The new device has a 9.7-inch display versus the original Kindle’s 6-inch screen and supports Adobe’s popular PDF document file format, which the smaller model lacks. Amazon is taking preorders for the Kindle DX, which the retailer plans to start shipping to customers in the summer. The device will be priced at $489.

With the exception of its size and larger storage capacity, the Kindle DX is very much like the smaller model. Besides the PDF support, the only other major feature is the ability to switch from portrait to landscape mode by turning the device horizontally.

While the technology isn’t groundbreaking, the support Amazon has received from newspapers, textbook publishers, and universities could widen adoption of e-book readers as a digital distribution tool. While laptops can arguably be used for the same purpose, e-book readers, which use display technology from a company called E Ink, can show crisper graphics and text without the eyestrain and glare associated with the back light used in portable PCs.

This seven-seater can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds, boasts a top speed of 120 MPH, features a dashboard display and a 17-inch main touchscreen monitor. It’s fully 3G capable, sports HD and satellite radio, uses LED and neon exterior lights, smart-key power, and push button gear selector. While that $49,900 base price will get you a battery that’s good for 160 miles per charge, 230-mile and 300-mile range packs will be available. On a 220V outlet, the company says it’ll charge in four hours with a 45 minute “QuickCharge” option, and you should be able to swap batteries if necessary in under 8 minutes.

Tesla plans on having the car production-ready in Q3 2011.

Source: Engadget

Some of the 100 new features included in the update replicate those already offered by other smart phones.

The new functions include cut, copy and paste, long demanded by iPhone users, picture messaging and an in-phone search feature, but not Flash video.
“The upgrade is a big big deal and will help persuade consumers to stay with Apple,” said Gartner analyst Van Baker.

“While things like copy and paste and multi-media messaging (MMS) are things they have needed to do for a while, other features will in essence stop consumers buying other smartphones and raise the amount of money people spend on the iPhone, ” he said.

Analyst Gene Munster from Piper Jaffray agreed that the upgrade was a major step forward.
“We believe Apple addressed key issues that were leading some consumers to competing devices for multimedia messaging and enterprise email.”

Some of the other main features Apple highlighted for consumers include a voice memo and stereo Bluetooth.

Source: BBC

The answer: 26.

I realize that building a performance luxury SUV is tough – and we are talking about a Porsche here, but come on really? 26 lousy MPG? If this is the new age of vehicles, the future doesn’t look too bright as far as green automobiles go.

The teams can be found on the Washington Post’s website.

Set to bow at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Fisker Karma has kept everything we liked about the concept intact, with only a few changes for production. The lower grill opening has been slightly enlarged and small fender vents have been added just aft of the front wheels for cooling. Reflectors for road legality have also been added. The huge 22-inch wheels have survived the transition untouched.

Rumour is the price will be around $85K and it will get 100MPG. Lets pray that those MPG estimates actually work out to be true.

Source: CNET

This includes special “dongles” that can be plugged into almost any Windows based PC to enable voice prompts that assist with what’s on the screen.

Read the Full Story

Links to more info:
iPod Nano
iPod Touch

In today’s inundated market of bookshelf sized speakers, it is rare to find a set that goes beyond expectations and provide exceptional value for your dollar. Certainly one of those elite few are the AudioEngine A5’s.

On first glance, the A5’s look unassuming, with understated design and simple curves that make up a relatively small (10″H x 7″W) package. Pick them up, however, and you’ll gain a different perspective. These are self powered, monitor quality speakers and their impressive heft of nearly 25lbs proves it. They also sport silk dome tweeters and Kevlar (yep, the bullet-proof stuff) woofers.

Connections are simple, with heavy duty binding posts used with the included 12 feet of speaker wire. Connections are also available for iPods aand other MP3 players via a 1/8 inch jack, and the left speaker even provides a standard outlet to plug in an Airport Express for the ultimate in wireless music compatibility.

As for the sound quality – it simply doesn’t get any better for speakers this size. I’ve been using them for months and every time a friend comes over they can’t believe so much sound comes from such small speakers. There is plenty of bass to go around, and they play loud enough to run you out of the room with ease – all with no distortion. It is truly an amazing experience to hear these little guys in action.

Age the tender age of 14, Kristyn Heath invented a device that allows iPods and other MP3 players to listen in on each other’s music if they are a few feet away. Calling the device “SnoopTunes”, she created a company, applied for a patent, and begun to actually manufacture the device. By the way, she won entrepreneur of the year (2008) from Black Enterprise magazine.

But wait a mizzle my nizzle, Rap artist Snoop Dogg has something to say about that name. He’s suing over the use of ‘Snoop’ in the title, claiming it violates his trademark.

Tell us what you think in comments.

Lexus once again took top honors in a vehicle dependability survey done by Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study. Last year, the carmaker tied with Buick for the #1 spot, but since Buick fell to number six this year, Lexus is solo at the top of the hill. Second place went to Mercury.

Here are a few other winners:

Hyundai Accent
Honda Element
Mazda Miata
Chevy Monte Carlo
Toyota Prius, RAV4, Highlander, Tundra
Ford Ranger

On July 11th, Apple launched its highly anticipated iPhone 3G. The 2nd revision of the incredibly popular iPhone, the 3G boasts improved network speed, higher quality audio, built-in GPS, and up to 16GB of storage.

In addition, version 2.0 of the iPhone software has been released. This new version adds a plethora of new abilities to existing iPhone owners. The major additions include full support for Microsoft Exchange, and the ability to download new applications directly from iTunes.

More Info

Apple has released a tutorial video that identifies all of the new features of it yet-to-be-released iPhone 3G. Some of the things noted are its faster browsing speed, compatibility with Microsoft Exchange, and new GPS functionality.

July 11 can’t come soon enough…

Watch the Video

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor bestowed to a civilian. On June 20, 2008 Dr. Benjamin Carson Sr. received this honor in Washington DC.

Hailing from Detroit, Dr Carson is a renown neurosurgeon who performed the world’s first successful operation of separating twins who were joined at the head.

Read the Full Article

Very few people in our lifetime has had the effect on our everyday life as Mr. William Gates of Microsoft Corporation. He single handedly delivered the personal computer to the offices and homes of everyday individuals and gave the world the gift of Windows, the standard for doing business around the world.

Friday June 27, 2008 was his last full day at Microsoft.

Although many only know him for the massive amount of money he has accumulated over the years, it is important to note that he is retiring in order to focus on his Philanthropy. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest transparent charity in the world, as has given over $1 Billion to various causes to date.

Good Luck Mr. Gates, and thank you for having the courage to do what others thought couldn’t be done.

The world’s first moving skyscraper will feature 80 apartments, each covering an entire floor, each with the capability to rotate a full 360 degrees. This will give the structure an appearance that is constantly changing, a quality that the architect describes as “never looks the same, not once in a lifetime”.

The apartments will cost anywhere from 3.6 to 36 million dollars.

Read the Full Story
(courtesy of news.bbc.co.uk)

In the market for a new car? Mostly likely you’re paying a lot more attention to the MPG rating than the last time you purchased a vehicle. With that in mind, check out Car and Driver’s rundown of the most fuel efficient cars that are available for purchase right now.

Here’s a teaser:
1) Toyota Prius
2) Honda Civic Hybrid
3) Smart Fortwo

Read the Full Article

Touting some of the most user-centric and useful features ever released in a browser, the Firefox browser has reached version 3. I’ve been using it all day and can honestly say I’m very impressed. Its fast, has a clean interface, and has tons of new features. If you’re still using Internet Explorer, come on over to the dark side – you won’t regret it.

Download it now

Apple has posted an entertaining piece on Erykah Badu and her newfound passion for Macs. If you’re a fan like myself, check it out.

Read the Full Article

…. and its about time. Honda has released a new hydrogen-fuel cell vehicle to manufacturing. The FCX Clarity achieves zero-emission status and forgoes the use of gasoline for a hydrogen and oxygen mixture. This mixture will achieve about 270 miles per tank (74 miles per gallon).

“What’s the catch?” you ask? Well, to fill up you’ll need to visit your neighborhood Hydrogen station. Oh yeah, they only have those in a handful of cities.

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of these stations, the vehicles are fairly expensive at the moment at around $600/month to lease for 3 years. In addition, Honda is releasing units at a snail’s pace.

Visit the Honda site