(Credit:
Rx Bandits/Last.FM)
It's only been about a week since the release of Sony's PSP Go, but hackers are already ahead of the game, despite Sony getting rid of the removable battery in an attempt to stop the siege. We don't have a link to the actual game you have to use to release the exploit, but hackers are using it as a proof-of-concept for future homebrews and pirated gaming. As usual, these guys are ahead of the curve, as we've seen before in Sony's previous PSPs. Of course, you can always get free games if you can somehow get a job reviewing them for a big Web site...right, Jeff?
In other news, Facebook can now measure what they're calling the GHP, or the Gross National Happiness. The popular social-networking site is using text analysis software to index how its users are feeling based on positive or negative words in their status updates. You can see on this chart that there were major spikes last year around November 23rd for Thanksgiving, as well as in December for Christmas and New Years. Check out the podcast to hear Jeff's reason why Hanukkah is nowhere to be found.
The Rx Bandits' newest album, "Mandala"
It's also time again for the Beck's Beer semi-weekly Audio Draft! Jeff's pick for today is an oldie but a goodie, The Rx Bandits! Jeff and I are huge fans of the bands from when we were wee lads. They're rooted in Seal Beach in Southern California, and while their ska sound grew popular in the early '90s, they have successfully pulled out those roots and progressed into a super eclectic alt/prog/rock/reggae sound. They just released another full length entitled Mandala, which also includes one of today's featured tracks, "Bury it Down Low." Here's to many more years with the Rx Bandits!
Oh yeah, everyone's password got hacked.
EPISODE 439
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A young Jeff, nerding it out on at least three fronts.
(Credit: Jeff Sparkman)We have a very special guest this week, Mr. Jeff Sparkman. Jeff gained notoriety previously by being named CNET's nerdiest employee. Soon after, it was a fast life of drugs, women, and comic books. We discuss at least one of those subjects with him.
Also in this episode, we talk about fighting with the Vulcan nerve pinch, Dong getting beat up by a girl, and Eric crying like a baby while watching "The Lord of the Rings."
Tech this week, we take a look at Lucid's soon-to-be-released tech. Also, Dong schools us on using Windows Media Center as a DVR. Finally, what ICL podcast would be complete without more girl advice? We has it.
More Sparkman inanity: siftin.blogspot.com
To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the podcast link on the right. Don't forget to leave us voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.
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Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)
You know your gadget has truly made it when the folks at Rapid Repair take the time to carefully dissect it. After all, why waste an afternoon figuring out all the ways consumers might need to repair the Zune HD, if you don't think anyone's going to buy the thing.
Fortunately, it looks like the Zune HD lends itself well to any DIY repairs (unlike a certain competitor). To see the Zune HD's guts splayed like it's in some kind of technological slaughter house, check out our full tear-down gallery, courtesy of Rapid Repair.
(Credit:
RapidRepair)
RapidRepair is at it again. Last week it took apart the Palm Pre, and now it's dismantled the Kindle DX.
No word on how much it costs Amazon to build the DX (read full review here), but I'm sure we'll have that soon enough (anybody want to guess?). For those interested, here's a list of chips on the circuit board:
- MCIMX31LDVKN5D, M91E, CTAK0915B
- Samsung 916, K4X1G323PC-8GC3, EMA188A5
- Samsung 907, KMBLG0000M-B998
- MC13783VK5, AM86D, CTRE083B
- Samsung 840, K4M28323PH-HG75, AAH055BE
- Epson D135211B1, F09090125. E-INK
"Simply follow these steps in reverse to put your Amazon Kindle DX back together! The Kindle DX has many replaceable parts inside. In many ways this product is user serviceable."
Good to know.
Check out another picture after the break. ... Read more
(Credit:
CNET)
The Post-it note of happiness is once again gracing the front page of Apple's online store, alerting users that changes are afoot behind the scenes. This happens during most Apple events, and can mean anything from an updated version of box art, to purchase pages for new products.
In just under an hour Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) kicks off with a keynote from Apple's Phil Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide product marketing. Apple is expected to announce new hardware and software, including an updated version of the iPhone, as well as a price and release date for the next version of the OS X operating system codenamed "Snow Leopard."
You can find our live coverage of the event on this page.
We can rebuild it, no problem.
(Credit: RapidRepair)For those of you who enjoy seeing the latest and greatest gear in pieces, RapidRepair has already torn apart the Palm Pre just hours after the first units became available.
Once the thing was completely ripped apart, the folks at RapidRepair tallied up the price for each component and determined that it costs Palm around $170 to build the Pre. How accurate that number truly is, we can't tell you. But what we do know is that the Pre will cost you $199 (with a $100 mail-in rebate and two-year service agreement).
Anybody think these teardowns are silly? Or do they provide useful info?
Source: RapidRepair (see more pics)
Additional reading: CNET's Palm Pre review
It's just the three of us today, but that's when we have the best shows. Before we get into stories, please be sure to check out the preshow some time at the404.cnet.com or watchbol.com. During the weekdays, around 11 a.m. EST, Jeff, Justin, and Wilson spend about 20 minutes goofing off, and it becomes a riot.
(Credit:
T-Mobile)
Today's show is jam packed with stories. First, Pizza Hut is trying to hire an intern, who's only job is to Twitter for the company. We think they should have advertised this yesterday on 4/20. So-called "beer googles" don't really exist, according to scientists. We never believed they did either. We just think that it makes most guys say, "Why not?" Last story for the first half is the release of the new T-Mobile Sidekick LX. It's no longer a brick. Justin is still intent, though, on keeping his iPhone since Hulu announced it would release an app.
Second half of the show, we've got Tuna Tuesday again! This time from Amsterdam! Also, the press seems to hate "Sit Down, Shut Up." Jeff and Wilson aren't big fans of the pilot, either, from "Arrested Development" creator Mitchell Hurwitz. Further along, we find out there's a Lego Rock Band game and a DJ Hero game! Finally, vote for CNET TV for the People's Choice Award at the 2009 Webby Awards. Our jobs depend on it... not really, but it would be nice to play dress up.
Follow us on the Twitter at @the404, and send us your comments. We listen. We promise.
EPISODE 325
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Apparently, Dong hates these guys.
(Credit: South Park Studios)We have the power this episode! I feel it. Dong feels it. And soon you will feel it...Can you feel it yet? No? Well start downloading.
Dr. Orgy returns this week with some very sound relationship advice for Dong. Dr. Orgy has been divorced once thought, so seriously, how helpful can this be?
Dong and I give our impressions of the upcoming iPhone 3.0 update that turns into a discussion of Apple culture that probably goes on too long. I would have edited it down some, but, we've gotten some complaints lately about us not censoring ourselves. So, this long, unedited, boring discussion is for you.
Then, a little monitor advice for a very special listener...OK not that special. Alright, not special at all. Well, special in the sense that all of our listeners are special. Yes, you all are.
To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the link on the right. Don't forget to leave us a voice mail at 1-800-947-6399 or e-mail us at insidecnetlabs@cnet.com.
Listen now:
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The Yamaha RX-V765
The only Yamaha AV receiver we reviewed from the 2008 model year was the RX-V663, and although we were fans of its sound quality, it was tough to recommend. It had only two HDMI inputs; its upconversion quality was subpar; and the rear panel layout made it difficult to hook up your gear. Yamaha has announced its new 2009 of RX-V65 receivers, and we're happy to see that most of the last year's missteps look to have been addressed. Let's take a quick look at the specs:
Yamaha RX-V365BL (also known as HTR-6230BL)
Key features of the Yamaha RX-V365BL:
- 5.1 channels, 100 watts per channel
- Two HDMI inputs
- Three component video inputs ... Read more
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Sharp's LC-D85U series of LCDs feature a 120Hz refresh rate and a variable backlight to help save energy.
(Credit: Sharp)Today at CEDIA, Sharp announced two new lines of flat-panel LCD HDTVs, one with a special energy-saver function and another with the company's first iteration of true 120Hz processing. Full details are available after the jump.... Read more
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