Here’s another ruggedized computer, but this time it’s Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC. This iron-clad mobile computer sports a 5.6-inch LCD, QWERTY keyboard, and Intel’s low power consumption Atom processor. It can absorb drops and impacts, so this is probably aimed at goverment and commercial users. The CF-U1 weighs a feathery 2.2 pounds and can come pre-installed with either Windows XP or Vista.
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Via: Mobile Magazine
Want to add an old school touch to your Nintendo Wii console? The Wii Skin - Retro Revolution, transforms your Wii console to the more retro look of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It sports the white, grey, and red color scheme from the NES. It’ll surely bring fond memories to any retro gamer. However, instead of saying “Nintendo Entertainment System” like in the original, it reads “Revolution Entertainment System” in reference to the Wii’s original project code name. The actual skin itself uses a high gloss film that protects the console from scratches. It also leaves no residue when the film is removed. Pretty cool.
The Wii Skin for the console itself costs $14.99. The skin for the Nunchuck, Wiimote, and Classic controller cost an additional $4 each. Get yours at DecalGirl.
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Via: TFTS
Love puzzles, huh? Check out the NKryptor Puzzle. This Egyptian-themed metallic box was designed by a magician that requires “brain over brawn” to open. Hence, why it is a puzzle. You’ll need to use your noggin’ to figure it out. The NKryptor Puzzle is hand crafted and once you figure out how to open it, it’ll reveal a PC game offering a chance to win prizes: from iPods to LCD televisions. The PC game is also Egyptian themed, involving the player to move certain objects in rows or columns on a grid. The point of the PC game is to clear all of the objects from the grid. As each level progresses objects are put in a way to increase the difficulty. This kinda sounds like Bejeweled. Of course, you’ll have to open the NKryptor box first before you get to play the PC game.
“The NKryptor - infuriating, beautiful, and most definitely a sphinx with a riddle, had us captivated for days on end. Beware. It will cast its spell over you, too.”
The NKryptor Puzzle is pretty expensive, costing £49.99 ($99) via Gadgetshop.
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The Tactile Wand, conceptualized by Jin Woo Han, aids the visually impaired by offering an alternative to the ‘walking stick’. The Tactile Wand utilizes sensors to detect the distance of approaching objects. By using vibrations to signal the distance of objects, the user can determine whether or not he/she is on a collision course. The stronger the vibration, the closer an object is.
This is also good for people who aren’t blind, as this can lessen the chance of being whacked by a traditional walking stick. It seems very lightweight and easy to use, though I have no idea how this is powered. Batteries? Also, I am curious to see how this will be received by the blind. I find objects that vibrate to be extremely annoying if it is constantly vibrating. I mean, I have to turn off my Xbox 360 controller’s vibration feature off, because it gets annoying, especially when playing FPS’s. I wonder if they will find this the same.
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Via: Tuvie
From pixel art guru, eBoy, comes “London” a pixel art skin for the iPod and iPhone. The artwork is printed on 3M’s Controltac film, which allows for fast and easy installation. The film also aid in preventing unwanted scratches. It also uses 3M’s Vikuiti film technology to protect the LCD. The “London” pixel art skin is available for 14.95 EUR or $22.75 USD via skiniZi. You can also get a “New York” version, but you better hurry, as they’re in limited quantities!
You can see more of eBoy’s work here.
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Via: Newlaunches
The double action revolver, SwissMiniGun, measures 2.16-inches. I mean, you could practically attach this thing to your key fob. It is capable of firing 2.34mm sized bullets at 399 feet per second (270 mph). FYI, the general threshold for skin penetration is around 330 feet per second. Therefore, this gun is potentially lethal, despite its tiny size. The gun has a range of 112 meters. The gun is illegal to import into the U.S. since its barrel is too small to be qualified for sporting purposes.
Cute, ain’t it? The stainless steel SwissMiniGun costs £3,000 ($5,958 USD).
Gallery after the jump.
You can think of Lexus’ F line as similar to BMW’s M and Mercedes’ AMG cars. It appears Lexus wanted a piece of the go fast market and entered with the IS-F, which is the souped-up version of the IS 250 and 350. The IS-F shares the same 5.0-liter V8 from the LS 600hL, except the one in the F has been upgraded by the fine folks at Yamaha. New high-flow heads, hollow cams, a head-scavenge oil pump, titanium intake valves, a dual stage air intake, to name a few. Tiff Needell of UK’s Fifth Gear gives us the run down. That V8 sounds like pure bliss.
Specs of the car after the break.
