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Samsung BlackJack II makes official debut

Well, well, guess who decided to show its pretty little face at Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's keynote address this morning--mmm hmm, the Samsung BlackJack II. Today, Samsung and AT&T officially introduced the successor to the BlackJack, but it won't be available till "later this year"--you guys are such a tease! A majority of the changes are on the hardware side. You now get a slightly larger 2.4-inch QVGA display (previously 2.25 inches), the scroll wheel on the right side has also been removed in favor of a front jog wheel, and … Read more

Apache's lead over Microsoft's IIS goes poof

Technology writer Glyn Moody notes that open-source software developer Apache's lead in Web servers over Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS) is at its skinniest ever: 10 percent.

Apache continues to gain (1 million sites last month). But Microsoft's IIS is also growing--and at a faster clip (3 million sites last month). As Glyn suggests, it may not matter: Apache's job may well be done in proving the viability of open-source projects and paving the way for many more.

I doubt, regardless, whether Microsoft is resting on its laurels. If you click through to the Netcraft page, … Read more

Newegg.com has the Fantom Titanium II 500GB External Hard Drive for $99.99, after a $20 mail-in rebate.

Newegg.com has the Fantom Titanium II 500GB External Hard Drive for $99.99, after a $20 mail-in rebate. >> Regular price is $119.99 >> Sale price is $99.99 >> Savings $20 >> Offer ends 10/31/2007 >> Click here for deal

Hasselblad's high-res high jinks

I usually prefer to get my news from the horse's mouth, but as I'm having trouble tracking down the stable that issued the press release about Hasselblad's new H3D II I'll have to echoblog letsgodigital.org, which seems to have reproduced the press release in total.

According to the site, Hasselblad just announced its update to the H3D series of medium-format digital SLR systems. Like the older series, the H3D II offers three backs with 48x36mm sensors in 39-, 31-, and 22-megapixel resolutions. As far as I can tell, new features include a 3-inch LCD and … Read more

HTC TyTN II debuts in Europe; U.S. launch far behind?

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. For all of you who are dreaming sweet thoughts of the HTC Kaiser like I am, we're one step closer to seeing the vision come true. Today, the company announced the HTC TyTN II for Europe; hopefully signifying that the U.S. launch won't be too far behind.

Despite the different naming scheme, the TyTN II is the same smart phone as the Kaiser we've discussed before on Crave. The Windows Mobile 6 device features a 2.8-inch, QVGA touch screen that slides out and tilts up to give you a … Read more

Rentometer: Find out if you're getting hosed on rent

Rentometer is a useful mashup, one that's part scientific, and another pure speculation. The idea is simple: just plug in your ZIP code, the size of your dwelling, and how much you're paying, and Rentometer will cross-check your price with local property listings pulled in from parent company iiProperty. Results show up on two screens, one that's a little bit like a speedometer, and another that's simply a Google Map with nearby property listings.

This is a great service if you're apartment hunting, since you can see if the price is higher or lower than … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Just in case you aren't busy enough playing Metroid Prime 3: Corruption today, here are the three virtual console games released this morning.

Super C (1990, NES, 500 Wii points)--Super C is the sequel to the classic Konami action side-scroller, Contra. In Super C, you'll take on even more aliens and baddies, some of which used to be your allies. Breath of Fire II (1995, Super NES, 800 Wii points)--Play as one of nine available characters in this highly regarded RPG filled with demons, dragons, and magic. Ghouls 'n Ghosts (1989, Genesis, 800 Wii points)--The … Read more

The $7,000 flashlight

With so many unimaginative dolts apparently working in technology marketing, we all too often see product names that are about as creative as Social Security numbers. But then there are those on the opposite end of the spectrum that are stupefyingly prosaic, as evidenced by the brilliant "Cat Speaker" just hours ago.

This next item falls into the latter category, though at least they didn't called it "The Big Flashlight," and it's actually pleasantly menacing: "The Beast." And that it is, considering it's only a flashlight but weighs 4.5 pounds … Read more

The unthinkable happens: Apache gives way to Microsoft's IIS

Apache has always been thought of as untouchable. Long before Linux and other open-source software made inroads on Microsoft's turf, Apache's web server project lobotomized Microsoft's market share (in the web server market).

Today, it appears that some cracks have appeared in Apache's defense, according to this Netcraft survey of 127 million sites:… Read more