SeeqPod is a search engine for music that allows you to play the results through an embedded flash player. It recently has added video support, via YouTube. The files found do not have download links, however they can be downloaded if you use the Firefox extension Video DownloadHelper.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
•Play online mp3s using your web browser
•Access a huge library of music
•Create custom playlists
•Has both mp3s and videos
•Easy to use
•Firefox extension available
•You can download mp3s as files with an easy hack
•Cool "discover" button makes playlist based on similar artists
Cons:
•Can't copy and paste text from the interface (URLs for example)
•Somewhat clunky Flash interface
•Grey-area music copyright situation
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
SeeqPod - Website
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H - Motherboard
The Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H motherboard is the first platform based on the new AMD 780G chipset. This new chipset includes a DirectX 10.1-compliant graphics core reused from the Radeon HD 3200; with AMD making use of ATI technology inherited from the July 2006 merger of AMD and ATI. The AMD 780G chipset enables decode acceleration of Blu-ray movie playback, second-generation PCI Express, Hybrid CrossFire, a new SB700 south bridge, and a Phenom-ready HyperTransport 3 processor link. Corresponding with the March 4th, 2008 announcement of this board, AMD is introducing a new energy-efficient 45 Watt Athlon X2 4850e for $89. The GA-MA78GM-S2H retails for $95.
Pros:
•Best IGP solution (March 2008)
•low power consumption
•HDMI output
•Connect up to 4 displays with Hybrid CrossFireX - 3rd, and 4th display requires additional graphics card
•DirectX 10.1 compliant
•GPU decoding of HD codecs makes this board HD compatible with a relatively slow CPU
•Integrated Gigabit Ethernet
More information
AMD 780G Chipset
•Supports AMD AM2+ Phenom/ AM2 Athlon64 series processors
•Solid capacitors design in CPU VRM
•Dual Channel DDR2 1066
•Integrated ATI Radeon HD3200-based graphics (DX10)
•Ultimate graphics performance with PCI-E 2.0 x16 interface with ATI Hybrid •CrossFireX support
•Integrated SATA 3Gb/s with RAID function
•Features high speed Gigabit Ethernet and IEEE1394
•High quality 106dB SNR ALC889A HD audio
•Integrated HDMI/ DVI interface with HDCP
http://www.gigabyte-usa.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2647
Hewlett Packard 2133 Mini-Note PC
The Mini-Note PC by Hewlett Packard is the company's first venture into the low-priced, ultra-compact laptop market. The Mini-Note tries to establish itself as a higher-end version with an 8.9" screen and full size keyboard. They also offer configuration options such as operating system, processor, RAM and harddrive. This can make the price range from $499 to $749, making it more expensive than the competition. Hewlett Packard also chose an aluminum chassis for the Mini-Note to give it a slightly upscale look.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
•Nice aluminum outer case
•Great configuration options
•Can run Windows Vista
•Powerful CPU for its size
•Full size keyboard
Cons:
•Heavier than competition
•More expensive than competition
•Slow boot-up time
•Weirdly placed mouse buttons
More information
Features
•CPU: 1.6 GHz
•Screen size: 8.9"
•Harddrive: 4GB flash drive or up to 160GB traditional drive
•Full size keyboard
•Weight: 3.2 lbs
•Dimensions: 10" x 6.5" x 1.1"
•Spill resistant keyboard
•Vertical mouse buttons
Configuration Options
•Operating Systems
•Linux (starting at $499)
•Windows Vista Basic (starting at $599)
•Windows Vista Business (?)
Harddrive
•4GB flash drive
•120GB 5,400-rpm drive
•160GB 5,400-rpm drive
•160GB 7,200-rpm drive
Panasonic HDC-SD9 - Camcoder
The Panasonic HDC-SD9 is an SD-card high-definition camcorder. The SD9 is in the same line as the Panasonic HDC-HS9, without the built-in harddrive. The SD9 records in 1920x 1080 progressive recording with 5.1 surround sound audio recording.
Pros:
•3CCD recording
•Capable of recording FullHD 1080p @ 24 fps
•Very small and lightweight
•58 hours record time on 32 GB SDHC memory card
•HDMI output
More information
The SD9 also features an "Intelligent Shooting Guide" which gives the user tips on recording, real-time, taking into account the current conditions. This can help a beginner videographer who isn't sure how to use the more advanced features.
Features
3CCD camera system
Dimensions: 65mm x 67mm x 126mm
Weight: 275 g
1920x1080 HD progressive recording
5.1 surround sound audio recording
Face detection
Optical image stabilizer
Leica Dicomar lens
SD card for storage
Up to 2 hours battery life with option for a bigger battery