If Microsoft’s Surface PC has you dreaming about the future of computing, but the $12,000 price tag has brought you back to reality, then check out Maximum PC’s build of a multitouch surface computer that uses just $350 in parts and a bit of creative hacking.
The whole thing achieves the Surface like interface through the use of some infrared LEDs, a PS3 Eye camera, a projector, and some acrylic, and the wood cabinet gives it some class, though that would be purely optional if you wanted to keep it geek-tastic.
The computer itself is just a common Core 2 Duo, 2 gig RAM machine, and the software is all open source, so you could technically build one of your own if you were so inclined.
Just don’t let on to the price when your friends wonder where the spare Clevelands came from.
[Maximum PC - DIY Microsoft Surface]
[Gizmodo]
The following is a sponsored (though unbiased) post: Cryo Performance Computing makes custom gaming PC’s and high performance desktop computers for a number of different users, including gamers, professionals, audio, video & multimedia creators, and home theater buffs.
Each computer that Cryo makes is specially designed to perform at the peak of its potential, and they utilize a number of different tools and techniques to reach that potential, including a process called blueprinting and “Cryo Boost”.
Blueprinting is when they design a system by looking at each of the components to make sure there is no ‘least common denominator’ holding everything else back. For instance, if you buy the top of the line video card, but your processor can’t handle it, then you’re not getting the full capability out of your video card. To prevent that from happening, Cryo “carefully selects individual components that [they] know will all compliment each other and work well together”.
Cryo Boost is a process that Cryo uses to go beyond just overclocking and performance tuning into a whole new and revolutionary way of designing, building and testing a PC. This “end-to-end lifecycle of innovative idea to end product” includes:
- User requirement driven design
- Reference to a huge knowledgebase of component experience
- Experienced industry professionals
- Disciplined and thorough testing and verification
- Just-in-time building and fulfillment
- Technology and delivery partners
- Participation in Web 2.0, blogs and forums
Which results in:
- 30-50% better performance over any mainstream manufacturer
- 30% longer product lifecycle
- Reduced obsolescence
- Over-engineered key components
- Personal and individual service
One thing to note is that Cryo is based in the UK, so you’ll need to take things like warranty and shipping into consideration before making your purchase (for instance, they do their pricing in Pounds) but considering the fact that they’ve been “architecting, designing and building PC technology hardware and software for over 20 years”, I don’t think you should have any problems with their products.
Plus, if you need even more convincing that they know their stuff, just check out their ‘Free Stuff’ area, where they’ve posted a number of technical articles, useful tools and useful links, as well as their ‘Cryo Benchmarks’, where they show off various performance reports that have been done on their system, including the Custom PC Benchmark record that they set with the Velox in December of 2008.
Liquid cooling your PC has been around for some time now, and what started as a skill that only hard-core hackers and tinkerers could master is now offered in off-the-shelf Dell computers, so what’s a modder to do if he wants to stand out from the crowd at the next LAN party?
How about submerging the entire computer in a fish tank filled with mineral oil?
The computer, which was originally built by Puget Systems, is now available in a DIY kit that includes everything from the aquarium tank and SSD hard drive to the motherboard and power cords, so all you have to do is add components (and a lighting system if you want to be totally L33t). Plus, if you’re worried about voiding your warranty (because this will definitely do that) then rest assured knowing Puget Systems has been running theirs for over a year with no ill effects.
[Puget Systems - Aquarium Kit]
The Plush Department PURE*ZENDER Art PC is a design computer with a ceramic casing that looks even better than it performs. (And that’s not to say that it performs poorly, with its Intel Core 2 Duo processor and all the bells and whistles of a modern computer, but just that it looks so damn good!)
I am handmade I am handpainted.
I am urban, graffiti i am street.
I am moulded and shaped and glazed. I am unique.
There is no other like me.
Inside me is a powerful machine.
I will help you to stay in contact with your friends, to watch movies and play games. I can assist you with your work while you are listening to music. I will help you to find things, people, places, new experiences.
I am there for you when you need me and sleep while you don’t. I wake up on the push of a button and do for you what you ask me to.
I am not a television or record player or calculator i am all of that at the same time and more.
I am fast and silent and beautiful.
The art itself was done by Zender, a well known Dutch artist whose unique street style lends itself well to this tiny box, and other limited edition PURE* Art computers in the works are scheduled from Delft Blue, Mijn Schatje, Piet Boon, and Edward van Vliet.
[Plush Department - PURE*ZENDER]
[Via: NOTCOT]
If you liked the Lego Mac Pro, then check out the time lapse that the maker put together of the 14+ hours it took him to build it:
[Via: Gizmodo]
It’s hard to deny that Macs and Legos are two of a typical geek’s favorite play things, so when you combine the two, nerdgasms are sure to occur.
Inside of this full-sized Mac Pro replica is a PC running OS X, as well as a Mac Mini, and the outside is 100% Mac as well, compete with a Steve Jobs minifig looking out from atop the Apple logo.
Specs include 2,588 Lego bricks, a 2.4 Ghz Core 2 Duo Hackintosh, and a 1.66 Ghz Core 2 Duo Mac Mini.
Now go change your pants.
[Via: Gizmodo]
Antec’s Skeleton is a fantastically futuristic looking PC case that claims to be the world’s first open air case.
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With a unique design that allows for unprecedented airflow, a front 92mm fan, and a top three-speed 250mm fan with multicolor LED customization, the Skeleton goes utterly unmatched in stylish cooling. Factor in the layered component trays for top-notch convenience, as well as the rackmount quality side rails, and you have a case truly without equal.
Though it definitely won’t blend in under your desk, this frag factory isn’t designed to, and if you’re the type of person that builds and customizes your machine so that you can get props and respect at the local LAN parties, then this might be just what you were looking for to dominate the competition.
[Via: LikeCool]
Dell calls it the “Ideal Internet Buddy for Surfing, Shopping and Chatting” (and “Your New Best Friend”, and a “Light, Highly Mobile Device Built For Easy Online Browsing and Entertainment” and an “Internet Companion” and a “Small, easy-to-carry device” that’s ready for “teens, tweens, travelers and Tweeters”, so I guess even Dell can’t figure out what this thing does or who it’s for), but if you’re in the market for a mini-notebook (or as many are calling them, a netbook) that’s perfect for on-the-go travel and/or anyone who doesn’t need a full, desktop capable computer sitting on their lap at all times, then you might just call it yours.
Weighing in at just 2.28 lbs., and with a price of just $349 (in Ubuntu flavor), the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is designed to be the perfect computer for “surfing the Web, chatting with friends, blogging, streaming content, uploading photos or enjoying favorite online videos, music and games”.
It’s also meant to be a durable computer that you can toss in a bag and not worry too much about, with a fully sealed keyboard, and solid state drive (SSD) memory storage.
The 8.9-inch LCD gives you plenty of room for full-sized web browsing, and built-in Wi-Fi means you can connect to any hotspot for instant Internet access.
Options include a built-in webcam for video chat, Bluetooth for wireless connections, and even Windows XP for full software support.
Nifty touches include a free subscription to Box.net for 2GB of online storage, and a full range of colors in the coming months.
The Inspiron Mini 9 is definitely not for everyone, but with the success that Acer has been having with their EeePC netbooks, combined with Dell’s name brand and reliability, I think the Mini 9 is going to open up the world of netbook computing to a whole new audience that’s ready to embrace the change.
Dell’s new Studio Hybrid line of computers is a rather interesting offering.
Designed to be an “anywhere-you-want-it-desktop”, the pint-sized PC comes in six colors, as well as bamboo, features an ultra-compact design with Intel mobile technology performance, a slot-load DVD, HDMI, digital/analog TV tuner, and optional Blu-ray for home entertainment duties.
In addition, the Dell Hybrid helps to preserve the planet as Dell’s greenest and most power-efficient consumer desktop (75% less printed documentation, 70% less power usage, Energy Star 4.0 compliant, and packaging made form 95% recyclable materials).
A good-looking computer that’s good for the environment and performs too?
What’s not to love?
The Nimbus Cloud Computer “works like a PC” only it’s “better than a PC” because it’s free. Instead of paying for the Nimbus, you simply allow them to show you an ad while using the computer, and it pays for itself. If you don’t want the ad, you can also pay a monthly fee to use the Nimbus ad free, but where’s the fun in that?
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A Cloud Computer is a re-imagination of the idea of a computer. We think that an ordinary computer is too expensive, too complicated, and too much for what most people want to use a computer for. What we did is put all of the costly and complicated pieces of hardware and software into our data centers. You then use a smaller, simpler, much less expensive device that’s always connected to the internet to control your computer. We think this is a much better way for you to do just what you want with a computer.
The computer comes with a keyboard and mouse, and you simply provide a monitor and Internet access, and you’re on your way.
Is this the future of computing?
[Via: Spark Plugging]
Sure, the Asus Eee PC is small, and the MacBook Air is powerful, but what about making your very own lightweight portable computer out of an old Palm Pilot a keyboard, and a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records?
It might not be small and powerful, but it is cheap, and the DIY factor alone should give you plenty of bragging rights at your next Starbucks laptop spec shootout.
[Via: MAKE: Blog]
When a laptop ages, it’s easy to ponder a replacement for the outdated machine.
However, with some new software, outside the box thinking, or hardcore hacking, an old laptop can also take on a new life as a server, a photo frame, a backup, and more.
If you’re interested, Lifehacker’s got the guide to turn your old machine into a new toy, so check out the list to see what you can do with yours.
[Lifehacker - Give An Old Laptop New Life with Cheap (Or Free) Projects]
[Edit: Welcome Gizmodo, StumbleUpon and Reddit readers! If you like what you see, be sure to subscribe to the RSS Feed.]
Paul Stamatiou’s 200 Dollar PC is an impressive piece of tech, and his now completed three part guide means that you can build your own as long as you can follow a relatively simple set of directions.
Specs include 1.2GHz of Intel Celeron power, 1GB of RAM, 250GB of hard drive, and a mini-ITX form factor to keep everything small and compact.
Uses include turning it into an NAS, a HTPC, a File Server, an Internet Termanal, an Art Piece, or anything else that you can think of, since for 200 big ones, you’re basically making a computer experiment.
What will you do with yours?
[Paul Stamatiou - 200 Dollar PC - Part 1]
[Paul Stamatiou - 200 Dollar PC - Part 2]
[Paul Stamatiou - 200 Dollar PC - Part 3]
Believe it or not, this Hulk figure is actually a fully functioning PC.
Features include an exposed motherboard, custom lighting, and full Hulk motion and sound.
It took the builder 14 months to create, and countless hours of hard work, but I think you’ll agree that it paid off, because this has got to be one of the most creative mods ever assembled.
[Via: Gizmodo]
Microsoft, apparently jealous of Apple’s touch sensitive iPhone iNterface, decided to unveil some touch based computing magic of its own in the form of the Microsoft Surface, a Minority Report style coffee table that is supposed to revolutionize the way we interact with our computers.
If it’s anything like the demo reel, it should be nothing short of spectacular, though it’s going to be a few years before anyone who can’t afford a Ferrari can afford one of these. No word yet on weather or not it can precog.
Axiotron picked up Mac’s slack with their new ModBook, a tablet style MacBook mod. Retaining most of the original specs of the MacBook donor, the ModBook adds a built-in GPS module, and the Penabled Wacom digitizer for all of your inputing needs. The pen input “runs at 20x display resolution, with 256 pressure levels and zero battery use, and the MacBook’s LCD is protected with some chemically strengthened glass, complete with a paper-like texture and anti-reflective coating”. Apple’s own built-in Inkwell technology handles the writing ability, and the slot-loading disk drive makes this the only slate-style tablet computer with a built in CD/DVD drive. If you’ve been waiting for a tablet Mac to hit the shelves, wait no longer, you ModBook is here.
[ModBook]
[Via: Engadget]
Shuttle’s new 1337 Series SDXI crams some serious gaming power into their notoriously small form factor PC platform. The offering include a fully internal liquid-cooling system, an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 processor, two AMD ATI Radeon X1950 Pro CrossFire graphics cards, two 10,000 RPM 150GB hard drives, and 2GB of Crucial ballistix DDR2 memory, all covered in an awesome flame job from Smooth Creations. If you consider yourself among gaming’s 1337, then this is the PC for you. N00bs need not apply.
[Shuttle]
[Via: Ubergizmo]
Sony Australia got a little jealous of Apple’s very creative Get A Mac advertising campaign, and decided to do a little spin-off of their own. Apparently, Sony feels that their Sony VAIO line should not be considered a PC, is definitely not a Mac, but instead, deserves its own category. Unless Sony plans to offer their own software, or do more than just put some pretty curtains up to cover the Windows though, I think their differentiation goes about as far as creating a few cute little ad rips and calling it a day. Maybe that’s their intended slogan: “I’m a PC, and I’m a Mac, and I’ve got no originality”.
[Via: TUAW]
If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on inside your hard drive as it’s spinning and clicking away, serving up your illegal MP3s and whatever else your computer gets used for, this video should take a little bit of the mystery away from the silver box. Done with an old hard drive (aka, probably not a good idea to try this with that brand new 500GB behemoth you just bought), a few simple actions such as cutting and pasting and deleting a folder are performed, giving you a pretty good idea of the speed these things are working at. It’s impressive how quickly and accurately a hard drive does its thing, and definitely something I’ve wanted to see for some time now.
[Via: MAKE: Blog]
Logitech has created a keyboard that they consider more a piece of art than a computer peripheral. Called the diNovo Edge, it’s laser-cut from a single piece of Plexiglass and set in a brushed aluminum frame. Only 11 mm thick, the Edge features the PerfectStroke key system that distributes typing force evenly across key surfaces, making every stroke natural and fluid (whatever that means). The TouchDisc scrolling touchpad gives you scrolling, selection and cursor control all from one location. They keys are backlit so that they light up when in use and fade into the background when not. Wires would definitely take away from the cutting edginess of such a device, so none are included and instead you are blessed with a Bluetooth connection for up to 30 feet of typing freedom. And if you’re going to drop $199 on a keyboard, you don’t exactly want to stash it away in your desk when it’s not in use, so the Edge features a charging base/vertical display stand to keep those Li-ion batteries up and running while you show off your uber cool input device. Sadly, Mac users once again get the shaft on this one, as the Apple Key is not one of Logitech’s friends.
[Logitech - diNovo Edge]
[Via: Gizmodo]
