Zipit Wireless has updated its Linux-based, WiFi-connected instant messaging client for kids and other frequent IM users. The new $150 Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 (Z2) adds a color screen, a faster processor, and expansion interfaces likely to prove popular among both kids and Linux hardware hackers.
For its price, the Z2 is surprisingly powerful. It is based on a 300MHz Marvell (formerly Intel) PXA270 (Bulverde) processor -- a stronger CPU than that found in many smartphones costing twice as much. There's 32MB of RAM. Flash is limited to 8MB on-board, but expandable to 8GB via a mini-SD slot. There's a full-color QVGA (320x240) backlit screen, and the keyboard is also backlit -- no more need for misbehaving children to bring a flashlight with them under the covers. I/O has been upgraded from 802.11b in the original Zipit to 802.11b/g, for speeds up to 54Mbps.
On the software side, there's an ultra-modern 2.6.21 Linux kernel, featuring a WiFi subsystem supporting WPA2, PSK, and other modern security standards. Along with playback of local, network, and Internet-based MP3 streams, there are photo viewing capabilities for the first time.
Last but not least, there's a mysterious expansion interface on the back (shown above). Zipit's creator, Ralph Heredia, would not divulge exactly what signals are routed to the expansion port, other than battery charging lines. However, he hinted that in time, the port would enable Zipit Wireless (the company) to bring out a range of accessories, while also enabling Linux hackers -- with the company's blessing -- to do more with the Z2 than was possible with the earlier Z1.
300MHz Marvell (formerly Intel) PXA270 (Bulverde) processor -- a stronger CPU than that found in many smartphones costing twice as much.
The Zipit Instant Messenger is an Open-Source embedded Linux platform designed to be a wifi enabled multi client device. The original Zipit Z1 was opened up and examined by Linux hackers alike, and more functions were added as time went on. Typical teenage IM chatter wasnt all the little device could do anymore. E-Mail, IRC, ICQ, MSN, AIM, Y!, Secure Shell, Wifi scanning, and much more. Look at http://www.openzipit.org/Development/... for more information on the potential of the Z1.
The new Z2 IM client is the next generation of Zipit. With full color screen, native SD card, and Linux 2.6 kernel, and the helpful open-source support from the ZipIt developers, only time can tell what new features the new Z2 will have.
Natively the ZipIt Z2 will allow homebrew and future applications to natively run from its SD card. With a color screen, more CPU power, more RAM, and much improved keyboard, this is a device well worth keeping an eye on. Weather its just for simple movies, music, IM and e-mail or for a embedded linux platform, the ZipIt 1 and 2 are quite fun and innovative toys for both teens and techs.
When the price drops I think that this will be a great platform for just about anything...
I have an idea for remote control of stuff already...
The new 6ft (1.8m) ball, weighing about 1,100lbs (500kg), is covered with 9,576 light-emitting diodes that use the same amount of electricity as 10 toasters.
hmm ... Now what they need to do is make each LED module with RGB LEDs and make the computer controlled...
Effective January 1, 2008, the following rules apply to the spare lithium batteries you carry with you in case the battery in a device runs low:
* Spare batteries are the batteries you carry separately from the devices they power. When batteries are installed in a device, they are not considered spare batteries. * You may not pack a spare lithium battery in your checked baggage * You may bring spare lithium batteries with you in carry-on baggage – see our spare battery tips and how-to sections to find out how to pack spare batteries safely! * Even though we recommend carrying your devices with you in carry-on baggage as well, if you must bring one in checked baggage, you may check it with the batteries installed.
The following quantity limits apply to both your spare and installed batteries. The limits are expressed in grams of “equivalent lithium content.” 8 grams of equivalent lithium content is approximately 100 watt-hours. 25 grams is approximately 300 watt-hours:
* Under the new rules, you can bring batteries with up to 8-gram equivalent lithium content. All lithium ion batteries in cell phones are below 8 gram equivalent lithium content. Nearly all laptop computers also are below this quantity threshold. * You can also bring up to two spare batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of up to 25 grams, in addition to any batteries that fall below the 8-gram threshold. Examples of two types of lithium ion batteries with equivalent lithium content over 8 grams but below 25 are shown below. * For a lithium metal battery, whether installed in a device or carried as a spare, the limit on lithium content is 2 grams of lithium metal per battery. * Almost all consumer-type lithium metal batteries are below 2 grams of lithium metal. But if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer!
Hockey Happy Hour, featuring $2 beer and soft drinks through the first intermission
Kids Get In For $1—bring a non-perishable food item to the game and kids get in for just a dollar with paid adult. Limit two kid's discount tickets per paid adult, available while supplies last. Discount tickets available at the Sommet Center Box Office only. Food will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.
So get out in 2008 with the family and have some fun... :) Go Predz!
Leap Wireless International continues to go broadband, thanks to an EV-DO network upgrade. The company has launched Cricket Wireless Internet Service in the Nashville, Tenn., and Albuquerque and Santa Fe, N.M. markets. Customers in these markets will have unlimited wireless Internet service for a flat rate with no long-term commitments or credit checks, said the company.
“Once again we are proud to lead the industry by introducing an unlimited mobile broadband package that fits within the budgets of everyday consumers. Cricket Wireless Internet Service is a perfect compliment to our existing product portfolio,” said Doug Hutcheson, president and CEO of Leap. “Cricket Wireless Internet Service takes our principle of flat-rate unlimited offerings to the next level and is consistent with our track record of providing services that bring great value to our customers.”
The Cricket service utilizes the Kyocera Passport KPC650 modem, along with Smith Micro connection software, which are compatible with PC and Mac laptops with Windows 2000 or higher and Mac OS 10.4.10 or higher and a PCMCIA slot. The card and software will be sold as a package for $180. Mail-in and instant rebates are also available. The monthly service plan ranges from $35 to $40. Existing Cricket mobile phone customers will receive a $5 per month discount on wireless Internet service plans.
The launch features a promotional theme of “But You Could,” to highlight the multiple locations from which Cricket customers can access the Internet.
Leap Wireless International www.leapwireless.com
Has anyone tried this ? Could be a cheap way of not getting sucked into a contract... and great for a car PC ... as long as you dont leave nashville...
AMT... (And More Taxes Or Bush Will Make You Everyone Pay For His War....)
Topic: Miscellaneous
6:25 am EST, Dec 15, 2007
The House passed its latest version of the AMT bill, HR4351, in a straight partisan vote yesterday. Don't celebrate yet. The White House released a statement yesterday, even before the bill was passed, that HR4351 would be vetoed if it were presented to the President for signature. There's little chance of that happening, however, because the Senate has made it clear that it will not pass a bill with offsets.
It seems what we have here is an impasse of epic proportions. It's particularly challenging because both positions have merit. Of course, we need to be ever mindful of the budget deficit, but raising taxes on one set of taxpayers to pay for tax breaks for another set of taxpayers is a bitter pill. The looming delay of tax season is just icing on the cake.
Will the dust of this political standoff settle by the end of next week? Will we have a nice, simple patch that will just do what it needs to do and nothing more? One that doesn't include a single pay-for provision? Oh, wait. That would be like the one that the Senate passed --- last week!
We'll just have to wait and see how this thing plays out. Yes, I said wait. I didn't say patiently.
The individual AMT law, intended in 1969 to affect only the wealthy, has not been updated to account for inflation. It is now affecting 21 million middle-income earners – exemptions for this demographic have expired. Congress is currently debating re-authorizing these exemptions, so the law is in limbo. Once the law is approved, the IRS could take seven weeks to start processing returns, delaying refunds for those who file early.
Damit... I hate the IRS and our silly d*&^% wagging government... I will never be rich so this does not really apply to me ...
Based on the climate data from 1970-2000, this graphic from the National Climatic Data Center shows the odds of having a "White Christmas" (they define it as having at least 1 inch of snow on the ground). For most of the Tennessee Valley, the probability is less than 5%, though it jumps to 5-10% in parts of Franklin and Lincoln Counties in Tennessee. Click the graphic to enlarge.
