A well-meaning IT worker decided that it’d be all right to install the SETI@Home client on the school computers. Sounds good in theory, but the school administrators certainly didn’t think so, and he promptly resigned. Of course, he installed the software back in 2000, if the report is to be believed (probably not). They are now pressing charges against the worker, and the school superintendent was quoted as telling a local newspaper that it would cost an estimated $1 million to fix the problem and remove the software. I say screw that, turn the computer club loose on the computers and promise them a trip to the Smithsonian or something. It’ll be done in an hour.

[via Neatorama]

The makers were clearly aware of this shortcoming, and they’ve come out with a waterproof housing that will protect the camera to a depth of 10 meters. This will help the ContourHD reach the level of the more ruggedized sport camcorders, but keep in mind that the added layer of plastic will likely cause some distortion and chromatic aberration (which will be more noticeable on the 1080p version).

In addition to the waterproof housing, ContourHD also announced a lens kit today. The kit includes a replacement lens cover, and an adapter ring that allows you to attach 37mm filters to the camera, for when you need that ND or polarizer.

The new fit-PC2i is an Intel Atom based system, capable of running up to a 2 gigahertz CPU, up to 2GB of RAM, with enough room for a 2.5 inch hard drive. While I personally would run something like Ubuntu, the fit-PC2i is capable of running Windows 7.

Now for the bad news. The fit-PC2i won’t be available until January, and we don’t know how much it costs yet. Considering that the case is made from an aluminum diecast body, it’s probably not going to be cheap.

[via Engadget]

Microsoft hasn’t officially announced any of this, but if you look at the paper trail we’re starting to see all the signs. In particular, Microsoft has posted some pretty heavy job listings for things like developers, localization testers, and program managers to start a big new project in July 2010. What is that new big project? Well, it’s all but confirmed that it’s going to be Windows 8. In fact, when you compare the job postings coming out now, and the postings that came out after Vista was launched, you’ll see an interesting comparison.

Sure, breathalyzer technology has been around for years. So have portable versions. This however, is the first portable breathalyzer that uses a fuel cell. See, the problem is that most breathalyzers use semiconductors to test for blood alcohol levels, however they are subject to false readings and have a short usage life.

The Lifeguard Breathalyzer is available online, for $299.95. Odds are you won’t have one before Thanksgiving, but maybe you can get one before the end of the December.

In addition to the PDF functionality and improved battery life; the firmware update also adds the ability to manually control your screen rotation and makes it possible to convert your PDF files to the Kindle format. To read more about this update or to download it manually go here.

[via ZDNet]

In fact, the governing body of the MotoGP series is in the process of organizing some races. There are already four on the calendar, with more expected. While no official rules are yet available, it does go without saying that this will draw all kinds of attention to the electric vehicle scene.

And while electric motorcycles are certainly exciting, perhaps you’d prefer something more sedate. Turns out that Rolls-Royce is also jumping onto the green bandwagon with a electric powered Phantom. It’ll be released next year, but don’t expect your bank to finance it for you. It’s going to sell for half a million.

[via Autopia]

HP has given credit to their Services division for the profits, despite a decline in software, imaging, and printing revenue. HP is also optimistic about 1Q 2010, and predicting earnings of $0.90 to $0.92 cents a share.

So what’s new? Well, Creative has a bit of a laundry list of improvements or new features, including:

• Improved low light and bright light performance using manual exposure
• External microphone support
• Headphone output for private listening
• Motion detection mode (the camera starts recording once motion is detected)
  Still photo capture mode

This is in addition to the 4GB of storage and HDMI output that are standard on the Vado line.

Considering that this is a camera aimed at the pocket camcorder crowd, that’s quite an impressive list of new features. Honestly, the line between a full size camera and the pocket sized version is blurring.

The new Vado HD is currently available for pre-order for $179.99 directly from Creative.

How does it work? Well, you buy a TomTom PND, then go to this website to complete the process. You’ll ship TomTom your old GPS (along with the appropriate form, of course) and then you’ll get your check in about 7-14 days. Pretty easy.

[via Twice]

In the next 24 hours, 35 telescopes on all seven continents will be linked to listen to 243 specific quasars. The point is to establish a baseline for further observations, since the quasars are stationary in the night sky, and provide a good basis for mapping.

The last time this attempted, the total number of 23 telescopes were used. These quasars are also used to set up the GPS system.

The official announcement came out today on The Cult of Rapture. The special edition will come in a 13×13″ premium package with special art on the slipcase and the cover of the box. Inside the box, you’ll find three posters featuring vintage ads from Rapture, a LP with the orchestral score from the original Bioshock, a CD with the Bioshock 2 score, an 164 page hardbound artbook, and the Bioshock 2 game.

The special edition will be released on February 9th, 2010 for $99.00 on the Xbox 360 and PS3. The PC version will be $89.00. All three versions will be limited to a single production run.

Lexar Gaming Memory cards are ideal for gaming enthusiasts using Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) and Nintendo Wii systems. It allows you to capture gaming data, multimedia, and more.

Okay… Other then labeling, I’m not sure what else makes these gamer level memory cards special. They come in 4GB and 8GB capacities, but don’t have special transfer rates or anything else that stands out.

Available as an M2 or SDHC format, the cards start at $25 and go up from there, depending on the size and format. Currently you can only buy them on the company website, but I’m sure that’ll change soon so they can try and sell them to people who don’t know any better.

The perfect gift for the tween on your shopping list, this Cullen Crest USB drive is ideal for storing school work, bad poetry, and slashfic stories about your favorite Twilight characters.

Available in 4, 8, or 16GB capacity, this precious keepsake will cost between $34.99 to $54.99 depending on the size you buy.

The Olive 4HD does more then just play your media though. The self contained server inside the black (or silver) box will rip your media using Olive’s proprietary DAC, and then store it on the 2TB drive contained within. Reportedly, the sound quality delivered by the Olive 4HD is 250 times the resolution of a standard CD. The Olive 4HD retails for $1,999 and comes with 12 free HD audio tracks from their partner, Chesky Records.

from the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – November 19, 2009

Leading music server manufacturer Olive Media Inc. today announced the introduction of its first HD Hi-Fi Music Server for home stereo systems. Creating the HD category for digitally recorded music, the Olive 4HD matches recording engineers’ golden standard of 24-bit sound and 192 kHz sample rate, offering listeners music at more than 250 times the resolution of CDs.

“Most digital music solutions severely compromise the quality of the music experience,” said Dr. Oliver Bergmann, founder and CEO of Olive. “Our new HD music server delivers a new listening experience that allows music lovers to enjoy the best of both worlds—the convenience of digital music management and the quality of HD sound. This is the way music sounds as it is recorded.”

Easy to set up, configure and navigate, the new Olive 4HD serves as a control center that can access any digitized music library. A two terabyte hard drive stores up to 6,000 CDs, or 20,000 high resolution 24-bit tracks. Music can easily be copied to the Olive 4HD via the built-in CD mechanism, or from a PC or Mac through its wireless or wired network connection. The breathtaking music reproduction is handled through Olive’s proprietary high-resolution Digital-Analog-Converter (DAC), featuring Texas Instrument’s best-of-breed 192khz/24-bit Burr-Brown PCM1792A.

Olive enforces its commitment to HD by partnering with Grammy Award-winning Chesky Records, producer of high-resolution audio recordings. Twelve tracks from Chesky artists are included free with the Olive 4HD, providing over an hour of audiophile-grade music.

“To achieve the highest quality audio means recording at 24-bit,” said Chesky Records founder David Chesky. “CDs cannot reproduce what we capture from musicians during a recording session, and MP3 files degrade the quality even further. But with the Olive 4HD it is now possible to replicate the experience of that golden master recording at home, in full 24-bit.”

As part of your home entertainment system the Olive 4HD connects directly to a stereo receiver. Music libraries are easy to navigate through the integrated touchscreen, or, using the unit’s built-in HDMI interface, on a TV. Olive also offers a free iPhone/iPod Touch application that allows users to control the HD Hi-Fi Music Server from anywhere within the home network. Beyond standard music information such as artist, album, track title and cover art, the Olive delivers extended metadata, describing music more accurately and tailored to its specific genre. This allows users to find the right music, quickly.

The Olive 4HD can be integrated into a home network with its Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11n connection, which also allows for direct download of music. Adding the Olive 2 Hi-Fi Player allows users to access their music anywhere within their home.

Pricing and availability

The Olive 4HD Hi-Fi Music Server is available in the US directly from Olive (www.olive.us;1.877.296.5483): $1,999 (2TB). It includes 12 of Chesky Records’ best HD tracks for free. Olive is available world-wide through a network of authorized distributors.

That’s right, some good ol’ boys installed a GE J85 7,000 hp jet engine in the back of their truck. Dubbed “The Frictionator“, this jet powered and street legal monster truck is available for parades, birthday parties, and bar mitzvahs. Just don’t give them an Oscillation Overthruster. Wouldn’t want to send anyone into the 8th dimension.

[via Neatorama]

That’s right, here’s your chance to win some gaming goodness for the holidays. Specifically, Xbox 360 and Wii consoles. How do you win? Apparently, all you have to do is become a fan of AMD on Facebook. One winner is chosen every week for four weeks, with the contest ending on December 18th.

Viewsonic is launching two models now; The VOT530, and the VOT550. Both come with Windows 7 Home Premium, Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz processors and 802.11 b/g/n wifi. Both systems have six USB 2.0 ports, along with DVI, LAN, and eSATA ports on the back. The systems come with a remote standard as well.

The VOT530 PC Mini has 2GB of RAM, and a DVD drive. The VOT550, comes standard with 4GB of RAM and a Blu-ray drive. The VOT530 will be selling for $749 MSRP, and the VOT550 is expected to sell for $949. Both are available now.

[via eHomeUpgrade]

Available in 120GB, 250GB, and 500GB and 1TB capacities, the Colossus marks the first time that SSD drives have reached the storage sizes that users have come to expect these days. The bad news is you can expect to spend a small fortune for these drives. The 1TB sells for $3397, the 500GB for $1530, the 250GB is $820, and the 120GB will set you back $438. Ouch!

Instead of getting gifts on their birthday this year, IBUYPOWER is giving them. In fact, IBUYPOWER is giving away one of these new Chimera 2 systems in a Facebook and Twitter giveaway.

The real story is the Chimera 2 though, with its custom paint job, and your choice of whichever configuration you want. IBUYPOWER carries the latest in Intel i7 and Core i5 systems, as well as AMDs new Phenom II processors.

Pricing on the Chimera 2 starts at $999 and goes up depending on how fast you want to spend.