The Zone

Nvidia finally rounds up its 200 series with the GT 240. We were fortunate enough to get our hands on one of the higher end GT 240 cards out there and got a pretty good score off of 3DMark06. For more info and testing check it out in our latest issue of HWM.

Microsoft Hardware recently held a Spicy launch for some new stuff. While Bluetrack mice have been on the market for quite some time, Microsoft Hardware are now launching more affordable Bluetrack mice targeted at the consumer market. Other stuff launched includes a Bluetooth ultra-thin keyboard and numeric keypad combo as well as a 720p webcam that works great in low-light conditions (notebook screen light only). For a full report on the event and the products released check it out in our latest issue of HWM.

Taking out the bulk from microscopes and allowing doctors in rural areas to quickly and correctly identify life-threatening diseases such as tuberculosis, or malaria and even dengue, an engineer has created and adapted a cellphone to substitute. Even more impressive is the fact that he has used only USD10 worth of off the shelf-hardware. Dr. Aydogan Ozcan, an assistant professor of electrical engineering has created the devices, founding a company called Microskia to commercialize the technology. More in-depth information here

After someone else's rather feeble attempt at blue laser mice that they said could track on glass, we were pleasantly surprised by Logitech's new Darkfield line of high-performance mice. The Darkfield mice utilize a new dual laser technology that allows it to track on thick glass and other reflective surfaces with ease. For those who still don't know about Logitech's Unifying Micro USB receiver check out the teeny tiny USB receiver in the picture. Check out the full report in our latest issue of HWM (December 2009).

Just when you thought Vista was bad....this was taken yesterday!!!

Starting November 3rd, North American gamers (and fellow parallel importers) will be able to pick up the new PS3 Slim system with a 250GB built-in hard drive for USD349.99 (approximately RM1,178). The functionality and form factor of the 250GB PlayStation 3 Slim remains identical to the previously launched 120GB model, while the larger hard disk capacity offers even more room to store your PSN downloads, videos, music and photos.

We just got our hands on Apolco's Powerline Networking kit. Featuring two plug and play plugs in a single kit, these PLC bridge/adapters let you connect two computers in a network via your power line. Offering 85Mbps speeds (better than wireless G at 54Mbps) the device is very easy to use. For a full review on the kit check out our latest issue of HWM.

We've tested quite a few Apolco micro projectors to date, however the Apolco Mobile Media Projector is so far the best one to date. From what we've seen so far, the tiny LED powered micro projector can handle 60" displays, has pretty good built-in sound and now even has a rechargable and removable battery. For a full review on the projector check out our latest issue of HWM. 

Found while we were browsing for some free iPhone apps, we unfortunately stumbled upon the River Oaks Baptist School app. While the name itself is innocent, the robbing title of the app is true about education and its increasing cost =D

MIT has made a great video explaining how OLED technology actually works; by using a pickle! Maybe science teachers and lecturers may take advantage of educational material such as this, something that we lack, at least when we were still in school. Props to Professor Vladimir Bulovic for the video!

Watch it here

You can even download it in .mov format here

Avast, me hearties! Come September 19th, fellow landlubbers and seafarers may point thy browser to Telltale Games' Play Like a Pirate minisite and safely pillage the first chapter to the Tales of Monkey Island game for FREE!

Also, in commemoration with the International Talk Like a Pirate Day, all five chapters of Guybrush Threepwood's new episodic adventure can be yours at a (slightly) reduced price of USD29.95. Remember, the offer is only valid on the swashbuckling day.

After its official launch a few days back we're finally clear to release some info on the Lynnfield Core i7, Core i5 and Intel P55. We've done a full indepth analysis of the boards that should answer the questions:

Is it worth the move?

Is it good for gaming?

Is it really targeted at the mainstream?

Check out some initial tests we got in the link below and be sure to read the full analysis in the Hot off the Labs section of the latest issue of HWM.

Dhani Harrison, son of the late George Harrison appeared on a recent episode of The Tonight Show to talk about The Beatles: Rock Band video game. It wasn't long before host Conan O'Brien himself (and his boys) rock out to the game alongside Harrison.

You can check out the clip here.

Taking a shot of yourself or a self-portrait using your own camera is probably one of the most common shots in the world. Everybody's done it at one point or another and everyone has usually ended up with a mess or missed themselves altogether. Samsung have recently launched their new 2View line of digital cameras. One of them is the ST550 which bears two touchscreen LCD, one on the front and one on the back so you can frame yourself nicely without having to ask someone else for help. Check out the full event and details on the cameras in our latest issue of HWM!

Keyboard Cat, the Youtube phenomena turned 4chan meme has now made the jump into the nitty-gritty world of Sam Fisher, as can be seen from the clip above.

How's that for stealth?