Tired of this set-up? Do you hate it when you have tons of CDs stacked in a tower? Want a CD/DVD holder that is fun and fresh? Then maybe hitting the "Gym" will make it all better....

Just last week, Hardwarezone Philippines obtained the new NEC VERSA L2100 from MSI-ECS.

Here are the product specifications of this classy laptop:

Processor: Intel Core Duo Processor T2350 (1.86GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 533 Mhz FSB)

Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic

Chipset: Intel 945GM chipset

Memory: 512MB (1x512MB) DDR2 533MHz

Hard Disk Drive: 80GB PATA 5400RPM

Video Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950

Modem: 56Kbps Fax/Data (V.92)

Keyboard: Standard US Keyboard Layout

Optical Writer: DVD-Super Multi DL+/-R (Double Layer)

Network Card: 10/100 LAN & Atheros AR5006EG Wireless Network Connection (802.11b/g).

Other features include: 

4 x USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, VGA Out, S-Video, Microphone in and headphone jack, 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/ MMC/ MS/ MS Pro), and a Built-in 0.3MP webcam.

Our quick take and our initial observations, after the jump!

There is nothing better than an ice-cold soda from the vendo machine. All I have to do is to put 20 pesos on the coin/bill slot, choose from a variety of sodas, press the button, and voila! The soda is ready to drink in an instant.

Besides the conventional soda vendo machine, various companies have created vending machines that can sell other products: from chips, noodles, hot coffee, to even pizza, you name it, the manufacturers probably got it covered.

Convenient right?

Those who use the Internet a lot definitely wants his/her Broadband maximized. Trouble is, a person cannot really measure the speed of his/her upload and download speed just by using IE/Opera/Firefox.

Just how can you check the speed of your connection you ask? A fun and clear way to check is via a web service called Speedtest.

Are you a fan of games like Need for Speed (Underground, Carbon, Most Wanted) or fast-paced games like Burnout? Do you drive? If you answered "YES!" for both, then better read on... (Of course, if you didn't answer Yes, still read on to know the 4-1-1.)

German researchers discovered that people who play racing-themed computer and video games tend to drive more aggressively, take greater risks on the road and get into accidents.

A few entries back, I mentioned that video games are 'addictive.'

Maybe it is, maybe it's not. But the bottom line is, videogames are starting to destroy lives, one level up at a time. However, Koreans might have just found a way to kick the videogame habit...

It MIGHT be possible with the use of subliminal audio techniques...

Ever dreamed of having a set of pearly whites but can't afford the treatments your friendly neighborhood dentist offers?

Whitening toothpaste can't seem to work?

Then why not do it like other people do? Photoshop it.

The steps are simple:

- Use Quick Mask and slowly highlight your yellow teeth.

- Adjust Feather setting

- Adjust the Hue and Saturation Levels

- AND, adjust the Levels

It's as easy as pie really.

If you really want to see it for yourself, then better watch the video.

If your folks have a couple of machine guns lying around in their secret compartment, then why not do as the Mexicans do?

Trade your real gun for a PC or a Microsoft Xbox.

Let's see just how much you can handle until your arm gets numb...

Defend Your Castle

And see just how much nomads you can take. I just got to Level 20 until my fortress gave in...

Play Defend Your Castle

The game is quite simple. Here's the description from the website...

Defend Your Castle takes place on a grassy plain surrounded by invaders. You are the commander of your castle, and at your disposal is an invisible hand for picking up the enemy and flinging them mercilessly to their death. It is a good thing you've got that, at least, for the invaders you face are crafty and employ many different types of soldiers in their quest for your castle.

Attacks come at dawn. The Barbarian invaders arrive in relentless waves until nightfall, when they return to their camp... or sleep in your castle, if you are not capable of defending it. Luckily, however, the game provides a few other tricks up your invisible sleeve. For instance, the capability to convert enemy troops into soldiers to help you defend your walls. You can also purchase upgrades and repairs for your castle, and miraculously, they can be administered overnight, while the barbarian hordes are snoring in their camps!

So assemble your troops, plan your strategy, and defend your castle. It's about time you do.

Tired of those games that have steep requirements? Then better prep yourself, as Hardwarezone now brings to you the Desktop Tower Defense!

Here is the description of the game:

A live action puzzle game written for fun in flash. You have to stop your enemies, or 'creeps', from travelling all the way across the screen. Tower pieces can be purchased and placed on the map to kill the creeps before they make it across. Inspired by a Warcraft 3 tower defense map called Autumn Crossing and a few other TD Warcraft III maps.

If you want to luck your luck, then by my guest. :) Here's the link to the game. Enjoy and tell us your score!

Research show that exercising one's brain may lead to sharper and better memory. Things like sudoku, chess, and even the simple act of reading is a sure fire way to give your brain some exercise.

But those activities are so old school. Isn't there any other way to make my brain healthier? Good thing some people feel the same way and decided to come up with a product that is state of the art!

I still remember the days when my brother and I were so addicted to MMORPGs. In fact, during our "peak," we played for 18 - 20 hours straight, ate, and played again until we couldn't stand it anymore. This went on for days and to tell you the truth, it was not a pretty sight.

I remember looking like a zombie then.... Our eyes having bags so big, owls were no match for it. We also kept 350 pesos a month just to play online and be part of the thousands who play at night (since we attended school during the day). This was the life of an online MMORPG gamer...

Fast forward to 2007 -> My brother is quite busy studying (as he is going to be a doctor soon) and I am now working (for Hardwarezone, of course) with MMOs at the bottom of my things to do.

But what if I told you gamers out there that some scientists are comparing MMORPG Addiction to... Gambling?

I recently attended the "Beyond Freedom in Boracay" Event of Toshiba on behalf of Hardwarezone Philippines last March 19 - March 21, 2007. While it was tiring, I really had fun and I was able to find out what's new from Toshiba.

Allow me to share to you what transpired during those three days...

Day 1 (March 19, 2007)

I arrived in Boracay around 8 in the morning and this sandcastle made by some locals welcomed us...

I've had this experiment in High School before wherein I had to catch a ruler that was dropped by my laboratory groupmate.

Of course, I really had a very bad reaction time then. But now I think it is time to get back and prove that I have a fast reaction time...

How come? Well, if you want to win fabulous prices just by playing your favorite games (like DOTA and Counter-Strike), better head to Market! Market! two weeks from now (March 30, 2007).

This is because Gigabyte will be hosting a LAN event over there and they are giving away a LOT of prizes...

The event will start at 10:00am and will end at 8:00pm. Here's just a list of what's going to happen during that day:

- A Whole Showcase of Bands

- Gigabyte DIY Contest

- Cosplay Contest

- Audition Dance Contest

- Counter-Strike Game Tournament

- Warcraft III: DOTA Game Tournament

- E-Games Free Play

And much. much more! So if you do not have anything else to do on March 30, 2007 (mark it in your calendars folks!), then head to the Market! Market! Activity Center. We will be there to cover the event and we do hope to see you guys there as well!