Acer Hornet Looks Oddly similar to the Wii

The Acer Hornet is a small PC with an Atom processor and an Nvidea graphic card. It has a "controller" that comes with it that looks like the Wiimote. It also looks eerily similar to the Wii, doesn't it? The Hornet will be compatable with VESA displays. According to The Inquirer the device will be out in April with models ranging from a "cheap" $199 to $399 and will be a "Full PC with a Wii-like size". The PC will also have an HDMI output. You can see more on the turkish site Donanim Haber.

Cool Software 2/28/09: Safari 4 Beta

Mac's new browser has added much needed features that are in other browsers already. It adds tabbed browsing, faster downloads, and the popular Cover Flow view, for going through bookmarks and history. It also has a new Native Windows look to help Windows user fell right at home. It still has few bugs in it though (nothing that will hamper your browsing experience).
You can download the beta from Apple here.

This Week in Gaming 2/27/09

Tomorrow will be the final day of the Sci Fi Tabula Rasa. The game will have an all out alien invasion to go out with a bang (literally!). It's the end of a very short, but good, era in online gaming. Ready At Dawn, the maker of the widely successful PSP games Daxter and God Of War: Chains of Olympus, is returning to making PSP games (apparently). This still probably won't revive the PSP though. In addition to getting a old/new developer Sony also got its own skin disorder PlayStation palmar hidradenitis!

Tutoiral Thursday 2/26/09: Build A Computer

This is one of the easiest computer building tutorials I've seen. A little bit about computers and how to not electrocute yourself(that means no Pepsi near the computer while your building it). As for parts, I'd recommend NewEgg.com, they're cheap, have fast delivery, and most importantly, wont ship you an empty box when you wanted a brand new Intel i7 processor(pfft! ebay!).
You can see it here.

Cool Gadgets 2/25/09: Roll N' Pour

This genius little invention will certainly lead to less people crying over spilled milk. The "Rocking Chair for Gallon Jugs" helps pouring-inept people (like me!) pour soda, milk or anything in a big bottle with little spillage. It rocks the beverage towards the glass while grounding it on the table. Genius! It's also "Great for kids and older folks who might need a little extra help in the kitchen."(Amazon)
You can buy this life saving product on Amazon.

Funny Pics and Vids 2/24/09

Cool Site of the Week 2/24/09:WeSeed

Sorry for being a tad late on the Site of the Week. WeSeed is a free (free as free pancakes) virtual stock market that has a little bit of humor to it. When you make an account you choose your starting amount (no credit card needed) and can start investing. The market is broken up into different sub markets, such as "Gamer's Market" or the "Tech Market". You can easily invest in your favorite companies and gain virtual capital. The interface is sleek and pleasing to the eye and it is incredibly fun (and humorous) to invest. When you click of a company (you can also buy stock right from the "Top Companies" list) you can enter a little "survey", that makes you chuckle often and after that you can choose to invest in 10 shares of the company or take another question. This is one easy, fun, and free(good in this economy, right?) way to try you hand at the Stock Market, even if the real one ain't doin' so hot.
You can try you hand at the market here.

Computer Security Alert 2/22/09

You can go here to see the latest threats Norton has found.
Happy Surfing!

Cool Software 2/21/09: OpenOffice Suite

If you have switched from Windows to Mac, you know how frustrating it can be to go without the Microsoft Office Suite. Or, you don't feel like paying to upgrade your old software (especially in this economy). But, there is a free alternative to Microsoft Office, and, in many ways it is better. OpenOffice is an open-source (meaning anyone can get the code for the software) suite of applications. It's made by Sun Microsystems (the same company that makes the widely used Java platform) and is completely free. It has Writer, a text editor similar to Microsoft Word. Calc, a spreadsheet management tool (similar to Microsoft Excel). Impress, a presentation making software (similar to Microsoft Powerpoint). Draw, a drawing application (similar to MS Paint). Lastly, there is Base, a database managment tool (similar to Microsoft Access). Base, though, can use SGL databases, because it is made by Sun Microsystems, that also makes MySQL, the premier SQL database tool, it is far superior to Microsoft Access. Draw is also better in many ways. It can manipulate images, like Photoshop of the Gimp can. Calc, also has a special Scenario MAnager, somethin Microsoft Excel does not. Overall, if you want a new, easy to use, and powerful office suite, or don't like Microsoft, this software is for you. 10/10

You can learn more and download it here.

Guitar Hero Spelling Mishap

Just cause someone codes game all day doesn't mean they are great spllers! (like mi!) The cover of the new Guitar Hero Game has a little "mistake" on it.(All you Lynyrd Skynyrd fans may not want to read on.) The Rolling Stones, while looking at the cover of the new game, noticed a little error on one of the band names. So, either someone doesn't like Lynyrd Skynyrd or Rock Stars are better editors than professional editors. Can you see the Mistake? (NOTE: rhetorical question)

This Week in Games 2/20/09

This week saw the announcement if the Nintendo DSi's launch date in America and the closing of Ensemble Studios. Ensemble made such memorable games as the Sid Meier series and the Civilization series. But many other things happened in the gaming world this week.

Nyko's Wii Wand
Nyko showed us at the Consumer Electronics show its new Wiimote alternative. The Nyko Wand used electronic triggers to transmit data, unlike the Wiimote, that uses mechanical triggers. The Wand will has larger buttons than the Wiimote, and does not feel cheap, though it looks that way. It also has a wireless Nunchuck (they call it a Kama) that, because of the eletronic triggers can vibrate. The Wand "Core Pack" will have the wirless Kama and the Nyko Wand. There is also another package they come in, The Wand "Action Pack" that has a Pistol Grip Accessory that, unlike the Wii Zapper, uses electonic input to map the users presses, similar to a Guitar Hero 3 Wii Controller.






















Red Xbox 360 Elite "Officially" Announced
A quick glance at the email to New Zealand retailers below seems shows that it's an email about getting Halo Wars as an Xbox 360 bundle for their stores. But wait, in the fine print, does that say that you cannot get the bundle with Red Xbox 360 Elite consoles that are exclusively at EB Games. Someone's getting fired (or sacked) for this one.

"Auckland, New Zealand – 19 February 2009 – Buy a new Xbox 360 console and for a limited time we'll throw in a copy of Halo Wars*.

You all know how awesome the Halo franchise is, so we won't bore you with details, just look out for this deal at major console retailers now. Conditions apply*. Enquire in store and they'll set you right: http://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/games/wheretobuy/

· Halo Wars launches 26 February 2009.

· Promotion valid 26 February 2009 – 26 March 2009 while stocks last.

* Xbox 360 Halo Wars Standard Edition, $99.95 RRP. This Halo Wars offer does not apply to the Red Xbox 360 Elite console which is exclusive to EB games.

About Halo Wars

Halo Wars is a strategy game based on the legendary Halo universe. Command armies of UNSC units, both familiar and new, in their initial encounter against the Covenant, an alien coalition threatening to obliterate mankind. Experience an early period of the storied Halo universe, in a time leading up to the first Halo game.

With the guidance of Serina, a spirited A.I. persona, direct legions of UNSC soldiers, Warthogs and Scorpions against Covenant Grunts, Elites, Ghosts and Scarabs, each group having its own strengths and uses in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content, including personal pictures and music, with a unified online social network to create an entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360."

DSi UPDATE: Preorder it now

As a little update to the DSi article yesterday you can now preorder the new DS at these sites.
Amazon: Go here.(Black and Blue colors)
GameStop(Black): Go here.
GameStop(Blue): Go here.

Tutorial Thursday 2/19/09

This is probably one of the greatest inventions ever. If you thought the Snuggie was the weirdest invention ever you were wrong. Meet the Burrito Blaster. You load it up like a musket with a burrito and fire it at your unsuspecting victim. I wonder if it works with tee shirts?
For more info go here.

Slicer: Bringing sledding to people who don't have snow

Sledding is an amazing outdoor activity. At least, when you're not falling flat on your face. But, what about the sledding in the summertime? Well, many sledding enthusiasts were left out in the cold on that one. That was, until this marvelous invention arrived. The Slicer looks like a normal sled, except it has removable ice trays on the bottom. You fill the trays with water, stick em in your fridge, and there you go! It's like your sledding on snow. I would think falling on your face hurts a lot more without a cushion of snow though.
At $70 it may not be too bad of a deal. Oh, and it can also let you fall on your face, I mean sled, in the winter.

You can learn more about it here.

DSi Arriving April 5th

Nintendo's new DS, with a camera and DSiWare (think a DS version of WiiWare) is slated for release. It has already been out in Japan for several months now, in Black and White colors. The DSi will be arriving in the states on April 5th for $170. Quite a jump from the DS Lite's $120 price. Oh, and it will be in either a black or slightly illness-inducing blue (but only if you don't fork over the money to preorder one). The DSiWare will also be released that day and be on sale for a whopping $2.

Cool Gadget 2/18/09: The HTC Magic

Meet the T-Mobile G1's much prettier cousin. The next Google Android phone, the HTC Magic (referred to by some as the G2), will be out in Europe this spring. Unveiled at the Mobile World Conference trade show yesterday in Barcelona, the touchscreen HTC Magic will be on the European carrier Vodafone. Vodafone will release the handset in Spain, Italy, UK, France, and Germany this Spring.
The Magic will have have a 3.2 inch touchscreen (a little bigger than the G1's 3.17 inch one), GPS, Wifi capabilities, 3G access, and a 3.2 megapixel camera (without flash though). It will also host a slew of Android applications, Gmail, Youtube, Google Maps (with a new Compass view that changes the street view as you move the phone), and Google Talk. The Magic abandons the G1's clunky physical keyboard for a virtual one, like on the Iphone or Blackberry Storm.
Their is no word on when this potential Iphone-killer (like thats gonna happen, right Apple fans?) will land in the US.

Funny Pics & Vids 2/17/09

In Honor of Nerf's 40th anniversary I thought I'd post the awesomest Nerf office war video ever.


null - Watch more free videos

Nerf N-Strike Raider CS-35

This little "gun" may look like a shotgun mixed with a tommy gun, but it probably can't do much damage (some modding, then we're in business) This is Nerf's newest weapon to join their arsenal of guns-that-shoot-foam-darts-and-can't-hurt-anyone toys. It wa unveiled at Hasbros Toy Fair a few days ago. It can hold 35 darts in its magazine and can shoot using pump action. The pump action could be annoying but aside from puttin a compressed air tank in it there is no other way to get the darts to shoot. Other than that this seems like Nerf's answer to the many mods done by people to get their guns to actually shoot farther than two feet(!). There is a manual pumping mode and an automatic, drum emptying mode.

Lounge Fireplace, May burn your, well, you know...

This modern bench is very chic. Wait, why is there that weird square in the center, and why is it made of hard tile? WHAT! It's a fireplace! The renders are not actually that real looking but that might be to the fault of the company. They seem to want it to be a torture device or a gag item, who would've thought? The Lounge fireplace comes in many woods and metals and can be tailored to your every evil need. Wait did I say evil? Well, $1,621 is a small price to pay for giving your guests a night they'll never forget.

Cool Sites of the Week 2/16/09

Amazon Windowshop Beta: This neat little site lets you browse Amazon's bestsellers in movies, books, games, and more on a sleek, easy to use "wall".


WonderWall Beta: This site from MSN follows the "wall" trend and lets you browse through celebrity gossip on the "Wonder Wall".



Artpad: This site from Art.com lets you paint pretty pictures and send them to your friends or hang them in a gallery. There are a plethora of options for different types of art. It's amazingly addicting.

Breakdown of the new Notes From The Trash Bin "Lineup"

There will be a new "lineup" for the blog. It will be similar to a TV station because there will be specific features for every day of the week, along with the regular tech news.
Monday-Cool Sites of the Week: This will have sites I have found that I think are useful, interesting, or just plain cool.
Tuesday-Funny Pics and Vids: This will have funny pictures or videos I have found while surfing the net.
Wednesday-Cool Gadgets: This section will have cool gadgets and tech.
Thursday-Tutorials: This segment will be for tutorials ranging from how to use the Mac dock to how to create 3d objects in Photoshop.
Friday-Video Game News: This section will have most of the gaming news for the week, such as anticipated new games, reviews, cheap games, etc.
Saturday-Cool Software: This section will have cool free, sometimes not, software and other downloads that are cool or useful.
Sunday-Computer Safety Alert: This Section will have news on Computer safety, such as virus lists, safety tips, and dangerous tricks used by hackers. This may sometimes be replaced by section on online music.

The Xbox 360 "Arcade"

No, I'm not talking about Microsoft's ploy to get the Xbox to compete with the Wii. I'm talking about a full-fledged arcade cabinet with an Xbox 360 inside of it. This retro system is a 1990's midway cabinet modified for an Xbox. Inside of it is a 60gb Xbox 360 with a wifi adapter, and is able to play and 360 game. If you get tired of the retro joysticks and buttons you can always use a wireless controller with it. But, at $2,250 and only a standard definition screen, I wouldn't rush out and by it all that soon.

Hey look! An LG iClone!

Hey! Does this look eerily similair to the iPhone. I think LG knows that, and pretty soon Europeans will be able to get this "Ultimate iClone.

More Bugs then Vista

Here's a real attention grabber.  At a TED conference Bill Gates released a swarm of mosquitoes on the crowd at a TED.  This was to call attention to one his favorite causes, the fight against Malaria.  No word on if the mosquitoes actually had malaria.
 

Will Flash Finally some to the Iphone?

After a long wait it looks like Adobe Flash may finally come to the Iphone.  Adobe Flash Player is used for many animations, websites, and games, on the web.  Though Adobe will probably make a custom Flash Player for Apple (other than its standard Flash Lite) it will still be a welcome addition to the Iphone by many of its users.