Digital Trends

To kick this week’s show off, I cover some first-hand-experience goodies. I give my final thoughts on the Gateway E-155c/CX120, the Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset (complete with audio sample!), and give some initial out of the box impressions of the Linksys WRVS4400N wireless N router and a surprise niche item! Also, I give a brief look at the LG BH100 hybrid HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player.

Note that while I talk about the Jawbone through the Jawbone there is a crackling sound. This is due to the Bluetooth receiver being too close to the power supply in my laptop, and is not heard when using the headset with a cell phone. 

I also go on a little rant about the Engadget – Apple situation.

General News

Staples computer/tech recycling program to kick off soon. $10 to take that 333MHz powerhouse off your hands.

Amazon to offer DRM-free MP3s from EMI + 12,000 other labels. Hell yeah!

iRobot hints at new ‘bots coming before the holidays! Translation: The world will be taken over by robots before the end of the year!

Hardware

Dell releases the XPS 720 gaming rig on the world. What a MONSTER!

Fujitsu intros their new UMPC.

Creative is delaying Linux drivers to address Windows Vista problems. The problems? They have remarkably poor drivers and NO working software.

Sony TX series with SSD drives is now shipping, not. Correction from the show - they are NOT shipping but expected in the very near future with the introduction of the TZ line.

Where are the 80GB+ mp3 players? Has Apple killed all competition?

Gaming

MS banning modded Xbox 360s? It’s still a rumor, but the idea is gaining momentum. It looks like early adopters of Halo 3 beta are starting to be cleaved from the herd.

GTA IV is having some issues porting from the PS3 to the Xbox 360 due to the limited size of DVDs.

S Korea getting 80GB PS3s. Um, why?

Misc

Deals – Toshiba HD-DVD player $100 rebate (now $299)

My Brain-Computer Interface blog: Direct Neural Interface

And a quick review of the Emerge SwitchPlus system.