Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Upper Deck Evolution 'Cards' Use LCD Screens to Play Highlight Reels]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/upper-deck-lcd-screen-evolution-cards/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/upper-deck-lcd-screen-evolution-cards/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/08/upper-deck-lcd-screen-evolution-cards/#comments

We thought collecting baseball cards went out with grunge, but apparently we were wrong. Upper Deck (one of the card companies that isn't Topps) is still clinging to life and pushing the envelope of what can legitimately be called a "card." The half-inch thick Evolution Series holds a battery and a small LCD, which loops a 60-second highlight real of one of four NFL players. Check out the video above.

SwitchedUpper Deck Evolution 'Cards' Use LCD Screens to Play Highlight Reels originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BaseballCardsdisplaysEvolutionSeriessportstopTradingCardsUpperDeckUpperDeckEvolutionSeriesFri, 08 Apr 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Flashy Adidas Touchscreen Helps You Buy Shoes, Won't Hold Your Feet]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/13/adidas-intel-adiverse-virtual-footwear-wall/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/13/adidas-intel-adiverse-virtual-footwear-wall/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/13/adidas-intel-adiverse-virtual-footwear-wall/#commentsAdidas and Intel unveil touchscreen wall. Adidas and Intel recently unveiled a massive touchscreen wall that allows shoe retailers to house a large inventory without taking up so much floorspace. The adiVerse Virtual Footwear Wall, which was designed by U.K. group Start Creative, was recently unveiled at the 2011 National Retail Federation Convention. When a shopper approaches it, the wall determines whether the person is male or female, and makes initial footwear recommendations, according to FastCompany. From there, shoppers can browse 3-D images of products, as many as 8,000, rendered on the wall. Aside from general specs on each shoe, the adiVerse wall hosts a wealth of marketing tools to be enjoyed -- like behind-the-scenes looks at a shoe's design, videos of the shoe in action and user reviews from social networking sites. When the shopper has made a final decision, he or she can try on the shoe, check its pricing, options and size availability, and add it to a shopping cart. Then an employee wielding a tablet will come over to help confirm and finish the transaction.

The first store equipped with an adiVerse wall will open in the U.K. sometime next year. We aren't sure it's such a viable business move to install a giant touchscreen wall in your tiny shoe store, though. It's clearly a way for retailers to save space and compete with online shopping, but the wall can't come cheap, and, in our opinion, shoppers can get a similar experience at home on their laptops.

Continue reading Flashy Adidas Touchscreen Helps You Buy Shoes, Won't Hold Your Feet

SwitchedFlashy Adidas Touchscreen Helps You Buy Shoes, Won't Hold Your Feet originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adidasdesigndisplaysfashionfootwearIntelshoesshoppingtoptouchscreenThu, 13 Jan 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[3-D TV at CES: Going Small and Cheap, Whether You Want It or Not]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/10/3d-tvs-2011-ces-smaller-cheaper-more-content/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/10/3d-tvs-2011-ces-smaller-cheaper-more-content/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/10/3d-tvs-2011-ces-smaller-cheaper-more-content/#commentsAs we wandered the halls of CES 2011, one thing became abundantly clear: that this 3-D thing just isn't going away. We'd previously written off 3-D TV and movies as gimmicky and prone to producing headaches, but the industry is clearly taking it very seriously. Last year, all the major TV manufacturers were pushing 3-D sets, and all were back this year with upgraded displays, new glasses and improved tech. But more surprising was the number of smaller brands jumping on the bandwagon, and the extent to which the larger companies were banking the trend. Samsung even announced that more than half of its TV lineup in 2011 would be 3-D. So, will 2011 be the year that 3-D hits critical mass and becomes an accepted form of content? We still doubt it. While 3-D capable sets may find a foothold in the living room, there still seems to be a lack of compelling content and enthusiasm from consumers. That being said, 2011 kicked off with a mega market push, falling costs and wider variety, suggesting that your 3-D options are just beginning to unfold. Join us to see what's coming in the world of 3-D displays in 2011 and beyond.

Continue reading 3-D TV at CES: Going Small and Cheap, Whether You Want It or Not

Switched3-D TV at CES: Going Small and Cheap, Whether You Want It or Not originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-D3D3dTv3netcescobydisplaysespn 3dEspn3dfeatureshaierhbolgmoviessamsungsonytoptoshibavizioMon, 10 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Parrot's DIA Makes Us Reconsider Our Digital Photo Frame Prejudice]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/parrot-dia-photo-frame-hands-on/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/parrot-dia-photo-frame-hands-on/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/parrot-dia-photo-frame-hands-on/#commentsParrot DIA We got our first look at Parrot's DIA digital photo frame a few days ago, and we knew immediately that we had to see it in person. So the first thing we did this morning was head over to the Parrot booth to spend some time getting acquainted with the first digital frame we've ever seen that actually induces true gadget lust. Beyond the stunning, lightbox-like design, the frame actually packs some impressive tech. The frame is powered by Android (as is everything these days, apparently) and runs a few basic apps in addition to the basic photo slideshow. The 'Cabinet of Curiosities' app shows off black and white illustrations and highlights the transparent display. The 'Holiday' app recognizes geotags on photos and arranges them on Google Maps. There's also an RSS app (called 'FrameChannel') for pulling in weather, sports scores and news. Sadly, the 'Holiday' and RSS apps weren't working, thanks to the nightmarish Wi-Fi situation on the showroom floor. What we didn't know is that the DIA packs a Web browser, and you can actually connect a keyboard and mouse to the USB ports. While we don't imagine you'll be doing lots of browsing on the 10.4-inch screen (it may be beautiful for photos, but it's not very practical for reading) the ability to plug in a keyboard should make logging into your photo sharing accounts much easier. There's even an iPhone app that lets you pick images from your gallery and wirelessly send them to the frame, with just the flick of a finger.

If you don't feel like plugging in a keyboard, you can always navigate the menus using the trackball and capacitive touch buttons on the top of the frame. When the DIA launches in the U.S. in February, it'll have a suggested retail price of $500 -- quite a lot to ask for a photo frame. That being said, if you've been temped by the convenience of digital frames, but just can't bring yourself to put one of the tacky, frustrating devices in your home, the DIA might just be worth every penny. And since words can't possibly do this thing justice, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Parrot DIA

SwitchedParrot's DIA Makes Us Reconsider Our Digital Photo Frame Prejudice originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcesdesigndiadigital photo frameDigitalPhotoFramedisplaysparrottopThu, 06 Jan 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Eyes on With Samsung's Stunning D8000 TV]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/samsung-d8000-tv-hands-on-video/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/samsung-d8000-tv-hands-on-video/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/samsung-d8000-tv-hands-on-video/#comments The Samsung D8000 is the company's new top-of-the-line TV, and it's a stunner. It's a miraculously thin, Internet-connected, 3-D, LED-backlit piece of beauty. It even comes with a touchscreen remote that lets you watch video and check your social networking accounts. But the most impressive things about the D8000 are the incredible viewing angles (the picture being almost perfect even from the sides), and the 0.2-inch bezel, which practically disappears when the TV is turned on. Samsung hasn't announced a release date or a price, but you can be sure it won't be cheap. Check out the video below.

Continue reading Eyes on With Samsung's Stunning D8000 TV

SwitchedEyes on With Samsung's Stunning D8000 TV originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesd8000displayssamsungtopTVThu, 06 Jan 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Parrot Debuts DIA, The First Drool-Worthy Digital Photo Frame]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/03/parrot-dia-photo-frame-lightbox/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/03/parrot-dia-photo-frame-lightbox/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/03/parrot-dia-photo-frame-lightbox/#commentsparrot dia Digital photo frames are, in a word, a joke. Few technologies are taken less seriously by both geeks and consumers alike than frames, most of which consist of the cheapest LCD screens the manufacturer could source, crammed into a tacky plastic case. But Parrot, the company that wowed us at last year's CES with the AR Drone, just unveiled the DIA, the first digital photo frame to make us stop and say, "I want that." The DIA is inspired by lightboxes and slide film. The actual LCD display is separated from its backlight, giving a transparent effect to your photos that the designers, Jean-Louis Frechin and Uros Petrevski, liken to images captured with Kodak's Ektachrome film. The light and display aren't just separated, though; there are openings on the sides of the frame that allow light to spill out and (if you really want) for objects to be inserted between the light and display, casting a shadow on the image.

The frame itself is simple and white, with the only hints of its digital nature being the recessed controls at the top and the SD card slot and USB ports on the side. While you can certainly load photos on the DIA using the USB or SD ports, you can also send photos to the frame wirelessly over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. (There's even an app for sending images to it from your iPhone.) Of course, no digital photo frame would be complete without a few extras, and the DIA delivers a number of preinstalled apps: You can explore the Earth and relive vacations via Google Maps (Holidays), view 19th century woodcuts and illustrations (Cabinet of Curiosities) and check the news and weather (FrameChannel). The Parrot DIA will go on sale in February for an undisclosed price, but considering Parrot's other designer digital photo frames start at a stunning $450, we wouldn't expect it to be cheap.

Gallery: Parrot DIA

SwitchedParrot Debuts DIA, The First Drool-Worthy Digital Photo Frame originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdiadigital photo frameDigitalPhotoFramedisplaysparrotparrot diaParrotDiatopMon, 03 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumers Skipping on 3-D and Web-Connected TVs]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/15/consumers-skipping-3-d-web-connected-tvs/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/15/consumers-skipping-3-d-web-connected-tvs/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/15/consumers-skipping-3-d-web-connected-tvs/#commentsDuring this holiday season, electronics manufacturers and retailers were counting on new tech like 3-D and Internet connectivity to help push TV sales, but it looks as though consumers have little interest in the latest gimmicks. According to Reuters, Best Buy chief exec Brian Dunn told analysts on Tuesday that 3-D TV sales were not living up to industry expectations. He blamed consumer confusion over 3-D and a lack of compelling content. Jay Vandenbree, head of the home entertainment division for LG, told Reuters that he expects 3-D content to eventually trickle down the same way that HD did, starting with sports and movies -- but the wait for 3-D to go mass market may be longer than expected.

Many consumers only recently purchased their first flat-screens and HD sets, and running out a year later to spend $2,000 on a 3-D display and expensive glasses for only a limited amount of content just doesn't make much financial sense. Similarly, sales of Web-connected TVs, such as the Google TV-infused Sony sets, are selling more slowly than retailers would like. Consumers realize they can get many of the same services, such as Netflix Instant, from cheaper add-on devices like the Roku and Apple TV.

Continue reading Consumers Skipping on 3-D and Web-Connected TVs

SwitchedConsumers Skipping on 3-D and Web-Connected TVs originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dTvBestBuybusinessdisplaysgoogleGoogleTvmediamoviessonytoptvsWed, 15 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Man Drops $15,000 to Play Massive MMO on Monster LED]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/man-drops-15-000-to-play-massive-mmo-on-monster-led/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/man-drops-15-000-to-play-massive-mmo-on-monster-led/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/24/man-drops-15-000-to-play-massive-mmo-on-monster-led/#commentsgamer under display
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An eminent, yet unnamed, gaming god sat down for a session of unprecedented magnitude last week. The man supposedly dropped $15,000 to park his recliner underneath "the world's second largest LED screen." (He must have auctioned off a colossal stockpile of geeky, collectible figurines.) Housed a Beijing pedestrian mall, The Place, the screen measured over 80,000 square feet. The mysterious, and already legendary, gamer actually had ten minutes to play a massive multiplayer online game on the massively awesome display.

With only ten minutes to game, though, we probably would have picked a genre -- like a shooter -- that allows for unceasing first-person devastation. Regardless, the guy is obviously hardcore. Now, as far as ultra-large screen Stateside action goes, how much would it cost to rent one of these mega-HD monoliths? And forget ten minutes -- we'd be happy with five.

Continue reading Man Drops $15,000 to Play Massive MMO on Monster LED

SwitchedMan Drops $15,000 to Play Massive MMO on Monster LED originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaDisplaydisplaysgamingled tvLedTvMMOstopWed, 24 Nov 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A Virtual Miracle on 34th Street: Macy's to Debut Digital 'Magic Fitting Room']]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/14/a-virtual-miracle-on-34th-street-macys-to-debut-digital-magic/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/14/a-virtual-miracle-on-34th-street-macys-to-debut-digital-magic/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/14/a-virtual-miracle-on-34th-street-macys-to-debut-digital-magic/#commentsmacy's 'magic fitting room' The famous Macy's in Manhattan's Herald Square will debut a so-called Magic Fitting Room next month, which will allow shoppers to virtually try on clothes. A 72-inch mirror display will digitally swathe you with the latest styles from Marc Ecko, Alfani or whatever it is they sell there. (We don't like to go, because the staff literally corrals shoppers into one-way, single-file lines during the holidays.)

The Magic Fitting Room (which we'd only call 'magic' if it can shave 20 pounds off our sides) uses augmented reality software to work its wizardry, but we're not sure if any kind of AR markers are necessary to get the process going. (We're reminded, however, of the World Wildlife Fund's AR T-shirt, which simulates the experience of being shot in the chest as you stand in front of a mirror.) The shopper simply "flicks" her desired piece of clothing from an iPad app interface and onto the mirror, powered by Windows 7 .Net WPF Gesture Control. We'll have to stop by the store (read: spend an afternoon wading through a sea of Midtown tourists to get from the Petites to the Men's department), when the Magic debuts in November.

SwitchedA Virtual Miracle on 34th Street: Macy's to Debut Digital 'Magic Fitting Room' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arAugmentedRealityclothingdisplaysfashionFittingRoomgestureHeraldSquareipadIpadAppmacysMagicFittingRoomNewYorktopThu, 14 Oct 2010 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba First to Sell Glasses-Free 3-D TV]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/10/05/toshiba-first-to-sell-glasses-free-3-d-tv/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/05/toshiba-first-to-sell-glasses-free-3-d-tv/http://www.switched.com/2010/10/05/toshiba-first-to-sell-glasses-free-3-d-tv/#commentsToshiba 3-D TV If you live in Japan, and happen to have a few hundred thousand yen laying around, you can be amongst the first to own a 3-D TV that doesn't require special glasses. Toshiba announced today that it would be the first to market with such a display. Twenty-inch and 12-inch models of the set will hit shelves in December for ¥240,000 ($2,880) and ¥120,000 ($1,440), respectively. Instead of flashing two frames that are filtered by eye-wear to create a 3-D image, the new Regza GL1 Series sets use a technology similar to something we saw on display at CES back in January from Alioscopy at the Intel booth. A layer is added over the display that angles nine separate frames towards the proper eye.

Image processing on the TVs, which can convert 2-D images to 3-D, is handled by a Cell processor, similar to the one powering the PS3. The sets are also backlit by LEDs for lower power consumption and better contrast ratios. All of this fancy technology doesn't improve viewing angles, however. Toshiba says the ideal range of view is a 40-degree zone directly in front of the display, and the New York Times reports that images quickly become a blurry mess as you step away from the center of the screen. Still, expensive and clunky 3-D glasses have been viewed as an impediment to 3-D TV adoption. Considering the price demand for such displays, consumers don't want to drop an additional $75 on glasses or pass out eye-wear to guests before sitting down to watch some Monday Night Football. Until prices drop and TVs can pump out glasses-free 3-D images at a wide (and seamless) viewing angle, we're still going to consider the tech a novelty.

SwitchedToshiba First to Sell Glasses-Free 3-D TV originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dtvdisplaystoptoshibatvTue, 05 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Largest HD Screen Being Built at Charlotte Motor Speedway]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/09/27/worlds-largest-hd-screen-being-built-at-charlotte-motor-speedwa/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/27/worlds-largest-hd-screen-being-built-at-charlotte-motor-speedwa/http://www.switched.com/2010/09/27/worlds-largest-hd-screen-being-built-at-charlotte-motor-speedwa/#comments For now, fans of the Dallas Cowboys can brag that their team's stadium boasts the world's largest HD video screen. Enjoy it while you can, Cowboys fans. According to DVICE, the Charlotte Motor Speedway will unveil, in April 2011, a 200-foot-by-80-foot Panasonic HD screen that will supplant the Cowboys' screen as the world's largest. The monster screen will cover an area of 16,000 square feet, weigh a whopping 165,000 pounds and be comprised of about 9 million LEDs. Panasonic's mammoth 720p screen will be placed on the track's backstretch, between turns 2 and 3, giving fans seated in the frontstretch's grandstands an eye-popping view.

SwitchedWorld's Largest HD Screen Being Built at Charlotte Motor Speedway originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HDhdtvlednascarpanasonicsportstopvideoMon, 27 Sep 2010 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Saudi Arabia Announces Immediate Suspension of BlackBerry Data Services]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/04/saudi-arabia-announces-immediate-suspension-of-blackberry-data-s/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/04/saudi-arabia-announces-immediate-suspension-of-blackberry-data-s/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/04/saudi-arabia-announces-immediate-suspension-of-blackberry-data-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

a blackberry crossed outOn Sunday, telecom regulators from the United Arab Emirates announced their plans to suspend e-mail, instant messaging and Web-browsing services for BlackBerry users, due to manufacturer RIM's refusal to allow the government to monitor the data sent across its network. Now, another major Middle East country has instituted a similar ban that, unlike the UAE's, will go into effect very soon.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) formally asked Saudi Telecom, Mobily and Zain Saudi Arabia to suspend services to BlackBerry users, beginning this Friday. As the Saudi news agency SPA told Al Jazeera, telecom regulators decided to implement the ban because RIM's BlackBerry data service "in its present state does not meet regulatory requirements." According to CNET, some 700,000 Saudi Arabian users are expected to be affected by the latest suspension.

Continue reading Saudi Arabia Announces Immediate Suspension of BlackBerry Data Services

SwitchedSaudi Arabia Announces Immediate Suspension of BlackBerry Data Services originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrydataemailgovernmentmonitorprivacyResearchInMotionRIMSaudiArabiaSaudiArabianBantopuaeUnitedArabEmiratesWed, 04 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sweet 3-D Waterfall Displays 'Tetris,' Trounces SkyMall Inventory]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/07/03/sweet-3-d-waterfall-displays-tetris-trounces-skymall-inventor/http://www.switched.com/2010/07/03/sweet-3-d-waterfall-displays-tetris-trounces-skymall-inventor/http://www.switched.com/2010/07/03/sweet-3-d-waterfall-displays-tetris-trounces-skymall-inventor/#commentsFiled under:

Tetris projected on waterfall
We don't want to insult any of our loyal readers when we say that water sculpture, in general, rarely attains an aesthetic value exceeding the fine objets available in your monthly SkyMall catalog. (Maybe you have one? Send pics!) Perhaps Peter Barnum, Srinivasa Narasimhan and Takeo Kanade -- researchers at Carnegie Mellon University -- also enjoy the aesthetic of cheaply produced, disco waterfalls for the home. Where else would they find inspiration for their 3-D water 'Tetris' contraption?

What elevates their device from simple, mass-produced schlock to slightly more interesting, science-y schlock is the fact that their 'Tetris' projection is both fully playable and volumetric in design. Using only a single projector and camera, the device switches between cascading sheets of water, which are sourced from 50 stainless-steel needles on each of the three planes, so the projections never overlap or obscure the other layers. Check out a video after the break to see it in action.

Continue reading Sweet 3-D Waterfall Displays 'Tetris,' Trounces SkyMall Inventory

SwitchedSweet 3-D Waterfall Displays 'Tetris,' Trounces SkyMall Inventory originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-dCarnegie MellonCarnegieMellondisplaykitschPeter BarnumPeterBarnumprojectionsculptureskymallSrinivasa NarasimhanSrinivasaNarasimhanTakeo KanadeTakeoKanadetetristopwaterwaterfallSat, 03 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Nintendo Use Sharp's New 3-D Mobile Display for Its '3DS' Device?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/04/will-nintendo-use-sharps-new-3-d-mobile-display-for-its-3ds-d/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/04/will-nintendo-use-sharps-new-3-d-mobile-display-for-its-3ds-d/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/04/will-nintendo-use-sharps-new-3-d-mobile-display-for-its-3ds-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Last week, we told you about how Nintendo's next DS model will feature 3-D technology without those dorky glasses. However, details were pretty scarce. Today, one more piece of the puzzle might have fallen into place. According to an Associated Press report, Sharp has unveiled a 3-D mobile device display that works without glasses. While nobody will confirm it, we figure it's inevitable that Sharp will provide the display screens for Nintendo's next gadget.

Before you get too excited, there are some things you should know. First, the screen measures about 3 inches, and has a 480-by-854-pixel resolution. (In a press release, Sharp claims the latter's the best in the 3-D LCD screen business.) The screen must be held within one foot of your face to work, but, if you decide 3-D isn't for you, there's an option to revert back to 2-D. At a press conference in Tokyo, Sharp representatives said the screens would be used for cameras and cell phones. They showed off the technology with 3-D animation, touchscreens that swapped between 3-D photos, and a display connected to a 3-D video camera.

But as Crunch Gear points out, Sharp has been providing screens for Nintendo since 2004. It doesn't take a detective to figure out what should happen next. As long as the images are crisp and clear (as Sharp claims they are), you won't hear any complaints from us. [From: AP/New York Daily News and Crunch Gear]

SwitchedWill Nintendo Use Sharp's New 3-D Mobile Display for Its '3DS' Device? originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DBreakingNewsDisplaylcdnintendoscreensharptopSun, 04 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A reader asks: One of my college housemates just moved out, which is a good thing, but he took his TV with him. This is a bad thing. So I'm looking for a PC monitor that can do double duty as a TV, too -- something reasonably big, as good quality as possible, fast enough for console games and is around $350 or so. I'm stuck with a laptop 12-inch screen until you reply, so hurry up and just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: On those gray days when we wake up in the morning and wonder what it all means anyway, it's questions like these that bring us around and get our blood pumping again: We do it for the children!

Sob stories aside, your question is actually a good one, since a dual-purpose monitor is a great solution for a lot of people who don't have the space, cash or inclination to get multiple flat screens. And, while we're under the impression that many college kids already watch TV shows almost exclusively on laptops and monitors, movies and console games are inherently social activities that benefit from a communal screen.

Continue reading What's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350?

SwitchedWhat's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p24-inch display24-inchDisplayfeatureshdtvjusttellmewhattogetmonitorp2570reviewssamsung syncmaster p2570SamsungSyncmasterP2570topThu, 25 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tromsø Students Make a Gorgeous, Massive 22-Megapixel Display Wall]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/24/tromso-students-make-a-gorgeous-massive-22-megapixel-display-wa/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/24/tromso-students-make-a-gorgeous-massive-22-megapixel-display-wa/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/24/tromso-students-make-a-gorgeous-massive-22-megapixel-display-wa/#commentsFiled under: ,

We here in America know that everything is bigger in Texas, but the Lone Star's got nothing on Scandinavia. For example, Norway has the largest capital reserve of any country, making it the wealthiest in the world by monetary value. Some of the largest sea predators -- like the sperm whale and the basking shark -- call Norwegian waters home, while the people of Norway represent one of the largest secular populations in the world. And they also make really, really big displays!

Students at the University of Tromsø have created a 22-megapixel display wall. (To put that into perspective, your writer's 13-inch Macbook has a 1.05-megapixel widescreen XGA display.) This thing is massive, with the overall display space constructed from 28 projectors and driven by a display cluster of 30 computer nodes. "Each projector creates a 1024x768 resolution image, which when tiled together with the others form a 7168x3072 resolution display," claim the developers on the university's site.

Continue reading Tromsø Students Make a Gorgeous, Massive 22-Megapixel Display Wall

SwitchedTromsø Students Make a Gorgeous, Massive 22-Megapixel Display Wall originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displaydisplay wallDisplayWallGesture ControlGestureControlguiinteractiveinteractive wallInteractiveWallmegapixelmulti-touchtopuiuniversity of tromsoUniversityOfTromsoWed, 24 Mar 2010 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Droves of 'Display' Blocks Crawl All Over Your Living Room]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/22/droves-of-display-blocks-crawl-all-over-your-living-room/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/22/droves-of-display-blocks-crawl-all-over-your-living-room/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/22/droves-of-display-blocks-crawl-all-over-your-living-room/#commentsFiled under: ,

Art Center College of Design graduate student Julia Yu Tsao's thesis project 'Curious Displays' rejects the idea of a display as a single unit, like a monitor or mobile device. Instead, Yu Tsao's project is made up of a series of independent blocks, which are fully mobile with the ability to interact with one another. The blocks can coalesce into a single form (such as a television screen), or break apart, centipede-like, to highlight other information relative to its space. In Yu Tsao's video (after the break), portions of blocks migrate to inform the user that a meeting time has been pushed back, or to water a dying plant, or even to highlight a lost set of keys.

Similar to MIT's Flyfire project (also posted by Boing Boing last week), 'Curious Displays' rebukes the static way in which we view information, proposing an active interface that reacts to both space and time. We reported earlier this month on Fabien Hemmert's TED talk, in which the designer showcased cell phone concepts that physically transform in response to the data they're trying to display. Do we sense a trend? It may be a while before any of this futuristic tech grows legs, but this is progressive thinking design at its best. Forget 3-D TVs, which only simulate the third dimension; these displays work on every axis. [From: Boing Boing]

Continue reading Droves of 'Display' Blocks Crawl All Over Your Living Room

SwitchedDroves of 'Display' Blocks Crawl All Over Your Living Room originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art center college of designArtCenterCollegeOfDesignconceptdesigndisplayjulia yu tsaoJuliaYuTsaotopMon, 22 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Things to Consider When Buying a Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer-5/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer-5/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer-5/#comments

Extras

At this point, USB ports and Gigabit Ethernet are standard features in desktops and laptops alike, so we won't waste your time talking about them. There are still a few hardware options worth mentioning, though.

Wireless
If you're getting a laptop, Wi-Fi is a given. You'll want to make sure you get one with an 802.11n card in it. Wi-Fi is less important in a desktop machine that won't be moved much, but, if you don't want to place it near your modem or router, you may want to consider wireless.

Bluetooth is also worth considering if you want to sync a smartphone, or use a wireless headset with Skype. Lastly, serious road warriors will want to consider a dedicated 3G WAN card for getting online when Wi-Fi isn't available.

Printer
If your aging printer is up for replacement, you can snag a great deal (or free printer) when buying a new computer package from many stores. Those that print a lot of text documents will want a laser printer, while users who only occasionally print charts, graphs, and Web content would benefit from an ink-jet. Shutterbugs may want to consider a dedicated photo printer.

Monitor
If you bought a desktop, you'll probably need a monitor (or two). Go with a 20-inch model or larger (any smaller and you might as well have gotten a laptop) with at least a 1600x900 resolution. For anything larger than 20 inches, you'd be wise to jump to a full 1080p screen.

SwitchedFive Things to Consider When Buying a Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pbluetoothmodemsmonitormonitorsnetwork cardNetworkCardprinterprintersrouterusbwi-fiwifiwirelesswireless adapterWirelessAdapterWed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Things to Consider When Buying a Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer-3/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer-3/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer-3/#comments

Form Factor: Desktop vs. Laptop

Deciding between a laptop and desktop is primarily an exercise in identifying how and where you plan to use a computer. Answering these three simple questions should set you on the right path.

Where are you going to use it?
Obviously, you'll need to answer whether or not you plan to travel with your computer. If you need to work on your commute, or take notes in class, a desktop is clearly out of the question. If you'll be using your computer in a cramped dorm room, a small apartment, or a bedroom, though, you may want to opt for an all-in-one desktop -- or, for even more space savings, what's known as a "desktop replacement notebook" (essentially, a large, high-powered laptop). Those in the market for a living room PC should be eying small form factor (SFF) boxes that will better blend with home theater equipment and game consoles. If you're not sure where you're going to be using your machine, as you'll be lugging it from place to place, you'd do well to opt for an ultra-light laptop.

What are you going to use it to do?
If you're going to be doing heavy video editing, photo editing, or gaming, you'll definitely want to consider a desktop PC that can be upgraded and sports a large (20 inch+) screen. Media and gaming addicts who are willing to sacrifice some screen real estate and performance for the sake of mobility should gravitate towards the desktop replacements with 17-inch screens. Those who spend their days buried in sprawling spread sheets might also benefit from a desktop or large-screened notebook. If you only wish to browse the Web, check e-mail, and compose the occasional Word doc, you should check out a notebook with a screen no larger than 15 inches.

Is this a secondary computer?
This should be another obvious one. If you already have a desktop, then opt for a laptop. Do you have a laptop, but want something more portable for light e-mail use? Then check out the netbook scene. And if you're looking for a second machine just to get Hulu or Netflix streaming on your TV, then look for nettops or SFF PCs.


SwitchedFive Things to Consider When Buying a Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 Things to Consider5ThingsToConsideradvicedesktopdesktop replacementDesktopReplacementlaptopmonitornetbooktipsWed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Daily Deal: 23" Monitor, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for $179.99]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/14/our-daily-deal-23-hd-monitor-and-more-for-179-99/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/14/our-daily-deal-23-hd-monitor-and-more-for-179-99/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/14/our-daily-deal-23-hd-monitor-and-more-for-179-99/#commentsFiled under: ,

The folks over at TechDealDigger are letting us know about some of the best deals they find on gadgets every day, so we're going to pass that information on to you. After all, in these tough economic times, every little bit counts. We may not be buying Swarovski-covered iPods any time soon, but everyone needs essentials like a computer. So take a look at what the online deals site sent us today.

Want to quickly turn your PC from just another Web-browsing machine into a viable entertainment center? Drop by Dell and pick up this package deal, which includes a Samsung 23-inch HD monitor and Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse. While 23 inches isn't large enough to replace the TV in most living rooms, it is perfect for a dorm, bedroom, or the average New York City apartment. Add the wireless keyboard and mouse combo, which lets you sit back, relax, and cue up a movie from Netflix, or a show on Hulu, without hovering over the desk and you've got a legitimate alternative to your traditional cable box and remote setup.

Continue reading Our Daily Deal: 23" Monitor, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for $179.99

SwitchedOur Daily Deal: 23" Monitor, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for $179.99 originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daily dealDailyDealdelllogitechmonitorour daily dealOurDailyDealsamsungwireless keyboardWirelessKeyboardWed, 14 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[10 LCD Monitors That Think Outside the Bezel]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/31/10-lcd-monitors-that-think-outside-the-bezel/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/31/10-lcd-monitors-that-think-outside-the-bezel/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/31/10-lcd-monitors-that-think-outside-the-bezel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Odds are your computer's monitor looks a lot like everyone else's. Well, we here at Switched like to break out of the status quo, and we've found 10 screens that do the same.

Continue reading 10 LCD Monitors That Think Outside the Bezel

Switched10 LCD Monitors That Think Outside the Bezel originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesbacktoschoolbtscomputermonitorsfeaturesLCDmonitorstopMon, 31 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[U2 Takes Massive Transforming Screen on Tour]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/02/u2-takes-massive-transforming-screen-on-tour/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/02/u2-takes-massive-transforming-screen-on-tour/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/02/u2-takes-massive-transforming-screen-on-tour/#commentsFiled under:

Twenty years ago, as one of the world's biggest rock bands, U2 could appease their fans by simply playing "Where the Streets Have No Name" on a building rooftop. Twenty years later, U2 is still huge, and their live performance has evolved into a gargantuan show of lights, screens, and over-the-top stage props. Don't believe us? Check out the band's expanding screen currently in use on the U2 360° tour.

The display, made by Hoberman Associates and Innovative Designs (also responsible for the mammoth screen used on U2's PopMart tour), contains 888 individual screens for a total of 500,000 LED pixels. By using hundreds of small screens that expand and contract in their distance to one another, the screen can literally change its shape. And because the space between each screen is adjustable, it can also take on a transparent quality that allows fans to see images projected in 360 degrees without blocking the view of the band. To see the monstrous screen in action, check out the video here. [From: Core77]

SwitchedU2 Takes Massive Transforming Screen on Tour originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displayledmusicscreensu2Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Thieves Return Stolen Monitors to Church, With an Apology]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/01/canadian-thieves-return-stolen-goods-with-an-apology/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/01/canadian-thieves-return-stolen-goods-with-an-apology/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/01/canadian-thieves-return-stolen-goods-with-an-apology/#commentsFiled under:

Residents of Kelowna, British Columbia were shocked and appalled when, in early June, thieves pilfered dozens of computer screens from a resident's driveway, according to The Province. Kelowna General Hospital had donated the monitors to Trinity Baptist Church, and had planned to then distribute the screens to impoverished hospitals in Cameroon, Africa.

As a church volunteer loaded the monitors in his driveway on June 11th, the unknown perps swiped 31 of the screens, prompting local police to appeal to the community for help. Someone contacted the church and stated that they knew the whereabouts of the thieves. Soon after, 29 of the monitors reappeared in the original driveway with a handwritten note attached that read, "Sorry for the trouble hope you forgive us hope those kids in Africa enjoy." The church now plans to ship the monitors to Africa at the end of July.

Continue reading Canadian Thieves Return Stolen Monitors to Church, With an Apology

SwitchedCanadian Thieves Return Stolen Monitors to Church, With an Apology originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychurchcomputerscrimemonitorpolicereligionstolenthefttopWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Daily Deal: Dell 19" Wide Screen LCD Monitor for $89]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/01/our-daily-deal-dell-19-wide-screen-lcd-monitor-for-89/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/01/our-daily-deal-dell-19-wide-screen-lcd-monitor-for-89/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/01/our-daily-deal-dell-19-wide-screen-lcd-monitor-for-89/#commentsFiled under:



The folks over at TechDealDigger are letting us know about some of the best deals they find on gadgets every day, so we're going to pass that information on to you. After all, in these tough economic times, every little bit counts. We may not be buying Swarovski-covered iPods any time soon, but everyone needs essentials like a computer, so take a look at what the online deals site sent us today.

For only $89 (including shipping and handling), you can get your hands on a 19-inch Dell widescreen monitor. It's got a 1000:1 contrast ratio, a 5ms response time, and an HD resolution of 1440x900 -- all this adds up to plenty of performance for gaming and watching movies, not to mention a heck of a deal for that price. If you're still using a standard 4:3 ratio monitor, or just wish you had a second monitor (which studies show can increase productivity), now's the perfect time to take the plunge.

Watch this space every day for new tech deals. [From: TechDealDigger]

SwitchedOur Daily Deal: Dell 19" Wide Screen LCD Monitor for $89 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily dealDailyDealdellmonitorour daily dealOurDailyDealMon, 01 Jun 2009 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's New LED Cinema Display Gets Unboxed]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/02/apples-new-led-cinema-display-gets-unboxed/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/02/apples-new-led-cinema-display-gets-unboxed/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/02/apples-new-led-cinema-display-gets-unboxed/#commentsFiled under: ,


A fortnight after going on sale, Apple's shiny new 24-inch LED Cinema Display has been acquired, unboxed and photographed for your drooling pleasure. Not much to say here outside of what's told in terrific detail by the pixels above, but just like the new MacBook family, there's lots of gloss to go around. Check the read link for a few more looks.

SwitchedApple's New LED Cinema Display Gets Unboxed originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-inchapplecinema displayCinemaDisplayhggnewslcdlcd monitorLcdMonitorLEDled backlightLedBacklightmonitorTue, 02 Dec 2008 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nanovision's Mini Monitors Are Strangely Cute, Sort of Useful]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/10/18/nanovisions-mini-monitors-are-strangely-cute-sort-of-useful/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/18/nanovisions-mini-monitors-are-strangely-cute-sort-of-useful/http://www.switched.com/2008/10/18/nanovisions-mini-monitors-are-strangely-cute-sort-of-useful/#commentsFiled under: ,


They're not much more useful or cost efficient than a second or third regular-sized display, but Korean company Nanovision's soon-to-be-released 7-inch mini-LCDs -- model-named MIMO -- are novel, and probably a bit more convenient to hook up thanks to a USB interface.

Two models will hit the streets of Korea in just a couple of days, and they both work in either landscape or portrait mode at 800 x 480. The UM-750 (?183,000 or $152), has a Webcam, touchscreen, and TV tuner, but its feature-challenged brother the UM-710 (?98,000 or $81) doesn't.

Unfortunately, they're only planned for Korea at the moment, so everyone else will have to consider a smaller but considerably less adorable alternative. [Via Technabob; Thanks, Tom M]

SwitchedNanovision's Mini Monitors Are Strangely Cute, Sort of Useful originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displaykorealcdmimomini displayminidisplaynanovisiontiny displaytinydisplaytouchscreentv tunertvtunerum 710um 750um-710um-750um710um750usbusb displaywebcamSat, 18 Oct 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Out, Kindle -- Dual-Display E-Book Mimicks Reading]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/watch-out-kindle-dual-display-e-book-concept-mimicks-reading/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/watch-out-kindle-dual-display-e-book-concept-mimicks-reading/http://www.switched.com/2008/06/28/watch-out-kindle-dual-display-e-book-concept-mimicks-reading/#commentsFiled under:



It's no surprise that more displays is always better, but when it comes to mimicking the act of reading a book, dual displays is a clear step forward. Researchers at Maryland and Berkeley Universities developed a prototype dual-face, modular e-book reader that allows readers to fan pages to advance in a book or via trackball.

If you're doing some serious research, the displays separate from one another, allowing one to display in landscape mode while the other runs in portrait. To complete the book meme, the device can be folded over to run in a more compact manner, and a simple flip changes the page. Possibilities for future e-book readers are endless here, so we applaud Maryland and Berkeley for using those research dollars. [Source: New Scientist]

SwitchedWatch Out, Kindle -- Dual-Display E-Book Mimicks Reading originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berkeleydisplayse-bookebookebooksmaryland universityMarylandUniversitySat, 28 Jun 2008 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Buy an HDTV for Your PC]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/how-to-buy-an-hdtv-for-your-pc/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/how-to-buy-an-hdtv-for-your-pc/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/12/how-to-buy-an-hdtv-for-your-pc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

How to Buy an HD TV to Hook Your PC Up to
More and more of us are putting PCs in our living rooms. Some of us are using them as media centers to replace DVRs and DVD players, while others are using them to play video games, Meanwhile, some of us just like to surf the Web, check our e-mail, or watch streamed TV shows on a 42-inch screen.

But hooking up a computer to your TV isn't always easy, and the results aren't always pleasing to the eye. So, with a little help from some Engadget readers, we're going to help you pick out the best television for use with your PC or laptop. Only the results aren't quite in yet, so, for now, we'll provide you with a few tips if you're shopping for a TV in the next few weeks.

First thing you'll want to do is make sure the TV you're considering has the right ports for hooking up a computer. Not all PCs have HDMI yet so look for TVs with a DVI, or at least a VGA port for easily connecting even older PCs.

The next part is trickier. You'll need to find a television that can disable a feature called overscan. Overscan was a necessity on older televisions due to the inconsistent framing of standard definition broadcasts. The problem with overscan is that it causes text to blur, which anyone who has ever played a Super Nintendo role playing game will be very familiar with. This makes basic computing tasks stressful on the eyes. Add to that the tiny icon and font sizes that accompany HD resolutions and you'll need glasses in a week.

Only new 1080p capable sets have this feature, but its' not always advertised, and each company has a different name for it. Newer Sony sets have overscan disabled by default on its PC (VGA) inputs. New Samsung TVs have a 'just scan' mode, and Sharp calls it 'dot-by-dot.' Surprisingly bargain brand Westinghouse HD sets are great for text because they don't perform overscan at all. The downside is poor picture quality on standard definition broadcasts. [Source: Engadget]

SwitchedHow to Buy an HDTV for Your PC originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 May 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdtvmonitorsMon, 12 May 2008 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Heads or Tails? Dual Touch Screen Laptop Is CES Highlight]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/10/heads-or-tails-dual-touch-screen-laptop-is-ces-highlight/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/10/heads-or-tails-dual-touch-screen-laptop-is-ces-highlight/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/10/heads-or-tails-dual-touch-screen-laptop-is-ces-highlight/#commentsFiled under: , ,


eDetail Shows Off Dual Touch Screen Laptop

Riddle us this: what's better than a laptop with one screen? A laptop with two screens!

eDetail was at CES this week showing off its award-winning dual screened computer tablet.

The unique dual multi-touch screened monster is primarily targeted at professionals and commercial applications, but the company is producing a 14-inch model aimed more at consumers. Professionals can use the laptop to give mobile presentations, showing customers a slide show or questionnaire on the larger front screen while controlling it all from the smaller back screen. The laptop also has a programmable hot key that can be used for launching a presentation.

The laptop has a built-in camera and microphone for video conferencing. One can imagine flipping the top screen up to watch a movie or opening iTunes iwhile using a word processor or browsing the internet on the main screen.

The 14-inch model is expected to retail for about $1,200 loaded with Windows XP, 512 megabytes of RAM, and an 80 gigabyte hard drive. The one questionable decision was going with AMD's Geode processor, the same chip in the OLPC XO. The Geode allows the eDetail computer to stay cool even with-out fans and last all day without recharging, but the Geode is a little underpowered for running Windows.

Gallery: Dual Screen Laptop

Dual screen laptopDual screen laptops opened and close.Dual screen laptop from side.Dual screen laptop from front.Dual screen laptop closed.


Related links:

SwitchedHeads or Tails? Dual Touch Screen Laptop Is CES Highlight originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eDetaillaptopLaptop NewsLaptopNewsmonitorsmulti touchMultiTouchscreenstablettouch screenTouchScreenThu, 10 Jan 2008 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[New Awe-Inspiring Wrap-Around Display Gives You 180-Degree View]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/07/new-awe-inspiring-wrap-around-display-from-alienware/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/07/new-awe-inspiring-wrap-around-display-from-alienware/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/07/new-awe-inspiring-wrap-around-display-from-alienware/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alienware's Awe Inspiring Wrap-Around Display
Well we've certainly never seen anything quite like this. Alienware unveiled a new curved DLP gaming monitor as part of the pre-CES festivities, saying it will make gaming more immersive. We've heard claims like this before from companies making 3D displays, VR goggles, and sub woofer-packed chairs, but they've all kind of left us thinking "seriously?"

But Alienware's new display is quite impressive. The 42.4 inch diagonal screen curves to provide a 90-degree field of view, meaning that at a close enough range only the outer reaches of your peripheral vision will be seeing anything other than pure gaming craziness. The screen provides a 3.2:1 ratio, significantly wider than your standard 16:9 HDTV. It also sports a response time of .02 milliseconds (most top of the line LCDs have a response time of 2 milliseconds), meaning visual artifacts and blurring will be a thing of the past.
Alienware's Awe Inspiring Wrap-Around Display
The monitor is based on DLP technology, which powers many rear-projection HDTVs, but this one uses an LED backlight to keep power consumption low and brightness high. The display should be available in the second half of '08 at a currently undisclosed price.

Related links:

SwitchedNew Awe-Inspiring Wrap-Around Display Gives You 180-Degree View originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarecurveddisplaydlpgamingledmonitorMon, 07 Jan 2008 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Police Cameras Catch Couples Getting Cozy]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/07/25/police-cameras-catch-couples-getting-cozy/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/25/police-cameras-catch-couples-getting-cozy/http://www.switched.com/2007/07/25/police-cameras-catch-couples-getting-cozy/#commentsFiled under:


In the U.S., couples that publicly slobber over each other earn the disgust of the people around them ... maybe the errant empty beer gets thrown at them, but little else. In Beijing, however, PDA is sometimes viewed as a crime - - by accident. The city's widespread network of closed circuit cameras is monitored by computers, which, according to the Xinhua News Agency, may accidentally interpret public feels as something more sinister, such as kidnapping or robbery. The mix up can occur because the computers are programmed to monitor "violations of safe distances" between people. The computers are kind of like fathers who are overly protective of their daughters.

Though police officers will step in and determine if a dangerous situation is happening or not, the city has gone ahead and put up signs in police-monitored public places, which read in both Chinese and English, "You are entering a camera-monitored zone."

Hey, if it were up to us, PDA would be a punishable crime anyway. Isn't that what pay-by-the-hour motels are for?


From AOL News

Related Links:

SwitchedPolice Cameras Catch Couples Getting Cozy originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameramonitorprivacypublicWed, 25 Jul 2007 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lame Photos of Computer Screens]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/05/22/lame-photos/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/22/lame-photos/http://www.switched.com/2007/05/22/lame-photos/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lame Photos of Computer Screens

Tech gossip site Valleywag has compiled an amusing roundup of the "worst news photos of computer screens" -- those generic, photo agency shots meant to help illustrate a story. For example, we once used the photo above for a story about choosing a safe password. We wouldn't call it horrible, though that woman's giant eyebrow is definitely a distraction . . . what do you want to bet her password is 'Scorsese'?

Anyway, at Valleywag you'll enjoy similar shots of computer screens, including some shot through pairs of eyeglasses, one reflected in a person's eyeball and one featuring a pair of creepy hands typing on a keyboard.

It's definitely good for a quick laugh.

From Valleywag

SwitchedLame Photos of Computer Screens originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 22 May 2007 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computerdisplayfunnymonitornewsphotosTue, 22 May 2007 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Handbag Multiplex]]>http://www.switched.com/2007/04/24/handbag-multiplex/http://www.switched.com/2007/04/24/handbag-multiplex/http://www.switched.com/2007/04/24/handbag-multiplex/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Handbag MultiplexLadies: You've always dreamed of the day that you'd be able to wear your favorite 'Grey's Anatomy' moments on your handbag -- and now that day has finally arrived! Bubble Gear's new, custom-made leather bags are each fitted with a 7-inch LCD, which displays DVD movies, MP3s, and photos from a connected media player hidden within. The bags are made in Italy, cost $400, and take between two and four weeks to arrive at your door. Just think: a handbag you'll never grow bored of!

From Shiny Shiny

SwitchedHandbag Multiplex originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clothingDVDfashionLCDmonitormultimediascreenTue, 24 Apr 2007 07:00:00 EST