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PS Jailbreak does what it promises: jailbreaks your PS3

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 05:21 AM PDT


Using just a USB drive and a software exploit, the PS Jailbreak apparently does what so many have tried doing before it: allowing unauthorised software — including backups — to run on the PS3.

The beauty of the exploit is that it makes the PS3 run games just like it’s a debug console. This means you can run your legitimate backups from either the internal HDD, or over USB from an external one. This is obviously a neta-o-rama trick, and one that PS3 users have been wanting since Firefox was still cool.

Best of all? It runs on any firmware version, and only when the magic USB drive is inserted in a port, meaning you won’t void your warranty using it.

Unfortunately, the PS Jailbreak website is down, so I can’t confirm if you need to purchase a USB drive from them, or if you can just extract some files onto your own drive. For the mean time, though, you can see the backup in action — with some commentary from a friendly fellow Aussie — in the videos at the bottom of this post.

Scepticism is usually advised in situations like this, as many a mod-chip has failed at bringing backups and homebrew to the PS3, but there seem to be some mounting testimonials that this device does, indeed, work.

The only caveats thus far seem to be that you can’t back up Blu-ray/DVD movies, or PSX/PS2 games. Sounds pretty good to me right now.

[via PS3 News]

Sharp’s 60-Inch LCD Blackboard For Business Use Is Quite Impressive

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 04:23 AM PDT

Sharp Japan announced [JP] the PN-L601B today, a quite cool touch screen that enables handwritten input to be superimposed over scanned images. Marketed as a 60-inch “LCD Blackboard” , the device is mainly geared towards businesses and educational institutions. Buyers will get a special stylus and handwriting software.

Sharp says the main selling point of the device is its high handwriting recognition accuracy. Needless to say, all information displayed (the images themselves plus what users write on them) can be stored on a PC (via USB). It’s also possible to “clean” the screen with a sponge to remove your handwriting.

The PN-L601B features 1,920×1,080 resolution, LED backlight, 400cd/m2 brightness, and 4,000:1 contrast ratio. It will go on sale in Japan on August 31 (price: $11,700).

Head over to Sharp’s Japanese website for a quick demo video (which was impossible to grab and embed here, sorry).

iLunascape: Free iPad Browser Combines Tab Browsing With iPad-Specific UI

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 01:40 AM PDT

Lunascape, the company behind the eponymous triple-engine browser for desktop PCs, has just released its first browser created specifically for the iPad. Dubbed iLunascape, the browser is available for free in the App Store, and it's a more than solid alternative to Safari on the iPad. Most importantly, iLunascape allows for desktop-like tabbed browsing on the iPad (a first for a free app). Up to six tabs can be opened at the same time, and users can switch between them easily via thumb taps. Tabbed browsing works great (and fast), especially because iLunascape comes with a iPad-specific UI that takes into account how most people actually hold and use the device. Read the rest on TechCrunch.


Another Late Night Canon Powershot Frenzy

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 10:00 PM PDT


God damn it, Canon. Seriously. Every time I try to relax with a cold glass of juice*, you have to release a gaggle of point and shoots. You know I’m not going to pay close attention! Why not release them during the day?! All right. Let’s do this.

Three new Powershot cameras were released tonight. We’ll start with the most expensive and go on down the line.

S95


This is your high-end camera, combining a high-sensitivity 10-megapixel CCD with a fast F/2.0 lens. It’s meant for versatile non-flash photography, and can ape HDR by taking three exposures and merging them in-camera. It’s got a 3.8x zoom starting at a 35mm equivalent of 28mm and shoots 720p video. No mention of LCD size, but it looks like 3″. Costs $400.
SD4500 IS


Your compact action megazoom. 10 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom, shoots 1080p video and has a lot of stabilization. Also shoots slow motion to the tune of 240FPS, though resolution is not mentioned. Also shoots 8.4FPS stills – nice! This one gets my recommendation, even though it’s quite expensive at $350. Don’t get it in brown.
SX1350 IS


What passes for the cheap one here. Doesn’t do anything special, so they had to make it look cooler. 10 megapixels and a 12x zoom, which is nice, but honestly, you rarely want more than 5x in day-to-day use. What really matters is the wide end. Costs $250. Not recommended, out of spite for Canon interrupting my night.
There you have it. Happy now, Canon?

I’d go for the SD4500, personally. The extra video modes and focus on stabilization make it seem like the best choice for catching your kid slide-tackling someone at a soccer game. The press release, which I am not putting here (again out of spite… read it here if you must), says nothing of its lens other than zoom, so if it’s slow, consider this recommendation retracted. Good night, sir. I said good night.

*may contain gin

Nikon Makes The D3100 DSLR Official: $700, 14 Megapixels, Improved Video

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 09:01 PM PDT


If you’ve been following the rumors about the Nikon D3100, you pretty much know all there is to know. Early reports were dead-on regarding new features, specs, and even the day of the announcement. The D3100 is a long-overdue update to Nikon’s consumer DSLR, putting it on equal footing with Canon’s excellent T2i — if not outdoing it.

Here are the vital specs:

  • 14.2 megapixel sensor
  • 1080p/24 video or 720p/VGA/24/30 (H.264/AVCHD)
  • 3″ LCD (230k dots/320×240 pixels) (boo)
  • 11-point autofocus
  • Continuous autofocus in video mode (contrast-based)
  • 3FPS burst rate (boo)
  • In-camera editing of video (clipping, basically)
  • ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
D3100_18_55_front34l_rgb D3100_18_55_front_l D3100_18_55_SLup_fr34r_l D3100_back_l

A few things worth mentioning: there’s a quiet shutter release mode, not sure if that’s new, but buddy I could have used that a few times when I was traveling. The autofocus mode will detect up to 35 faces in the frame, a capability for which I am certain no one will ever find a use. The shutter is rated to 100,000 shots, which means you’re unlikely to wear it out any time soon. The LCD is a bit disappointing, though — 320×240? Come on!

The Nikon 3100 will be available in mid-September for $699.95, including a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. Sounds like a pretty great deal to me.

What’s that? You want the full press release? How precious! Here you go:

THE NEW NIKON D3100 D-SLR EMPOWERS AND INSPIRES USERS AS THE SIMPLE SOLUTION TO STUNNING PICTURES AND AMAZING
HD VIDEO
Enhanced Guide Mode and the Ability to Shoot 1080p High Definition (HD) Video with Full Time Auto Focus Allow Users to Capture with Confidence
MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 19, 2010) – The new Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera speaks to the growing ranks of enthusiastic D-SLR users and aspiring photographers by providing an easy-to-use and affordable entrance to the world of Nikon D-SLR's. The 14.2-megapixel D3100 has powerful features, such as the enhanced Guide Mode that makes it easy to unleash creative potential and capture memories with still images and full HD video. Like having a personal photo tutor at your fingertips, this unique feature provides a simple graphical interface on the camera's LCD that guides users by suggesting and/or adjusting camera settings to achieve the desired end result images. The D3100 is also the world's first D-SLR to introduce full time auto focus (AF) in Live View and D-Movie mode to effortlessly achieve the critical focus needed when shooting Full HD 1080p video.
Packed into the compact and lightweight body of the D3100 camera is a host of advanced Nikon technologies, such as the new EXPEED 2TM image processing engine. EXPEED 2TM in conjunction with Nikon's new 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor is the driving force behind the enhanced performance and rich image quality. Ready to go wherever life leads, the D3100 features split-second shutter response and a blazing fast 11-point AF system to help ensure tack-sharp images. For shooting in challenging lighting conditions, ISO 3200 (expandable to 12,800) enables versatility in environments such as indoors or in the evening hours.
"People are stepping up to digital SLR cameras – consumers are embracing the enhanced performance, amazing image quality and options for lenses and accessories that only a D-SLR can provide," said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. "The D3100 is a camera that makes it easy to take beautiful pictures and will grow with the user, unlocking their potential and assisting in creating lasting memories or amazing art."
Get Inspired With The Guide Mode
Whether new to D-SLR photography or exploring new shooting techniques, the D3100 features an enhanced Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface to help customers build confidence in using their D-SLR through on-demand, step-by-step assistance. A stand out feature in the D3100's predecessor, the D3000, the Guide Mode is easily accessed through the Mode Dial on the top of the camera. This enhanced help function now features sample assist images that change with camera settings to inspire consumers to achieve a desired look and feel to their images, while guiding through easy to understand photographic techniques. For example, to instill the majestic appearance of moving water, users can select "show water flowing" from the Guide Mode, and simply follow the prompts to create the ideal camera settings to capture an amazing image.
By following the guidance on the bright 3-inch LCD screen, users can achieve professional looking photographs to be proud of. Whether looking to soften backgrounds, freeze a moment in time or convey motion, the Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great pictures even easier and enjoyable.
Full HD Video Made Easy with D-Movie
The Nikon D3100 D-SLR allows users to capture stunning Full HD, 1080p resolution (1920×1080) movies. Users can record cinematic quality 24p video clips, or shoot at 24 or 30 frames-per-second at 720p, ideal for sharing online. By incorporating versatile NIKKOR lenses to the equation, users can now create a variety of photography effects to video such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field, and recording in low light conditions. NIKKOR lenses also deliver the sharpness needed for HD video, and Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate camera shake.
While Nikon pioneered HD video in a D-SLR, Nikon is now introducing another industry first to enrich the user experience: The D3100 is the first D-SLR to implement full time AF for D-Movie video shooting and while in Live View mode. Using contrast based AF, the D3100 automatically focuses on subjects when Live View is activated to aid shooting when using the LCD. The D3100 camera also uses Face Detection technology to lock focus on up to 35 human faces, a feat not even accomplished with consumer camcorders. To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated at a single flick of a dedicated switch, and HD video recording is achieved by a simple press of a button.
Sharing and editing video clips is also easier than ever, as the D3100 records movies in the versatile H.264 AVCHD codec (.mov file). While playing movies back in the camera, users are able to edit recorded videos by clipping footage from the beginning or end of a movie. High Definition movies and stills can be shared with family and friends on an HD television via HDMI output, and control slideshows and video using the HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) interface that is a part of most modern remote controls from HDTV manufacturers. Additionally, the D3100 is compatible with the new SDXC memory card format to store large amounts of photo and video data so users can shoot multiple scenes without interruption.
Renowned Nikon Technology
The D3100 leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive picture taking experience for consumers of any skill level. With its new 14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon's new EXPEED 2TM image processing system, the D3100 delivers exceptional image quality with low noise. The new EXPEED 2TM image-processing engine enhances camera performance and helps to ensure brilliant image quality while managing color, contrast, exposure, noise and speed for optimal results. The D3100's normal ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 3200, allowing users to capture stunning images, even in low light environments. Additionally, the D3100's ISO range can expand to a Hi-2 setting of ISO 12,800, furthering the opportunities for low-light shots that other cameras miss.
Other exclusive Nikon technologies include the Active D-Lighting system, which automatically rescues dark or backlit images to help create flattering images with even tones. This is especially useful when photographing subjects that are backlit by the sun or lights to provide an even exposure.
What's more, Nikon's Scene Recognition system draws upon the 420-pixel RGB color 3D Matrix Meter for outstanding exposures under a variety of lighting conditions by integrating a database of tens of thousands of sample images. The result is a camera intelligent enough to recognize when photographing a specific scene such as a portrait or landscape and automatically choose the proper camera settings.
To make taking great pictures even easier, the D3100 elevates Nikon COOLPIX technology and incorporates an Auto Scene Selector feature in Live View. This innovative function automatically selects the best scene mode to match shooting conditions. When engaged, the camera will automatically recognize when shooting a lush landscape or fast action sports and adjust the camera settings to create an astounding image. Six preset scene modes can also be accessed with the Mode Dial on top of the camera to overcome many common shooting challenges.
Compact Design. Huge Performance.
With comfortable yet intelligent ergonomics, the D3100 packs powerful technology that's easy to use into a compact form factor. The advanced 11-point autofocus system of the D3100 makes it easy to find and focus on a subject through an enhanced viewfinder design with new "hollow" focus points to give a clear view of the subject.
In the playing field or the backyard, the benefits of Nikon's advanced 3D Subject Tracking become clear, as the camera continuously focuses on fast moving subjects throughout the frame, resulting in crisp, clear action shots. Additionally, the D3100 offers split-second shutter response, eliminating the frustration of shutter lag—the annoying delay that ruins so many pictures. With the ability to capture images at up to three fps, users never miss a moment.
Also added to the D3100 is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting "Q" on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive, for example during quiet ceremonies or photographing a sleeping baby.
Nikon also empowers users to prepare their photos for sharing quickly and easily using Nikon's extensive in-camera Retouch Menu, which easily applies a variety of fun and dramatic effects to images without a computer. Fun and easy-to-use adjustments include a miniature effect to photos, image overlay, color outline and softening filters for flattering portraits and realistic skin tones.
The D3100 also incorporates Nikon's Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution that combats the accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera's image sensor. The shutter is tested to 100,000 cycles for maximum durability, ensuring years of captured memories.

Gateway to Legendary NIKKOR Optics and Accessories
Nikon has also introduced the ideal companion to the D3100, the brand new AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm VR lens, which gives users super-telephoto zoom capability for an affordable price. This is a perfect complementary lens when combined with the AF-S 18-55mm VR kit lens, and is great for capturing images of sports and wildlife around town or on vacation. Photographers can also appreciate the D3100's system expandability, as it is compatible with more than 40 legendary NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D3100 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera also operates with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and is capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. The D3100 D-SLR's design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the camera to a computer when using Eye-Fi memory cards. Also included is a new version of Nikon's powerful image editing application, View NX2. The latest edition of this software allows users to organize and edit both photos and video files easily.
Price and Availability
The D3100 D-SLR camera outfit, including the versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in mid September 2010, at an estimated selling price of $699.95.* The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens will be available starting in September for $399.95*. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Sony’s Ultimate Weapon Headset Looks Really, Really Cool

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 08:19 PM PDT

These are Europe-only for now, as far as I can tell, but man, I really hope they get them over to this side of the pond. I’m a sucker for nice-looking headsets, and honestly, next to the TMA-1s, these Ultimate Weapons are the nicest set I can think of.

The DR-GA200 is just the headset, but if you spring for the signal box with the DR-GA500, you’ll get 7.1 surround sound and a USB interface as well. They’re meant for gamers, and have a built-in mic and an open design so your ears don’t get sweaty. Can’t wait to give these a listen.

No price or dates yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we hear something.

Box + Many Skewers = Knife Block

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 06:33 PM PDT

Back in June, we tried out a kitchen gadget called the Kapoosh. It’s an alternative to traditional wooden knife blocks in that… well, go watch the video. But this enterprising Redditor has created something perhaps even better (and almost certainly cheaper) by putting a bunch of wooden skewers in a wooden box.

Instructions:

1. Place skewers in box (ensure the pointy ends face upwards)

Done!

[via The Daily What]

Is This The Kinect Fighting Game We All Wanted?

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 05:46 PM PDT


I can’t say I’m entirely convinced that this is going to work, but depending on how responsive it is, Fighters Uncaged could be a pretty fun game. The thing is, once you’re spoiled by the Playstation Move, which (it looks like) mirrors your movements more quickly and accurately, are you going to come back to the Kinect just to lose the controllers?

At first I was thinking that a multiplayer mode might be awesome, but then I thought wait a second, no game company wants to get sued because their players couldn’t keep their elbows to themselves.

Verizon To Update FiOS Set-Top Boxes With New UI, Storage Space

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 05:01 PM PDT


If you’re bewildered by all the fancy-pants streamers and IPTV units out there, and have decided to just chill with your original flavor FiOS set-top box, get ready for a few nice little upgrades. Verizon is rolling out some features this winter and you’re going to like ‘em.

First, you’re finally getting a big-boy 16:9 channel guide. That’s enough to crow about right there. But you’re also getting external eSATA storage support up to a terabyte, DVR recording auto-chaptering, and an undo for when you accidentally delete the wrong episode. The multi-room stream display has also been updated to be easier to browse.

It actually looks like a really solid way to watch and stream TV and video; these interfaces are getting better and better. Almost makes me want to buy a TV!

Update: Oh boy, they’re also putting out an iPad app.

What’s Inside Those LED Bulbs, Anyway?

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 04:30 PM PDT

Generally you see a light bulb and you think “yep, a light bulb.” But when you see an LED bulb, you might pause and say “wait, isn’t there more to an LED than there is to incandescents?” And you’d be right to pause. But because they’re very expensive, you would be wrong to bust one open and examine the contents.

Fortunately, these guys made that mistake for you. Check it out.

[via Make]

Will Motherboards Soon Offer On-Board Storage?

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 03:30 PM PDT


For a long time, using a motherboard’s on-board resources was considered… uncivilized. But nowadays, you can run decent 3D on integrated graphics, and sound cards are less and less necessary as boards provide excellent built-in surround sound. Could storage be far behind? Well, yes, but it might not be long before you at least have your system partition baked right on in.

Adventures in miniaturization have led SanDisk to creating some extremely small “iSSD” modules that could easily be placed on a motherboard and provide up to 64GB of storage right off the bat. Perfect for a system drive — and then you could have all your media and games on externals or even networked drives.

Obviously this solution is already available in mobiles and some tablets, but moving it up to desktops and laptops would save a lot of space and simplify cabling and power arrangements. The speeds are quite decent, too: 160MB/s read and 100MB/s write (sequential) — better than the 3.5″ HDDs we’ve had our OSes mounted on for the last couple decades.

It will raise the price of the motherboard, of course, but it’s probably a cheaper solution than the NAND flash you find in mobiles or fully-integrated internal SSDs. SanDisk is likely still pitching this to mobo makers, though, so I wouldn’t expect it for quite a while yet.

That Was Fast. Apple’s “Delicious” iPad Ad Remixed Already

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 01:57 PM PDT


Who in the world has the time in the middle of the working day to make flamebait changes to an Apple ad? Who could this handsome mystery man be? We’ll never know.

Needless to say, we here at CrunchGear do not share the opinion of this rogue hater. The iPad is a delightful device, in no way described by the inflammatory words in the above video (which we do not recommend watching).

New 360 Racing Wheel From Mad Catz

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 01:30 PM PDT


Mad Catz is dropping mad gearz all over Gamescom. Unfortunately, they haven’t sent us mad picz, so some details escape us. Basically, though, you’re looking at a nice racing wheel for the Xbox 360 with the usual fixins: battery power, pedals, buttons, the works. Update: got a better picture.

It takes three AAAs (generously included), which they say will power it, and I assume the pedals, for 40 of your Earth hours. As you can see, it has the buttons and D-pad conveniently mounted in the horn (or trumpet, in British) positions. There is a tiptronic shifter that you can place on either side of the wheel, a port for your headset, and a clamp so you don’t end up steering the controller right off your lap (disclaimer: clamping controller to your lap not recommended).

They don’t mention the degrees it turns — I like ones with a lot of spin and just a little springback, but it’s impossible to say whether a controller like this floats your boat until you’ve gone a couple of laps with it.

There’s no date yet, but it should cost $130 when it’s released. I’m going to just go ahead and guess late autumn/early winter… November, maybe. Yeah, that sounds right.

Apple Proclaims The iPad is Delicious And More In Its Latest Commercial

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 01:12 PM PDT


The iPad is many things and Apple is happy to point out most of its positive characteristics in the latest ad spot: delicious, current, learning, playful, literary, artful, friendly, productive, scientific, and magical. Fair enough. I can get on board with those. I’m just looking forward to the spoof version that will likely drop before the end of the day proclaim all the negative sides too: closed, limited, novelty, restricted, safe, censored and boring — you know, a video that tells the whole story, not just paint a rosy picture. Anyway, click through for the new video. It’s clever.

Update: a parody video has already appeared.

Mad Catz Announces amBX-Powered Lights And Keyboard (Update: More Pics)

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 01:00 PM PDT


I’m not sure I buy the whole amBX deal. For one thing, they’ve chosen a bothersome capitalization scheme. For another, it seems… excessive. I’m all for immersion, but I’d take Eyefinity and surround sound over mood lighting any day. As for keyboard lighting, I can see that, as long as it’s truly game-related, like Razer’s StarCraft 2 stuff.

The occasion for this little trip down preference lane is some new amBX-powered gear form Mad Catz. Let’s see what they’ve got for us.

Now, I can’t say too much until we get a good gander at the items. For some reason, I can’t seem to wheedle any shots out of Mad Catz except that dramatic, dark one above. Update: pics! But according to Mad Catz, the new keyboard has supremely customizable backlighting, which can be controlled by games to provide more atmosphere. I don’t really look at my keyboard much during an intense gaming session, but it might add a bit to the experience. Not a lot of other details are available, except that this keyboard will be in the Cyborg line and may look as crazy as that one mouse. I found these pictures, but I don’t think they’re for real:


Yeah, pretty weird.

Mad Catz also announced a pair of straight-up lights for your PC gaming experience, which you can point any which way and cause color to flood your gaming den. They apparently have an “ingenious multi-hinge design.” It better really be ingenious, Mad Catz. You better not be just saying that.

Anyway, we’ll update or re-post when we get some better shots. The lights are supposed to come out later this year, and the keyboard early 2011. Man, I’ll be too busy riding my hoverboard by then!

Sony’s Swivel-Screen α33 And α55 DSLRs Get Pictured

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 12:30 PM PDT


Being a Canon man, I’ve had little occasion to check out the Sony Alpha series of DSLRs, but honestly, I’ve heard lots of good things about them. They might not have the lens prowess of the Canons, Nikons, and Pentaxes, but they’re good cameras. The upcoming α33 and α55 look like strong contenders, and the addition of swivel screens sweetens the deal.

Here are a few specs and pics, courtesy of Photorumors.com. From what I can tell, the α33 looks identical to the α55 from the angles we’re shown.

α55 specs:

  • 16MP/1080i video
  • ISO 100-12800
  • 15 AF points
  • 10 FPS
  • Dual memory slots
  • GPS

α33 specs, same as above except:

  • 14MP
  • 7FPS
  • No GPS

Rumor puts their release date, or at least announcement date, at August 24th.

Bag Week Reviews: Crumpler Boston Heist Duffel Bag

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 12:00 PM PDT


Short version: Do you have a need to transport a small dog and a notebook in the same bag? Because this bag is up to the task. (Note: I’m not recommending you carry your dog in this
bag. Your computer could get damaged.)

That’s my buddy, Ferrari. He wasn’t happy about getting into the bag.
Features:
  • Holds up to a 17-inch notebook
  • A shoulder strap
  • $200 MSRP
  • Available this November

Pros:

  • Tons of storage
  • High quality materials and construction
  • Feels like it will last forever

Cons:

  • Where’s the Crumpler charm?
  • Crazy expensive
crumpler 2 crumpler 3 crumpler 4 crumpler 5 crumpler

Review:

I don’t get this bag. In fact, I don’t really “get” any of the crumpler bags sent to me for this feature. Isn’t Crumpler supposed to be the fun bag company? These bags are boring and dull. This duffel bag is like something my grandma would use as a carry-on bag.

But that’s where my hate stops because besides being a bit mundane, the Crumpler Boston Heist is about as nice as duffel bag as you can get. The construction and materials are top-notch as with every other Crumpler bag. There is even a notebook pouch on the inside along with a few pockets. I guess it should be nice seeing as it will cost $200 when it becomes available in November

There isn’t much a company can do to improve on the whole duffel bag form factor. This bag is really just a medium-sized duffel bag, with enough room to hold a couple days worth of clothes and your computer. That’s really the essence of the bag.

So who is this bag for? Well, I can see people using it as an overnight bag or even for school. It could be a great gym bag and there’s nothing stopping anyone from loading it up with books and whatnot. The strap is perfectly comfortable. The bag can also serve well as a carry-on because, well, it’s a duffel bag. I don’t think I need to say much more than that. Besides lacking a bit of Crumpler’s trademark charm and high price, it’s a wonderful bag.

Razer Jumps Into The Mechanical Keyboard Game With The BlackWidow

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 11:35 AM PDT


As you may know, there are three general types of keyboards: mechanical, scissor-switch, and membrane. It’s often asserted that mechanical keyboards are the most durable and comfortable to type on, but their construction is also more complicated, resulting in a higher price. I’m typing on one right now — the SteelSeries 7G — and the Das Keyboard is another example of a popular mechanical keyboard.

Razer’s Lycosa and Arctosa keyboards (which I love) are membrane, meaning there’s less travel in the keys and a less clicky feel. Some prefer it; I could go either way. But now we have a choice: Razer is putting out a mechanical keyboard called the BlackWidow, and it looks fantastic.

Not only that, but they’re claiming (predictably) that their mechanical keyboard is better than other mechanical keyboards. They cite power required to press, the depth of the actuation point, and the feedback given to the user. I’ll have to try it out myself, but I like the promises they’re making.

There are two versions, the BlackWidow and BlackWidow Ultimate. The former costs $80. The latter costs $130 and you get illuminated keys, an extra USB port, and headphone/mic jacks. They both have media keys, a special row of customizable macro keys, and

Personally, I’m pumped. They’re at Gamescom right now, so got give one a look-see if you’re lucky enough to be at the show.

Video: Gather Round For The F1 2010 Trailer

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 11:30 AM PDT

Stop what you're doing, put on some headphones, and bask in the glory that is F1 2010, the first "real" Formula 1 game in several years, with all due respect to F1 2009—that was for the Wii, come on. Anyhow, Codemasters developed it. You know, the guys behind Grid and Dirt.

This is the first non-Wii F1 game since Sony's F1 Championship Edition, released in 2007. It was… well, Edge gave it a 4 out of 10. A bit tosh, yes.

But Codemasters has demonstrated that, if nothing else, it knows how to make a darn fine racing game. Combine its fantastic engine with your Ferraris and your Red Bulls, and we're in for a legitimately good F1 game.

This is good news for humanity.


“I Want To Make This Toy”

Posted: 18 Aug 2010 10:53 AM PDT

We at CrunchGear are patient and kind. And we love kids. That’s why when Jake Woolf sent us an email requesting us to make a toy that makes fake electricity bolts move, we had to design at least a mock-up for him. Here is his email, verbatim and this is what we thought he might like. Thoughts, Jake? Can anyone build this for Jake so he can see it in action?

my name is jake woolf and i’m 10 years old and i want to make this toy

you guys should make a toy so kids can think they can do magic
i was thinking you should make a toy that is a see throw ball and you push a button on it and fake electricity inside the see throw ball and then it looks like you have pawers. but if you cant make that work then put 4 or 5 fake electricity bolts in it then they can glow and it can look like the fake electricity bolts move.
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