ASUS introduces VENTO TA-F foldable PC case originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Klimava explains:

The palette uses Bluetooth technology for communicating with the computer.
It mimics real paint mixture techniques with LED lights. The user can also mix
dark colors due to the special coating on the palette’s surface. The amount of
paint “picked up” by the tool is determined by the amount of time the tool
spends on the mixed color.

The tools, consisting of a pencil, paintbrush, palette knife, airbrush and pastel,
use sensors to translate the user’s gestures into visual information. Taking a
palette knife as an example, it would use pressure and accelerometer sensors to
translate its position and pressure on the screen into an appropriate stroke.

Virtuo comes with software that is based on the real painting process: minimal,
leaving the user free to experiment. Most of the time it would look like a blank
piece of canvas, with a simple drop down menu showing only when the user
wants to start a new digital painting, save, close it or open a previously started
one. The really cool thing about this software is that it would treat all the digital
materials used on the canvas as real ones. Ex. You would not be able to erase paint, only paint over it. It would also have only a limited number of “undo” steps to encourage the insecure user to practice by correcting rather than erasing.

Obviously, Virtuo is only a concept at the moment—but I can definitely see a market for something like this in the future. It probably wouldn't appeal much to purists like myself, but it would prove invaluable for beginners. [Yana Klimava via The Design Blog and Yanko]

Designer: Yana Klimava

Texts from the designer:

The palette uses Bluetooth technology for communicating with the computer.
It mimics real paint mixture techniques with LED lights. The user can also mix
dark colours due to the special coating on the palette’s surface. The amount of
paint “picked up” by the tool is determined by the amount of time the tool
spends on the mixed colour.

The tools, consisting of a pencil, paintbrush, palette knife, airbrush and pastel,
use sensors to translate the user’s gestures into visual information. Taking a
palette knife as an example, it would use pressure and accelerometer sensors to
translate its position and pressure on the screen into an appropriate stroke.

Virtuo comes with software that is based on the real painting process: minimal,
leaving the user free to experiment. Most of the time it would look like a blank
piece of canvas, with a simple drop down menu showing only when the user
wants to start a new digital painting, save, close it or open a previously started
one. The really cool thing about this software is that it would treat all the digital
materials used on the canvas as real ones. Ex. You would not be able to erase paint,
only paint over it. It would also have only a limited number of “undo” steps to
encourage the insecure user to practice by correcting rather than erasing.

Panasonic HDC-SD9

Despite being released back in January of this year, the 1920 x 1080, 10x optical zoom SD9 is (still) the top performer. Touted by Panasonic as the world’s smallest full HD cam, its slimmed down profile makes it a real winner with the portability crowd. HD image quality and compression are noticeably ahead of other cams in this round-up, but there’s still some ghosting and artifacts in certain (read: low light) situations. The menu system is classic Panasonic simple and easy to learn, but the joystick has been moved into the LCD cavity, hampering movement and versatility. The rest of the controls are nicely placed with smooth well-modulated zoom and a fumble-resistant dedicated optical image stabilization button.

WIRED Small, well-built design. Simple menu system. Top notch battery life.

TIRED Moving the joystick to the LCD bridled shooting ease. Shrunken size compromised comfort and usability.

$800, panasonic.com

Sanyo VPC-1010

Standing apart from the crowd with its unique form factor, this Sanyo AVCHD video cam is a pocket-sized video rocket shooting 1080p at 30 frames per second with a 38-380mm zoom. The novel design and sharp video are complemented by functions like Face Detection and Face Chaser which zero in on faces in the scene and both focus and adjust the exposure on the fly. It works surprisingly well and delivers some delicious video to the SD/SDHC memory format.  The 1010 also records fairly sharp 4-megapixel stills as long as ambient light isn’t terribly low. In spite of all this goodness Sanyo may have been asleep at the wheel by not including optical image stabilization. If you can live with merely digital IS, then take good look at this multifaceted camcorder.

WIRED Easy to handle form factor. 10x optical zoom. 4-megapixel stills on the fly. Admirable video quality.

TIRED  No optical image stabilization. Sound is a touch weak.

$800, sanyo.com

JVC GZ-HD40

JVC’s upgrade to a bigger CMOS sensor and the switch to AVCHD have reaped big dividends for the HD40 and its massive (and heavy) 120GB hard drive. Video quality has greatly improved from previous JVC models and the dual compression option, which includes MPEG-2 TS and MPEG-4, gives you a choice between video quality and more content per gigabyte. The HD40 is almost ceryainly geared slightly more toward experienced shooters who want more control over their settings. Making video in automatic mode delivered an occasional rollercoaster ride with auto focus lagging and white balance showing inconsistencies. JVC includes a few effective semi-auto function buttons like the Spot Exposure Control which provides more accurate reading of the setting; and Backlight Compensation which opens up the exposure when there’s bright light behind your subject.

WIRED Sharp video with two compression choices. CMOS sensor a big upgrade for video quality. Comfortable ergonomics.

TIRED Auto white balance was inconsistent. 120GB HDD makes it heavy. Auto mode shooting is inconsistent.

$1300, jvc.com

Panasonic HDC-SX5

Yes, yes yes, we know...another Panasonic in our round-up. But we felt that if the HDC-SD9 is a role model for how to build a great tapeless camera, then the HDC-SX5 is a prime example of how not to build one.  The convergence concept may have gone a bit awry when Panasonic schemed to combine DVD and SD/SDHC media into an AVCHD (1920 x 1080) shooter. In the quest to give consumers more options things only get more complicated.  The snag isn’t the high def angle because the video quality is actually very admirable. The problem lies with the DVD integration – it’s a headache, which adds time, expense, size, weight and a whole lotta mini DVDs to the equation. Complicating things even more is a somewhat arcane menu system that isn’t really geared to the novice and takes a while to get your arms around.

WIRED Comfy ergonomics. Good video quality.

TIRED Expensive and bulky. Not meant for novice shooters.

$1200, panasonic.com

(Images by Panasonic, Sanyo, and JVC)

• Why should you create your own power at home?
• You will save hundreds of dollars every time you get your power bill!
• This is great for our environment and your children will thank you for it.
• With our complete instructions this makes for a fun at home project.
• When you can make renewable power for less than $200, why wouldn't you!
• You will be able to spend your savings on more important things
• Knowing that you are doing your part to conserve our planet feels great!
• My fully illustrated instructions make this a very simple job for anybody!
  

1. What to do before you start - Without this information your whole attempt to create useable electricity could be pointless (very important)
2. How exactly does solar and wind power work - learn the whole process. I bet this will be very valuable to you!
3. Build your own wind power generator - You can generate useable energy with a home made windmill for under $200! + it will be very professional looking! (complete with diagrams)
4. Build your own solar power generator - Complete setup instructions with easy to follow illustrations! Also, build your own solar panels to save extra money! (easy to follow diagrams)
5. Free bonus chapter - How can you reduce your oil dependence? - This is a real money saver! Get started on this right away!
6. Free bonus chapter - Ethanol as a viable energy source - How you can use ethanol and save thousands!
   

New Kitchen Innovations Unveiled: The George Foreman® Lean Mean™ Fryer

George Foreman® Cooks Up Newest "Lean, Mean, Fat-Reducing" Machines

Miramar, FL, October 14, 2008 – Those looking to enjoy their favorite foods without guilt can look to the newest appliances in the George Foreman® family introduced today by Applica, the Florida-based company that markets and distributes the George Foreman branded product line.

Innovative Technology: The George Foreman Lean Mean Fryer

The George Foreman Lean Mean Fryer uses unique, patented Smart Spin™ technology to knock out up to 55 percent of the fat absorbed during frying, delivering crisped, fried foods with less grease. After a conventional deep-frying cooking process, the Lean Mean Fryer enters the second phase of cooking – a "spin cycle" in the cooking basket. The basket is lifted from the cooking oil and Smart Spin technology is engaged, leveraging centrifugal forces to deliver a finished food product that retains up to 55 percent less fat than conventional frying methods*. During the spinning process, the food continues to cook through hot air convection to stay crispy and hot.

Additional Features:

· A viewing window allows consumers to safely check food while it's cooking without having to stop or open the deep-fryer.

· A variable thermostat dial, dual-speed spinning basket and spinning timer selection allows consumers to customize the cooking process based on the food selection and desired amount of oil removed.

· The Lean Mean Fryer contains a replaceable and washable filter, which reduces the release of oil vapors and odors into the kitchen.

· Other convenience features include a breakaway cord and dishwasher-safe (including the basket, frying bowl and filter) parts for easy cleaning and care.

With a suggested retail price of $149.99, the George Foreman Lean Mean Fryer is widely available at U.S. and Canadian mass merchants, specialty stores and online retailers now.

"With this ever changing economy, George Foreman invites people back into the kitchen with innovative and multipurpose appliances that offer a great value," said Hidalgo. "From the kitchen novice to the cooking aficionado, George Foreman appliances make cooking healthy, fun and easy."

Introduced in 1994, the George Foreman grill continues to serve as a kitchen staple for the health and time-conscious at home chef. The appliances knock out up to four times more fat than competitor grills through their patented sloped grill plates. The fat rolls down the slope into the grease tray leaving a leaner, healthier meal that's full of flavor.

For more information on George Foreman products or to watch the "Knock Out the Fat with George" interactive Web show, please visit www.georgeforemancooking.com.

*Percentage of fat reduction refers only to the percentage of fat absorbed during frying, in comparison to conventional deep fat fryers. This product does not remove the original fat present in food items prior to frying. Results are based on independent laboratory testing, using a two minute spin cycle. Results are not typical and may vary based on food type and brand. Average reduction of absorbed fat of tested food items is 38 percent. Fried foods should be eaten in moderation and only as part of a well-balanced diet. Consult your physician or nutritionist for dietary advice.

Combine that with the fact that high-end Predator pilots are severely fatigued from round-the-clock duty, and you can see why the DoD is making this move. It would expand the fleet of armed UAVs and make them cheaper to operate overall. Sure, the thought of 18 or 19 year old pilots fresh out of basic behind the controls of these machines is a bit unsettling—but it's not like this would be the first time the US threw a teenager into battle. Plus, we are taking about unmanned vehicles looking for specific, high-value targets. There is probably less chance of major incidents involving friendly fire or civilian casualties. [Inside Defense via Danger Room]

I suppose it levels the playing field, making expert and novice alike learn the game for the first time. And where do you place the cue for the break? I have no answers, but the whole thing is customizable and you can even put a stripper pole in the middle for when you grow bored of pool. That way you can watch a stripper try to sink balls as she dances. You use a stick, she uses lucite heels. By then you’re so drunk you’re just glad to have something to bet on, because this round table hasn’t been winning you all the dough you thought..

[Ballerhouse]