4.7.0.85 leaks for the Vodafone BlackBerry Storm 9500
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The inauguration of Barack Obama will not only bring about a wholesale turnover in the political leadership of the country but it will also unveil the newest in a long line of Presidential limos.
According to Presidential vehicle experts, the new limo is a beast-like General Motors truck-based Cadillac that is so tough it's like a 'rolling tank with windows.'
Among the vehicle's main features are windows that are 5-inches thick, 19 ½-inch Goodyear RHS tires (same as super tough trucks), and possibly even a lock safety mechanism that seals off the car like a bank vault in case of an emergency.
Because the Secret Service keeps details of the limo understandably private, even the most knowledgeable security experts don't really know how much gadgety tech is being installed in the new ride. But it's not stopping them making a few informed guesses.
In an interview with CNN, security expert Ken Lucci says rubber gaskets likely protect the car against chemical weapons and that the body will be made out of a tougher material than before. The most recent limo used by President Bush used some combination of a dual hardness steel, aluminum, titanium, and even ceramics to break up possible projectiles. And there are usually steel overlaps that cover any gaps a door might leave.
Despite the immense secrecy, reports have leaked that the limo also comes with a 10-CD changer, which will inevitably end up playing Obama favorites like Steve Wonder and Bob Dylan. We're surprised there's no Blu-ray or Wii in there, but we're pretty sure of one thing: The limo will be a Zune-free zone, especially considering the most recent reports.
Photos: Brend Priddy & Co/DetNews.com
Embedded video from &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://www.cnn.com/video&amp;quot;&amp;gt;CNN Video&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;Embedded video from <a href="http://www.cnn.com/video">CNN Video</a>LAS VEGAS -- Other computer manufacturers might think the Tablet PC is dead, but Asus has its own ideas.
At a press conference here at CES 2009, Asus showed a prototype version of the EeePC T91, a convertible tablet-style notebook. Its 8.9-inch swiveling screen folds up to expose a keyboard, like any other notebook or netbook -- but it can rotate around and folds back over the keys, turning the device into a tablet.
You know you want one.
Unlike other tablets, it is touch-sensitive, meaning you can use your finger (or fingers) to tap on icons, select text, and perform other mouse actions. You can also use an included stylus, if you prefer.
Also unlike other tablets, the T91 will weigh just 2.1 pounds. It will run on Intel's Atom Z520 processor, which means that the T91 will be relatively underpowered, like other netbooks.
Bonus features include a TV tuner and GPS.
A related model, the T101, will have similar features but a larger, 10.1" swivel screen.
Both will be available in March or April of 2009.
The company, which singlehandedly invented the ultra-cheap, ultra-light netbook category with the Eee PC, is betting on multitouch as the next big thing. And why not? Apple's iPhone has shown that a well-executed touch-screen interface can do a lot to make a computer so fun and easy to use that people cease to think of it as a computer.
In addition to its multitouch-capable tablets, Asus also showed off a prototype of a strange, two-brained computer with a secondary, 4.3-inch display embedded just below the keyboard.
In this prototype (no actual product is planned yet, Asus says), the mini display is also the computer's touchpad. And it has its own processor, which you can use without booting up the main computer -- so you can listen to music, check your calendar or check your email, all from this tiny, parasitic iPhone-like display embedded in the base of your notebook. The advantage that offers is that it will be instantly on (no boot time required) and it won't use much power.
The touchscreen computer can also be used to select a movie from your hard drive or DVD drive and then display it on the big screen, again without using the computer's main processor or going through a lengthy boot process.
Whether anyone will actually go for these strange hybrids is another question. But one thing's clear: Asus is not afraid of mixing things up a little.
Photos: Dylan Tweney / Wired.com
LAS VEGAS -- Sharper Image, a former favorite of geeks for its awesomely craptastic gadgets, went into bankruptcy last year.
Now at CES 2009, the company is trying to make a comeback with a shiny iPod dock and wireless speaker system.
Riding on millions of iPod users may sound like a good strategy but there's no dearth of iPod docks out there. Still Sharper Image is hoping its latest addition will impress potential customers.
The rocket-tip shaped dock's two halves can be joined together or separated to transmit audio for up to 150 feet from the base system. Features-wise there's little new in it. But at $130 its a system that should appeal to those who like some pizazz in their home decor.
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
LAS VEGAS -- WowWee's humanoid robots--the RoboSapien and the FemiSapien--are a geek favorite.
At CES 2009, the company showed its latest robot, the Joebot. The Joebot is an interactive robot and "personality", says WowWee. It has voice command control and can respond to key phrases via sound sensors. The Joebot can also be manipulated using the Robosapien's remote controller.
As for the personality part? Well, the Joebot can beatbox, dance, and interact in modes such as 'Guard' and 'Battle.' In the 'Battle mode', for instance, it wanders around while tracking and blasting objects with the LEDs in his hands. But the overall look is awfully similar to the RoboSapien, which came out in 2004.
The Joebot, which is set to be released in fall, will be priced at $150.
WowWee also has a prototype robot called Spyball in the works. Spyball is Rovio-lite, a stripped down remote control robot with a built-in camera that can roll into any room. The $100 Spyball is also expected later this year.
Also see:
FemiSapien Robot Goes on Sale
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com