Sunday, April 04, 2010

OnComputers Radio show Podcast 04-04-10

This is the On Computers Radio show podcast for 04-04-10. You can listen live every Sunday from 10AM to 1PM Pacific that's 1PM to 4PM Eastern. Join us for the live show and chat. If you prefer, you can download the same MP3 file here via ftp.

Links from the Gregg Zone

1) My green link for the week was sent to me by Wills, I thank you. Sometimes I look at these ideas and can only think wow!! The concept is great (I suppose that’s why they call them concept cars), but they all seem to run into that special environment restriction. If you were building a city from scratch with lots of design control it might work very well, in New York City no. Although, it would increase the parking spaces by a factor of ten, and you could have a lot more cabs and they should be cheaper to run, but making sense would never be enough cause to change anything. It is a great idea and I was impressed by the Segway - GM collaboration seems like there is a lot of potential in a union like that. I imagine they have someplace in mind to test market, it will be interesting to follow. http://editorial.autos.msn.com/
2) This is another along the green transportation line sent to me by Troll, thank you sir. A link to a story about electric motorcycles in California being touted by Arnie, they are even offering a rebate. According to the story the cost of operation is about one cent per mile, on average terrain, and speeds. That link here http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com When, I first looked at this story I thought there was something familiar about the bike, then I remembered seeing it on Youtube it was being ridden by a dirt competition rider who was impressed with the bike. I was looking for the video when I found this story about the bike it predates the other link some, in this article they mention that the Zero-S Arnies model is coming out soon and will be equipped for street use. The article is interesting especially about the origin of the motor, this article is about the zero-X my impression is they are same bike, with different equipment. That link here http://www.motorcycle.com
3) This is an article about some new tricks they are working on in genetics, referring to it as Genetic Code 2.0 kind of says it all. They are talking a total rewrite using phrases like synthetic biology, synthetic organisms, almost sounds like a cross between the Island of Dr. Moreau – and a robotics team at MIT. It has the look of a beginning, but I am not sure I want to know the ending. As with most things there is potential for both good and evil, bet you will see it referenced to in a movie soon. http://www.newscientist.com
4) When I saw this I was drawn in because of the neural computer talk noticed in my initial scan. The idea of creating an artificial intelligence has long been one of those fields that arouse my curiosity. The articles early reference to finding “electronics long lost missing link” did not hurt either. Seems that they have demonstrated a working memristor, oops spell check did not like that, but maybe that is going to change soon. This Looks like it is a big deal, and it may make some serious changes in the future. The article has also fostered an interest in slime mold, I will be looking into that after the show. http://hplusmagazine.com
5) Link to a Farmville vs Mafia Wars review, I must admit his description pretty much fits my mental picture of what the games are like. Although with millions playing there must be more to it. I scanned the comments section, but my overall impression is that like a lot of things in the world it is just not for me. http://www.uproxx.com/

Earl's Cyber Steals and Deals

$474 Dell Inspiron 17 Intel Dual Core 2.2GHz 17" Laptop for $474 + $19 s&h
Dell Home offers the 6.1-lb. Dell Inspiron 17 Pentium Dual-Core 2.2GHz 17.3" Widescreen Notebook in Jet Black for $499. Apply coupon code "HKT766V127L105" and it falls to $474.05. With $19 for shipping, Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4400 2.2GHz processor, 17.3" 1600x900 LED-backlit widescreen LCD, 3GB RAM, 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11g wireless, 2GB of Dell Online Backup for one year, 6-cell battery, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. Coupon ends April 9.


Netgear GA311NA Gigabit PCI Network Adapter up to 1000 Mbps $6


ZipZoomFly has the Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit OEM for $170 - $10 rebate [Exp 4/15] = $160 with free shipping. Ultimate includes everything that's found in Home and Professional editions in one package. Windows 7 Professional 64-bit = $124 shipped after rebate [Exp 4/15]

SuperBiiz has the Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5300 2.6GHz CPU for $59 - $5 off with coupon code FIRE0905 [Exp 4/4] + $2 shipping = $56 shipped. Intel Dual-Core E5400 2.7GHz for $63 w/ code FIRE1105

ZipZoomFly has the PowerColor AX5450 512MD2-SD Radeon HD 5450 (Eyefinity Edition) 512MB 64-bit DDR2 HDCP Ready Video Card for $45 - $15 rebate [Exp 4/15] = $30 with free shipping. Features a 650MHz core clock, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x D-Sub, 1 x DVI.

During National Park Week, April 17th - 25th, entrance to all 392 National Parks is free. Parks will also offer additional family-friendly activities and special offers on tours, lodging, food, and souvenirs.

ZipZoomFly has the Hitachi Travelstar 5K320 0A56417 320GB SATA 5400 RPM 8MB Buffer Mobile 2.5" Hard Drive for $60 - $15 rebate [Exp 4/15] = $45 with free shipping.