Archive for the ‘Tech’ Category
Posted on Jan 29, 2009 08:59:00 AM
Source: Hothardware
“Google has been very vocal on its stance for net neutrality. Now, Richard Whitt–Senior Policy Director for Google–announces that Google will take an even more active role in the debate by arming consumers with the tools to determine first-hand if their broadband connections are being monkeyed with by their ISPs:
“We’re trying to develop tools, software tools…that allow people to detect what’s happening with their broadband connections, so they can let [ISPs] know that they’re not happy with what they’re getting — that they think certain services are being tampered with,” Google senior policy director Richard Whitt said this morning during a panel discussion at Santa Clara University, an hour south of San Francisco.
In an article written by Cade Metz, a reporter for The Register, Metz explains that when the net neutrally debate first popped up at Google, Google actually considered playing along with the network-throttling ISPs:
“We were pretty well known on the internet. We were pretty popular. We had some funds available. We could essentially buy prioritization that would ensure we would be the search engine used by everybody. We would come out fine – a non-neutral world would be a good world for us.”
But more idealist minds prevailed at Google, and the company has advocated network neutrality ever since–”or as Whitt likes to call it ‘broadband neutrality’.” Whitt didn’t mention when the network analysis tools would become available.
Other participants of the panel discussion had very different opinions on network neutrality, such as “George Ou and Richard Bennett, two networking-obsessed pals who have vehemently defended Comcast’s right to throttle peer-to-peer traffic.” The one thing that everyone on the panel appeared to agree on, however, was that ISPs need to be transparent with how they manage their network traffic. Google’s stance is that if the ISPs won’t disclose that information to the public, then consumers should have the tools at hand to determine for themselves what their ISPs are doing.”
I think this is brilliant, and commend Google on their insight into this matter. ISPs i believe should not have the ability to throttle, but they do have it and use it. Bad move. If any of an ISP’s clients find out they being throttled away from their supposed speed, then they will dump the isp faster than a big turd after xmas. Good going google.
Posted on Jan 27, 2009 05:53:20 AM
A gaming notebook that costs $800 (+- R8000)? To me this is very suprising as one would know gaming notebooks usually go for above 20 grand. If you are not one of those wealthy geeks, then purchasing a gaming notebook wouldnt be something you would consider, but with this you can. You wont have to deprive yourself of food for a few months or sell your car to afford this. That being said, this lappy can definitely hold its own in a frag off.
Obviously this is not match for an Alienware 17″ $3500 machine, but it aint not rip off either. MSI included a 2.3-GHz AMD X2 and 4 GB of RAM to give it a respectable 100.4 frames per second in Quake 4, and its business performance score put it in league with a Sony FZ or Apple 15-incher.
There are a few niglies about this though that the avid gamer may not enjoy. Such as no Blu Ray, there are only two USB ports, the fan apparently blows directly onto your mouse and the key placements are slightly off, especially the left control key which has been moved one key right, and in its place goes an FN key. This would be very annoying. They have added a numpad though.
The battery life only lasts about 1.5hrs, but given that its a gaming laptop, well let that one pass.
So if you are on the road, like to do some gaming every now and then, this could be for you, it doubles quite well as a business lappy as well, so you the best of both worlds.
Source: Wired
Posted on Jan 25, 2009 05:19:41 AM
So Nvidia is taking GFX experience to a new level. With a pair of their 3D glasses and software that aligns with certain Geforce GPU’s. Ultimately turning otherwise 2D games, into 3D games without any other special equipment. A decent monitor will work in your favour. The view below can be found on the Nvidia website here.
Upgrade your PC to a fully immersive stereoscopic 3D experience with NVIDIA® GeForce® 3D Vision™. A combination of high-tech wireless glasses and advanced software, GeForce 3D Vision automatically transforms hundreds of PC games into full stereoscopic 3D. Just slip on the stylish glasses and pair them with an NVIDIA® GeForce® GPU and a “GeForce 3D Vision-Ready” display to experience characters and environments come to life on the screen. In addition, you can watch 3D movies and 3D digital photographs in eye popping, crystal-clear quality. Give your eyes something to talk about with GeForce 3D Vision.
Prices:
3D vision kit + Samsung Monitor = $598
3D Vision kit = $199
You can also find a list of compatible games here
