GeekSugar

It's a MacBook Air, No It's an Eee PC 1008HA

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:55:46 -0800

Excuse my Freudian slip, but I couldn't help but think that the new ultra-thin Eee PC netbook by Asus has a striking resemblance to the MacBook Air. Just launched yesterday, this tiny device weighs 2.4 pounds, offers a 10-inch screen and is 1-inch thick, which is smaller than the Air on all accounts. No word on a release date just yet, and rumors are swirling that it could cost around $650 . . . now that is a price I can handle, unlike the $1,800 for the Air.

Daily Tech: Malia Obama Uses Her Kodak to Capture the Moment

GeekSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:00:57 -0800

Barack Obama's oldest daughter, Malia Obama, used her purplish/blue Kodak M893 camera this morning to photograph her dad giving the inaugural address. - Gizmodo
Ever wonder how the Asus Eee PC Touch UI operates? Now you can watch a video that takes the user interface for a test drive. - CrunchGear
Here are some sites that will help you find out whether or not your neighborhood is safe. - Switched
Check out some of today's biggest tech deals, including an all-in-one Epson printer for $60 . - Boing Boing
iFlyz has just announced a new media stand for the iPhone that costs $30. - Unplggd

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geeksugar's Guide to Mini Notebooks!

GeekSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:00:04 -0800

Although I've said before that I wouldn't ditch my computer for a slim and watered-down netbook, I can see the appeal. For some folks, toting around a five pound machine conjures up thoughts of neck stiffness and shoulder realignments, while spending upwards of $1700 for an ultra-light MacBook Air can really break the bank, especially in these volatile economic times. And whether or not Steve Jobs thinks that netbooks are gaining in popularity, the fact remains that they are! So if you are going to spend your hard earned cash on a tiny mini netbook, the least I could do is help you decide which one is right for you. Check out my guide to the best mini notebooks out there on the market today. No need to thank me, it's all in a day's work.

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Daily Tech: G1 Dubbed As a "SideKick on Massive Steriods"

GeekSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:55 -0700

Get a full rundown of all of the pros and cons of the Google Android G1 Handset. Trust me, if you're on the fence about it, this will definitely help you make up your mind! - Android Community
Here's an FYI for Mac users. Today Apple has posted a Security Update to Leopard 10.5.5 that includes bug fixes and vulnerability plugs. - Lifehacker
The inexpensive and extremely tiny Eee PC by Asustek is going to get upgraded with a touchscreen by next year. - CNET News
Hulu is featuring the full-length feature film documentary "Crawford" for seven days on their front page. - Wired
Sprint has just announced that they will be offering a Pandora app on Samsung Instinct handsets for three dollars a month. - Gizmodo

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Are You Ready For Ultra Small Laptops?

GeekSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:45:44 -0700

As adorable as I find Asus's EEE PC and Everex's Cloudbook as dreamy and light as a MacBook Air, I just have no need for an ultramobile PC. The Air has more memory than the two former petite PCs, but its lack of an external drive exempts it from ever becoming my main computer. As nice as it would be to travel with a tiny laptop, I couldn't leave my full-size, powerful laptop at home.

And now, with news that the latest mini laptop is a $240 paperback-sized laptop by CherryPal, the big manufacturers are starting to worry about the low costs of these PCs threatening their big machines, and in turn, their livelihood. That is - if everyone can get into them. But as of right now, they don't have to worry about me, because I'm not ready to give up my mondo storage and speed. What about you? Are you ready to switch to a teeny tiny computer?

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EEE PC: The Other, Other MacBook Air Alternative

GeekSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:05:45 -0800

So I gather that most of you weren't that impressed with yesterday's suggestion of the Everex Cloudbook as a MacBook Air alternative. A lot of you commented that the Cloudbook was shall we say, unattractive. Meet Asus' EEE PC if you haven't already: This mini PC is also teensy and Linux-based, and definitely beats the Cloudbook in appearance (though the Cloudbook is supposed to come out in "female colors" very soon).

The EEE is a wee 7-inches (smaller than the Air and Everex's machine) already on sale. Now for the big differences: The EEE only comes in 2, 4, and 8GB models (where the Cloudbook is 30GB) and the Cloudbook and EEE are comparable in price - sort of: The 2GB is $300, the 4GB is $400, and the 8GB is $500.

Both are rumored to feature a touchscreen very soon, and though the EEE is unquestionably better-looking than the Cloudbook, it's still not better looking than the Air. I guess it really comes down to what your needs and preferences are. . .Will any of you be buying one of these little laptops?

Daily Tech: The 9-inch ASUS Eee PC Gets Put On Display at CeBIT

GeekSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:25:33 -0800

Both Linux and Windows XP versions of the ASUS Eee PC were showcased at CeBIT this week. Engadget
Snoop Dogg chats with Switched about the iPhone, Slingbox, and explains why he loves his Mac. Switched
What do you get when you cover a MacBook Air with black Swarovski crystals? An extremely tacky, not to mention heavy Air, all for the price of $40,000. Shiny Shiny
The co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, Gary Gygax, died earlier this morning from a combination of health problems. CrunchGear
Steven Spielberg is preparing to launch a social network site for people to share paranormal and extraterrestrial experiences. TechCrunch
Apple TV, Vudu, and the Xbox 360 - Which is better? Find out what video-download option will work best for your needs. Gizmodo

Daily Tech: Jonny From New Zealand Gets the iPhone 3G First

GeekSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:42:20 -0700

Since New Zealand is living in the future (19 hours ahead of San Francisco), a lucky guy by the name of Jonny Gladwell has already picked up an iPhone 3G, ahead of anyone else on this entire planet. - Gizmodo
The iPhone 2.0 Firmware is available early to download! Just be sure to fully sync prior to proceeding. - MacRumors
Now that Apple's App store is up and running, you can get some sweet freebies, including an app that will turn your iPhone or Touch into a remote control for your Apple TV within iTunes! - Boing Boing
If you're planning on purchasing a teeny Asus Eee PC, Belkin is coming out with some stylish cases to fit the Eee PC this September. And they are all under $25! - CrunchGear
All of your burning questions about the iPhone 3G get answered! - Engadget

Daily Tech: The Purple Motorola W755 Now Available From Verizon

GeekSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:36:44 -0700

Get your black or purple Motorola W755 thin clamshell phone, which comes with GPS navigation, a Bluetooth, camera and a microSD slot from Verizon's website for $70 with a 2-year contract. - Phone Scoop
Susi from Shiny Shiny got her hands on a new eeePC 900 laptop and by the sounds of it, it boasts lots of great features! - Shiny Shiny
Apple has just made its 10.5.3 version of Leopard available via software update. Lots of bug fixes and updates are said to be included so jump on it if you haven't already. - Engadget
Beware brides! Target doesn't accept returns or exchanges on gifts purchased through its wedding registry. . . That is only if you have the receipt (weird!). - Consumerist
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in to your TeamSugar account for your chance to win a Wii Fit! - geeksugar

Geeks We Love: Devin Coldewey of CrunchGear

GeekSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:01:32 -0800

What better way to countdown to Valentine's Day than by showcasing fun interviews with some very special Geeks We Love. Without further adieu (cause I know you want to know who the hottie is in the pic below), I bring to you today's geeky guy - The geekalicious Devin Coldewey, a Seattle-based freelance tech writer who works as an associate editor for CrunchGear-one of my fave tech blogs. You can't help but love a guy with a great sense of humor, who watches nature documentaries, knows a ton about gadgets, and was once . . . a preschool teacher. . . (all together now, awww!) Keep reading to learn more about Devin, and find out why he thinks the MacBook Air is a "sexy lemon!"
GS: Tell my few readers that haven’t heard of you a little about yourself:
DC: Well, I used to be a preschool teacher, but now I do this ridiculous gig. Writing about cool stuff all day, kind of awesome. My life isn't too exciting. . . I spend my days and nights hanging out at bars and cafes writing, reading, and seeing friends. I really love obscure music, nature documentaries, and old-school video games.

GS: When we chit-chatted at CES, you mentioned that you don't read a ton of blogs each day. Is this true? And if so, how do you get all your info for stories?
DC: Well, what I write on isn't always what I keep tabs on. I love looking up stuff like new camera gear, Indie gaming news, and PC hardware. . . But for random cool gadgets like that bad breath detector you guys had, I feel there is so much out there, that I have to leave it the guys who are naturally inclined that way. We edit each other and say "dude, is this cool or not?" all the time, and trade posts when we know the other guy would have loved to have found it.

To check out the rest of the interview, and to see what Devin describes as the ultimate geeky Valentine's Day date (trust me it's realllly good), read more

GS: What three gadgets can't you seem to live without and why?
DC: It may sound strange, but I'm not really a gadget guy. However, I've recently gotten a Helio Ocean, which is chunky but awesome - full HTML internet, GPS, 3G, MySpace and YouTube apps, it's really great to have around. I usually have my MacBook Pro with me, which is indispensable since it's, well, my computer unless I'm at my gaming box. Lastly I have my Canon Rebel XT, which is just a fantastic camera. The Mac and the Canon have been all the way around the world with me and survived a lot of abuse, so I'm not afraid to take them pretty much anywhere.

GS: Your MacBook AirHead story seemed to stir up alot of discussion across the blogosphere. I totally agree with your perspective (and the awesome ditzy model-actress' entourage analogy), but for those who were a tad confused, can you briefly explain why the MacBook Air is a "sexy lemon"?
DC: Oh man, I really shook up the hive with that one! From the time the thing came out of the envelope to when they showed its specs, I was in love. The Air is a beautiful piece of engineering and industrial design. But it fails at everything it wants to be. It's too wide to be a subnotebook like the Eee. It's too limited to be your only computer, and it's too expensive to be a supplementary one. It's just not useful was my point. People pointed out, rightly, that practicality was the farthest thing from Apple's mind when they designed this thing, but one of Apple's best points has always been that it's not JUST eye candy-it also works. People tolerate the premium price because it's a good product and it looks great to boot. The Air is flagrantly placing form before function, I mean my MacBook Pro is two years old and still faster than it, and really it's not that heavy or thick. The Air is, in terms of usability, a lemon - but undoubtedly a sexy one.

GS: Being based in geek-chic Seattle, what would you describe as the ultimate geeky Valentine's date in the city?
DC: Uh oh - my inexperience is going to show here. I don't go out on a lot of dates, I prefer to spend time in a less formal way with a girl, doing fun stuff and not worrying about who pays, which date it is, what exactly the other intends, and that whole game. It's depressing! But if I had the chance to spend a couple hours with a like-minded lady friend, I think this is what I'd do:

If it's nice and still light out, go to the park for a bit and play on the equipment. Fun as hell, and grown-ups often forget this. If there's time, try to get in a few rounds of Super Mario Kart on the SNES or some cooperative Katamari Damacy. Then off to a nice but cozy restaurant I know well - I don't need to impress this girl, just make sure we can have some good food and laugh and talk and maybe see some people we know. Not very geeky. . . but we could have our DS's under the table, pictochatting about how awkward some of the dates around us look. After dinner, get a coffee somewhere and share headphones for watching an episode of Planet Earth or Yacht Rock or something. Then meet friends for a drink - hey, I know it's Valentine's Day but everyone gets date fatigue and it's good to shake things up. This is a good time for sidelong glances and secret text messages to each other. Go somewhere else for a more private drink or share a bottle of wine at a nice overlook somewhere - Seattle has lots of great little spots with great views. If we pick a park, we can climb on the equipment again. Depending on how things go, maybe one last round of Mario Kart?