Here’s an in-store tip. Shop around! How often have you heard that before? Seriously. Have in mind what you want, go to some place that they know their stuff, learn more about it, check out their prices, then go to a couple more places. Once you’ve found that same item in another store at a lower price, record it, and if you’d rather not get it at that store, go back to that first one and see if they will lower their price for you. Sometimes they may mark down some of your other items just so you’ll shop there with them. A sale is better than no sale to some places. Not all places will do it, but it’s worth a shot. The worst they can say is “No” after all, and then they lose your business as you walk out the door. Yes, it takes more time than just going to one place to get everything, but believe it or not, some places are less expensive than others! And we’re not just talking about a box of cereal.

Do not forget to shop online–there are some fantastic deals there as well! Some stores may have a good price in the store, but check their website also, because sometimes they have “Online Only” specials on their merchandise. Some internet-based stores are excellent places to go for your holiday shopping needs, like Amazon.com or if you like to take chances, try Craigslist.org or eBay.com.

Hope something in here sparks an interest in your holiday shopping needs. Maybe some of the best deals are happening right now AND during the intense holiday season? I do know one thing: if you get on it now, it’s better than the hassle of the shoppers traffic, and headaches, just to find out they are sold out of something.

Time was, you’d have to buy your own PhysX chip as seperate hardware and install it so that the few applications that could use it would work.  now Nvidia has given it to us (perhaps as a distraction?).  What is PhysX?  Essentially it’s a real time physics engine wich can make game play look and feel a lot more realistic.  CUDA?  Well Wikipedia sums it up rather well with “set of development tools that allow programmers to use the C programming language to code algorithms for execution on the graphics processing unit (GPU).”

What can you get from Nvidia for free?  This:

GeForce Graphics Driver – v177.83
Unreal Tournament 3 – PhysX Mod
badaboom Video Transcoding: 30-day Trial Beta
Warmonger – Full Game
Folding@home – Join The Fight Against Cancer
Sneak Peak: Nurien Demo
Sneak Peak: Metal Knight Zero Demo
The Great Kulu: Technology Demo
Fluids: Technology Demo

They’ve even launched a new series of workstations, the Quadro Plex (hovering in the $10k range) for high end graphics stuff.  It’s got 480 Processing Cores, NVIDIA CUDA Programmability and 8 GB of Graphics Memory!  Oh the things I could do, the Folding I co Add that to my holiday wish list.

EDIT: I installed the latest on my rig at home (with an 8800 GTX) and ran all last night with no glitches.  The new PhysX demos are a lot of fun to watch.  The driver also ran smoothly in other games, from Hellgate London to Call of Duty 4 for several hours of constant play. Now we just need some good PhysX enabled games to hit the shelves.

Here’s a complete list of supported cards:

GeForce 8800 GTS
GeForce 8800 GT
GeForce 8800 GS
GeForce 8600 GTS
GeForce 8600 GT
GeForce 8600 GS
GeForce 8500 GT
GeForce 8400 SE
GeForce 8400 GS
GeForce 8400
GeForce 8300 GS
GeForce 8300
GeForce 8200
GeForce 8100 / nForce 720a
GeForce 8100 / nForce 720a

Technorati Tags: nvidia, physx, cuda, graphics, high end, free games, neato, smash, bang, blammo

They’ve also got a little piece of hardware available that I’m really intersted in trying out.  The NIA is a little device that allows you to control various aspects of your computer (gaming) experience using nothing but your grey matter.   Look Ma!  no hands!  It’s gotten quite a bit of hype and I’d love to find out how it really stands up.  It’s currently $158.82 with free shipping.  It’s not the best deal out there, but I’ve never heard of NextWarehouse so I’m not sure if I’d be willing to save a few bucks just to order from them.

Speaking of games, Best Buy is offering $10 off instantly if you spend $75 or more on video games and video game accessories.  All you need is the coupon to the left (click for a full sized version) and a smallish wad of cash and/or credit.  The offer is good until 8/21 and only in stores.  As an interesting aside, the coupon carries a cash value of 1/100th of a cent.  Some enterprising Kinkos employee should crank out a million or so of these suckers and go hit up Best Buy for their $100.  Then use that to purchase over $75 worth of games, and use one last coupon to get $10 off.  Now THAT is style.

Lastly, we have a little gem for the Wii – Dream Pinball for $11.99. Amazon describes it as “A great pinball game should not only be amazing from the start, but should continue to be entertaining every time you play it. This was the thinking behind the development of the newest pinball sensation to hit the market, Dream Pinball 3D, with its 6 cutting edge tables that are beckoning you to try your luck.”  I’m not sure I believe them, but for $12 it’s hard to go too wrong.

Technorati Tags: deals, mind control, pinball, xbox 360, madden 09, ocz nia, best buy, coupon

While you’re there, grab yourself a copy of GTA4 for your Xbox at $44.99, which is $8 cheaper than normal and they’ll throw in free shipping to boot.

Still looking for some cool games? GoGamer has Mass Effect (PC Version) for $29.90 – but only for the next 47 hours or so.

Amazon has Spore Galactic Edition up as a new pre-order.  While technically not on sale, they do guarantee the price at a measly $79.99.  What makes it worth all that? It’s got a National Geographic produced documentary, some other DVD watching stuff, a book and let’s you tell people you’ve ordered the expensive version of Spore.  Booya.

Still with me?  Cool because here’s a freebie.  Amazon’s also offering a sampler MP3 album (non-DRM’ed) for your listening pleasure.  Six Degrees is an indie music publisher specializing in world music.  You can get their eight song sampler right here – you will need to have the Amazon download software installed.  It will prompt you if you don’t already, and yes there is a Linux version.

Last but certainly not least – my favorite deal of the morning.  It’s the Inflatable Anatomy Torso!  Childhood just wouldn’t be complete without this $20.37 (normally $36.95) torso from which you can yank organs willy-nilly?  It’s got six removable organs and the only downside I’ve been able to find so far is that the small and large intestines are all one piece.

Now our kids can have fun recreating scenes from Braveheart or the Zombie flick of their choice!  Imagine their surprise when you fill this dude up not with air but with ketchup.  Personally, I want to order one for work so when things get frustrating I can safely disembowel something without fear of repercussions.

Technorati Tags: deals, hardware, pc, build your own, world music, Spore, galactic edition, mass effect, video games, disembowel, organs, inflatable torso

Technorati Tags: google, enterprise, indexing, search, business, appliance

PC Gaming

1. Keyboard baby.
2. PS3′s and Xbox360′s don’t glow in neon colors or feature water cooling.
3. Framerate.  PC’s will dominate in the area of graphics and performance for some time to come.
4. I don’t need to buy three game consoles to have complete title availability.  If it’s made for the PC, I can play it.
5. Multifunction – game, email, web, financial apps, office – all for one price.
6. Console getting a little long in the tooth?  No upgrading for you! You’ll have to go out and buy the newest version.

Console Gaming

1. Buy it once and you’re done.  No installing graphics cards, memory, etc.
2. If I buy a game, I know it will work with no updating drivers or tweaking display settings.
3. I can buy an Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii (if I can find one) for about the same price as a good gaming rig.
4. Exclusive titles means no waiting for bad ports.
5. Rentals!  Try before you buy is real nice.
6. Multiplayer made easy for people in the same room.  Sit on the couch with a budy and game on.  Try that on your PC.

There’s my take – now which do you think is better?  Or have you bitten the bullet and do you have both a gaming PC and a console?

Technorati Tags: gaming, video games, pc, console, geek, platforms, xbox, wii, ps3

The rebate form is actually good for just about any version of eVGA’s GTX 260 or GTX 280 if you’re interested.

Technorati Tags: deals, video card, gpu, gaming, technology, geek, video game

If you were looking to upgrade your graphical performance to freakishly large 3dmark06 scores but were a bit turned off by the price of the new GeForce 260/280 cards – now’s your chance to get a little scratch back.

eVGA, XFX and BFG are all offering between $120 and $125 of cold hard cash back into your pocket if you go out and purchase a new card.

For eVGA’s GTX 260 and GTX 280 it’s $125 back.

For XFX’s GTX 260 and GTX 280 (select your language, then hit the right page) get $120.

For BFG’s GTX 260 and GTX 280 not to be left behind, also get $120 back.

Can’t beat that with a stick.

Just a quick note too – you can get the XFX (my favorite brand) GTX 260 from Amazon.com for $299. That’s the same price as NewEgg, but free shipping.  Take $120 off of that and you’ve just gotten your new card for $179 and free shipping.

Technorati Tags: deals, video cards, gpu, gtx 260, gtx 280, xfx, bfg, evga, can’t pronounce any of this

Next up we have Spiderman Friend of Foe for $15.92 – a Wii game.  That’s about $14 off of retail and will qualify for free shipping if you beef your order up to $25.  You get to choose sidekicks and take on lots of evil guys you’ve seen in the movies.  Once you defeat them, you convert them to allies.

Lastly, although probably not necesarry for SimCity Box, you can get the Saitek Eclipse gaming keyboard for $32.99 (free shipping of course) which is almost $27 off of retail price. Features include black finish, glowing keys, zero slope and the aerodynamics of a porsche.

Technorati Tags: deals, video games, gaming, wii, pc, keyboard, hardware

Ben Heck finishes a PS3 Portable:

Some quick specs:

Original 60 gig PS3 model with backwards compatibility.
17? HDTV 720p screen, with HDMI connection. (Same as last Xbox 360 laptop)
Built-in keyboard and stereo audio amplifier.
Measures 17? x 13.75? x 3? (actually thinner than a stock PS3) and weighs 16 pounds!
You can view more photos on the main story page at Engadget.com. In the coming weeks the “Making Of” articles will follow.

This unit was built by their request and is intended to be auctioned off for charity – more details to come. Since I am already busy with other things, I will not be making any more of these. Feel free to email and ask for other custom design work or inquiries, however!

“Modder” turns hobby into freelance career

By Scott Hillis

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters Life!) – If you ever thought it would be cool to have an Xbox laptop, or wished those old Atari games in your attic could be reborn on a retro handheld device, you might want to talk to Benjamin Heckendorn.

Better known as Ben Heck, the 32-year-old Wisconsin native has attained legendary status among “modders”, hobbyists who tinker with video-game hardware to make it do things the original designers never intended.

Technology Web sites enthusiastically track Heckendorn’s latest projects, which are marked by workmanship that makes the finished products look they rolled off a factory line instead of a basement workbench.

“That’s the American way, right? Start in your basement, garage, or whatever. You’re supposed to get out of it someday, but I still have to listen to my clothes drier sometimes,” Heckendorn said in an interview.

Heckendorn got his start eight years ago when he decided to fool around with an old Atari 2600 — the classic console that popularized home gaming when it launched in 1977 — and ended up reincarnating it as a handheld device.

“I was shocked, I didn’t think anyone would care about it but they did,” Heckendorn said.

In fact, they cared so much they began offering Heckendorn hefty amounts of cash to transform their cherished game devices into one-of-a-kind collectibles.

“Ben Heck is basically the best. His mods are as professional as the stuff you can get at Best Buy. That’s what makes him stand out from the other basement tinkerers,” said Adam Frucci, a contributing editor to the popular tech blog Gizmodo, which has chronicled many of Heckendorn’s creations.

“Our readers are always excited to see whatever his newest project is,” Frucci said. “He’s clearly head and shoulders above anybody else.”

Heckendorn keeps busy with a couple dozen projects each year, many updated on his Web site, www.benheck.com. Fees range from a few hundred dollars to convert a clunky old console into a handheld, to more than $4,000 to make a laptop computer out of an Xbox 360.

There are plenty of bizarre requests, too.

“Often someone will ask me to combine five different video game systems in one box, which is of course ridiculous. One guy wanted me to build an Xbox 360 controller attached to his rowing machine at home so he could row and play ‘Uno’ with his friends online. It sounded so weird I did it.”

Heckendorn’s growing reputation is inching him closer to his dream of working on major retail products.

A couple years ago a soldier injured in Iraq asked him to make a game controller that could be operated with one hand. Heckendorn did it and is now working with a peripheral maker to sell a packaged product.

“There was such a large response to it. Lots of motorcycle accidents, you would not believe it,” Heckendorn said. He hopes to donate some to wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.

His efforts have also gotten him noticed in the halls of major console makers such as Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo.

“There are no offers to throw bundles of money at me but I do hear from them now and then,” he said.

An electronics hobbyist as a child and trained as a graphic designer, Heckendorn learned basic machining skills working for a sign-making business.

Technorati Tags: Portable Consoles, Ben Heck, Modder, Fodder…

Er. Wow! That’s freakin’ expensive! I mean, I could either pay my rent for a month, or get this processor. Not that I don’t want this processor and in a bad way, it’s just that sticker shock is making me clutch my wallet and has all my co-workers wondering why I’m grabbing my own ass with one hand.

Still, that’s about $180 less than what you’d expect to pay for it. So if you’re building that ultimate Skulltrail dual quad maniacal evil dictator of the world box, why not get two! Head on over to Newegg and tell them I sent you.

Technorati Tags: holy crap, qx9770, extreme quad core, intel, processor, gaming, number crunching, technology, computers, build your own, expensive

I digress.

Head on over to NewEgg, and add this baby to your cart. Then, on checking out, use the coupon code:

VGA32760

That’ll bring the price down to $509.99. Add in another $7.59 in shipping and you’re good to go! And to be honest, I’m griping because I can’t afford this but I’d shove it into my system to replace my 8800GTS in a heartbeat.

Technorati Tags: deals, nvidia, geforce, 9800, gx2, bang, buck, boom, gpu, graphics, video games, intense, hole in wallet

How to get it? Just go to NewEgg, add this into your cart, and then apply this coupon code at checkout:

EMCADCFCC

This will work for you until the end of the month. Remember, this is a big honkin’ card and it takes up 2 PCIx16 slots, requires an additional power cable and may suck your face off with it’s amazing graphical displays.

Technorati Tags: deals, nvidia, 9800, gx2, 9800gx2, face sucking, gpu, graphics, video games, extreme flavor

You can get 15% off the already inexpensive R-series of notebooks (pictured) by using this coupon code:

USPSPRINGSAVINGS

Use that same code for 10% off the X-series tablets and notebooks, the A-series notebooks or the T-series notebooks. Just go to Lenovo’s online store and work the coupon magic.  Unfortunately this won’t save you anything on the X300.

Free shipping too! You will have to pay any applicable taxes though.

Technorati Tags: deals, lenovo, notebook, 15% off, 10% off, technology, portable computing

So really, by doing this you’re helping to save the world, one free USB key at a time.

Technorati Tags: usb, free, ibm, green computing, technology, white papers, big blue goes green

NewEgg, the online retailer I trust the most has this baby ready to go for a mere $599. 99, plus about $9 in shipping. Ouch!

The NVIDIA GeForce 9800GX2 is the latest graphics card to revolutionise your PC experience. GeForce 9800 GX2 gives the best gaming performance in the world, HybridPower means a quiet, low power and more environmentally friendly PC and PureVideo HD takes your PC to the cutting edge of High Definition.

Bar None the fastest Graphics Card on the Planet

The GeForce 9800GX2 is at the cutting edge of technology; with 256 screaming fast processor cores and a 1GB total framebuffer, all running through PCI Express 2.0, means the GeForce 9800GX2 is designed from the ground up for Gaming at Extreme HD resolutions.

NVIDIA Hybrid Power – gives you power when you need it most

Combining a GeForce 9800GX2 with one of the latest motherboards featuring NVIDIA’s nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset makes your system ready for Hybrid Power. Not all applications require a high end GeForce discrete GPU, for times such as these an integrated GeForce GPU can run these applications perfectly while saving power and therefore the environment. The intelligent Hybrid Power system can also combine the power of the GeForce 9800GX2 with the onboard graphics for maximum performance.

PureVideo HD – make your PC the centre of your digital home

PureVideo HD makes High Definition content come to life on your PC – whether video’s are downloaded, streamed, or on Blu-Ray – even the most demanding HD content plays back effortlessly thanks to the best HD engine available on the market. But it is not only the speed of HD rendering that is improved, with PureVideo HD films comes to life with dynamic Contrast Enhancement and automatic enhancements to Greens, Blues, & Skin Tones

The NVIDIA GeForce 9800GX2 Makes all of the above possible, for the very best graphics on the planet there is no other choice.

Processor Cores: 256 (128 per GPU)

Core Clock: 600MHz

Shader Clock: 1500MHz

Memory Clock: 1000MHz

Memory: 1GB GDDR3 (512MB per GPU)

Power Connector: 8-pin + 6-pin

Board Power: 197W

Thermal: Patent Pending Integrated Cooling Solution

Outputs: 2x DVI-DL + HDMI

Technorati Tags: nvidia, 9800 gx2, sheer powerful power, technology, big bucks

Here’s what you get:

XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Intel C2Q Q6700 2.66GHz OEM
Corsair TWINX 2048MB PC6400
Hitachi Deskstar P7K500 320GB Hard Drive
Sony DRU190A 20X DVD Rewritable Drive
Ultra X-Blaster Mid-T Case
Ultra X2 750-Watt Power Supply

Some assembly required.

Technorati Tags: deals, gaming rig, computer, video games, SLI, xfx, quad core goodness

We’re talking huge advances in robot mobility.  They even have their own logo with a mirror effect! Don’t believe it?  Take a gander at the video, I guarantee after the first 25 seconds you’ll be hooked on this too.

Other than the obvious things, like spying and plumbing, I can think of several ways a robot based on this prototype could be very useful.  Such as navigating harsh terrain, moving through ice, and creeping out your neo-Luddite relatives.

Technorati Tags: robots, technology, snake, movement, geek, hardware,   snake o bot

Here’s how it works.  Go to NewEgg and put the card in your cart.  They’re currently giving $60 off, dropping the price to $409.99.  Then use coupon code “HARDOCPVGAPROMO60″ when you check out to cut the price by another $60 – to $349.99.  Then grab this PDF mail in rebate form and knock another $50 off after you purchase.  That’s $299.99 after you get your rebate – shipping is free.

Technorati Tags: video badass, evga, geforce, technology, hardware, dvi, svideo, pc hardware, gaming, deals

* Not confirmed, and should be considered with a pinch of salt

It’s interesting to note that the lower end 9500 has been added to the lineup.  Thanks to NordicHardware for the lineup.

Technorati Tags: nvidia, graphics cards, 9800, sli, shear graphical power, gpu, gaming tech

Today Alienware introduces the most powerful 15.4-inch notebook – the Area-51® m15x, a revolutionary addition to the 15.4-inch notebook class and a fitting addition to Alienware’s award-winning systems. Armed with a range of Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or Core 2 Extreme mobile processors including the new 45nm Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme X9000 and the world’s fastest notebook GPU, the NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTX, every detail of the Area-51 m15x was scrutinised for improved performance and usability, from the motherboard all the way down to the port trimmings.

That base price is with the Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.5Ghz and a 256MB GT8600 video card, 2 Gigs of RAM and Vista home premium.

The price goes up if you jack up the specs though – fully loaded this puppy will run you a bit over $4500. Oh, and the illuminated keyboard is $50 over the base price. It’s a sweet system but like all things high-end, you’ll pay for it.
The Area-51 m15x dominates the competition by featuring:

• Intel Core 2 Extreme mobile processor power, enabling users to run the latest games and power-hungry applications such as post-production video software and music encoding programs at full speed for optimum productivity.
• Cutting-edge graphics delivered by an NVIDIA GeForce 8800M GTX GPU, fully primed for the new wave of DirectX® 10-fueled games.
• Alienware’s BinaryGFX technology, which provides the flexibility of switching between integrated and high-performance graphics cards.
• Advanced user controls through the Alienware Command Center, including the AlienFX® lighting and the AlienFusion power management system.
• Smart Bay technology giving users on-the-fly customisation capabilities with a hot-swappable optical drive, second hard drive and backup battery.

Technorati Tags: laptop, alienware, extreme laptop, intel, technology, geek, gaming, l337, nvidia

It’s also integrating a feature called AccellaRAM – Chrome 400 Series GPUs allow users to dynamically manage the total video memory size by using a combination of local and system memory. Data transfers between system memory and the graphics processor take place on-the-fly across the PCIe bus.

In a nutshell, it will support the following:

• Microsoft® DirectX™ 10.1 Ready
• Shader Model 4.1
• OpenGL 2.1
• Programmable Unified Shader Architecture
• 64-bit Memory Interface
• AcceleRAM™ Graphics Memory Support
• ChromotionHD™ 2.0 Video Engine for Blu-ray™ / HD-DVD Playback
• H.264 Hardware Acceleration
• VC1 and MPEG-2
• AES 128
• Dual-Link DVI™ and HDMI™ with HDCP™
• Advanced Power Management

S3 Graphics today announced the S3 Graphics Chrome 400 Series discrete graphics processors, designed to provide the latest gaming experience for energy-efficient desktop systems and portable notebook PCs coupled with outstanding HD content playback at the highest performance-per-watt ratio ever.

Using proven low power 65nm process technology, S3 Graphics Chrome 400 Series processors will support the latest Microsoft® DirectX®10.1 game engine and the PCI Express® 2.0 bus technology, bringing superb performance and improved 3D gaming image and texture rendering in a remarkably power-efficient, low heat package.

Ultra thin and light notebooks and small form factor desktop PCs will now be able to take full advantage of the latest graphics with a discrete DirectX 10.1 capable graphics solution. These products, requiring extreme power-efficiency and rigidly low thermal specifications, will now be able to boast full HD video support and the latest in display connectivity.

Using the breakthrough ChromotionHD™ 2.0 fully programmable video architecture for true HD quality 1080p playback for Blu-ray™ and HD-DVD™ content, the Chrome 400 Series graphics processor will offer a state-of-the-art cinematic experience while remaining cool under the hood. The ChromotionHD engine will support the latest HD standards including H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VC-1, WMV-HD, and AVS.

“S3 Graphics has developed a product that will deliver incredible, high quality 1080p HD playback for Home Media Centers, Desktop PCs and Ultra Thin and Light Notebook PCs without creating the unwanted noise and heat often associated with high performance components,” said Dr. Ken Weng, GM of S3 Graphics. “The feature-rich capabilities in the Chrome 400 Series will provide the end-user with a broad spectrum of new visual capabilities in a leading performance-per-watt product.”

The first GPUs of the S3 Graphics Chrome 400 Series will be available in late February 2008.

The 64-bit S3 Graphics Chrome 400 Series GPUs are based on cutting edge Fujitsu 65nm process technology incorporating the following key features:

- DirectX 10.1 Support: An S3 proprietary unified shader architecture supports the latest additions to DirectX 10.1 allowing realistic 3D rendering and increased visual acuity through improved Anti-aliasing (AA), Image/Texture improvements, higher precision formats, and programmable lighting effects. These improvements will allow users to experience life-like rendering and image quality in supported DirectX 10.1 applications.

- ChromotionHD™ Video Technology: Featuring a fully programmable video architecture with true HD quality 1080p playback for Blu-ray and HD-DVD content, the ChromotionHD engine supports the latest HD standards including H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VC-1, WMV-HD, and AVS, for a stunning movie experience. The video engine is also highly optimized with the decoding and post processing display pipeline that allows simultaneous acceleration of single and multiple video streams in HD format with vibrant colors and picture clarity.

- S3 Graphics PowerWise™ Technology: Sophisticated algorithms and power control mechanisms will allow Chrome 400 Series GPUs to deliver the optimal balance between performance and power on-the-fly, to meet performance and application requirements for power efficient graphics computing on thin and light notebook PCs and small form factor (SFF) PCs. Additional benefits allow users to increase time-between-charges by extending battery life and superior performance-per-watt operation, giving users a true mobile graphics platform for the latest 3D and HD video technologies. Enabling PowerWise on consumer desktops will provide an ideal platform for silent, fanless solutions in HD multimedia home systems. In the corporate market, PowerWise will reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO), minimizing electricity usage and cooling costs.

- PCI Express 2.0: Chrome 400 Series GPUs support the latest advances to the PC component interconnect by offering users the ability to boost the graphics performance of their current systems with the high throughput PCI Express 2.0 bus technology. The faster connection speed also allows users to take advantage of additional S3 Graphics technologies such as AcceleRAM™ which leverages system memory for image data storage, and MultiChrome™ Multi-GPU technology to unleash higher 3D rendering performance.

- Advanced Display Connectivity: Integrated digital display support with HDCP content protection will allow users to connect to a multitude of monitors, displays, and consumer electronic (CE) devices for HD content viewing across a secure display path. Built-in HDMI transmitters with HD Audio controllers allow seamless HDMI connectivity, without requiring external cable connectors for audio inputs into the GPU. Display interfaces include HDMI, dual-link DVI, DisplayPort, HDTV, and VGA. Supporting the latest display technologies ensures S3 Graphics can deliver an optimal viewing experience to the user for 3D and HD video.

Technorati Tags: gpu, directx 10.1, graphics, gaming, umpc, ultralight, laptops, power saver

TigerDirect has a neat bundle. XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard CPU Bundle – Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor 2.40GHz OEM, OCZ 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 Memory (2 x 2048MB) for $419.99. Here’s a link to a $20 mail in rebate: http://static.tigerdirect.com/rebate…2_US_Feb15.pdf

For memory, NewEgg has a Mushkin 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel for $82.99 with a $30 mail in rebate.

Frys has a 1TB, 7200RPM Seagate SATA drive with a 32MB buffer for $234.99

And if you’re looking for an external drive, Circuit City has a 320GB USB 2.0 external for about $64. That’s like 20 cents a GB.

Technorati Tags: tech deals, overclocking, quad core, intel, nvidia, build a computer, hal9000, technology, geek

· GeForce 8800M GTX GPUs, the world’s highest performance notebook graphics processors, are designed to deliver the best visual experience for 3D games, HD movies, and GPU-accelerated applications.

· NVIDIA SLI technology allows two GPUs to work in tandem in a single notebook (or desktop PC), effectively doubling the available graphics processing capability.

· The new elite class of gaming notebooks powered by NVIDIA SLI and two GeForce 8800M GTX GPUs offer gamers an extreme gaming experience with stunning special effects and highdefinition visuals for the hottest PC games including: Crysis, Hellgate: London, Gears of War,Unreal Tournament 3, and Call of Duty 4, along with full support for current DirectX 9 games.

· GeForce 8800M GTX GPUs feature the second-generation PureVideo® HD engine which delivers astounding Blu-ray and HD DVD movie picture quality on a PC. The PureVideo HD engine takes on 100% of H.264 video decoding, freeing the CPU to perform other tasks, reducing power consumption and extending battery life.

· Notebooks with NVIDIA SLI technology and GeForce 8800M GTX GPUs will soon be available from leading notebook manufacturers in North America and Europe including Alienware, Dell, Sager, Eurocom, MALIBAL, Cybersystem, Multirama, Nexoc, and Rock. For more information on NVIDIA SLI and GeForce powered notebooks, please visit http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_sli_notebooks.html.

Technorati Tags: nvidia, sli, notebook, video games, gaming, 350 degrees of hot video game love in your lap

We’re proud to announce that we’ve partnered with @XI Computers and we’ll soon be expanding our reviews to include PC games thanks to an amazing new system provided by @XI. There certainly is nothing like a gaming experience on an Intel quad core extreme machine, water cooled and using one of Nvidia’s latest GPUs. Even Vista behaves like a snappy OS. I’ve got to say that the hardware looks damn nice as well. Thanks to @XI we’ve got the goods to review some interesting, top end games coming down the line.

The Xi® MTower™ IGE-SLI™ Gamer Edition tower is what these games will be tested on. You can read a review of the dual core model from 2007 in PC World Magazine where it scored an impressive 86 out of 100 and was also rated the fastest computer reviewed in PC World’s Best and Worst Computers of 2007.

There will be more pictures posted soon and in a week or so I plan to have a full review of the system, including benchmarks and complete specs online. One of the most impressive aspects I’ve seen so far (beyond pure performance) is that after spending some time with Bioshock, the hottest of the four cores came up at a rosy 56C (about 135F) very cool for such an intense gaming experience.

I can say that the @XI experience has been great – from notification that the computer shipped through receiving it and setting it up. If you’re into serious speed and serious gaming (or CAD and CG) you’ll definitely want to check them out – they offer great value for your money and deliver on their promises.

[tags]gaming, video games, water cooled, intel extreme, quad core, xi computers, @xi, powerhouse,

1. Increased graphics performance is needed.
2. You should move out of your parent’s basement.
3. Less power consumption is a good thing.

Two out of three ain’t bad for this giant video card creating group.

They’ve created something called Gforce Boost. This technology works by “combining the processing power of the traditional NVIDIA GeForce-based graphics card with that of the second GPU integrated into the motherboard core logic. ”

The power consumption angle is worked by allowing the computer to switch from using one or, if you have an SLI setup, multiple GPUs to the onboard GPU sitting on your mobo. If you’re just tooling around on the web or writing up a nasty retort to your guild members in word, you won’t be using your “discreet” GPUs (the onese you plug into slots) but only the onboard GPU, allowing your computer to suck down less power.

This tech works with the Gforce 8400, 8500 or 8800 series GPUs, and currently the nForce 7 series or GeForce 8200 mGPU mobos, with some Intel manufactured names to be dropped shortly.

Read on for the official press release.

NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the world leader in visual computing technologies, today announced the industry’s first hybrid technology for PC platforms — Hybrid SLI — that addresses two critical issues: increasing graphics performance and reducing power consumption. NVIDIA Hybrid SLI technology will be incorporated into a wide variety of graphics and motherboard desktop and notebook products that the Company is rolling out for both AMD and Intel desktop and notebook computing platforms throughout 2008.

“From the introduction of programmable GPUs to the rapid adoption of our multi-GPU SLI technology, NVIDIA has repeatedly pioneered and innovated to solve difficult problems for the industry. We believe Hybrid SLI technology is one of the most important innovations we’ve come up with to date,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of NVIDIA. “Hybrid SLI delivers new multi-GPU technology to a large segment of the PC market, delivering consumers a level of PC graphics performance and power efficiency never before seen.”

First disclosed in June 2007, NVIDIA Hybrid SLI technology is based on the Company’s market-leading GeForce graphics processor units (GPUs) and SLI multi-GPU technology. Hybrid SLI enables NVIDIA motherboard GPUs (mGPUs) to work cooperatively with discrete NVIDIA GPUs (dGPUs) when paired in the same PC platform. Hybrid SLI provides two new technologies — GeForce Boost and HybridPower — that allow the PC to deliver graphics performance for today’s applications and games when 3D graphics horsepower is required, or transition to a lower-powered operating state when not.

For lower energy consumption and quieter PC operation, HybridPower allows the PC to switch processing from a single GPU or multiple GPUs in SLI configuration to the onboard motherboard GPU. HybridPower is most useful in situations where graphics horsepower is not required, such as high definition movie playback on a notebook platform or simple e-mail or Internet browsing on a desktop. It is also beneficial for those users who want a quiet operating state with reduced thermals and noise. For notebooks, HybridPower can also dramatically extend battery life by up to 3 hours. When a game or application is started that requires the additional 3D horsepower, the PC can automatically transition back to the discrete graphics cards and power up the 3D capabilities all transparent to the end useri.

For applications where 3D performance is required, GeForce Boost turbo-charges 3D operation by combining the processing power of the traditional NVIDIA GeForce-based graphics card with that of the second GPU integrated into the motherboard core logic. In media-rich applications, both GPUs work in tandem to render the combined images with the end user benefiting from the increase in performance and frame rate. For typical games and 3D applications, GeForce Boost can kick in automatically, resulting in a greatly enhanced consumer experience.

NVIDIA is the recognised market leader for GPU desktop and notebook solutions for both Intel and AMD platforms and has a full lineup of Hybrid SLI-capable graphics and motherboard products planned for 2008. New Hybrid SLI-capable products include the upcoming NVIDIA nForce 780a, nForce 750a, nForce 730a media and communication processors (MCPs) for AMD CPUs, which will be released later this month, as well as the new GeForce 8200 — the industry’s first micro-ATX motherboard solution with an onboard Microsoft® DirectX® 10-compliant motherboard GPU. NVIDIA Hybrid SLI notebooks as well as desktop products designed for Intel CPUs will be available next quarter.

For more information on Hybrid SLI technologies, including GeForce Boost and HybridPower, please visit http://www.nvidia.com/object/hybrid_sli.html

Technorati Tags: nvidia, sli, hybrid, gaming, gpu, 3d, high end, computers, technology, video games

Press Release: Just in time for the big guy’s annual holiday sleigh ride, NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the world leader in visual computing technologies, today introduced the Company’s next-generation NVIDIA nForce® 780i SLI media and communications processor (MCP), designed specifically for 1333FSB Intel QX9650 (Yorkfield) processors. The new nForce 780i SLI MCP brings a multitude of new functionality to Intel platforms, including support for the new Enthusiast System Architecture specification and PCI Express Gen 2.0. It is also the first motherboard solution to also support the Company’s new 3-way SLI™ technology, the industry’s preeminent multi-GPU platform solution based on NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics processing units.

“Our customers aren’t going to bed with visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads. They’re dreaming of playing games like Crysis in their entire splendor, running on NVIDIA SLI technology,” said Kelt Reeves, president of Falcon Northwest. “With nForce 780i and an Intel Yorkfield CPU under the hood, those visions will quickly become a reality. We’re excited to offer our customers fully-equipped rigs with not one, not two, but three of NVIDIA’s most extreme gaming GeForce graphics processors, the perfect platform for experiencing the most advanced games ever developed.”

NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology offers an unmatched PC gaming experience, delivering up to a 2.8x performance boost over traditional single graphics card platforms. For playing this year’s most cutting-edge games, including Crysis and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 3-way SLI technology lets gamers ratchet up the resolution to 1900×1200 and 2500×1600 respectively, while partaking in all of the tasty eye candy, including high-dynamic range lighting, motion blur, and realistic environmental effects.

“You can forget the cookies and milk this year,” said Alabaster Snowball, administrator of the North Pole’s naughty & nice list. “What Santa really wants is the ability to play Bioshock on a new gaming rig configured with an nForce 780i SLI-based motherboard and 3-way SLI graphics.”

Global system integrators and industry-leading motherboard partners planning to offer NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI MCP-based products include: Arlt, Asus, Atelco, Biohazard Computers, Chiligreen, Colorful, CyberPower, Digital Storm, Ditech, EVGA, Falcon Northwest, Gigabyte, HP, Hypersonic, Ibuypower, K&M Elektronik, Maingear, Meijin, MSI, Puget, Rombus, Vigor Gaming, Voodoo PC, Warmachine, XFX, Xi, and more.

Technorati Tags: nvidia, sli, mucho dinero

While many eyes are focused on home video game consoles, Nintendo projects Nintendo DS™ to be the top-selling system of the year. More than 6 million Nintendo DS portable video game systems have sold in the United States in 2007 through Nov. 30, according to internal Nintendo of America Inc. sales numbers. That’s a rate of about one sold every five seconds of 2007, enough to project Nintendo DS will be the top-selling video game system of any kind for the year. Nintendo DS has increased its sales in the United States every year since it launched in November 2004.

“There’s no letup in sight,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Nintendo DS appeals strongly to both core and casual gamers, and its momentum is set to propel us into 2008.”

Nintendo DS began 2007 strong, but its momentum only increased as the year progressed. Before 2007, Game Boy® Advance held the all-time U.S. Thanksgiving week sales record, with 600,000 systems sold in 2005. But Nintendo DS beat that Thanksgiving week record with more than 650,000 sold.

The huge appeal of Nintendo DS stems from the diversity of software available for the system. Four Nintendo DS games have sold more than 2 million in the United States alone, including New Super Mario Bros.®, Mario Kart® DS, Pokémon® Diamond and Super Mario® 64 DS. Another eight games have sold more than 1 million each in the United States, including Brain Age™: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day, Pokémon® Pearl, Animal Crossing®: Wild World, Big Brain Academy™ and four separate versions of Nintendogs™.

Technorati Tags: nintendo, ds, light, neener, game system, best selling

More on this wonderful little robot after I’ve gotten to know him a bit.

You can see the unboxing photo set on Flickr!

Technorati Tags: pleo, ugobe, designer life forms, robots, sheer awesomeness

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