S.I.D. - Safeguard the next generation
Talk about thinking "outside" the box (literally).
If you like sci-fi and action/FPS games. Then it´s very likely that you know who Sid Garrand are. If not, then you have probably at least seen some of his artwork (sci-fi and video game costumes for ex). And speaking of Sid Garrand, the lad has just started a really neat Kickstarter campaign for his creation "S.I.D" (Safeguard the next generation).
So what is the S.I.D all about then? Well, it´s like a smartphone cover. But for your PS4 and Xbox One instead. But it´s not your average kind of cover. It´s more like a super cool Star Wars/Mechwarrior kind of thing. And not only does the S.I.D look really cool, it also cools down your system and protects it (thanks to the protective armour) at the very same time.
That´s what i call a smart and creative solution. There´s however a little catch to all this. Because S.I.D needs to collect $155,000 on Kickstarter to become a reality (a consumer product). But due the fact that there´s 34 days left on the Kickstarter watch, it´s far from impossible to reach that goal on time.
And if that´s the case. Then S.I.D will be released sometime in December this year.
Press release:
London – 12 SEPTEMBER 2014. Everyone who's just launched themselves into the new generation of gaming with the Xbox One or the PS4 will know that their console's security is paramount – and luckily, peripheral masters Beyond Gaming Industries have the answer to all your prayers, with their brand new
System Integrated Dock – or S.I.D. for short.
The S.I.D. is truly awesome-looking kit for any gamer to be proud of, a sci-fi-style robotic armoured tank for your console, which allows you to blast away with confidence that your hardware is not just totally safe, but made more convenient than ever, thanks to a whole host of innovations.
BGI'S BIG SID
With an all-important built-in cooling fan, rock-solid protective armour, interchangeable parts, under glow LED and light-up panel, custom articulation and extensive USB charging docks, the S.I.D. is the very best kit on the market for protecting your precious gaming machine, whether you’re on the Sony or Microsoft team.
You know you can trust your S.I.D. because Beyond Gaming Industries have over 100 years collective experience in the gaming industry, with a great track record of releasing new, unique and innovative products for every generation of console – and above all, the S.I.D. is made by designers who are all deeply passionate gamers themselves! They are confident that the S.I.D. will be just the dock you need when it's released this December, and soon your wait will be over to discover for yourself just how right they are.
Beyond Gaming’s Creative Director Sid Garrand said, “At the beginning of every masterpiece, an idea is born; if it ends in inspiration for others, then my work was done.” (Sid Garrand)
Features:
- Built in cooling fan
- Under glow LED
- USB charging
- Light up panel
- Protective armour
- Interchangeable parts
- Custom articulation
- Nameplate – future option: personalised gamer tag
Retron 5 -The king of new retro consoles?
Retron 5 costs about $200 (plus shipment).
There´s litterly a ton of different so called "retro systems" (consoles) on the market. Both new and old ones. And as we all know. Many of those systems are either pure crap, or just really mediocre (rip offs, pretty much). So yeah, i was pretty sceptical when i heard about Hyperkin´s "Retron 5"
I mean, Retron 5 are marketed as a "revolutionary new way to experience classic games in high definition". But then again, it´s a $200 android based emulation machine. So i have to give it a try before i can rant anymore about Retron 5 (or review it for that matter).
But what do you guys think about Retron 5?
About Retron 5:
Features:
- Multiple System Compatibility: The RetroN 5 allows you to play your favorite NES, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Famicom, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA cartridges on one system. You can also play Master System games with the use of the Power Base Converter.*
- Graphical User Interface (GUI): A brand new GUI Menu that gives access to features and the ability to customize your gaming experience on the screen
- HDMI Output: The HDMI output will upconvert the signal to your HDTV with a maximum output resolution of 720p.
- Save/Load States: Save or load your games at any point during gameplay, with 10 save slots for each game.
- Video Enhancement: Customize your video settings with the variety of different filter and shader effects, including scanlines.
- Audio Enhancement: Utilizing Audio Interpolation, the RetroN 5 will produce a smoother, crisper sound output.
- Cheats: Pre-built cheats that can be accessed at any point during gameplay for most games.
- Bluetooth Wireless Controller: Utilizing Bluetooth technology this controller has a range of up to 30 feet and features a microswitch directional pad, two programmable macro buttons, and a Home button for quick-in game access to features.
- Original Controller Ports: 2 original controller ports (6 total) for each platform
- 100% Compatibility: The RetroN 5 will play both PAL and NTSC cartridges. CIC lockout chips and FX chips are no longer going to be an issue, as we aim to achieve 100% compatibility with all cartridges. *Power Base Converter sold separately.
Chromebook features and benefits
You can get yourself a Chromebook for as low as $199.
Chromebooks are quickly becoming the new norm, and packing the muscle to prove it. What makes them so special, is the fact that they pack all the core essentials of a Laptop, but offer the convenience of a slimmer Netbook, without all the core internal specs.
Grade schools have become major investors into google’s new slim computer system, and have begun incorporating them into their lesson plans across the US, and the UK. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Chromebook so competitive, and some of the pros and cons against it.
Chromebook
Created in 2011, the Chromebook came into prominence due to its diverse user interface, and ease of access. Chromebooks are shipped with Google Chrome OS, which is their operating system. It uses the Linux kernel, and the Google Chrome web browser with an integrated media player.
Features
One of the main features of Chromebooks, is its limited offline capabilities, and a fast boot time. Chromebooks are primarily designed to be used for internet surfing, and come in Wifi, and 3G+ Wifi models.
Instead of installing traditional applications such as word processing, and instant messaging, you have to add web apps from the Chrome Web Store, using up the standard on board memeory. Google claims that a multi-layer security architecture eliminates the need for anti-virus software, however recent cases have debunked this claim due to Phishing.
Support for many USB devices such as cameras, mice, external keyboard, and flash drives, and disk drives are utilizing a feature similar to plug-and-play on other operating systems Chromebooks have a specialized keyboard complete with buttons for opening and controlling multiple browser windows, as well as a Web search button which replaces the caps lock key. The caps lock key can be activated by pressing both alt+search.
They feature one 2.0 USB port, and one 3.0 USB port. The Chromebook 550 model has the capability to connect an HDMI cable, or a VGA cable through a D++ adapter. It also features a 1.3mp webcam. This can make decision making a little tricky when it comes to choosing a Chromebook. Under the hood you can find 4GB of ram (DDR3), and 16GB of internal memory (SSD).
Cons
-Non upgradeable hard disk
-Weak web camera
-Required internet connectivity
-Small battery capacity
If you’re looking for a sleek designed computer that will be fit for your younger students, you’ll be fine with a Chromebook. It’s not hard to understand why it’s so appealing to many internet surfers, but how it will last against the newer generation of sleek Ultra books that Mac is introducing will be the question.
Whether you’re looking for a new laptop or just a new computer that will keep your files intact, then the Chromebook could be the right choice for you.
Laptop buying guide for students
There´s a whole jungle of laptops out there. So which one will you pick?
You can take your Android or iPhone anywhere, and even use your tablet in bed. But what do you do when you need to type faster, and even multitask with a lot more efficiency? The answer is a Laptop computer. From presentations, to the latest battles on League of Legends, it can handle it all. We’re giving you, an in depth look at what to seek when finding a new computer, and how it will benefit you.
Starting things off, we look at the Laptop, the oldest portable computer in the game today. We’re going to guide you in the direction you need, so you can figure out which computer is perfect for you. Let’s get started, by looking at what’s most important first.
What will it do for you?
This is the first and most important question that needs to be answered when you’re looking for a computer so make a list. From the most common thing you’ll use it for, to the lowest on the totem pole, you need to know it all. Here are some less common price points, and uses you’ll seek.
Being a student, you’ll certainly need an abundance of: CPU power, Ram, storage space, and 10-key keyboard layout, and battery life.
CPU Power
CPU power is one of the most important aspects to your computer as a student. Cheaper isn’t always better, as the most inexpensive laptops on the market will be running AMD E series or Intel Pentium/Celeron CPU’s. These will struggle to handle extreme productivity, and multitasking.
However if you can find a computer with a Intel Core series processor, be sure to look for a “Haswell model.” This will give you the best battery, performance combination needed for tasking. To find this, the model number will begin with: (ex: Intel Core i5-4200U).
RAM
Random access memory, ah our old friend. You’ll need at the minimum 3GB of RAM nowadays, but luckily most come with 4GB standard. What RAM does is allow your computer to start up faster, and access certain types of files better. Students will need this for saving word files, notes, and even recorded lectures.
Hard Disk Space
Having enough storage space is necessary for obvious reasons. In addition to doing school work, you may occasionally want to play the Sims 4, or even League of Legends. The lowest size of HDD you should take as a student is 250GB of memory. You can always have this upgraded yourself later on, but if you plan on putting music, movies, or even photo’s you’ll want at the minimum 500GB.
This will ensure you have enough Hard disk space throughout the semester to keep your work done, and have enough space just in case anything comes up.
Keyboard
They keyboard is one of the most essential features, since you can’t use a computer without one. If your computer has bad ergonomics, you can’t really expect those previous specs to back it, and make it shine. You should test the haptic feedback on the laptop you plan to buy. Test how your fingers feel on the keys, how it handles your typing speed, and overall how the depression feels when you type.
You should be able to answer the following questions as well:
Does the mouse feel clicky, or mushy when i click it?
How does the feedback feel to me, compared to previous computers?
Can the zoom technology move quickly, or do they not zoom well?
Once you answer these three questions you’ll be ok to move onto the next step.
Battery life
This is very crucial to finding a new computer, because if it dies too quickly it’s not worth the investment. Typically on a 15” Notebook, you can expect at least 4 hours of battery life, and should always consider buying an extended battery. If you plan on being a lot more mobile student than others look for 6 hours + battery life, with 7 hours being ideal. The ThinkPad X240 can last up to 20 hours.
Brand Preference
This is something that only you can decide, especially because this will come down to pure preference. HP is known for its speedy processors, and fantastic hard drive space. Apple is on the other side of the lake with its sleek designs, and very impressive in house OS. Depending upon what you decide, you can find all the qualities you seek inside a specific brand, and if you negotiate you’ll get a fantastic deal. Maybe even a bundle package.
Some of the most popular times to search for laptops, is during the back to school phase, as well as the holiday phase. A lot of retailers will put last season models on sale. This doesn’t mean these laptops aren’t good enough; obviously the newer models are coming out. Quality over quantity is your goal, so look for at the best deal to make sure you maximize your investment.
DDR4 - Faster than lightning
A pair of Crucial Ballistix Elite DDR4 memorys.
I have to admit that it´s rather expensive to be a top notch PC Gamer. Because if you want to stay on top of your game. Then you have to upgrade your Gaming PC at least one or two times per year. Because in the world of PC´s (or technology in general) 1 year is a lot of time.
New graphic cards get released almost every second month now. And both Intel and AMD pushes the boundaries for what CPU´s can do. Then you got the memory deparment. DDR3 has been around for quite some time now.
That´s old news. But i had no idea that the DDR4 memory had been released on the market. But it´s true, both Crucial and Corsair have DDR4 memorys for sale at the moment. So how fast are the DDR4 technology then? Well, in Sweden retailers sell DDR4 sticks that ranges from 2133Mhz to 2800Mhz.
The DDR4 memorysticks are rather expensive though. At least if you want a memory that´s 2800Mhz. Then the cheapest one costs about $520 (Corsair 16GB (4x4GB) DDR4 2800MHz CL16 VENGEANCE LPX), and the most expensive one about $720 (Corsair 16GB (4x4GB) DDR4 2800MHz CL15 DOMIN).
But due the fact that i will get a new PC by the start of next year (a 8 or 12 CPU core PC) i might just pick up some DDR4 memory while i´m at it as well.
The benifits of using DDR4 memory in your system (based on Crucial´s DDR4 products) :
Servers
Servers are constrained by memory bandwidth, capacity, and ever-increasing power costs. With the increased performance and efficiency of Crucial DDR4 server memory, boost bandwidth by up to 50%, and reduce power consumption and the need for cooling. Enable up to twice the installed memory capacity and process data faster.
Gaming systems
Gamers are always looking for a performance edge. Crucial® Ballistix® DDR4 performance memory unlocks next-gen memory performance and increases responsiveness and frame rates for a better in-game experience. Achieve faster speeds and lower latencies than standard DDR4 modules, and push the limits with stylized heat spreaders.
Ultrabooks, laptops, and tablets
Mobile devices are limited by battery life and the amount of memory that can be installed. Designed to address these shortcomings, Crucial DDR4 memory consumes less power and packs more performance into every module, allowing you to extend battery life and run applications faster.
Desktops & workstations
Desktop and workstations have reached the performance limits of DDR3 memory technology, and are in need of improved speed, bandwidth, and capacity. With Crucial DDR4 memory, double a desktop's installed memory capacity, increase bandwidth by up to 50%, and run applications faster. Handle data-intensive programs with ease and achieve more.
Google teams up with Razer to make a Android console
Google + Razer + Android = True!
It seems like Google wants a piece of everything nowdays. This time Google has teamed up with Razer to create a Android based video game console. That means that OUYA (And others) will get some really heavy competition very soon.
And this is what Razer´s CEO Min-Liang Tan had to say about their upcoming Android micro-console:
“This is a console of the future,” - Razer co-founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan
So one might wonder if OUYA will stand a chance against Google and Razer? Time will tell...
