of a smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard, this takes the cake. It is just striking compared to the shit device the E61 was. It’s ok, we still love y’all that carry the E61, but this puts it to shame. One thing I personally can’t get over is the awesome dimensions of the device. It’s so perfectly thin, yet incredibly comfortable to hold and use. We just hope Nokia doesn’t wait too long to bring this to market as they need to strike now. Like right now. This second. After seeing all of the detailed shots and our impressions, how do you guys feel about the phone? Are you foaming at the mouth waiting for it or ice-grillin’ us?"

Read more about the Nokia E71.

TVonics rolls out tiny MFR-300 Freeview tuner

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Good luck convincing Grandma to pack a DVR-250 next to the same telly that's been avoiding TV detectors for years, but how about a "match box-sized" addition that gives all the benefits of the digital switchover and without taking up a lot of space? TVonics MFR-300 improves on previous versions with support for Audio Description allowing people with sight problems to hear subtle on screen changes described, plus interactive TV features, EPG and parental controls. The 70mm x 27mm x 54mm box is available for £59.99 and can actually mount behind the TV, so all that's left is teaching your family how to use it -- good luck with that.

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TVonics rolls out tiny MFR-300 Freeview tuner

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Good luck convincing Grandma to pack a DVR-250 next to the same telly that's been avoiding TV detectors for years, but how about a "match box-sized" addition that gives all the benefits of the digital switchover and without taking up a lot of space? TVonics MFR-300 improves on previous versions with support for Audio Description allowing people with sight problems to hear subtle on screen changes described, plus interactive TV features, EPG and parental controls. The 70mm x 27mm x 54mm box is available for £59.99 and can actually mount behind the TV, so all that's left is teaching your family how to use it -- good luck with that.

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LG KF600 Review - IT Reviews

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IT Reviews has a review of the LG KF600 and writes, "When you are in the phone's main screen the InteractPad offers shortcuts to messaging, contacts, missed and made calls and profiles. When you are in the music player it gives you playback controls. If you are using the phone's camera it lets you capture images, tweak the camera controls and so on...The temptation to tap at the main screen as well as the InteractPad is great and this can become something of a nuisance, but if you can overcome that then the phone's ergonomics work well...As for the general phone capability, the KF600 is a tri-band mobile and the application suite is quite strong. It includes a Web browser, calendar, alarm clock, calculator, stopwatch, voice recorder and FM radio as well as music player and 3-megapixel camera. There is 40MB of built-in memory and a microSD card slot so you can add more."

Read more about the LG KF600.

Yamaha intros YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Yamaha cranked out its pricey YSP-600 sound bar just a few months back, but the company's already looking to put the past behind and move forward with the YSP-3050. The latest in the outfit's long-standing line of Digital Sound Projectors offers up 21 beam drivers, two woofers, 23 corresponding digital amplifiers, three Cinema DSP programs (movie, music and sports), analog-to-HDMI video upconversion, HD upscaling to 1080i / 720p and a 1080p (24Hz and 60Hz) compatible HDMI interface with two inputs and one output. Aside from engulfing you in audio with just a single bar, the unit is also XM Radio / iPod-ready (via the $99.95 YDS-11), and the integrated FM tuner and bundled remote make it even easier to see in your den. You'll also find the firm's propriety automated system calibration (IntelliBeam) along with TV Equal Volume to keep those sudden bursts at bay when it comes time for commercials. 'Tis a shame this piece costs $1,399.95, but if you're tight on space, it just might be worth it. Full release after the break.

Continue reading Yamaha intros YSP-3050 Digital Sound Projector

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Apple releases Leopard 10.5.4 update

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Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Looks like the latest Leopard update, 10.5.4, just landed. Nothing big, but all the details are after the break; Mac users, you know how to snag it.

Continue reading Apple releases Leopard 10.5.4 update

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Apple releases Leopard 10.5.4 update

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Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Looks like the latest Leopard update, 10.5.4, just landed. Nothing big, but all the details are after the break; Mac users, you know how to snag it.

Continue reading Apple releases Leopard 10.5.4 update

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Software Firms Ally to Bridge Mac Enterprise Gap

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment A group of five enterprise software companies on Monday announced the creation of the Enterprise Desktop Alliance to facilitate the acceptance of Macintosh computers in organizational environments managed with Microsoft Windows. The alliance -- created by Atempo, Centrify, Group Logic, LANrev and Parallels -- will validate and promote the availability of solutions that make it easier to deploy, integrate and manage Macs in the enterprise using Microsoft Windows-based solutions.

Software Firms Ally to Bridge Mac Enterprise Gap

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment A group of five enterprise software companies on Monday announced the creation of the Enterprise Desktop Alliance to facilitate the acceptance of Macintosh computers in organizational environments managed with Microsoft Windows. The alliance -- created by Atempo, Centrify, Group Logic, LANrev and Parallels -- will validate and promote the availability of solutions that make it easier to deploy, integrate and manage Macs in the enterprise using Microsoft Windows-based solutions.

‘Family Guy’ Guy Inks Toon Deal to Hook Google Ad Viewers

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment What seems to have started as a simple play to create new cartoon content for the Web -- and make money from it -- may in effect usher in a new media distribution model. A Web search engine giant, a highly paid cartoon creator, and a production company are all working together to deliver 50 two-minute episodes of edgy cartoons that will launch in September, according to a published report. Seth MacFarlane, the creator of TV's "Family Guy," will work with Google and use AdSense to syndicate a new project called "Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy," according to the report.

Nikon D700 DSLR shows itself in German magazine

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Filed under: Digital Cameras

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Nikon D700 DSLR shows itself in German magazine

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Filed under: Digital Cameras

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Nintendo pushes back DVD-playing Wii for Japan, again

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Filed under: Gaming

While those of us 'round these parts have pretty much given up on the idea of a DVD-playing Wii a long time ago, folks in Japan have had some cause for hope based on promises from the company that such a system was, in fact, headed for the country sooner or later. It seems like they're now about to enter the acceptance phase as well, however, as Nintendo has just announced yet another delay to the system with no word about an eventual release date. According to IGN, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata would only go so far as to say that due continuing worldwide supply constraints on the current Wii, "the priority is on the current model." One thing getting a boost in availability, however, is the Nintendo DS 1Seg TV tuner, which Nintendo says will get a retail release next month after previously only being available online.

[Via Joystiq]

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Nintendo pushes back DVD-playing Wii for Japan, again

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Filed under: Gaming

While those of us 'round these parts have pretty much given up on the idea of a DVD-playing Wii a long time ago, folks in Japan have had some cause for hope based on promises from the company that such a system was, in fact, headed for the country sooner or later. It seems like they're now about to enter the acceptance phase as well, however, as Nintendo has just announced yet another delay to the system with no word about an eventual release date. According to IGN, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata would only go so far as to say that due continuing worldwide supply constraints on the current Wii, "the priority is on the current model." One thing getting a boost in availability, however, is the Nintendo DS 1Seg TV tuner, which Nintendo says will get a retail release next month after previously only being available online.

[Via Joystiq]

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LG KF750 Secret Review - Trusted Reviews

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Trusted Reviews has a review of the LG KF750 Secret and writes, "The phone has a front-facing camera for video calls, too, but it is the main camera that gets the glory. With a small LED flash and autofocus as well as that 120 frames per second video shooting and a macro mode it sounds well-equipped...The macro mode proved very good. The Sempervivum photo, taken using this mode, shows this small (just a couple of centimetres across) succulent plant in good detail and the colour capture is spot on. The white flowers were photographed quite close up too, though this time not close enough to need the macro mode, and again the shot is quite sharp and clear."

Read more about the LG KF750.

LG KF750 Secret Review - Trusted Reviews

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Trusted Reviews has a review of the LG KF750 Secret and writes, "The phone has a front-facing camera for video calls, too, but it is the main camera that gets the glory. With a small LED flash and autofocus as well as that 120 frames per second video shooting and a macro mode it sounds well-equipped...The macro mode proved very good. The Sempervivum photo, taken using this mode, shows this small (just a couple of centimetres across) succulent plant in good detail and the colour capture is spot on. The white flowers were photographed quite close up too, though this time not close enough to need the macro mode, and again the shot is quite sharp and clear."

Read more about the LG KF750.

HTC Touch Cruise Review - MobileBurn

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MobileBurn reviews the HTC Touch Cruise and writes, "Despite its business image, the HTC Touch Cruise features a whole host of multimedia applications, such as a 3.0MP auto-focus camera, a video camera, a media player, and some games. I wasn't expecting much from the Touch Cruise's camera, as it seemed like a sideline feature of the device, and was missing any sort of flash function. However, my expectations were unsubstantiated and the camera performed surprisingly well. Activating the camera is as simple as pressing the shutter button on the right side of the device. Within the camera menu there are options for video recording, panoramic photos and a multi-shot function, among others. Oddly, there was no macro mode, but this didn't cause a problem for the camera, which still managed surprisingly crisp and detailed close-ups. Also not included was a night mode, but again, the camera did surprisingly well, adjusting itself automatically to suit. However, should the camera not perform as desired, a few small tweaks that can be made, such as white balance and brightness."

Read more about the HTC Touch Cruise.

Fresh Firmware Lets PS3 Gamers Get More Social

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Sony announced a crop of new features and functionalities for the PlayStation 3 Monday. Additions in the 2.40 firmware update include in-game XrossMediaBar access that will enable players to communicate with other gamers on their PlayStation Network friends list -- now doubled in size to hold 100 contacts -- as well as access other features without leaving the game they're playing. Other additions include a new virtual ranking system called "Trophies" and a Google-based Internet search feature added to the XMB. The latest add-ons will be available for download on July 2.

Headsets.com giving away gear to those nailed by Ca’s new hands-free legislation

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Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation

We feel for all of you in California who are dealing with the new hands-free legislation that came down upon you today like an edict from your overlords. If you're one of the unlucky few who get nailed by the 5-0 for talking on your cellphone while driving, though, there's some silver in those dark clouds. Headsets.com is giving away the Plantronics Discovery 925 bluetooth earpiece -- worth $150 clams -- in exchange for proof that you were pulled over. Now, don't go talking on your cellphone in the hope of getting one of these, though -- that $20 fine could get you a decent headset today anyway.

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Tesla’s Elon Musk promises sub-$30k all-electric car in less than four years

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Filed under: Transportation

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/tech_news/Tesla_to_produce_sub_30k_electric_car'; Yes -- more breaking electric car news! Just after Tesla CEO Ze'ev Drori announced Telsa's plans to build the Model S, Elon Musk began discussing its development of electric car tech to get the price of future cars to (and below) $30,000. When asked when that technology would be commercially available, Musk said that it shouldn't be any more than four years from now. Granted, a $60,000 car is affordable but still quite steep for most buyers -- but a vehicle mass-produced at half the price is essentially mainstream, which could have a substantial impact on the automotive world.

[Image courtesy of Edmunds]

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HCL’s MiLeap handled in the wild, likened to V-Tech toy

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Filed under: Laptops

HCL's MiLeap has long been forgotten amongst the swarm of other low-cost laptops to emerge post-CES, but a kind fellow over in Bahrain was able to handle one for a tick, snap a few photographs and dish out some early impressions. Essentially, this 7-inch netbook was more akin to a V-Tech toy than a bona fide computing instrument, and typing on the thing was apparently a very non-enjoyable experience. Still, those anxious to see what this critter looks like in the flesh can head on down to the read link, but don't even pretend that you're not going there with full intentions of pointing and laughing.

[Thanks, Mo]

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Tesla announces the Model S: a $60k, all-electric, five passenger sports sedan

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Filed under: Transportation

digg_url = 'http://digg.com/design/Tesla_Model_S_a_60k_all_electric_five_passenger_Sedan'; Our favorite Terminator (and Governor of California) Arnold Schwarzenegger has just helped Tesla Motors make an announcement that's probably sending chills through traditional automaker's boardrooms. The company has just introduced a fully-electric, five passenger sports sedan dubbed the Model S, which will be selling for $60,000, and will manage 225 miles on a full charge. The carmaker says it will produce the vehicles in a brand new manufacturing plant it's opening in Northern California. We're on the ground at the announcement right now -- no pictures or release date have surfaced yet, but you'll know more as soon as we do.

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Tesla announces the Model S: a $60k, all-electric, five passenger sports sedan

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Our favorite Terminator (and Governor of California) Arnold Schwarzenegger has just helped Tesla Motors make an announcement that's probably sending chills through traditional automaker's boardrooms. The company has just introduced a fully-electric, five passenger sports sedan dubbed the Model S, which will be selling for a shockingly affordable $60,000, and will manage 225 miles on a full charge. The carmaker says it will produce the vehicles in a brand new manufacturing plant it's opening in California. No pictures or release date yet, but you'll know more as soon as we do.

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Honda’s Walking Assist Device beginning medical testing

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Filed under: Wearables

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Honda’s Walking Assist Device beginning medical testing

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OS Implementations: A Guide for SMBs

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Though their IT needs are fundamentally the same as larger organizations, small and medium-sized business owners may feel particularly challenged when it comes to rolling out a new operating system. The increasing complexity of IT system architectures combined with a relative shortfall of resources -- capital, IT expertise, etc. -- can make implementing a new or upgraded OS an anxiety-ridden experience. "SMBs have many of the same challenges as enterprises," said Jeff Carlat, director of ESS software at HP.

Lenovo’s Olympics infatuation continues with themed Ideapad U8 MID

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Filed under: Handhelds

Alright Lenovo, we get that you have a ridiculous obsession with Beijing and / or the 2008 Olympics, but seriously, enough is enough. We've got desktops, laptops, USB drives and even torches to show your unending love for the Games; the last thing we need is a questionably useful MID all dressed up in game day attire. Nevertheless, the company's Ideapad U8 MID has been spotted recently with a colorful motif to commemorate the upcoming spectacle, but aside from the new design, we're assuming everything else is just bronze-medal worthy (read: the same as the non-decorated version).

[Thanks, Ricardo]

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