Casio intros the blemish-zapping EX-Z300 digicam with a slew of likeminded friends

Casio, clearly not wanting to be left behind in the compact digicam market, has introduced what might be described as a treasure-trove of cameraifical excellence. Heading up this line of unstoppable goodness is the £229.99 ($429) EX-Z300, a 10-megapixel shooter that carries the company's in-camera touch-up mode called "Make-up" which allows you to clone away "blemishes" or "people you hate to look at." The electronics-maker is also introducing the £129.99 ($242), 9.3-megapixel EXILIM Card EX-Z19, the £149.99 ($280) 9.1MP EXILM Zoom EX-Z85, and a slightly less robust version of the EX-Z300 called the EXILM Zoom EX-Z250 -- at £199.99 ($373) -- also with a 9.1MP sensor. Exciting stuff, right? Right.

Olympus trots out 8-megapixel FE-360 and FE-370 digital cameras

Look out, world -- we're not so certain you're ready to behold the greatness of Olympus' latest duo. In all seriousness, we're not so certain you'll be able to stay awake as we explain the details, but stay up and you just may run across something you're into. The FE-360 and FE-370 point-and-shoots each include an 8-megapixel sensor, face detection, image stabilization, a video mode and an xD card slot. There's also a bundled attachment that enables the use of microSD cards, but we're assuming the all-but-forgotten xD slot is kept in there to stroke a suit's ego somewhere up the chain. Anywho, the two differ in the optical zoom category (3x on the FE-360, 5x on the FE-370) and LCD size (2.5-inches versus 2.7-inches). Each shooter will arrive in a variety of hues and will hit the UK market for £129.99 ($242) / £179.99 ($334) next month.

Microsoft intros SideWinder X6 keyboard and X5 mouse

We had a hunch that Microsoft would be launching a SideWinder-branded keyboard this fall, and sure enough, the suits in Redmond are keeping the revitalized name alive with an all new September-bound input peripheral combo. The SideWinder X6 is hailed as the "first gaming keyboard created by Microsoft from the ground up, and the only gaming keyboard on the market with a switchable key pad." When not in gaming mode, the key pad transforms into a full-programmable macro pad. You'll also find two-color adjustable backlighting, mode switching and a $79.95 price tag. As for the X5 mouse, this critter packs nine buttons (five of which are customizable), a 2,000DPI laser tracking engine, six DPI settings (adjustable on the fly) and a $59.95 sticker. Full release is just after the break

DXG-595V HD camcorder does 1080p for 200 bones

We've seriously stopped trying to understand what differentiates one DXG camcorder from the next. Every release reads something like "blah, blah, 1080p," followed by a price that's simply too good to be true. The DXG-595V claims to capture 1080p (imagine that!) video onto your SDHC card for a mere $200, and the ability to snag stills / connect to your SDTV via composite or S-Video is thrown in for free. Thanks, DXG -- can't wait for you to slap a new model number on some leftover inventory and treat us again next month.

Canon's EOS Rebel XS / 1000D DSLR hits the test bench

With all the DSLR noise going on, the EOS Rebel XS managed to sneak in without too many people noticing. The proper entry-level replacement to the XTi / 400D recently took the time to cave to Camera Labs' every request, and when all was said and done, critics didn't find too many negative points to harp on. The all-important image quality ranked very highly, and the built-in live view was obviously a boon. Granted, the fixed screen and 7-point AF system (versus the 9-pointer on the XTi) were slight bummers, but it still managed to secure an 82% (Highly Recommended) rating. Care to see how it stacked up against Nikon's D60, Sony's A200 and a Polaroid 80B Highlander? Two of the three comparisons await you in the read link

Lenovo's IdeaPad S10 with X4500 graphics dubbed "Wind and Eee PC killer"

Hey friend, ready for a full Lenovo IdeaPad S10 review? Sorry, this ain't it, but Laptop's initial hands-on with this "sweet 10-incher" might be enough to help with any imminent purchasing decisions requiring $429 in cash. What if we sweetened the deal and told you that Lenovo's netbook also features that very same un-netbooky X4500 integrated graphics found in Intel's Centrino 2 chipset -- no lame GMA950 here, pal. And as oddball as it sounds, one reader discovered that the red-colored S10 also features an external CD-RW/DVD-ROM for the same price as the white S10 (but $10 more than the black model). Check the full hands-on text (laced with adjectives like "spacious," "lovely," and "stylish") and video (where it's dubbed a Wind and Eee PC killer) just beyond the read link and just for you buddy.

Update: A number of would-be buyers are reporting another case of Lenovo's retail ineptitude. The X4500 graphics appears to be just another misprint -- like those free SSDs and $200 14.1-inch laptops seen before. Hell, even the optical drive appears to be the stuff of data entry error. At this point it looks like we've got another GMA950 netbook on our hands which certainly makes more sense. Our advice? If you're ready to purchase then at least get on the horn with sales and confirm that bill of materials

Palm's Treo Pro gets official

Well you can't say you didn't see this one coming -- between the leaked shots, more leaked shots, and those -- yes -- leaked press materials, this was only a matter of time. That's right: Palm has gone and gotten all official with its latest and greatest smartphone, the now-familiar Treo Pro. The new Windows Mobile device is being sold unlocked (!), and features an HSDPA cell radio (tri-band UMTS, quad-band GSM), GPS, 802.11b/g, a 320 x 320 touchscreen display, 256MB ROM, 128MB RAM, a 2-megapixel camera, support for microSDHC cards up to 32GB... and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack! The Pro will run you $549 contract-free here in the States, while you'll be able to purchase it through Vodafone and O2 for prices ranging from €399 to nothing at all (with a contract, of course). Hit the read link and take a tour of the new device, or watch the totally radical -- and long, and detailed -- video after the break

Vivitek introduces its very first projectors, forgets to make 'em memorable

Just what the world needs -- another pair of perfectly average projectors to choose from. Vivitek has boldly gone where so many others have gone before by introducing the D326MX (XGA) and D326WX (WXGA) projectors, both of which rely on Texas Instruments' DLP engine and boast rapid start-up / instant shutdown features, HDMI / component connectors, 2,600 ANSI lumens, a 2,500:1 contrast ratio, 5-segment color wheel and a 1-watt speaker for mind-blowing monaural sound. The units weigh in at just 3.2-pounds apiece, and both should be available now for $999 / $1,199 should you remember to look within the next 15 seconds. Full release after the break.

Microsoft fesses up to a new, tweaked Xbox 360 controller

According to gamesindustry.biz, Microsoft is confirming a slight revision to its Xbox 360 controller design. Apparently, the new iteration of the gamepad includes enhancements to its d-pad, which admittedly has always been somewhat lacking. In Microsoft's words: "The new limited edition green wireless controller offers enhancements to d-pad functionality, which will add to the experience of playing games where the d-pad is the primary control mechanism." We'd like to think that this d-pad tweak will finally give us an opportunity to level up in COD4 from Corporal to Lieutenant General in no time.

Sony gets official with PSP-3000

It's not like Sony could really keep this thing under wraps for much longer, but the company finally did the deed by announcing the PSP-3000 at the Leipzig Games Convention. The unit itself will look exactly like the PSP-2000, though it will feature an "improved screen that's better outside with no glare and a built-in mic." The juicy tidbits have yet to surface, but we are told to expect the new handheld in Europe for €199 ($291) on October 15th.

Sony intros wireless keypad attachment for the PS3

The news is flying fast and furious out of the Leipzig Games Convention today (we actually just got hit in the eye with a flying piece of news). Apparently Sony is launching a wireless keypad attachment that snaps onto the top of a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK3 controller into the mini-USB port. The pad features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input, and can be paired with phones and other gadgets via Bluetooth. No word on pricing, but the pad launches in November, and the add-on will come in eight different languages, which should really help us with our multi-lingual training.

Sony reveals Uncharted: Drake's Fortune 160GB PlayStation 3, starts shipping new 80GB model

Well, color us surprised! Here we have yet another "limited edition" PlayStation 3 bundle, this time with Uncharted: Drake's Fortune packed in alongside a PlayStation Network voucher for PAIN, a DualShock 3 wireless controller and... a 160GB PS3 console? Yep, Sony's formally introducing us to the new king, which will start shipping to North America this November in the aforementioned kit for $499.99. Curiously, there's no word as to whether it'll be released separate from the bundle (we're guessing yes), and there's no mention of PS2 backwards compatibility (so don't count on it). In related news, the "new" $399.99 80GB version is finally shipping to retailers, so you should be able to snap one up in the very, very near future

80GB PlayStation 3 arrives early at Best Buy, Friday in Europe

Lookie, lookie, an 80GB PS3 snapped up for $400 from a local Best Buy. Although not officially due until September, reports are trickling in from around these United States of Gaming of an early release. Not too much of a surprise, we guess, what with European retailers all showing a Friday retail launch. One interesting thing to note is the SKU: at least one of these early rigs reads CECHK01, not CECHL01 as seen in the FCC... hmmm. SKU pictured after the break.

Nokia's 8800 Carbon Arte takes luxury to the moon

Besides the RAZR, few handsets have milked longevity like Nokia's 8800 slider -- first introduced in April 2005 (spied in March). Unlike RAZR, however, the 8800 somehow manages not to annoy... too much. The latest Carbon Arte model brings 3G, a 3.2 megapixel camera, 4GB of flash memory, and OLED display with anti-fingerprint coating. Fine, but it's the rocket-esque carbon fiber, titanium, and stainless steel materials that help push the price tag to €1,100 (that's about $1,600) before taxes and of course, carrier subsidies. Expected to brazenly appear in the smoking dens of Europe's finest gentlemens' clubs sometime in Q3.

Logitech reveals Cordless Desktop Wave Pro keyboard / mouse tandem

Hard to believe it has been well over a year since Logitech unveiled its original Cordless Desktop, huh? As of today, said outfit is formally introducing the Cordless Desktop Wave Pro, a two-pack that includes the Wave Keyboard and the MX1100 laser mouse. You're plenty familiar with the first half of the equation, but the new critter promises to last up to six whole weeks on a full charge, and the included USB plug enables users to charge and work if they're okay with a temporary tether. You'll also find a 1,600DPI sensitivity rating, MicroGear precision scroll wheel and eight programmable buttons. Look for the happy couple to land in the US in October and Europe in mid-November for $129.99, while the mouse alone will go for $79.99 two months earlier in each region.

Compal's MID slider with global HSPA/EDGE data -- first UMPC it, now you don't

Compal's been a vocal supporter of Intel's MID followup to the tragic UMPC platform ever since It was announced in April of last year. Hell, the Taiwanese ODM even dedicated a team to crank out all the devices expected in the first half of 2008 but never came thanks in part, to Intel's Atom slippage. Now Compal looks ready to toss a MID to consumers (either direct or through a third-party manufacturer, it's not clear) with the unveiling of this handheld at Intel's IDF in San Francisco. The QWERTY slider packs GPS, a Linux-based OS with media player, browser, eMail and IM clients, and Option's GlobeTrotter Connect and GTM501 HSPA data kit offering tri-band HSUPA/HSDPA and quad-band GPRS/EDGE connectivity the world-over. No pricing or availability has been announced but we hope to hear more later today.

BlackBerry 8220 / 8210 KickStart outed, but not by RIM

Okay, pretend you had absolutely no inclination that this so-called KickStart was real. Surprise! E-tailer expansys has spoiled RIM's thunder (no silly, not that Thunder) by posting up detailed product pages for both the BlackBerry 8220 (WiFi) and BlackBerry 8210 (GPS). The current specs list points out a 2.6-inch 320 x 240 primary display, 160 x 128 pixel secondary display, 2-megapixel camera (with LED flash), video recording and a microSDHC slot. There's no price or release date listed for either, but at least you can shelve those worries of this thing never making it to market.

ASUS kicks out four new XP-based Eee PCs for Taiwan

We know it's been a tough few days since the last Eee PC launch, but ASUS has now thankfully come through with four more ever so slightly different models to feed your questionable appetite, this time for Taiwan. Those include the 1000HD XP, 904HD XP, 901 XP and 900 XP (16G), each of which, obviously, run XP, and at least two of which (the 901 and 900) come in some of the same eye-catching colors that Korea got a taste of the other day. Somewhat curiously, only the 901 XP is listed as having an Atom processors, while the others are simply described as packing an "Intel Mobile" processor. Otherwise, you can expect the usual range of specs found on countless similar models, with prices coming in at the local equivalent of $444 to $539.

Archos 5, 5g and 7 "internet media tablets" are here to slap your puny PMP upside the head

So Archos still seems to be struggling a bit matching the design curve of the industry, but boy oh boy can they pile on those specs. The new Archos 5 and Archos 7 "generation 6" players offer capacities as high as 320GB, well-res'd screens and just about every codec we'd ever need -- plus available plug-ins to cover the rest. But that's not even the exciting part. The Archos 5g adds in that 3.5 HSDPA data we were hearing about, providing true on-the-go surfing, and all three players sport WiFi as well. Sizes start off at 30GB for the Archos 5g, which runs a 800 x 480 4.8-inch touchscreen. The Archos 5 bumps that up to 60-250GB, while the Archos 7 does up 160GB and 320GB, with a 7-inch touchscreen that sadly matches the 5 series' resolution exactly. All three players can record VGA video through an optional DVR Station dock or the DVR snap-on accessory, and Archos will have plenty of other accessories in the offing as well. As for player design, Archos has made considerable strides in thinness, with the Archos 7 at 0.63-inches thick, and the Archos 5 as slim as 0.5-inches, depending on drive size, but we're not crazy about the new look -- though we're sure opinions will vary. No word on price or availability just yet, but stay tuned.

KDDI's au design project creates cellphones that double as instruments

KDDI's au design project has churned out plenty of interesting cellphone concepts over the years, and it looks like its latest batch is no exception, with it enlisting the help of Yamaha to develop some cellphones that double as musical instruments. That includes the self-explanatory "Strings for fingers" and "Sticks in the air" concepts pictured above, as well as the "Box to play" synth / scratch pad combo, the "Key to touch" foldable keyboard, the "Trio in your hand" scratch pad / sampler, and the "Band in my pocket" device, which accommodates a number of accessories to create instruments ranging from a harmonica to a trumpet. What's more, unlike some concept devices, KDDI actually had some working prototypes to show off, which you can check out in action in the video after the break (be sure to dig into the links below for some more pics and videos as well).

$400,000 Chapter One luxury watch by Maîtres du Temps

Just imagine the world’s most exclusive atelier with watchmaking’s finest artisans working in concert to create unparalleled horological alchemy. Launched this year during the week of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, Switzerland, Maîtres du Temps is a new luxury watch brand that is unique in its kind. Based on the concept of bringing independent master watchmakers together in a collaborative effort, Maîtres du Temps launched its first luxury watch ‘Chapter One’ last April. Created by master watchmakers Christophe Claret, Peter Speake-Marin and Roger Dubuis, Chapter One is a world first combination of complications comprising a tourbillion, mono-pusher chronograph, retrograde date, retrograde GMT and two idiosyncratic rolling bars, indicating the day of the week and phase of the moon. The laser-pierced moon and stars on the outer roller of the moon phase indication add to its stellar elegance. Available in a limited series of four different versions, Chapter One has been introduced to the market for a suggested retail price of $400,000, firmly positioning itself among the highest ranks of high horology.

Lightening GT All-electric sports car comes with a pricey tag

If you had been worrying about all the fuel your luxury sedan or the sports car you bought recently consume, then you are not alone. Most people worry about their cars not being green enough and are willing to pay any amount to drive luxuriously and stay green at the same time. Lightening has developed an electric sports car that takes style cues from the past and the present. Lightening GT is just one of the two cars in the world that use lithium-titanate battery technology and gets charged in just minutes. The car is a little exorbitantly priced at $239,400. The company is hoping to find businesses, which would help them, market and get the car rolling. Price seems to be the only factor that is getting in the way of the car and the customer. However, with its sleek and stylish looks and being an electric sports car, the GT can win any decadent rich kid’s heart.

Ronn Motors' $150K Scorpion would do Captain Planet proud

Texas-based Ronn Motors are out to spoil their customers and that too in some style. But just to make sure their horsepower-happy cars don’t leave a bad fume in the faces of fellow planet dwellers, the firm’s brand new eco-luxe-initiative, the Scorpion, hopes to deliver the best clean, green fun to eco-conscious car lovers too. Running on a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine VTEC from Acura, the Scorpion also features two turbos and an intercooler under the hood that takes it from 280 hp to 450 hp. The hydrogen fuelled engine connected to an on-demand hydrogen system that breaks down water molecules and holds them in a non-pressurized tank which eliminates the need for a hydrogen refueling station. Between 30 and 40 percent hydrogen gets mixed with the gasoline allowing the Scorpion can do 40 mpg.

Alfa Romeo Bertone BAT 11 Concept heads for limited production

Some people buy them for the comfort or features, and some just to make a statement. Here is good news for the luxury car aficionados. Although the head-turning Alfa Romeo Bertone BAT 11 coupe was conceived only as a concept outside the 2008 Geneva motor show, those behind the sexy roadster are now considering producing it. The car was revealed during a press event a weekend before the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours D’Elegance. The car was was designed around the chassis and running gear of the 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The most important thing about this amazing design concept is that no more than 25 or 50 would be produced, going mostly to customers in Russia, China, the Middle East, and North America. No word on pricing yet, but the stunning Alfa Romeo Bertone BAT 11 is certainly going to ask for good bucks.

Wild Red Toyota Camry with 24-karat gold wheels

Falling in love is rewarding experience, especially when you are behind the wheel of the 2007 Camry. The feeling gets even better when the wheels are of gold. We lately spotted the Golden Porsche that missed out list of Top 12 absolutely incredible bling-bling vehicles by few days. Pimping the vehicles with gold, diamond and Swarovski does help to exhibit your excess wealth on the roads. If you’ve got loads of cash dumped in banks, it’s time to take a look at the 2007 wild red Toyota Camry that has wheels and chrome parts plated with 24-karat gold. The exclusive gold plated car, which comes complete with state of the art features and 18-inch wheels, has been put up for auction on Souq. You can bid for the car with golden wheels until the 13th of August. At AED 135,000 ($36,770), the car looks to be a bargain.

Leaf AFi 10 touts 56 Megapixels, Hasselblad still a bargain

Hardly a few days have passed, when Hasselblad announced their wallet-straining $37,000 50-megapixel camera and now, we have the 56-megapixel Leaf AFi 10 camera. Designed to meet the demands of high-end photographers, Peartree Leaf AFi 10 medium format camera features a 56×36mm TWF sensor that offers full angle of view across the 6×6 sensor area. Above everything, the camera uses Verto technology that rotates the sensor internally. It means you don’t have to turn the camera when you go for a portrait shot. The AFi 10 captures images at about 1 second per frame and has the ability to shoot up to ISO800. Anyway, the Hasselblad scores better when it comes to pricing. The price tag for Leaf AFi 10 reads $43,675.

Bugatti does the Targa with a whopping $2,250,300

Thanks to Autoblog that I now finally know the exact dubbing of the 16.4 Bugatti Targa. While Autoblog keeps doing the same with its first reveller, I feel grand to call it the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. Don’t give a damn of how Bugatti would convince people to go for it without a retractable roof (it has opted for a removable one rather), the electronically limited 217mph car would be up for the grab at Pebble Beach with a starting auction price of $2,250,300. Not many choose to go off the veil at the Concourse d’Elegance but for a devil that would get 80 incarnations only, the debut sounds suitable. Two weeks more and then we could have the price of the first topless Bugatti ever sold, something which could set a new standard for the riches when they talk about their topless (in all passiveness) possessions. Is there anyone still complaining about that roof, well then, with all that money involved, the choice is yours to make.

Pro Gaming Table houses all your gaming gizmos

We all have been hearing exciting news about the latest consoles and games being launched and the gaming wars between the likes of Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. However, we fail to hear about specialized furniture for the purpose of comfortable gaming. Well, the wait seems to be finally over, for Pro Gaming Table looks not only sleek but also is also very comfortable. Being functional enough, it has a multi-tiered design, which means you can keep all your gaming gadgets on the table without feeling cluttered. The table has been designed with CH products in mind and can fit three 21-inch LCD monitors, a printer and a lot more. All you have to do is get a comfortable chair and some awesome games and you will have hours of gaming experience that would feel out of this world. At $379, this sleek and elegant table is a steal.

AE launches AE1 Mk III Special Edition Loudspeakers

For the filthy rich audiophiles who can afford to spend bespoke sum for an equally rich audio experience, Steinway’s new model C music system is up your alley. And, for those who do not possess huge wealth but still can afford to spend a decent amount for acoustic pleasure can turn to Acoustic Energy who have just added AE1 Mk III Special Edition to its Reference Series loudspeakers. The original AE1 was introduced in the late 1980s to wide critical acclaim followed with Mark II version in the early 1990s and recently, MkIII. The new offspring features brand new enclosure design, anti-vibration driver baffle platform and new high and low frequency drive units built to AE design. The new model is being made in limited edition with just 250 numbered pairs available worldwide. The special edition comes in exclusive high-end finishes: eight-layer, hand-finished Piano Black or Pearl White and Cherry real wood veneer. And, can also be custom painted in any high-gloss color for a premium finish. The AE1 MK III SE offers high-end craftsmanship, with hand-finished bespoke coachwork with specs to match. The limited edition speakers will be available from August 2008 for a price tag of approx. $6,084 per unit with luxurious pearl finish.

Newell Coach Motorhome Adds Evo Affinity 25E Cook Top to its Slide-out Entertainment Island

With all the inhabitable zones progressing to newer heights in terms of technology, the uninhabitable corners of our globe too gets a taste of avant-garde achievements with this Concept Ice Vehicle. Not intended for entertainment and amusing purpose, this latest ice automobile from Lotus was invented to be taken to Antarctica on the Moon Regan TransAntarctic Expedition. Intending to aid the research going on in the region, it is well-built to withstand the severity of polar environment. Not wanting to leave it footprints behind, especially with this region bearing the worst brunt of global warming, the CIV is powered by biofuel. Featuring three skids, this propeller-driven vehicle is 4.5 meters long and 4.5 meters wide with an independent suspension.

Newell Coach Motorhome Adds Evo Affinity 25E Cook Top to its Slide-out Entertainment Island

Newell Coach, the luxurious motorcoach builder with as much as $1 million priced motorcoaches has added the Evo Affinity 25E Cook Top to its custom-built motorcoach slide-out entertainment island. Evo flattop grill allows you to cook from any angle and the Affinity 25E boasts electronically controlled cooking surface which means no smoke and dangerous flare-ups like the traditional, open-grate grills. Its separate inner and outer cooking zones allow temperatures to vary from the center to the outer edge. So, you can grill, sear, bake and enjoy and relish almost every grilled delicacy in your next outdoor trip without lugging along the tailgator! Besides, the flattop grill, the entertainment island also includes options such as an audio system, LCD flat-screen television, a refrigerator calling for part anywhere, anytime. And a countertop workspace adds to the luxury feel so you won’t feel like you are on road enjoying the finest of home luxuries on move. “The Affinity creates an outdoor cooking space and social experience that compliments the lifestyle of Newell motorcoach owners perfectly,” says Bob Shingler, CEO of Evo.

Street Fighter, The iPod

Here's an idea. Pick up a Street Fighter edition iPod nano. (We recommend Chun Li.) Then have it engraved "From Chun Li, thanks for being there through a difficult time." Bring it to school (don't let the teacher see it, of course) and bust it out at the lunch table nonchalantly, "What's this? Oh, just a little something I picked up from my girlfriend."

Palm's Treo 850 is really the Treo Pro?

Would you look at this. A very official looking page -- at a Palm.com domain, no less -- has unveiled the previously rumored Treo 850 as the Treo Pro. We're still digging the new look, though the keyboard does look suspiciously small in these shots. At a cursory glance we've got WiFi, a camera and a 3.5mm stereo jack. A couple more pics after the break.

NZXT's Avatar gaming mouse: available now for $60

Yeah, we've seen the cart come before the horse before, and such is the case with NZXT's Avatar gaming mouse. Shortly after being previewed, the outfit has done its duty and made things official. Specs wise, we're looking at 7 customizable buttons, a 2,600DPI optical sensor, 4-speed DPI switch, ambidextrous design and a rubber grip to keep your palm secure even when the sweat really gets to pourin'. It's available now to challenge your Razer for $59.99.

iPhone experiencing GPS problems after 2.0.1 update?

While some complaints after any firmware update are to be expected, there seems to be a decided uptick in the number of reports of problems with the iPhone's GPS (ranging from general wonkiness to all out failure) after the most recent 2.0.1 update. As the responses on the MacRumors forums indicate, however, the problems are far from across the board (or confined to the iPhone 3G), and GPS problems haven't exactly been that rare of an occurrence before this latest update either. So, we'll open it up to you, dear readers -- have you had any newfound iPhone GPS problems?

HTC Touch Pro hands-on

After spending a few minutes with it, there's no question to us that the Touch Pro is HTC's most impressive handset to date (even if you count the Xperia X1). Okay, the phone is still a bit thick (roughly the same as a Tilt), and there's no 3.5mm headphone jack, but it's got a very small footprint and a very comfortably proportioned keyboard. We can also really definitely appreciate the lengths HTC is going to trying to make Windows Mobile a bit less doggish these days -- but were they to spice up the Touch Pro with a capacitive touchscreen and Android, HTC might just have a game-changer on their hands.

LG's planet-saving W2252TE LCD tested

Here's the fact: LG's claims of significant power savings with the W2252TE 22-inch LCD are no lie. As it turns out, the monitor sips even less juice than LG claimed, a mere 19.4 watts -- less than half of its Dell and Acer counterparts. The folks at SmartPlanet also found the display to perform "above average," and pack all the relevant features you'd expect on a modern LCD. LG doesn't win any green points for its completely traditional plastic and non-recycled cardboard packaging, and since there's no word on price yet, we're just going to have to assume the W2252TE will carry a price premium relative to its power saving prowess, but maybe that's just us being pessimistic. It should be hitting shelves next month.

Averatec to inevitably pump out a netbook

Averatec reliably cranks out stylish-but-generic takes on most new hardware trends, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the company is prepping a netbook. Although nothing's been locked in, it sounds like we should expect an Eee 1000-class machine, with a 10.2-inch screen and an Atom processor -- but it'll also have a "real" Shift key, a 120GB drive, and a $399 - $499 price tag. We should fine out more by Christmas, when this thing hits stores -- but will anyone care by then?

Nokia N96 hits the FCC, gets stripped

Sure, we've already gotten a chance to play with the Nokia N96 -- and even seen a couple reviews -- but you know Uncle Sam's got to get his taste before this thing gets its rumored launch later this month. Yep, nothing spectacular in the test reports, but if you've got a thing for industrial photography of circuit boards under florescent lights, you might want to hit the read link while you're alone.

Oncore Power wants to charge every MacBook battery all of the time

If you find yourself burning through your MacBook or iBook batteries at an alarming rate, perhaps you require a charging solution that's, shall we say... more robust. That's where Oncore Power's psychotic 6-bay charging station comes into play. Never again will you have to suffer the indignation of a powerless laptop with the company's all-in-one solution to charge every brick in your arsenal at once. The device will juice up three batteries at once, letting you stagger the two bays of three slots so you're always one stylish wrist snap away from sweet, sweet power. Sure, it costs $395 (and presumably more for the version with included batteries), but you can't put a price on peace of mind, can you? Oh, wait. You can. It's $395.

Limited Edition Eee PC 901 and 1000H ready to candy-coat Korean hearts

After suffering a presumed Jolly Rancher infestation, ASUS is prepped to loose these artificially flavored Eee PCs onto Korea. Available for pre-order now, the limited edition "pink" (hey, that's what they say) and Jell-O green Eee PC 901 and Eee PC 1000H ship on the 22nd of August for an undetermined price. Hmmm, blood-red snowflakes and glo-stick mistletoe? Feels like Christmas in our very own Eee PC hell.

Fujifilm gets official with FinePix F60fd and friends

Not that we weren't already aware of the FinePix F60fd, but it -- alongside the S2000HD, J150w, J120, J110w and J100 -- was just made official courtesy of Fujifilm. As for the aforementioned F60fd, it's packin' a 12-megapixel CCD sensor, 25MB of internal memory, an xD / SD / SDHC card slot, VGA movie mode, 3x optical zoom, 3-inch LCD monitor and USB 2.0 connectivity. If you're looking for technical pizazz, the 10-megapixel S2000HD is the one to eye, sporting a 15x optical zoom and a video out port. You can take a peek at the rest of the ho hum crowd in the links below.

soundmatters reveals SLIMstage40 surround bar

Look out, Yamaha / Polk / Vizio / et al., you've got another rival heating up the surround bar game. Destined to hit CEDIA 2008, soundmatters' SLIMstage40 checks in at a luscious 3.3- x 3.4- x 39-inches in size and features 170-watts from eight internal amplifiers. The device houses four Linear Magnetic Drive main / satellite speakers and a trio of down-firing Extreme-Energy subs that are assisted by six mass radiators. Furthermore, you'll find three digital audio inputs (two optical, one coaxial), three analog inputs, a headphone jack, LED-backlit panel, an RS-232 port and an IR remote. Folks interesting in dabbling in faux-surround can snag one now for $899 to $1,199, depending on whether you spring for the bundle including the SUBstage100 subwoofer.

Unboxing and hands-on with Sprint's AIRAVE femtocell

Sprint's AIRAVE signal booster isn't officially on sale nationwide just yet (August 17th, for those curious), but for those anxious to pull the trigger (or merely mulling the decision), we've got a few hands-on shots to whet your appetite. So, where are they? Why, over at Engadget Mobile, that's where! Keep an eye out for a review to pop shortly.

NVIDIA releases new Quadro Plex D CUDA desktop rigs

NVIDIA's really pushing the GPU-as-CPU angle at SIGGRAPH this year -- we've already seen the PhysX and CUDA-powered GeForce Power Pack for consumers, and the company is also updating the Quadro Plex series of visual co-processors for workstation customers. The new Quadro Plex 2200 D2, designed for large datasets and models, crunches data through two Quadro FX 5800 GPUs (totalling 480 CUDA cores) and 8GB of RAM, while the Quadro Plex 2100 D2 is optimized for large multidisplay rigs with four Quadro FX 4700 GPUs and support for up to eight monitors. Sounds fun -- and we're guessing the people who can justify the $10,500 starting price for these rigs think so too.

Japanese researchers craft "e-skin" to let robots feel

The folks at the University of Tokyo have been trying to create more touchy, feely robots for what seems like ages, and they now look to have made some real progress with their so-called "e-skin," which promises to give robots a more human-like sense of touch. To do that, the researchers created a bendable rubber sheet filled with carbon nanotubes, which lets the "skin" conduct electricity even when it's stretched. When combined with sensors, that would let robots feel heat or pressure, which the researchers say is essential "as robots enter our everyday life." They also, not surprisingly, see a whole host of other applications for the technology, including on steering wheels that could judge whether people are fit to drive and in stretchable displays that could start out as a tiny sheet and be stretched to a larger size when you want to watch TV.

Dell announces new Latitude E series

Dell's dropping a ton of new laptops on us today, and first up are the new Latitudes. Just like we'd heard, the E series is replacing the Ds, with seven new models total. As you no doubt remember from our Week o' Dell Scoops, the E6500, E6400, E5500, and E5400 are the traditional models with 15.4 and 14.1-inch displays, while the E4400 and E4200 are ultraportables and the previously-leaked E6400 ATG is a ruggedized edition. The 12-inch E4200 is the lightest corporate laptop Dell's ever made, at just 2.2 pounds, while the 13.3-inch E4200 comes in a 3.4 pounds. Both feature Latitude ON, which allows you to access data without fully booting the machine -- sounds a lot like SplashTop to us. Dell's claiming that the batteries on the larger machines can last for up to 19 hours, which sounds great, but we'll believe it when we see it. The new models also have an available backlit keyboard, and can be outfitted with dual pointing devices, fingerprint readers, and WWAN options including WiMAX.

Dell lets slip new, sexy Precision M6400, M4400 and M2400 mobile workstations

Dell seems to at last put those eye-sore days behind it with its new round of Precision laptops, the M6400, M4400 and the M2400, featuring all-new designs and colored lids, and following up on the 17-inch M6300, 15.4-inch M4300 and the 14-inch M2300, respectively. In the M6400 17-inch flagship "concept" Dell is offering up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB RAID storage, 100% Adobe RGB color gamut in an LED-backlit display, and high-end NVIDIA Quadro graphics. The M4400 starts at $1,569 and has space for up to 8GB of RAM, while the M2400 weighs a mere 4.77 pounds and starts at $1,449. The launch window for these is Fall 2008, hopefully Dell will share a few more tech specs before it expects us to take the plunge.

Kingston kicks its SDHC game up to 32GB

It was a bit late to the party with its 16GB SDHC card, and Kingston looks to be playing catch-up again when it comes to 32GB cards, with it only now releasing its first such high capacity wonder. It's also not making any attempts to contend with the fastest cards around, as this particular one is only a Class 4 card that promises to maintain a speed of 4MB/sec, which is a good deal off the pace of Panasonic's 20MB/s Class 6 SDHC card. Of course, at "just" $308, you can also get two of these for the price of one of Panasonic's speedy cards, which should tide you over until the inevitable 64GB SDHC cards start showing up.

Dell Precision and Latitude E series hands-on

Tons of pics of Dell's new Precision and Latitude E series machines? You got 'em, including shots of the crazy-small E4200, which really takes us back to the days of the hot little Samsung-built X1. Hit the gallery below, marvel at some of the machines your IT department may be rolling out in the next 6-18 months.