[MobileRatty] tag: pretty

NASA might bring plasma rocket to ISS for testing

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:07:00 +0000

Ad Astra's VASIMR plasma rocket is about ready for testing, only problem is it requires the vacuum of space to do it in. NASA is now considering taking the rocket up to the International Space Station, clipping it on and firing her up -- perhaps even using it to reposition the station. Formerly of NASA, Franklin Chang Diaz left to form Ad Astra and perfect his plasma rocket, which he hopes will be able to take space vehicles from low-earth orbit to the moon. The rocket draws its own power from solar cells, and then uses radio waves to heat argon into plasma, and directs that plasma using magnets. Pretty fancy stuff, and since the rocket is reusable and can propel payloads double the size of equivalent chemical engines, there could be cost savings in the long run. Right now it seems the main hang ups for NASA are where to attach the rocket to the ISS where it won't be interfered with, and how to get it into space after the space shuttle is retired in 2010

[Via Newlaunches.com]

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QingBar MP101 Mini Projector Dock For iPhone & iPod Touch

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:44:59 +0000

By Andrew Liszewski

While the iPhone and iPod Touch are pretty good for watching movies by yourself, what about those times when you want to share? Having a group of people huddled around that relatively small screen can be pretty awkward, so this mini projector dock from Honlai Technology seems like a good alternative, at first glance at least. While it’s quite a bit larger than the official iPhone/iPod Touch USB dock, when compared to other video projectors it’s downright tiny. But that compact size does cost you when it comes to image quality.

While the 640×480 image resolution is understandable, the ANSI brightness rating is a less-than-stellar 10-15 lumens, and you’re looking at a contrast ratio of just 200:1. So while it’s able to project an image that’s roughly 15 to 27 inches in size, don’t expect a similar visual experience as you get from your local digitally-equipped movie theater. The dock also features a mini AV jack allowing you to connect other devices as well as a set of 2W speakers for stereo sound. Unfortunately I have no idea if this thing is currently available, when it might be available, or what it will cost.

[ QingBar MP101 Mini Projector Dock ] VIA [ GadgetGrid ]

Kohjinsha SX3 gets reviewed on video

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:10:00 +0000

Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs

The WOW-POW folks gave us our first taste of the Kohjinsha SC3 on video, and now they're back with the SX3KP06MA convertible "UMPC" (SX3 for short) in a full video review. We'll let you watch the 10 minute review at your leisure, but in summary they found the computer faster than its SC3 sibling, despite identical Atom chipsets, and are of course general fans of the DVD-RW drive, 1280 x 768 glossy screen and pretty much all things Kohjinsha. Video is... wait for it... after the break.

[Thanks, Larry]

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DIY Mini Star Projector

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:00:14 +0000

Ever wondered how Darth Vader felt when he stood on the deck of the Executor-class Star Destroyer? He must’ve felt pretty smug about himself, rising from being a lowly slave on Tatooine into the second most powerful person in the known galaxy (although he thinks otherwise, just don’t tell the Emperor). After all, it must be a pretty nice feeling knowing that you control the thousands of stars you see below you. Just in case you want to imagine that scenario for yourself, why not get the DIY Mini Star Projector? It will project thousands of stars in random order, and you will be able to name your own constellations even when the weather is foul outside. This device will retail for $36 and is powered by a couple of AA batteries.
[ DIY Mini Star Projector copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Gift Ideas: The Coolest Gadgets Gift Guides.

LaCie Air Vents Speakers

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:18:51 +0000

LaCie does its level best to introduce both form and functionality into its creations, and the latest pair of portable USB speakers are known as Air Vents. Taking the minimalist route, this two-piece speakers will look pretty much like air ventilation outlets that sit atop most modern skyscrapers, featuring 2" drivers and a rubber ring at the bottom to prevent these speakers from slipping away. It also comes in business-like colors of black and white, making it suitable for either the office or at home. It is USB powered, so there is no need to lug around an additional power adapter on your travels although you would stand to benefit by carrying a USB hub around. The LaCie Air Vents speakers will retail for $59.99 while the FireWire version goes for a much more expensive $99.99.

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Friday Video Fun: Paris pwns McCain

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

The story goes thusly: John McCain made an advert accusing Obama of being interested in nothing more than becoming a celebrity like La Hilton (you can see a news report on it over the jump). But McCain wasn't banking on Paris having a few policies of her own. The advert below was her response, and I've got to say, the girl's pretty funny.

Dell Could Announce Netbooks Next Week

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:46:21 +0000

Dell will be holding a press event sometime next week, and this is the platform that could see new products being announced, including the much talked-about Inspiron Mini. Instead of letting you scour all over the Internet and find out just what the Inspiron Mini is all about, here's a quick recap. Prices will start from $299 upwards, and you will get pretty much the same specs as other netbooks including :-

8.9" display at 1,024 x 600 resolution
512MB RAM
4GB SSD
Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor

Do you think this is the press conference where the Inspiron Mini will be revealed?

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Innervision Plastic Bike Should be Called Re-Bicyclable [Fantastic Plastic]

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:45:00 +0000

Designer Matt Clark has come up with Innervision: a prototype polypropelene bike designed to be fully recyclable. And, incidentally, to look rather cool indeed. The frame is in two parts, which are welded together: an inner frame with strong triangular truss-structure and an outer frame for a better look. Both split into two, so the bike is easy to manufacture. For now it's made of new plastic, but Matt intends future ones to be made of recycled polypropylene. Apparently it rides well, thanks to that stiff inner body. And it's got a pretty good theft deterrent system: anyone hacksawing it free from a bike lock would have a useless half-bike. Unless they bought the toy plastic welder perhaps. [Bike Commuter via Gadget Lab]

Sony Ericsson TM506 on T-Mobile

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:04:33 +0000

Sony Ericsson's latest HSDPA handset is now available via T-Mobile, offering some pretty mid-range specifications for the masses.

2.0 megapixel camera
Tri-band 850/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Dual-band UMTS/HSDPA 1700/2100
Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP connectivity
microSD memory card slot
Video recording capability
Instant Messaging support

No idea on the pricing, but it will hit the streets later this September 3rd.

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Freedom Stick Overcomes Firewalls

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:01:53 +0000

For the record, the Freedom Stick wasn't named in protest to France, but instead is a special USB dongle that comes with pre-loaded software that are able to secure the communications of just about any computer it is connected to. Developed by Chaos Computer Club of Germany, it relies on The Onion Router network to cloak your connections, routing traffic through the world using anonymous computer in order to avoid getting one's Internet usage tracked. This unique device will retail for $30 and is available throughout the duration of the summer Olympics that are currently being held in Beijing, China. Sounds pretty much like a belated April Fool's joke to me.

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