Mark November 8, 2009 (11/8) on your calendars, dear readers. That’s when HP is launching some particularly generous promos, covering laptops and desktops alike: Save up to $315 instantly on the HP TouchSmart tx2z Series Customizable Notebook PC! – Savings Include: $200 instant rebate, FREE memory upgrade from 2GB to 3GB ($30 savings), FREE hard drive upgrade from 250GB to 320GB ($40 savings), and get FREE shipping ($29 savings). Ends 11/14 Save up to $275 instantly on the HP Pavilion dv6t Series Customizable Notebook PC! – Savings Include: $150 instant rebate, FREE memory upgrade from 2GB to 3GB ($30 savings), FREE hard drive upgrade from 250GB to 320GB ($40 savings), FREE color customization ($25 savings), and get FREE shipping... [Read more]

As someone who does practically everything online, I know that a lot of what I do is on record somewhere. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine—for me, at least. When I first used my credit card online, I felt a bit uncomfortable, worried that some unscrupulous soul would use the information I entered to max out my credit limit and saddle me with debt. Eventually however, I realized that as long as I limit my online purchases to retailers who have made the effort to win my trust, I should be fine. These kind of companies follow industry standards regarding data privacy, principles that include not sharing the data with third parties, and not storing credit card information (or at least only the last four digits of the card number,... [Read more]

This is so cool! The brainchild of Steve Hoefer, the “Secret Knock Detecting Door Lock” attaches to a doorknob and its corresponding lock with suction cups. Upon detecting the correct knock pattern (by default, the classic shave and a haircut), it unlocks the door to grant access. Even better, the knock detector is completely programmable. Changing the secret knock cadence is a simple matter of holding the red button while executing a new lock pattern, with a max of 20 knocks. The system simply detects the pattern, and not the tempo, providing allowance for users who knock slower or faster than usual. But perhaps the best thing about Steve Hoefer’s Secret Knock Detecting Door Lock is that its a result of a DIY project. Conceivably,... [Read more]

The new Litl is basically a web-based netbook designed to work entirely on the web, allowing users to access prominent online applications like Flickr and Google Docs. The gadget, manufactured in China, enjoys the support of a minimalist-oriented marketing and design strategy. The design of the actual unit itself is special, especially as the display hinge flexibility allows the Litl to turn into a dynamic picture frame of sorts, showing pictures, weather forecasts, and of course the time. The emphasis on usability and simplicity looks promising. Users cannot directly install applications on Litl; updates are streamed automatically via WiFi. There’s also no on-board drive; the Litl operates completely online, apparently totally reliant... [Read more]

Apple fans remember October 23, 2001 as the debut of the first ever iPod. Turns out right on the day of its launch, people were already dissing what’s easily Apple’s most successful product line as “just another MP3 player”. Get ready to feel smug folks, for hindsight always is, and dismissive thoughts were saved for posterity at the MacRumors forums: elitemacor: “iPoop… iCry. I was so hoping for something more.” WeezerX80: “Great just what the world needs, another freaking MP3 player. Go Steve! Where’s the Newton?!” Pants: “hey – heres an idea Apple – rather than enter the world of gimmicks and toys, why dont you spend a little more time sorting out your pathetically... [Read more]