The Zone

Hardware: Hands-on with the GT 240

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.

Events: Microsoft Hardware launches Bluetooth Keyboard, 720p webcam and Cheaper Bluetrack mice

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.

Science; Engineer Turns Cellphone Into Microscope

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

Events: Logitech shows-off new Darkfield mice

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).

Randoms; Windows Live Fail

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

Gaming: 250GB PS3 Slim Landing in US Early November

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.

Hardware: Apolco's Powerline Networking

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.

Hardware: Even better Apolco micro projector

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.

Online; An Unfortunate Name

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

Videos; OLED Technology Explained By MIT

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