Gadgety News

I was pretty interested when I read the news of the HP Firebird 803 release.

A small form gaming desktop with Voodoo innards.

But now that I know that it will cost the not so small form $1,799  for the entry-level Firebird 802 I’m a little less interested.

Granted, I shouldn’t have been so surprised as the Blackbird 002 cost around the $3 grand mark.

I think that the price is a little cheeky as it’s not really that upgradable and the spec isn’t that awe-inspiring to be honest.

But if you’re still after a gaming machine that doesn’t take up most of your room - well pencil in the date of January 9th, or you can wait for the boxes to hit unnamed retail outlets in February.

Now, I’m going to avoid any remark about spin cycles and sitting on the washing machine.

This cool concept works as a comfy chair and a washing machine; a washing machine that you can sit in the middle of your living room floor!

No water or detergent is required - therefore no plumbing.

Here comes the clever bit:

The inner chamber works like a pressure washer and uses ionized air - that explains why there isn’t a buddy chair hiding a dryer.

The whole thing opens up so you can scoop the clothes off the floor and then just dump them into your chair.

By the looks of things the controls are on some kind of slidey-out digital panel thingy.

Source

I’ve just been told that Onitsuka Tiger has launched what it claims to be the UK’s first trainer vending machine.

The machine can vend 24 pairs of the Japanese brand’s trainers in six sizes and has been placed in Carnaby Street right here in London - OT apparently plans to roll out the concept across the UK.

According to the company, it took its inspiration from Japanese vending machines, which famously carry goods that us Westerners would never expect to see sold in that way.

Onitsuka Tiger

With the sweet smell of victory still strong in its nostrils could the winning of the HD format war be short lived for Blu-Ray?

In an interview with Home Cinema Choice magazine a head-honcho at THX has said:

“Personally, I think it’s too late for Blu-ray. I think consumers will only become interested in replacing DVD when HD movies become available on flash memory. Do we really need another spinning format?”

“In the future I want to be able to carry four to five movies around with me in a wallet, or walk into a store and have someone copy me a movie to a USB device.”

This might not be as daft as it sounds as 20th Century Fox will be trialing movie vending machines later this year!

….well……………..not really.

From the people who brought you the flatpacked ghetto blaster comes a housing that will transform your humble hand held into a miniature arcade machine through the power of cardboard.

Great if, like me, you own a PSP and also still dream of owning a classic coin-op - all for under £8 for a pair!!

Go to Suck UK and get yourself ‘Dirt Track Rally’ and ‘Cosmic Intruders’.

Can’t quite run to the cost of a full arcade machine - or have the room for that matter?

Dream Authentics Tabletop Arcade Game may be the answer.

Just imagine enjoying classic games such as Pac-Man, Tempest, Centipede, Gauntlet, as well as 150 other classic titles from the big video game corporations like Atari, Midway and Namco.

It will even play MP3s of your favorite tunes!  The whole device is powered by a slimline PC with a 19 inch screen - but with the retroness of a tracball, multi-buttons and the good ol’ stubby stick!

It will sting you with a bill of $2,495.95.   But just imagine all that change you’d save? 

Check it out at Hammacher Schlemmer site and prepare to want.